Japan’s Top-Ranked Character Is Finally Coming to Netflix in New Anime Movie Streaming Release

A beloved Japanese superhero that trumps a slew of other beloved characters, from Studio Ghibli’s iconic mascot Totoro to Sanrio’s Hello Kitty, is about to arrive on Netflix for U.S. streamers.

This September, five Soreike! Anpanman (Let’s Go! Anpanman) feature films will arrive on the platform, marking a streaming debut on the platform for one of Japan’s most iconic and long-running anime franchises in history. Five Soreike! Anpanman feature films are slated to release on the service beginning Sept. 19, 2025; these include Anpanman: Revive Banana Island!, Anpanman: Purun, The Soap Bubble, Anpanman: Twinkle! Princess Vanilla of Ice Cream Land and Anpanman: Shine! Kulun and the Stars of Life.

Netflix Secures Streaming Release of 1 of the Longest-Running Anime of All Time

Image via Netflix

Created as a picture book series in 1973 by Takashi Yanase, Anpanman is an anpan (Japanese red bean paste bun)-headed superhero who offers parts of his head to feed the hungry while battling the mischievous germ villain, Baikinman. In 1988, the series received an anime adaptation from TMS Entertainment (the studio behind Detective Conan and Sakamoto Days) and has premiered weekly since, making it one of the longest-running anime series of all time.

Anpanman and his adventures have garnered unparalleled popularity in Japan. According to a 2020 report from Taiwan’s Central News Agency, the franchise ranked as Japan’s top consumption character in both 2018 and 2019, surpassing Sanrio’s Hello Kitty, Pikachu from Pokémon and even Disney’s Mickey Mouse. Since 2019, it has also held the position of Japan’s highest-grossing character, with its popularity spawning five dedicated museums across the country.

Internationally, Anpanman’s influence has been steadily growing, from inspiring a dedicated song by iconic K-pop group BTS in 2018 to making his way onto Western streaming platforms. In 2021, Tubi acquired exclusive streaming rights to 10 Soreike! Anpanman films, including several listed on Netflix’s upcoming Anpanman lineup. While the details of the streaming negotiations remain unknown, this certainly marks the series’ widest global release to date.

The five Soreike! Anpanman feature films will be available on Netflix for U.S. viewers beginning Sept. 19, 2025.

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