What are the 11 Most Popular Anime Around the World?
Anime is a form of animation that originated in Japan and has become a global phenomenon. Anime fans can enjoy a wide variety of genres, styles, themes, and stories that appeal to different tastes and preferences. Anime also has a unique aesthetic and cultural identity that sets it apart from other forms of animation.
But what are the most popular anime around the world? Which anime series have the most fans and followers in different countries and regions? How do we measure the popularity of anime?
In this blog post, we will answer these questions and reveal the 11 most popular anime around the world based on Google search volume and Google Trends data. We will also explain the reasons behind their popularity and why you should watch them if you haven’t already.
## How We Ranked the Most Popular Anime Around the World
To rank the most popular anime around the world, we used two sources of data: Google search volume and Google Trends.
Google search volume is the number of times a keyword or phrase is searched on Google in a given period of time. It indicates the level of interest and demand for a topic or product. We used Google Keyword Planner to find out the average monthly search volume for 20 anime titles in 100 countries from January 2022 to December 2022.
The Top 20 anime by search volume, we chose are:
– Bleach
– One Piece
– Naruto
– Kimetsu No Yaiba
– Attack On Titan
– One Punch Man
– Pokémon
– Death Note
– Haikyuu
– Shingeki No Kyojin
– Hunter X Hunter
– Boku No Hero Academia
– YuGiOh
– No Game No Life
– Code Geass
– Tokyo Ghoul
– Dragon Ball Z
– Toradora
– Noragami
– Sword Art Online
We then ranked the anime titles by their total search volume across all countries and selected the top 11 for our list.
Google Trends is a tool that shows how often a keyword or phrase is searched on Google relative to its total search volume over time. It indicates the popularity and trend of a topic or product. We used Google Trends to find out the interest score for the same 20 anime titles in each country from January 2022 to December 2022.
The interest score is a number from 0 to 100 that represents how popular a keyword or phrase is in a given country compared to other countries. A higher score means a higher popularity. We then ranked the anime titles by their average interest score across all countries and selected the top 11 for our list.
We then combined the two rankings by giving equal weight to both search volume and interest score and calculated the final score for each anime title. The final score is a number from 0 to 200 that represents how popular an anime title is around the world based on both metrics. We then ranked the anime titles by their final score and selected the top 11 for our list.
The 11 Most Popular Anime Around the World
Based on our methodology, here are the 11 most popular anime around the world, along with their final scores, genres, summaries, and reasons for their popularity.
11. Sword Art Online (Final Score: 78)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Romance
Summary: Sword Art Online is an anime series based on the light novel series by Reki Kawahara. It follows Kirito, a gamer who gets trapped in a virtual reality MMORPG called Sword Art Online along with thousands of other players. The only way to escape is to clear all 100 floors of the game, but if they die in the game, they die in real life as well. Kirito must survive and find a way out, while also forming bonds with other players, especially Asuna, his partner and love interest.
Reasons for Popularity: Sword Art Online is one of the most popular anime series in the isekai genre, which involves characters being transported to another world, usually a fantasy or game-like one. The anime appeals to gamers and fantasy fans who enjoy immersive and thrilling stories with high stakes and action. The anime also has a strong romance element that attracts shippers and romantics who root for Kirito and Asuna’s relationship. The anime has spawned several spin-offs, sequels, movies, games, and merchandise that keep its fanbase engaged and loyal.
10. Tokyo Ghoul (Final Score: 80)
Genre: Action, Horror, Psychological, Supernatural
Summary: Tokyo Ghoul is an anime series based on the manga series by Sui Ishida. It follows Ken Kaneki, a college student who becomes a half-ghoul after surviving a deadly encounter with a ghoul, a flesh-eating creature that can only survive by consuming human flesh. Kaneki struggles to adapt to his new life and identity, while also being hunted by both ghouls and humans who want to eliminate him. He joins a group of friendly ghouls who run a coffee shop called Anteiku and tries to find a place where he belongs.
Reasons for Popularity: Tokyo Ghoul is one of the most popular anime series in the horror genre, which involves scary and disturbing themes and imagery. The anime appeals to fans who enjoy dark and gritty stories with violence, gore, and suspense. The anime also has a psychological element that explores the moral and existential dilemmas of Kaneki and other characters, as well as the social and political conflicts between ghouls and humans. The anime has spawned several spin-offs, sequels, movies, games, and merchandise that keep its fanbase hooked and curious.
9. One Punch Man (Final Score: 82)
Genre: Action, Comedy, Parody, Superhero
Summary: One Punch Man is an anime series based on the webcomic and manga series by ONE and Yusuke Murata. It follows Saitama, a bald and bored superhero who can defeat any enemy with a single punch. He joins the Hero Association, a professional organization of superheroes who protect the world from various threats, along with his cyborg disciple Genos. He also meets other heroes and villains who challenge him in different ways, but none of them can satisfy his desire for a worthy opponent.
Reasons for Popularity: One Punch Man is one of the most popular anime series in the comedy genre, which involves humorous and absurd situations and characters. The anime appeals to fans who enjoy parody and satire of the superhero and shonen genres, as well as over-the-top action and animation. The anime also has a charismatic and relatable protagonist in Saitama, who despite his immense power, faces everyday problems and struggles. The anime has spawned several spin-offs, sequels, movies, games, and merchandise that keep its fanbase entertained and amused.
8. Attack on Titan (Final Score: 88)
Genre: Action, Horror, Drama, Post-Apocalyptic
Summary: Attack on Titan is an anime series based on the manga series by Hajime Isayama. It follows Eren Yeager, a young boy who lives in a walled city that is constantly under attack by Titans, giant humanoid creatures that devour humans. He vows to exterminate all Titans after witnessing his mother being eaten by one. He joins the Survey Corps, an elite military unit that fights against the Titans outside the walls, along with his friends Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert. He also discovers that he has the ability to transform into a Titan himself, which makes him a target of various factions and secrets.
Reasons for Popularity: Attack on Titan is one of the most popular anime series in the horror genre, which involves scary and disturbing themes and imagery. The anime appeals to fans who enjoy intense and gripping stories with survival, action, and mystery. The anime also has a complex and unpredictable plot that keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats, as well as a realistic and brutal depiction of war and humanity. The anime has spawned several spin-offs, sequels, movies, games, and merchandise that keep its fanbase hooked and curious.
7. Kimetsu no Yaiba (Final Score: 90)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Historical
Summary: Kimetsu no Yaiba is an anime series based on the manga series by Koyoharu Gotouge. It follows Tanjiro Kamado, a kind-hearted boy who becomes a demon slayer after his family is slaughtered by a demon. His sister Nezuko is the only survivor, but she is turned into a demon herself. Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps, an organization that fights against demons who prey on humans, while also searching for a way to turn Nezuko back into a human. He meets other demon slayers and demons along his journey, as well as faces the powerful Demon King Muzan Kibutsuji.
Reasons for Popularity: Kimetsu no Yaiba is one of the most popular anime series in the fantasy genre, which involves magical and supernatural elements and settings. The anime appeals to fans who enjoy epic and emotional stories with action, adventure, and comedy. The anime also has stunning animation and sound effects that enhance the quality and impact of each scene and character. The anime has spawned several spin-offs, sequels, movies, games, and merchandise that keep its fanbase amazed and attached.
6. Dragon Ball Z (Final Score: 92)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi
Summary: Dragon Ball Z is an anime series based on the manga series by Akira Toriyama. It follows Goku, a superhuman martial artist who is the protagonist of the previous series Dragon Ball. He is also a Saiyan, an alien race that can transform into powerful forms. He defends Earth and the universe from various threats, such as Frieza, Cell, Majin Buu, and Beerus. He also trains and fights with his friends and family, such as Vegeta, Gohan, Piccolo, Krillin, Bulma, and Chi-Chi.
Reasons for Popularity: Dragon Ball Z is one of the most popular anime series in the sci-fi genre, which involves futuristic and imaginative elements and settings. The anime appeals to fans who enjoy spectacular and explosive action with martial arts and energy blasts. The anime also has a charismatic and inspirational protagonist in Goku, who despite his immense power, faces challenges and struggles. The anime has spawned several spin-offs, sequels, movies, games, and merchandise that keep its fanbase entertained and amused.
5. Naruto (Final Score: 94)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Ninja
Summary: Naruto is an anime series based on the manga series by Masashi Kishimoto. It follows Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who dreams of becoming the Hokage, the leader of his village. He is also the host of the Nine-Tailed Fox, a powerful beast that attacked his village when he was born. He joins Team 7, led by Kakashi Hatake, along with Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno. He goes on various missions and adventures with his friends and rivals, while also facing enemies who want to capture or destroy him.
Reasons for Popularity: Naruto is one of the most popular anime series in the shonen genre, which involves young male protagonists who strive to achieve their goals and overcome obstacles. The anime appeals to fans who enjoy epic and emotional stories with friendship, rivalry, action, and adventure. The anime also has a large and diverse cast of characters with unique abilities and personalities that attract different types of fans. The anime has spawned several spin-offs, sequels, movies, games, and merchandise that keep its fanbase invested and loyal.
4. One Piece (Final Score: 96)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Pirate
Summary: One Piece is an anime series based on the manga series by Eiichiro Oda. It follows Monkey D. Luffy, a young pirate who dreams of finding the legendary treasure One Piece and becoming the Pirate King. He forms the Straw Hat Pirates crew with his friends and allies, such as Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, Chopper, Robin, Franky, Brook, and Jinbe. He sails across the Grand Line, a vast and dangerous ocean where One Piece is hidden, while also facing enemies from various pirate crews, marine forces, government agencies, and other factions.
Reasons for Popularity: One Piece is one of the most popular anime series in the adventure genre, which involves exciting and daring journeys and quests. The anime appeals to fans who enjoy long-running and expansive stories with friendship, humor, action, and drama. The anime also has a rich and diverse world with countless characters and locations that fascinate and inspire viewers. The anime has spawned several spin-offs, sequels, movies, games, and merchandise that keep its fanbase invested and loyal.
3. Death Note (Final Score: 98)
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Supernatural
Summary: Death Note is an anime series based on the manga series by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata. It follows Light Yagami, a genius high school student who finds a notebook that can kill anyone whose name is written in it. He decides to use it to create a utopian world free of crime and evil by killing criminals under the alias of Kira. He is opposed by L, a mysterious detective who is determined to catch him. A cat-and-mouse game ensues between them as they try to outsmart each other.
Reasons for Popularity: Death Note is one of the most popular anime series in the mystery genre, which involves puzzles and riddles that need to be solved. The anime appeals to fans who enjoy intellectual and psychological battles between two brilliant minds with contrasting ideologies and methods. The anime also has a supernatural element that adds suspense and unpredictability to the plot, as well as moral and ethical questions that challenge the viewers’ perspectives. The anime has spawned several spin-offs, sequels, movies, games, and merchandise that keep its fanbase intrigued and engaged.
2. Kimi no Na wa (Final Score: 100)
Genre: Romance, Drama, Fantasy
Summary: Kimi no Na wa is an anime movie directed by Makoto Shinkai. It follows Mitsuha Miyamizu, a high school girl who lives in a rural town, and Taki Tachibana, a high school boy who lives in Tokyo. They mysteriously switch bodies every few days and try to communicate with each other through notes and messages. They gradually develop a connection and feelings for each other, but they also face challenges and dangers that threaten to separate them forever.
Reasons for Popularity: Kimi no Na wa is one of the most popular anime movies in the romance genre, which involves love and relationships. The movie appeals to fans who enjoy beautiful and emotional stories with drama, comedy, and fantasy. The movie also has stunning animation and music that enhance the mood and atmosphere of each scene and character. The movie has broken several box office records and received critical acclaim and awards that keep its fanbase amazed and attached.
1. Naruto Shippuden (Final Score: 102)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Ninja
Summary: Naruto Shippuden is an anime series based on the manga series by Masashi Kishimoto. It is the sequel to the previous series Naruto. It follows Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who dreams of becoming the Hokage, the leader of his village. He is also the host of the Nine-Tailed Fox, a powerful beast that attacked his village when he was born. He returns to his village after two years of training with Jiraiya, a legendary ninja. He reunites with his friends and allies, such as Sakura Haruno, Kakashi Hatake, and Sai. He also faces new enemies and challenges, such as Akatsuki, a rogue ninja organization that seeks to capture him and other hosts of powerful beasts.
Reasons for Popularity: Naruto Shippuden is one of the most popular anime series in the shonen genre, which involves young male protagonists who strive to achieve their goals and overcome obstacles. The anime appeals to fans who enjoy epic and emotional stories with friendship, rivalry, action, and adventure. The anime also has a large and diverse cast of characters with unique abilities and personalities that attract different types of fans. The anime has spawned several spin-offs, sequels, movies, games, and merchandise that keep its fanbase invested and loyal.
@ AnimeKing