Anime Abroad: Streaming, Dubs and Licensing — 2026-09-24
Media Partners Asia's new report has vaulted MAPPA to the top of anime studios on the back of Jujutsu Kaisen, while signaling a shift from licensing toward ownership by Netflix and Sony. Crunchyroll is finalizing its massive Fall 2026 slate with Latin American Spanish simuldubs, and Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle is days away from landing on Netflix in Mexico and beyond. MPA data also shows Netflix anime viewing rising faster than other genres.
Anime Abroad: Streaming, Dubs and Licensing — 2026-09-24
Top developments
MAPPA vaults to No. 1 as streaming shifts from licensing to ownership
A Media Partners Asia report finds MAPPA has overtaken rivals to lead anime studio rankings, driven by Jujutsu Kaisen's outsized streaming performance in Asia. The report also finds Netflix and Sony are racing to own anime franchises outright rather than license them — a structural change that could reshape what titles appear on Crunchyroll versus Netflix in coming seasons. MPA CEO Vivek Couto argues anime's next growth phase will extend beyond streaming into theatrical events and games.
Netflix anime viewing growing faster than other genres
A new MPA report, covered by Deadline, says anime viewing on Netflix is rising at a faster pace than other content categories, driven by titles like One Piece and Blue Eye Samurai. This reinforces Netflix's appetite for anime exclusivity and ownership — direct competitive pressure on Crunchyroll's simulcast-first model.
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle heads to Netflix in Mexico
Merca20 reports the most successful anime film in box office history, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle I, arrives on Netflix this week, with an official release time confirmed for Mexico — a major LATAM streaming event at no extra cost to subscribers. Spanish-language outlets Espinof and Level Up have amplified the arrival, underlining how theatrical blockbusters are becoming streaming tentpoles in the region.
Overseas streaming money now decides which anime gets made
Bushiroad Move president and veteran producer Yusuke Onuki revealed that an anime adaptation's fate now hinges on how much overseas streaming money is attached to a project — a candid signal that licensing bids from Netflix, Crunchyroll and Amazon effectively greenlight productions.
Local view
- LATAM: ANMTVLA reports Crunchyroll announced its Latin American Spanish simuldubs for Fall 2026 on September 17, accompanying its seasonal catalog addition. Kotaku en Español frames the Fall slate as one of Crunchyroll's biggest season changes, with returning favorites and new adaptations. Milenio lists October's Crunchyroll arrivals for Spanish-speaking audiences.
- Brazil: JWave confirms the Crunchyroll titles arriving in the Brazilian catalog for October 2026, with Black Clover seasons leading. Gamevicio covered Crunchyroll's search for an anti-piracy VP to lead a global enforcement strategy, calling it a "declaration of war" on anime piracy. Omelete highlights the best anime currently on Crunchyroll in Brazil.
Context & numbers
- Crunchyroll's Fall 2026 season features more than 40 series, led by The Apothecary Diaries Season 3, Black Clover Season 2, Firefly Wedding, Overgeared, Psyren and Magic Knight Rayearth.
- The global anime streaming market was valued at $7.5 billion in 2024 and is forecast to reach $14.65 billion by 2030 (11.81% CAGR), with simulcast strategies and weekly releases driving recurring revenue.
- Japan's animation industry grew 15% to a record $25 billion, with overseas sales accounting for 56% of the total in 2024.
- A 2026 METI survey (covered in March) estimated Japanese content digital piracy losses surged to ¥5.7 trillion (~$38 billion) in 2025, nearly tripling in three years — the backdrop for Crunchyroll's new anti-piracy push.
On the radar
- Crunchyroll's hunt for an anti-piracy VP to lead AI-driven global enforcement continues; expect further org announcements.
- One Piece live-action Season 4 (Skypiea arc) filming start dates are circulating via rumor-level Brazilian coverage — treat as unconfirmed.
- Fall/Winter 2026 rollout: watch for Netflix "Ramparts of Ice" and the Crunchyroll October catalog wave as subscribers settle into new simulcast habits.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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