Picture: One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen and Four Knights of the Apocalypse
One of the most beloved art forms on the planet, anime has taken the world by storm over the past decade. Netflix continues to invest heavily in anime, but what will it look like on Netflix over the next few years? Let’s find out.
Here’s what we expect from anime on Netflix over the next few years.
What does the end of FUNimation mean for Netflix?
In terms of anime, FUNimation was one of Netflix’s top competitors. It would be ridiculous to argue otherwise, but as a dedicated service to anime, FUNimation’s anime library was always significantly greater than Netflix’s.
However, in April 2024, FUNimation was shut down, which saw a large portion of its library move to Crunchyroll and FUNimation users migrate to the other streaming service.
UKRAINE – 2022/02/17: In this photo illustration, a Funimation Global Group logo is displayed on a smartphone screen and in the background. (Photo Illustration by Pavlo Gonchar/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
So, while Crunchyroll has cannibalized FUNimation, this presents an opportunity for Netflix to pursue new licensing deals. We’ve already seen some of this in action thanks to new additions such as Overlord, Black Clover, Haikyu, and Konosuba. Jujutsu Kaisen and Dr. Stone are also on the way. Not to mention, Netflix has periodically added old seasons of One Piece to the library since 2020.
Given that Aniplex and Sony Pictures Television jointly own Crunchyroll LLC, this works heavily in Netflix’s favor. Aniplex and Sony Pictures Television are no strangers to licensing content to Netflix or working directly with them on originals.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 09: Mitchel Berger, SVP, Global Commerce, Crunchyroll, speaks onstage during “The State of the Industry and a Special Presentation from Crunchyroll” during CinemaCon, the official convention of the National Association of Theatre Owners, at Caesars Palace on April 09, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images for CinemaCon)
While the streaming service may not receive the newest and most popular anime titles, we expect to see Netflix continue licensing more content already on Crunchyroll.
Netflix will have every episode of One Piece
Between adding new episodes periodically, producing a successful live-action adaptation, releasing new weekly episodes, and reanimating the East Blue Saga, it’s safe to say that Netflix is fast becoming One Piece’s streaming home.
However, almost 600 One Piece anime episodes are still missing from the Netflix library. Given the sheer volume of episodes left to be added, it may take a long time, but over the next few years, we expect that eventually, every episode of One Piece will be available to stream on Netflix.
Picture: One Piece – TOEI Animation
Netflix Simulcasting More
From producing to licensing exclusively, Netflix has invested a lot of time and money into its library of exclusive anime content.
One of the most positive changes Netflix has already made is removing the dreaded “Netflix Jail.” This was when Netflix would exclusively license an anime that aired in Japan weekly but would not be released to the rest of the world until months after the broadcast ended in Japan. Netflix has since begun its move to simulcasting, which started with the likes of Blue Period before eventually moving on to titles such as Vinland Saga, Four Knights of the Apocalypse, and One Piece.
Picture: One Piece Eghead Island Arc – TOEI Animation
The faster subscribers can stream their desired content, the happier they will be. This is why Netflix’s slow but sure transition towards simulcasting is the most natural way the streaming service can progress its anime content.
What direction should Netflix take its plans for anime? Let us know in the comments below!
