Netflix is the world’s biggest streaming service, with more than 325 million subscribers, but the platform has often struggled to keep up with Crunchyroll when it comes to anime streaming. Now, Netflix is officially focusing on co-production with anime studios and working to bring more new anime to the platform, making it the best place to watch anime.
Daemons of the Shadow Realm, the new hit anime from Fullmetal Alchemist creator Hiromu Arakawa, is coming to Netflix this July, proving that the streamer is dedicated to bringing new series to viewers quickly. While Netflix has long collaborated with anime studios like Science SARU, who makes Dandadan, it’s now focused on working with studios one-on-one to provide viewers with the best content possible.
Netflix Is Officially Changing Its Global Anime Release Strategy
Netflix content director Hiroshi Yamano recently spoke on the studio’s new partnership with MAPPA, the studio behind anime like Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man and Attack on Titan: The Final Season.
“It’s true there is competition, but rather than increasing the number of titles, we want to carefully deliver each work to audiences, so we do not place emphasis on quantity…” he explained. “…since we now have an environment to deliver works globally without time lag, we are discussing how to handle anime-specific media mix going forward.”
Even though Netflix is changing the way it collaborates, it’s still willing to devote resources to the production of original anime IPs. For example, Netflix released the sci-fi film Cosmic Princess Kaguya! worldwide in January 2026, and was able to do that thanks to a partnership with Twin Engine.
The film later enjoyed a limited theatrical run in Japan, grossing over 1 billion yen (~US$6.2M) at the Japanese box office. However, certain promotional materials, such as music videos, were targeted specifically towards streaming viewers.
Another Netflix exclusive that had its debut this year is Dandelion, a supernatural comedy about two special agents who guide earthbound souls to the afterlife after helping them tie up the loose ends of their lives. The series is based on Gintama creator Hideaki Sorachi’s one-shot manga of the same name.
However, the work’s narrative was fleshed out significantly for Netflix’s adaptation. “Episode 1 of the anime roughly follows the one-shot manga, and after that it becomes something close to original, woven together by Jump‘s editorial department, the anime staff and Netflix.”
Netflix is also revitalizing localization strategies for different regions. “For Cosmic Princess Kaguya!, the songs are localized into five languages [English, Filipino, Thai, Spanish and Portuguese]. For the Rose of Versailles [anime], we created English songs,” he said. “Rather than translation, we interpret the rhythm and meaning unique to each language.”
Netflix’s Exclusive MAPPA Partnership Is Changing Anime Streaming
While Netflix’s current strategy is netting positive gains for anime fans, Yamano recognizes that, long-term, the company may find it difficult to continue implementing changes in all territories. “…while we can distribute video globally, expanding media mix across 190 countries is not easy. To achieve this, we need to seriously commit, so we are currently in ongoing discussions with MAPPA,” he said.
While working closely with creators to build successful IPs from the ground up, Netflix is simultaneously loosening its grip on creative ownership. By adopting a “flexible” approach in which licensing rights are divided among various entities, Netflix aims to expand its global anime empire while never stretching itself too thin.
“While it might be quicker if we handled everything ourselves and handed value back to creators, at this stage, we judge that not owning all the rights and instead partnering with media mix experts is one option for expanding anime.”