On July 17, Netflix unveiled its latest Engagement Report, which encompasses around 99% of all viewing activity from January to June. The total watch-time on the streaming platform surpassed an impressive 95 billion hours. Classic anime series like "Naruto" and "Naruto Shippuden" made a significant impact, accumulating approximately 45 million views based on their total hours watched divided by their runtime across all seasons. A newer entry, "Sakamoto Days," clinched the 33rd position globally in terms of hours viewed and ranked 79th in overall views, emerging as the top anime series for the first half of 2025. Below, you will find a curated list of the ten most-watched anime series on Netflix during this period, organized by total views.
Top 10 Most Watched Anime Seasons on Netflix in the First Half of 2025
Sakamoto Days: Season 1
- Hours Watched: 106,400,000
- Runtime: 4:22
- Views: 24,400,000
Magic and Muscles: Mashle (Season 1)
- Hours Watched: 37,400,000
- Runtime: 4:45
- Views: 7,900,000
The Apothecary Diaries: Season 1
- Hours Watched: 71,500,000
- Runtime: 9:09
- Views: 7,800,000
DAN DA DAN: Season 1
- Hours Watched: 37,100,000
- Runtime: 4:55
- Views: 7,500,000
Solo Leveling: Season 1
- Hours Watched: 73,400,000
- Runtime: 9:54
- Views: 7,400,000
The Seven Deadly Sins: Four Knights of the Apocalypse (Season 2)
- Hours Watched: 32,200,000
- Runtime: 4:45
- Views: 6,800,000
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba: Hashira Training Arc
- Hours Watched: 25,100,000
- Runtime: 3:58
- Views: 6,300,000
SPY x FAMILY: Season 2
- Hours Watched: 27,100,000
- Runtime: 4:44
- Views: 5,700,000
My Happy Marriage: Season 2
- Hours Watched: 29,200,000
- Runtime: 5:16
- Views: 5,500,000
- Jujutsu Kaisen: Season 1
- Hours Watched: 48,400,000
- Runtime: 9:30
- Views: 5,100,000
It’s important to highlight that Netflix’s categorization of seasons may not always align with industry standards, as seen with "Demon Slayer," which is divided into distinct arcs like the Mugen Train and Entertainment District. If evaluated by seasons, "Demon Slayer" Season 2 would have a total of 135.5 million hours watched and 22.7 million views across all its episodes.
The classification of "Solo Leveling" as ‘Season 1’ is also open to interpretation, as Netflix does not consistently apply this to other titles like "DAN DA DAN." Just outside of the top ten, "The Apothecary Diaries Season 2" recorded 45.7 million hours watched and 5 million views, showing strong performance as well.
Long-standing series that have aired continuously, including "Naruto Shippuden" and "Hunter x Hunter," have also been segmented into respective seasons. This means that their popularity continues to generate interest among viewers.
In addition to animated series, Netflix’s live-action adaptations of popular anime have also demonstrated solid viewership numbers. The live-action portrayal of "Kakegurui" (ranked #83 overall) has achieved 78.9 million hours of viewing time and has recently been renewed for a second season. Meanwhile, "Alice in Borderland," which premiered over three years ago, has accumulated 68.6 million hours watched, showcasing its enduring appeal.
The spotlight remains on "Sakamoto Days," the most-watched anime series on Netflix for the first half of 2025, which is currently airing its second season weekly. The show is centered around Sakamoto, a retired assassin who is attempting to enjoy a peaceful life with his family. However, the tranquility is disrupted when an old colleague demands his return to the dangerous world of assassins, leading to potential consequences.
With its unique premise and engaging storytelling, "Sakamoto Days" has captured the attention of audiences worldwide, leading to its impressive viewing figures. As Netflix continues to invest in and promote its anime lineup, the competition among series is expected to intensify, with both new and established titles vying for viewer attention.
The growing popularity of anime on Netflix highlights a significant trend in the entertainment landscape. More viewers are increasingly turning to anime for its diverse storytelling, rich character development, and innovative animation styles. This trend is evident in the viewing figures, as many titles are not only achieving high hours watched but also generating buzz and discussion on social media platforms.
As the streaming giant expands its library and collaborates with various production studios to bring exclusive content to its subscribers, the potential for anime to thrive on the platform is greater than ever. Fans are eager for fresh stories and adaptations, and Netflix seems committed to meeting this demand.
In summary, the data from Netflix’s Engagement Report reflects a robust interest in anime, both classic and contemporary. As titles like "Sakamoto Days" and "Demon Slayer" continue to capture the hearts of viewers, it will be interesting to see how Netflix adapts its strategy to maintain and grow its audience in this competitive space. The ongoing evolution of anime’s presence on streaming platforms is a testament to its global appeal and transformative storytelling capabilities.
