This weekend, I sat in a packed theater for Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution, an early preview featuring the first two episodes of Season 3 of the popular anime. Fans arrived in cosplay and merch, buzzing with excitement. As the lights dimmed, it hit me how different things look now, how anime is no longer something people mock, but something widely celebrated.
This shift goes far beyond one series. Major releases like Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc and the long-awaited Demon Slayer: Infinite Castle have gained large amounts of attention as each film has gained over a hundred millions of dollars worldwide, while My Hero Academia prepares for its final season after becoming one of the most influential anime of the decade. Fans aren’t just watching, but they’re packing theaters, flooding social media, and turning every release into a global event.
Celebrities have helped this rise into the mainstream like Megan Thee Stallion, who has embraced anime through cosplay and lyrics, while Michael B. Jordan has incorporated anime influences into his work, including his film Creed III. From athletes, musicians, streamers, and actors, anime has evolved into a medium of cultural fluency rather than a niche interest.
Long-time fans have felt the shift most clearly as what was once labeled “weird” or “cringe” is now considered cool.
“I believe that anime peaked in its most popularity during the start of the pandemic and, since then, has skyrocketed, but the reason it’s a lot more nuance than just people were bored and had nothing to watch,” says David Ruiz, a member of the Anime Sci-Fi Club. “It mostly had to do with the jump in popularity of other cultures and how each country perceived the medium. In the U. S., the rise of anime began with early shows like Pokémon, Naruto, and Bleach helped, but Avatar: The Last Airbender made the style feel normal to Western audiences and opened the door for wider acceptance.”
As someone who has loved anime for years, this change feels personal. What I once shared quietly with close friends is now something I can talk about openly without fear of judgment.
The difference now is that anime’s storytelling is finally being recognized by critics and major award bodies like the Oscars. With packed theaters, larger studio investments, and an ever growing fanbase, it’s clear that anime isn’t just having a moment, but that it’s entering a lasting era.
