By Laurent Taieb, France Managing Director for Licensing International

Anime’s enduring popularity is driving exceptional growth and innovation in France’s licensing sector, creating opportunities unmatched elsewhere in Europe.

What once seemed a niche interest has evolved into a cultural force, propelled by the nation’s manga market—the largest outside of Japan. French fans, united across generations, have cultivated a dynamic community that fuels both passion and commercial success. This longstanding enthusiasm isn’t just a testament to pop culture; it now underpins a business story that is setting benchmarks for the wider European market.

The numbers speak for themselves. In 2024, France’s anime market reached a remarkable milestone, with revenues totaling $981.9 million, according to recent data from Grand View Horizon. Projections for the coming years are equally impressive, anticipating that the sector will climb to $1.77 billion by 2030. This translates to an annual growth rate of 10.2%, unrivaled anywhere else in Europe. Such figures embody not only the devotion of French consumers but also the growing centrality of anime to France’s cultural and economic landscape. As anime deepens its local roots, it simultaneously elevates France’s reputation as a global leader in content licensing and distribution.

Central to this transformation is the rapid evolution of media consumption. French audiences increasingly turn to digital platforms for their anime fix, with online services now dominating the landscape. Streaming giants like Netflix, ADN, and Crunchyroll have become mainstays for fans seeking their favorite series. The transition to internet distribution took center stage in 2024, moving ahead of traditional channels and redefining access for all. These platforms make it easy for viewers to dive into new releases, thanks to instant subtitling and high-quality dubbing—all while expanding anime’s appeal far beyond its original fanbase.

Classic genres such as action and adventure continue to anchor the lineup, offering comfort and excitement for longtime fans. However, the steady introduction of new series continually rejuvenates the market and sparks curiosity from all age groups. Notably, improvements in platform diversity—like the rollout of various FAST channels—ensure that even as the space grows more crowded, opportunities for discovery and engagement remain plentiful. In this environment, anime isn’t just content. It has become a shared ritual, with entire families now part of the audience.

This surging demand for content is mirrored in the merchandising sector, which tells a story of its own. France now leads Europe in per-capita spending on anime-branded goods, ranging from collectible figurines, apparel, and video games to novel snacks and collaboration products. For licensors and retailers, the appetite for exclusive items is clear—new launches attract crowds who queue for hours at iconic venues such as Paris’s Japan Expo. These conventions serve as both marketplace and cultural showcase, solidifying relationships between global licensors, local creators, and their passionate audiences.

The race to maintain this lead, however, is intensifying. Germany and the United Kingdom, recognizing anime’s mainstream potential, are rapidly expanding their markets and brands.

Though France remains the benchmark, innovation and partnership are becoming more important to staying ahead, especially as broader consumer trends shift and mass-market adoption accelerates across the continent. The rest of Europe clearly looks to France for inspiration, but the gap is narrowing. This requires continued creativity and strategic vision within France’s anime industry.

Blockbuster successes further illustrate the scope of anime’s influence on the French market. The Demon Slayer franchise, already renowned globally, shattered local records with its recent cinematic event, La Forteresse Infinie. When the film debuted in September 2025, it drew over 340,000 admissions on its very first day. In just one week, it passed the one million viewer mark. This achievement not only broke box office records for Japanese films in France but also underscored anime’s power to command mainstream attention at scale. Other titles are following suit, adapting to fans’ changing tastes with innovative crossovers and immersive event screenings.

Ultimately, the future of anime licensing in France looks brighter than ever but it also needs to revive its appeal to a more mass-market audience beyond its core fan community.

The interplay between passionate communities, agile streaming platforms, and inventive merchandising ensures a lively, competitive field. Local conventions, blockbuster releases, and accelerating digital transformation keep fans engaged and eager for more. As cultural trends evolve, France remains a standard-bearer—setting the pace, pushing boundaries, and redefining what anime can mean for audiences and businesses alike. The result is a landscape rich with possibility, destined to grow and inspire for years to come.