Anime continues to be one of the most dominant forms of entertainment on Netflix, with millions of viewers tuning in to watch their favorite series likeDandadan. In the latter half of 2024,Dandadanemerged as the undisputed leader in anime viewership, securing an astounding 96.5 million hours watched and 19.6 million views. This remarkable feat solidifiesDandadanas a breakout hit, proving that unique and unconventional anime can achieve mainstream success. The series' rise to prominence shows shifting audience preferences and the growing appetite for genre-blending stories.
However, according toabout.netflix.com,Dandadandid not claim the throne without facing stiff competition.Several high-profile anime, includingDemon Slayer: Kimetsu no YaibaandJujutsu Kaisen, also attracted millions of viewers.The tight race between these titles showcases the increasing variety of anime content available on Netflix, as well as the intense demand for both new and returning series. With such close viewership numbers,Dandadan’striumph shows not only its individual success but also the overall strength of anime on streaming platforms.
Dandadan’s Meteoric Rise on Netflix
How Dandadan Became Netflix’s Biggest Anime of 2024
One of the biggest surprises of the year wasDandadan’sability to outpace some of the most well-established franchises in anime. The series, which blends supernatural horror, sci-fi, and romantic comedy, quickly gained traction among viewers, leading to its unprecedented success on Netflix. Its ability to seamlessly mix humor, action, and emotional depth has helped it carve out a distinct identity in the anime landscape.
Dandadan Studio Founder Forms New Anime Studio, Teasing the Industry’s Next Powerhouse
Five years after Masaaki Yuasa left Science Saru of Dandadan fame, he’s founded a brand-new anime studio, and it’s set to become a new powerhouse.
According to Netflix’s data,Dandadanamassed an incredible 96.5 million hours watched with 19.6 million total views, making it the most-watched anime between July and December 2024. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given the competition it faced from other major titles. With its high-energy animation, unpredictable storyline, and endearing characters,Dandadanmanaged to captivate both longtime anime enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Another factor behind the series' success is its accessibility on Netflix. With a global audience, the platform made it easy for fans from different regions to watch and discuss the show, fueling its popularity even further. The series' unique premise, which is centered around supernatural battles, quirky humor, and enjoyable character dynamics, resonated with a lot of viewers, reinforcing its status as one of the standout anime of the year.
A Close Race Against Other Heavy-Hitters
Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, and More Were the Runners-Up
WhileDandadansecured the top spot, several other anime came close, proving that 2024 was a competitive year for streaming. TheDemon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Hashira Training Arcwas one of its biggest challengers, drawing in 51.1 million hours watched and 12.9 million views.TheDemon Slayerfranchise remains one of the most dominant forces in anime, and its consistent presence in Netflix’s rankings proves its widespread appeal.
In addition,Jujutsu Kaisenseason 1 pulled in an impressive 76.9 million hours watched, though it had fewer views at 8.1 million. This suggests that while fewer people watched the series compared toDandadan, those who did spend more time binge-watching episodes.The lasting popularity ofJujutsu Kaisen, despite its first season originally airing in 2020, proves that the series has strong staying power and continues to attract new audiences.
OtherDemon Slayerarcs also performed well, with theEntertainment District Arcreaching 33.7 million hours watched and 6.9 million views, while theTanjiro Kamado, Unwavering Resolve Arcaccumulated 65.5 million hours watched and 6.4 million views. Meanwhile,Spy x Familyseason 1 garnered 55.1 million hours watched and 5.5 million views, proving its consistent appeal as a beloved action-comedy series.
Surprisingly, a classic anime series remake also made a big impact on Netflix’s rankings.Ranma 1/2season 1, a reboot of the original anime released in the late 1980s, managed to pull in 30.6 million hours watched and 6.6 million views.This suggests that older anime remakes can still find new life on streaming platforms, introducing classic titles to a new generation of fans.
Netflix’s Growing Influence on Anime Streaming
Why Netflix Is Becoming an Anime Powerhouse
The dominance ofDandadanand other anime titles in Netflix’s rankingsshows the platform’s growing investment in anime content. Over the years, Netflix has aggressively pursued licensing deals and exclusive rights to anime series, positioning itself as a major player in the anime streaming industry. The latest viewing data reaffirms the value of this strategy, with multiple anime series drawing in millions of viewers.
By offering high-quality subtitles, dubs, and simultaneous releases in multiple languages, Netflix ensures that anime fans worldwide can enjoy the latest series without delays.
Netflix’s success with anime is not only due to its vast content library but also its ability to make these series accessible to a global audience. By offering high-quality subtitles, dubs, and simultaneous releases in multiple languages, Netflix ensures that anime fans worldwide can enjoy the latest series without delays. This level of accessibility has contributed to the platform’s growing dominance in the anime streaming market.
Additionally, Netflix’s willingness to experiment with different genres and storytelling styles has paid off. The success ofDandadan, a series that blends supernatural elements with romance and comedy, suggests that audiences are eager for fresh and unique anime series. This could encourage Netflix to continue investing in unconventional anime projects that push creative boundaries.
15 Anime to Watch If You Love Dandadan
Fans who love Dandadan will love other anime with otherworldly elements, unconventional and dark humor, cinematic scenes, and complex narratives.
Beyond just streaming anime,Netflix’s commitment to producing original anime content has also contributed to its rise in the industry.With exclusive titles and collaborations with major anime studios, the platform is gradually shaping the future of anime distribution. As Netflix continues to expand its anime catalog, it is likely to play an even bigger role in shaping anime trends and popularizing lesser-known titles.
What’s Next for Anime on Netflix?
The Future of Dandadan and Netflix’s Anime Lineup
WithDandadan’sincredible success, it makes sense that a second season is set to release in summer 2025, which would further solidify the series’ position as a major player in the anime world. Given the overwhelming viewership numbers, it wouldn’t be surprising if Netflix continued to pushDandadanas one of its flagship anime titles in the coming years.
As for other anime,the success of franchises likeDemon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen,andSpy x Familysuggests that Netflix will continue to prioritize high-profile titles with built-in fan bases. However,Dandadan’samazing numbers prove that new and unconventional series can still break throughand dominate the streaming charts. This opens up opportunities for fresh, original anime to find success on the platform.
Looking ahead, anime’s dominance on Netflix is unlikely to fade anytime soon. With more high-profile releases scheduled in the coming years and increasing investments in anime content, Netflix is well-positioned to remain a top destination for anime fans worldwide. Whether through established franchises or exciting new series, the platform continues to play a crucial role in the ever-expanding anime industry.
Dandadan’srise as Netflix’s most-watched anime of 2024is a testament to the series’ widespread appeal and the growing popularity of anime as a whole. Despite fierce competition from established giants likeDemon SlayerandJujutsu Kaisen, the series managed to captivate millions of viewers with its genre-blending narrative and unique storytelling approach.
As anime continues to dominate Netflix’s charts, it is clear that the medium is no longer a niche interest, it is a global entertainment powerhouse. With more streaming services recognizing anime’s potential, the industry is set for even greater growth in the years to come. Whether it is new original projects or the resurgence of classic titles, both anime’s andDandadan’sfuture on Netflix looks brighter than ever.
Dandadan
Cast
Two high school students, embroiled in a wager to prove the existence of ghosts or aliens, encounter daunting paranormal threats, acquire superpowers, and possibly discover love. The series blends supernatural elements with personal dynamics as the protagonists navigate their newfound abilities and unexpected challenges.
