25+ Of The Most Devoted Anime Fanbases The Industry Has Ever Known

Anime has some of the most devoted fans of any industry.

You can always tell by how some of the fandom becomes so toxic.

An obvious, but unfortunate sign.

That said, in the grand scheme of things it’s the reason why:

• Anime has grown drastically.
• Why anime blew up (in part).
• Why anime is still growing.
• Why shows like Demon Slayer are successful.
• Why shows like Dragon Ball Z are still making money.

And the list goes on.

Let’s talk about the most devoted fans behind a selection of shows.

 

1. Naruto

Naruto is an undeniable franchise as far as success, or even sales and longevity.

I don’t know a platform online that doesn’t talk about Naruto.

I’ve seen Naruto being talked about even in shops that have NOTHING to do with anime or manga.

Particularly in India, Naruto is a massive franchise with characters people relate and take inspiration from.

It’s also an obviously large series in Japan, USA, and more. With a fanbase who will fight to the death to prove their loyalty to the series.

It’s the source of so many arguments after all.

 

2. One Piece

One Piece is another one that goes without saying, but must be said.

This anime about pirates and their adventures across the sea is unique and still ongoing.

Not only that, but One Piece is the best selling manga of all time. And it sells more than even Spiderman, and should top batman eventually.

That speaks to the devoted fanbase who admittedly isn’t as toxic in some aspects compared to others.

That’s a story for another day though.

 

3. Berserk

Berserk is a classic and extremely popular manga created by author: Kentaro Miura.

He died May 6th 2021.

The 1997 classic anime series is also a source of the franchises devoted fanbase.

Hard hitting, deep, very dark elements and even true to life realities. This is what plays out in the Berserk series.

The fanbase even before the author’s death, and especially after speaks for itself.

It’s going down in history.

 

4. A Certain Scientific Railgun/Magical Index

A Certain Scientific Railgun is my favorite of the two, but that’s irrelevant here. Both fanbases are STRONG.

This is about devotion, not popularity or being mainstream.

Despite the franchise not hitting the levels of lets say, a Dragon Ball Z or Fairy Tail, the fandom is dedicated regardless.

Each anime, more so with the Railgun portion, is highly rated and generally appreciated for its unique world of Espers. And all the things that happen within it.

Few series portray it as uniquely as this and still have a legit fanbase to speak of.

More people need to watch it.

Relevant: 40+ Of The Most Underrated Anime

 

5. Attack On Titan

Attack On Titan is the type of anime that took everyone by surprise. When it released, the reception was unreal. As was its success.

I can’t think of too many anime that have been so big with just one season, which then continues multiple seasons later.

I’m surprised it’s not classed as a “horror” series because there’s a lot of it.

Unfortunately a portion of the fanbase is so committed, that they caused controversy on Twitter with the latest season in 2021.

It’s a result of becoming so big.

Relevant: 7 Types Of Fans That Make The Anime Community TOXIC

 

6. One Punch Man

This is an anime about a “baldylocks” who trained so hard that he lost all his hair. And is now able to defeat enemies in one single punch.

He’s a bit depressed because after a while, there’s no real challenge and it becomes monotone.

One Punch Man is the only other series besides Attack On Titan that became so big with just ONE season. And it lasted for years.

The series was already appreciated, as with many anime before the “anime” adaptation. But the anime blew it up to higher levels.

Once season 2 dropped, it was a bit iffy. But that didn’t change the fanbase or stop them from supporting it.

Related: 34+ Of The Mightiest One Punch Man Anime Quotes (Ultimate List)

 

7. Mushoku Tensei

Mushoku Tensei might seem like a new series, at least for anime, but it already had a fanbase in the light novels/manga.

In fact it was these fans who hyped up the anime and claimed it as “the granddaddy” of Isekai.

So far it’s living up to the hype, putting the scummy behaviour of he characters aside. In fact that’s a good highlight.

It’s about Rudeus Greyrat, a kid who’s reincarnated into another world. Originally he was a loser obsessed with Loli’s and all kinds of sh*t.

In the new world he has a chance to redeem himself. The part of him that he hates, understandably.

The franchise has potential.

Relevant: 16+ Shameless Anime Characters Who Couldn’t Care Less

 

8. Full Metal Panic

Full Metal Panic stared in the early 2000’s, as far as the anime that is. It’s about Kaname Chidori, a girl who’s under special protection.

The main guy protecting her is Sousuke Sagara, who works for an independent anti-terrorist group.

Season 1 did its thing, and then season 2 came around and absolutely dominated. Then a spin off comedy dropped which did well.

That was followed by season 4, which also did well and continued the story to a degree fans appreciated.

It’s not the most famous franchise, but it sells well consistently and has tons of light novels that will keep being adapted into more anime.

 

9. Dragon Ball Franchise

Dragon Ball is just a series you can’t ignore. It’s the father of Shonen, no matter how hard people try to argue the point.

It didn’t start Shonen, but it DID make it popular. And for that reason, it deserves credit. Even more so because it succeeded and is still killing it and raking in the dough.

The fanbase is universal. Many people have become “gym” nuts because of Dragon Ball Z.

Some even started their own gyms or workouts based on the series.

The inspiration and influence is on its own level that few anime could ever claim to be on, if any.

 

10. Pokemon

Pokemon is successful because of the games more than anything else. But the anime helped expand the Pokemon Company’s brand.

Ever since the 1990’s Pokemon has continued to show up everywhere, and there’s almost no one who isn’t aware of what it is.

As far as anime brands in particular, Pokemon is the biggest. And is the TOP franchise on the planet (it makes that much money).

The anime by itself might not be the most stellar, but the fanbase and everything they commit to is what makes the wheels turn.

 

11. Fullmetal Alchemist

Fullmetal Alchemist is a series you can’t get away from in Shonen. It only had one season, technically. And look at how successful it is.

It’s about Edward Elric and Alphonse Elric. 2 Brothers who lose a lot for trying to mess with reality, and are punished for it.

Equivalent exchange is a running, popular theme in the anime.

Fans still quote it to this day, share scenes from the series, compare it to modern anime, and rate it at the highest level.

It’s a series that’s already gone down in history and can be considered a classic.

The fandom behind it speaks volumes, and there’s no denying it even if you’re not a fan of the series.

 

12. Sailor Moon

Sailor Moon started out in the 1990’s, and became influential in the magical girl genre. And set the stage for a certain standard of female characters.

Usagi Tsukino, the main character, is Sailor Moon. And she’s joined by other sailor scouts representing a different planet (like Jupiter).

Even to this day after so many seasons and movies, women cosplay all their favorite characters.

In fact in 2020 there was a #SailorMoonRedrawChallenge that went viral, to the unfortunate point of haters turning it into a controversy.

That said, it’s proof of the devoted fans and how it still makes headlines so many years later.

 

13. Neon Genesis Evangelion

Neon Genesis Evangelion is similar to Fullmetal Alchemist for the fact it only has one season, really. But still so much success and admiration.

NGE isn’t your average Mecha series. It goes much deeper and touches on points others don’t.

That’s partly why it became so successful, and is still heard of, mentioned, and talked about to this day.

Even in news.

Few anime can say that with just ONE season.

 

14. Death Note

Death Note is a masterpiece to me. A classic in its own lane that can’t be compared to anything for its sheer quality.

With just one season, the anime has proven its longevity.

I put it down to the intelligent, clever characters and plot.

The way the anime makes you think about society, people, evil, justice, and things of that nature is different.

Not everyone likes the ending, but they all appreciate the series overall.

 

15. Madoka Magica

Madoka Magica proved how devoted the fanbase is once again after a NEW movie was announced in 2021.

The anime is about Madoka Kaname, an ordinary high school girl. And Homura Akemi, a girl who intends to keep Madoka’s life “ordinary” for her own good.

It evolves into a dark magical girl series that highlights the more sinister, uglier side of being a magical girl.

After so many years with no new seasons or movies, the fanbase has held strong. And like Sailor Moon, will go down as a classic.

 

16. Code Geass

Code Geass happens to be one of the first Mecha anime I watched, and still my favorite to this day.

Releasing in the 2000’s, Code Geass shown the industry how to do Mecha differently.

It stood out among everything else at the time.

Lelouch, the MC, wants revenge against the Britannian empire. In the plot they enslave the Japanese and rename Japan “area 11”.

By luck Lelouch comes across the power of Geass, and that’s where the anime starts to build into the masterpiece it is.

 

17. Re:Zero – Starting Life In Another World

Re:Zero hasn’t been out for that long really. It released 2016. Since then it carried itself for years with just one season, and eventually a movie.

Then season 2 dropped in 2020, with the last part ending in 2021.

The light novels were already successful, and the anime has gone on to do the same. Increasing the franchises overall success.

Aside from the Waifu wars between Rem and Emilia, it’s a relatively non-toxic fanbase compared to others.

 

18. Akame Ga Kill

Akame Ga Kill is the anime some people love to hate, and most love to love. The manga fanbase is solidified.

The anime took this to the next level and it’s now one of the biggest Shonen ever released in the 2010’s.

It did that with only one season.

The way the anime is written means there won’t be a 2nd season, but that’s part of why its so popular and well known.

The plot is more realistic and true to life, and doesn’t pull the usual cliches of “friendship” saving the day, or characters having plot armor.

In this world, if you die, it’s over. And no amount of Shonen bullsh*t is gonna save you.

That’s part of why it creates conflict in some people who watch it.

Either way, the fanbase speaks louder than I could ever say.

 

19. Redo Of Healer

Redo Of Healer is an anime that surprised me with how big it became. And how much SUPPORT it received.

The light novels were already somewhat successful, but the anime blew that up to levels that shocked most of the community.

The story after all is about abuse, r*pe, and oppression. The main character is abused and r*ped for years, and even drugged.

This is why he seeks revenge against his oppressors, and makes them suffer in ways no anime has ever shown.

Even a 2nd season is possible because of how well it did. In Germany it became a best seller on Amazon.

The fanbase is loyal to a fault.

 

20. My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia is about Deku, or Izuku Midoriya. His goal is to become a hero who can save people.

It’s cliché, it’s familiar, it’s nothing new. But HOW he goes about it, and how he becomes a stronger person is what matters most.

Deku grows, changes, and overcomes his weaknesses. Not to mention years of bullying and abuse from a guy he claims to be a friend of.

What people miss about this series is what’s happening below the surface That’s what makes it shine.

The fanbase is one of the most devoted. I don’t think anyone with common sense would argue with it.

 

21. Hunter x Hunter

Hunter x Hunter is about Gon, a kid who enters the Hunters exam. And is in search of his father.

Of course the anime has become more than just that. Courtesy of the successful and popular manga.

I’d compare Hunter x Hunter to Berserk for how dedicated the fanbase is.

Both series are in my eyes, underground but unbelievably successful at the same time. It’s hard to call them mainstream.

Another word would be “underdog”. Classic’s at this point.

 

22. Detective Conan

Detective Conan is another strange series that is so successful, yet it doesn’t seem so mainstream on the surface.

The series has been running for decades. It’s one of the longest anime ever created, with over 1000+ episodes and going.

When you come across anime like this that have been going for so long, it’s a testament to its strong fanbase.

It’s not going anywhere.

 

23. Fairy Tail

Fairy Tail is an anime you either love or hate for its cliches, fan service, or whatever other complaint people have.

The power of friendship is strong in this series at certain points more than others.

There’s something about the friendship element in general though, and the family bonds in this series.

It’s an anime that knows how to pull on your heart strings and get you emotionally invested in the characters.

It’s one of its strongest points. The fanbase is large and its for life at this point.

 

24. Bleach

Bleach, like few anime are able to pull off, managed to stay relevant for all these years without a new season.

It’s about Ichigo Kurosaki, an orange haired teenager who becomes a soul reaper by accident, seemingly.

Soul Reapers defeat monsters called “Hollows”.

Hollows are basically corrupted spirits of people yet to pass on.

The series is so much more than this, and the mechanics of how the Bleach universe works is why this anime is so good.

When the new season was announced in 2020, over 20K people steamed it live.

Post: 10 Of My BEST Anime Characters From Bleach

 

25. Sword Art Online

Sword Art Online is the last one I’ll mention here, with “more” down below.

Again, it’s one of those anime people love to hate. Except they hate it even more than anything on this list.

It’s an anime responsible not for starting VR in anime, but making it popular. Not to mention blowing up the Isekai trend when it first released.

With a plot about gamers stuck in the gaming world where if they die, they also die in real life, SAO is different by design.

It might not have stuck with that in a strict sense, but it evolved. And season 3 (Alicization) is easily the best its ever done.

The light novels are always killing it, and the franchise overall makes millions.

Still the most successful Isekai to this day.

 

More anime:

• Black Lagoon.
• Angel Beats.
• Your Lie In April.
• Black Clover.
• Demon Slayer.
• Your Name.
• Jujutsu Kaisen.
• Inuyasha.
• Monogatari.
• Darling In The Franxx.
• Shimoneta.
• Food Wars.
• K-On.
• Gundam.
• Fire Force.
• Gurren Lagann.
• Gintama.
• Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure.
• Magi Series.
• Love Live.
• Steins Gate.
• Kono Subarashii.

Feel like an anime is missing? Drop it in the comments.

 

Featured image: source

–

Recommended:

The Most Famous Anime Dere Types

These 25 Anime Shows Have CHANGED The Industry