For years, Netflix has been the undisputed heavyweight champion of anime streaming, pouring billions into original series and exclusive licenses. But a fresh wave of data suggests the crown may be slipping. According to a new survey from Japanese outlet Anime! Anime!, Prime Video has not only caught up to Netflix but has actually overtaken it in the eyes of anime fans.
The survey, published on November 5, asked respondents about their streaming habits, and the results were striking. Among those who subscribe to a streaming service, roughly 50% said they use Prime Video, while only about 30% cited Netflix. U-NEXT and Hulu trailed at around 10% each, with Disney+ and Anime Store also making appearances. While the survey allowed multiple selections, the gap is still significant.
However, the numbers come with caveats. The sample skewed heavily male (65%) and leaned toward younger viewers, with those in their 30s making up about 30% and those 19 or younger about 25%. The total sample size wasn't disclosed, so the results should be taken with a grain of salt. Still, they align with broader industry data that points to a real shift.
That broader data comes from a Media Partners Asia report covering eight Asian markets, which found that Netflix accounted for about 50% of tracked premium-VOD anime viewing hours across the region in the first half of 2026. But Japan, the heart of anime, told a different story. In the second half of 2025, Prime Video held 43% of anime viewing hours in Japan, and by the first half of 2026, it had pulled even with Netflix at roughly 42% each.
So what's driving Prime Video's surge? It's not just about anime. Prime Video offers a diverse library that includes movies, dramas, and other genres, making it a one-stop shop for entertainment. In Japan, Prime Video is bundled with Amazon Prime membership, meaning millions of subscribers already have access to its streaming catalog as a bonus perk. That convenience factor is a game-changer.
Netflix, meanwhile, has built an impressive slate of anime originals, from Castlevania to Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, and continues to invest heavily in the genre. But Prime Video has been quietly amassing its own anime lineup, including exclusive titles and simulcasts, and its aggressive bundling strategy is paying off.
For fans, this is a win. More competition means more choices and better quality. And with Prime Video's recent top binge picks and fantasy gems, it's clear the platform is serious about courting genre fans. Netflix isn't backing down either, with new seasons and classic thrillers landing regularly.
As the streaming wars heat up, anime has become a battleground. While Netflix may have lost a few rounds, the fight is far from over. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates on this evolving story.
