MANILA — The global anime streaming landscape is entering a new phase as Amazon Prime Video intensifies its push to become a major destination for anime. By securing exclusive rights to highly anticipated titles such as Ghost in the Shell and a new Fist of the North Star reboot, the platform is positioning itself to reshape how and where audiences access anime beginning in 2026.
Prime Video expands its anime strategy
During its Prime Video Presents: International Originals showcase, Amazon outlined its ambition to become the “preferred destination for anime content globally,” signaling direct competition with established players such as Netflix and Crunchyroll. Executives pointed to sustained global demand for anime as a driving factor behind the company’s aggressive acquisition strategy, which now includes both legacy franchises and major new adaptations.
The move marks a significant escalation in Prime Video’s anime investments, underscoring its intent to compete at the highest level of global streaming distribution.
Major exclusives anchor 2026 lineup
Prime Video’s 2026 slate features several high-profile exclusives:
- A new Ghost in the Shell television anime produced by Science SARU, scheduled to air in Japan in July 2026. Prime Video will hold exclusive global streaming rights outside China and Russia and is expected to offer early international access ahead of its domestic broadcast.
- A modern reboot of Fist of the North Star, launching as part of the franchise’s 40th anniversary celebration and set for global streaming on Prime Video.
- Additional titles, including From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman Season 2, further expanding the platform’s anime catalog.
By securing recognizable IP alongside new productions, Prime Video is targeting both core anime fans and mainstream viewers seeking globally accessible content.
Intensifying competition in anime streaming
Industry observers say Prime Video’s latest acquisitions signal an escalation in the ongoing streaming competition, particularly within the anime sector. For years, Netflix and Crunchyroll have dominated global simulcasts, dubbing pipelines, and exclusive premieres. Prime Video’s growing presence introduces a new dynamic, potentially fragmenting distribution across multiple services.
For viewers, this shift could mean navigating more platforms to follow major releases. For the industry, it reflects anime’s continued expansion as a central driver of global streaming growth.
As Prime Video strengthens its anime portfolio and deepens partnerships with Japanese studios, its emergence as a key player in international anime distribution could redefine the streaming landscape in 2026 and beyond.