Fandoms to Watch: The US Gen Z Anime Adorers
Published 27 February 2025
US Gen Z are falling for anime: 42% now watch it at least weekly (Polygon, 2024), attracted to its swoony emotionality, adventurous spirit and parable-like narratives. For the first of Stylus’ Fandoms to Watch reports, – which chart new or swelling fandoms – we guide you through the must-know sub-cohorts, the key recent TV titles, and their online and IRL havens.
New-Gen Anime Adorers Fan Cohorts: A Guide
Must-Know TV Show Titles: Mainstays & The New Wave
Fandom Havens: Online Hubs & IRL Events
With 65% of US Gen Z anime fans now choosing anime as their go-to entertainment – far more than the numbers opting for other categories (see Key Stats) – a new wave of fan subsets offers a window into their preferences and, therefore, key brand access points. From the ultra-committed Otaku Disciples (and their insider terminology) to the casual New-Gen Anime Explorers, the romance-obsessed Shippers, and Cosplayer-Influencers’ costumed self-expression, we outline four key groups.
With 65% of US Gen Z anime fans now choosing anime as their go-to entertainment – far more than the numbers opting for other categories (see Key Stats) – a new wave of fan subsets offers a window into their preferences and, therefore, key brand access points. From the ultra-committed Otaku Disciples (and their insider terminology) to the casual New-Gen Anime Explorers, the romance-obsessed Shippers, and Cosplayer-Influencers’ costumed self-expression, we outline four key groups.
Keeping up with the Gen Z US Anime Adorers means getting familiar with the roster of new-generation anime piquing the most interest – from recent top-viewed shows becoming mainstays of the fandom to the burgeoning wave of anime adaptations and new titles arriving on Netflix.
With 40% of fans globally citing “community” as fandoms’ top emotional benefit, the US Gen Z Anime Adorers are busy creating their own networks. America’s Anime Adorers have found various places to congregate – My Anime List forums, YouTube companion content hubs, and IRL opportunities including convention meet-ups and immersive events are all popular.
Fandoms to Watch: The US Gen Z Anime Adorers
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