Anime has surged in popularity across the globe, with the United States becoming one of the largest markets for the genre outside of Japan. The rise of streaming platforms, conventions, and an enthusiastic fan base has led to a growing demand for anime content, which has drawn the attention of various companies. From anime distributors to production studios, several US-based companies play a significant role in making Japanese anime more accessible and mainstream in America. This article explores key anime companies in the US, their impact on the industry, and how they contribute to the global anime market.

The Rising Popularity of Anime in the US

The anime industry has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years, largely thanks to the advent of online streaming and social media platforms. As of 2023, the global anime market was valued at over $26 billion, and the US accounts for a significant portion of this revenue. The growing appeal of anime in American pop culture, ranging from children’s television programs to adult-targeted series, has prompted companies to invest heavily in anime content creation, distribution, and marketing.

Leading Anime Companies in the US

Several US-based companies have significantly contributed to bringing anime to American audiences. These companies engage in activities ranging from licensing and distributing anime series and movies to creating original content inspired by the anime aesthetic. Here are some of the leading anime companies in the US:

1. Crunchyroll

When it comes to anime in the US, Crunchyroll is undoubtedly one of the biggest names. Launched in 2006, Crunchyroll started as a platform for streaming fan-subtitled anime but has evolved into a legitimate powerhouse in the anime industry. The platform, which offers both free and premium subscriptions, provides access to thousands of anime titles, simulcasts, and even original content through its Crunchyroll Originals line.

Crunchyroll’s acquisition by Sony’s Funimation Global Group in 2021 further strengthened its position as the premier anime streaming platform in the US. With over 100 million registered users and millions of premium subscribers, Crunchyroll is an essential player in distributing and promoting anime content globally.

Crunchyroll’s Impact:

• Offers an extensive library of popular anime titles like Attack on Titan, Naruto, and My Hero Academia.
• Supports anime simulcasts, where new episodes are made available within hours of airing in Japan.
• Actively engages with the anime community through conventions, merchandise, and anime awards.
• Develops original anime content, such as Tower of God and God of High School, under its Originals banner.

2. Funimation

Founded in 1994, Funimation is one of the oldest and most established anime companies in the US. It became famous for licensing and distributing hit anime series, including Dragon Ball Z, which helped introduce many Americans to the world of anime. Over the years, Funimation has expanded its operations to include streaming, home video distribution, merchandise, and theatrical releases.

Funimation’s merger with Crunchyroll has allowed the company to streamline its anime offerings and become a central hub for English-dubbed anime. Known for its high-quality dubs, Funimation has a loyal fan base that prefers watching anime in English. The company also continues to license and distribute new and classic anime titles, making them accessible to a wider audience.

Funimation’s Key Contributions:

• Known for dubbing high-profile anime series like Dragon Ball Z, One Piece, and Fairy Tail.
• Distributes anime through streaming platforms, DVDs, Blu-rays, and theatrical releases.
• Supports anime creators by licensing their work for Western audiences.
• Organizes anime events and conventions to further engage with fans.

3. Aniplex of America

Aniplex of America, a subsidiary of Japan’s Aniplex Inc., specializes in distributing popular anime titles to US audiences. Aniplex Inc. is a major Japanese production company known for producing critically acclaimed anime like Demon Slayer, Sword Art Online, and Fate/Zero. Aniplex of America handles the licensing, distribution, and promotion of these hit shows in the US, playing a pivotal role in their success abroad.

In addition to distributing anime, Aniplex of America organizes events such as premieres and screenings to promote their titles. The company also collaborates with other media outlets and gaming platforms to expand the reach of anime-based content.

Aniplex of America Highlights:

• Responsible for distributing high-demand anime like Demon Slayer and Fate/Stay Night in the US.
• Releases high-quality collector’s edition Blu-rays and merchandise for anime enthusiasts.
• Plays a key role in streaming services, providing licensed content to platforms like Crunchyroll and Funimation.
• Hosts anime-related events to engage with the fan community.

4. Sentai Filmworks

Sentai Filmworks is another prominent player in the US anime market. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, the company focuses on acquiring and distributing anime across a variety of platforms, including digital streaming, Blu-ray, and DVD. Sentai Filmworks is known for licensing niche and cult-favorite anime, offering a diverse catalog for hardcore anime fans.

Popular titles distributed by Sentai Filmworks include Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma, Made in Abyss, and Parasyte. Sentai Filmworks also operates its own streaming service, HIDIVE, which allows users to access an array of classic and contemporary anime.

Sentai Filmworks’ Role:

• Licenses and distributes a wide variety of anime, often targeting more mature or niche audiences.
• Operates HIDIVE, a streaming platform dedicated to anime.
• Specializes in collector’s editions of anime series, complete with English dubs and bonus features.
• Supports theatrical releases and screenings for select anime films.

5. VIZ Media

Founded in 1986, VIZ Media is a leading American manga publisher and anime distributor. While VIZ Media is perhaps best known for publishing some of the most popular manga series, including Naruto, One Piece, and My Hero Academia, it also plays a significant role in distributing their anime adaptations in the US.

VIZ Media has made it easier for American audiences to access popular anime titles through streaming deals, DVDs, and television broadcasts. The company is also involved in anime-related merchandise, events, and partnerships, helping to bridge the gap between US and Japanese markets.

VIZ Media’s Influence:

• Publishes some of the most popular manga series in the world, many of which have anime adaptations.
• Distributes top anime titles across streaming platforms and home video.
• Partners with streaming services like Netflix to make anime more accessible to Western audiences.
• Engages with the anime and manga community through conventions and online forums.

The Future of Anime in the US

The future of anime in the United States looks promising. With the continued growth of streaming services, the anime industry is expected to reach new heights, attracting both seasoned fans and newcomers. As anime becomes more integrated into mainstream pop culture, US-based companies like Crunchyroll, Funimation, and VIZ Media will continue to play an essential role in shaping the anime landscape.

Collaborations between Japanese production companies and US distributors will likely increase, leading to more co-productions and original anime content. Moreover, the success of anime films like Demon Slayer: Mugen Train at the US box office demonstrates that anime’s appeal extends beyond just streaming services to theatrical releases.

Conclusion

Anime companies in the US are crucial to the growing anime phenomenon in the West. These companies provide anime content to millions of viewers, helping bridge the gap between Japanese creators and the American fan base. Whether through streaming services, home video releases, or theatrical showings, the efforts of companies like Crunchyroll, Funimation, Aniplex of America, Sentai Filmworks, and VIZ Media ensure that anime continues to thrive in the US.

As the anime market continues to expand, these companies will play a key role in meeting the increasing demand for new, diverse, and high-quality anime content. Their contributions will be essential in cementing anime’s place in mainstream entertainment across the US and beyond.

FAQs:

1. What are the most popular anime companies in the US?
   Crunchyroll, Funimation, Aniplex of America, Sentai Filmworks, and VIZ Media are some of the top anime companies in the US.
2. Why is Crunchyroll important to the US anime market?
   Crunchyroll is a leading streaming platform offering thousands of anime titles, simulcasts, and original content, making anime widely accessible to American audiences.
3. What is Funimation known for?
   Funimation is renowned for licensing and dubbing popular anime series like Dragon Ball Z and One Piece for English-speaking audiences.
4. How does Aniplex of America contribute to anime distribution?
   Aniplex of America distributes hit anime like Demon Slayer and Sword Art Online in the US, helping to promote these titles through events and collaborations.
5. What role does Sentai Filmworks play in the anime industry?
   Sentai Filmworks focuses on distributing niche and cult-favorite anime, offering a wide variety of content for dedicated anime fans.
6. Is VIZ Media only involved in manga?
   While VIZ Media is a major manga publisher, it also plays a significant role in distributing anime adaptations of popular manga in the US.