In today’s entertainment landscape, anime has become a global juggernaut with series like Delicious in Dungeon, no longer relegated to niche fandoms or Saturday morning cable blocks. From high-stakes shōnen battles to heartwarming slice-of-life tales, anime’s reach has exploded, and with that expansion comes an intense battle among streaming platforms to dominate the space. While Crunchyroll has long been the home for anime lovers, boasting the largest catalog and millions of loyal subscribers, Netflix is making bold moves to reshape the narrative.

A recent BBC News interview with Crunchyroll President Rahul Purini has reignited the conversation about who truly leads the anime streaming wars. Purini did not mince words about the challenges of staying on top, especially as global competitors like Netflix continue to acquire exclusive titles. With heavy-hitters like Delicious in Dungeon turning heads and earning accolades, Netflix’s strategy has started to shift the power dynamics in a space Crunchyroll has traditionally ruled.

Crunchyroll’s Dominance and Its Limitations

Crunchyroll Still Reigns, But the Throne Is Shaking

Crunchyroll is undeniably the world’s largest anime-focused streaming platform, controlling what Purini estimates is “about 75% of all anime.” The company has built its reputation on fast access to simulcasts, deep catalog availability, and strong community . From breakout hits like Solo Leveling to classics like Naruto and One Piece, it is hard to argue with the sheer volume of anime available on the platform.

But sheer volume does not always equate to total dominance. With nearly 300 new anime titles being released annually in Japan, Crunchyroll is in a constant race to secure the best of the bunch. Purini noted the fierce competition for licensing rights, indirectly acknowledging that the platform lost out on Delicious in Dungeon, one of 2024’s most popular titles. This instance underscores a critical limitation that Crunchyroll cannot acquire everything, especially as streaming giants throw more money into the ring.

What makes Crunchyroll still stand out, however, is its laser focus on anime. Unlike Netflix or Hulu, Crunchyroll is tailored for fans, offering features like curated collections, early convention screenings, and even the annual Crunchyroll Anime Awards. The platform knows its audience intimately, which gives it a unique advantage when it comes to maintaining loyalty, even in a growingly competitive market.

Netflix's New Strategy Has Anime as a Serious Contender

The Delicious in Dungeon Play was a Turning Point for Netflix

Netflix has shifted gears when it comes to anime. Once criticized for awkward dubs and late releases, the company is now securing simultaneous global rights and even simuldubbing in multiple languages. Its acquisition of Delicious in Dungeon, animated by the revered Studio Trigger, marks a watershed moment in Netflix’s approach because it proves that the streaming giant is no longer content to simply carry anime; it wants to champion it.

Delicious in Dungeon is a high-fantasy adventure with a culinary twist, blending comedy, suspense, and beautifully animated action sequences. It captured not just viewer attention, but cultural capital, racking up over 90 million hours viewed in the first half of 2024 and becoming Netflix’s most-watched anime during that time. While Netflix originally favored binge releases, it changed course with this series, releasing it weekly to mirror Crunchyroll’s proven success model.

The success of shows like Delicious in Dungeon, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, and Castlevania: Nocturne proves that Netflix can effectively produce and distribute anime when it commits.

And yet, even with these wins, Netflix’s approach is not without criticism. While the platform invests heavily in high-profile shows, it lacks the breadth and consistency that anime-focused fans often demand. For every Delicious in Dungeon-like success on Netflix, there are multiple mid-tier or poorly localized titles that dilute its anime appeal. Still, the success of shows like Delicious in Dungeon, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, and Castlevania: Nocturne proves that Netflix can effectively produce and distribute anime when it commits.

The Streaming War Is Making Anime Better Than Ever

Viewers Win as the Anime Arms Race Heats Up

The real winner of this intensifying competition might just be the viewer. With both Crunchyroll and Netflix vying for attention, the quality, accessibility, and diversity of anime content continue to rise. Crunchyroll may still lead in catalog depth and community features, but Netflix’s clout enables it to attract top-tier studios and broaden anime’s audience beyond traditional fans.

Take Solo Leveling, for example, a massive Crunchyroll hit that has set platform-wide viewership records across multiple regions. The show, based on a popular Korean web novel and manhwa, taps into modern RPG mechanics and game tropes, resonating with a generation raised on digital fantasy. Its success proves that Crunchyroll still has the instinct to pick winners and market them effectively to a global audience.

The fact that Delicious in Dungeon earned 16 nominations at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, despite not being on Crunchyroll, shows how much influence it has gained.

Still, Netflix’s growing presence can’t be ignored. The fact that Delicious in Dungeon earned 16 nominations at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, despite not being on Crunchyroll, shows how much influence it has gained. Although it underperformed during the awards ceremony itself, its cultural footprint was undeniable. The future of anime streaming may not be a zero-sum game, but rather a reflection of diverse platforms thriving by offering different strengths to a broadening global fandom.

So, Where Is the Best Place to Watch Anime in 2025?

Crunchyroll or Netflix? The Answer Might Be “Yes”

So, where is the best place to watch anime in 2025? The answer depends largely on what fans are looking for. If viewers are a dedicated anime fan who wants the latest seasonal simulcasts, deep-cut classics, and genre-specific categories, Crunchyroll remains the best bet. Its community-driven approach and expansive library are unmatched, making it the de facto home for anime purists.

However, if fans are more casual viewers, or someone who prefers mainstream hits, polished localization, and a broader catalog that includes live-action and Western animation, Netflix might serve them better. It is especially appealing for households where multiple people have varied streaming tastes but still want access to top-tier anime like Delicious in Dungeon or Violet Evergarden.

Ultimately, this is not a battle with a single victor. Crunchyroll and Netflix are driving each other to innovate, improve, and expand what anime can be. For fans, that means more choice, more access, and more quality series like Delicious in Dungeon than ever before. And that is a win everyone can enjoy.