25 Celebrities You’ll Never Believe Are Obsessed With Anime

Anime is a Japanese genre of animation that took over the world during the 1980s. Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon, Cowboy Bebop, and Ghost in the Shell are just a few anime that propelled the anime genre to stardom. Millions of fans all over the world cannot wait for new anime releases and one of them are celebrities. Most of the time celebrities are considered untouchable and detached from the whole world because of their lifestyles but even some people in Hollywood could not resist expressing love for anime. In this article, we will list the 25 most famous celebrities who watch anime.

In this write-up, we’ll feature renowned personalities hailing from all corners of the globe – from talented athletes to captivating actors, popular singers, successful business tycoons, and beyond. We hope your curiosity will keep you reading until the last word. So, without any further delay, let’s dive in!

25. David De Gea

A well-known soccer player who dons the jersey for Manchester United and Spain’s national team, David De Gea, has come very close to achieving all accolades in his career. He has won the Premier League, FA Cup, Europa League, and two EURO championships with Spain, placing him among the top goalkeepers of the last ten years in football. In his downtime, De Gea is a devotee of heavy metal music, yet finds inspiration from anime, particularly the series Naruto.

During a recent chat with goal.com, it was revealed that De Gea has an immense affection for characters from Naruto, focusing particularly on Jiraiya, Naruto, and Gaara. On various occasions, his social media posts show him engrossed in watching Naruto, and enthusiastically promoting the anime. In a way, when playing for Manchester United, he appeared to employ Kage Bunshin Jutsu as no one could seem to score near him.

24. Snoop Dogg

In the late 80s and 90s, Snoop Dogg emerged as a remarkable rap prodigy, and his recognition endures to this day. Often hailed as one of the most significant figures in music over the past few decades, Snoop Dogg now is commonly seen as a charismatic celebrity who has demonstrated versatility across various media platforms.

It’s clear that he frequently expresses his passion for anime on social media, particularly through tweets and Instagram stories. We can confidently say that Naruto and Dragon Ball are among his favorite series, as he often shares posts related to anime. Additionally, whenever he posts, Snoop consistently demonstrates his affection for the genre.

23. Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves is a highly acclaimed actor of our times, demonstrating exceptional talent in notable performances such as his debut role in the 1989 film Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure and the more mature portrayal in My Private Idaho from 1991. Since then, he has proven himself to be a versatile and gifted actor, taking on various roles, and continues to shine in action films like John Wick and Matrix Resurrection.

Initially, Keanu Reeves expressed a keen interest in anime, particularly Cowboy Bebop, and even wanted to direct, produce, and star in a live-action adaptation of the series. However, he eventually decided against it. In 2021, there was news that his own comic book, BRZRKR, would be brought to life on both the big screen (as a movie) and small screen (as an anime) by Netflix.

22. Pharrell Williams

Pharrell Williams, a music powerhouse, has been a significant figure in the music industry for over twenty years. Primarily recognized for his work with the band N.E.R.D., which blends rock and rap genres, and his collaborations with renowned artists, he’s also known for creating chart-topping hits that ruled the charts for weeks. His prowess in hit-making has placed him among the elite in the music industry.

In addition, it’s clear he has a fondness for anime. His partnership with Adidas resulted in a line of shoes themed around anime, which they labeled as “anime”. Similarly, Pharrell enlisted the help of Japanese artist Takashi Murakami to create an anime-inspired music video for his song “It Girl”. Furthermore, he openly expressed his enthusiasm for Pokémon during interviews.

21. Ronda Rousey

Known for her accomplishments in MMA, Ronda Rousey is famously recognized as the first female Olympic winner in judo and a former UFC fighter. She made history by participating in the inaugural women’s UFC fight and earned six UFC titles before being defeated by Amanda Nunes. In addition to her UFC career, she has appeared in popular movies such as The Expendables 3 and Furious 7, and later ventured into professional wrestling with the WWE.

Additionally, Rousey shared her enthusiasm for both Pokémon and Dragon Ball Z, and fondly reminisced about having a massive crush on the character Vegeta during her younger years.

20. Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan, a renowned American actor, gained immense popularity through his exceptional performances in the Creed series and Marvel’s Black Panther film. To this day, his portrayal of Killmonger stands as one of the most impressive villain roles within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). He reprised his role as Killmonger in Marvel’s animated television series, “What if…?”, delivering another outstanding performance.

It’s no wonder that Jordan is openly affectionate towards anime, given his recent venture. In partnership with Coach, he introduced a line inspired by Naruto, his preferred anime series. Moreover, his admiration for Dragon Ball Z is evident as well. Perhaps we’ll witness Michael B. Jordan animatedly featured in an anime production someday.

19. Robin Williams

Robbin Williams, who tragically passed away, was one of the most impactful comedians of our time. His flawless acting abilities and heartfelt desire to bring joy to others endeared him greatly to many. Spanning across various forms of media such as cartoons, animated series, and films, it comes as no surprise that Robin Williams held a deep affection for anime.

In one of her tweets, Zelda shared that her father had an extensive collection of figurines featuring both ordinary objects and characters from anime. Yet, it was during a Reddit AMA in 2013 where his affection for anime truly shone through. When someone asked him about his preferred anime series, Williams enthusiastically listed Neon Genesis Evangelion, Cowboy Bebop, Ghost in the Shell, Akira, and Blood: The Last Vampire as his favorites.

18. Samuel L. Jackson

Despite being widely recognized for his memorable role as Nick Fury within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Samuel L. Jackson’s acting career is nothing short of impressive. His ability to convincingly portray characters in serious films may surprise some, yet his talent has consistently proven itself through various roles, demonstrating his exceptional skills as an actor.

Apart from his passion for films, he excels in voice acting too – lending his voice to diverse animated productions, such as anime. Jackson identifies himself as an avid fan of comic books and anime, with shows like Black Lagoon being among his all-time favorites. He is also a voice actor for several anime characters, including Afro Samurai.

17. Zac Efron

Initially, Zac Efron rose to fame through his role in the globally recognized franchise, High School Musical. Subsequently, he expanded his acting portfolio with both thought-provoking dramas and hilarious comedies, ultimately solidifying his status as a talented actor of this generation.

In various interviews, he frequently voiced his affection for anime, particularly Death Note. There were discussions about him starring in a live-action adaptation of the same title, but unfortunately, those plans didn’t materialize. If he had been cast, perhaps the live-action version of Death Note might have been more appealing.

16. Usain Bolt

Generally regarded as the best sprinter ever by athletics enthusiasts worldwide, Usain Bolt has shone brilliantly throughout his career. He smashed numerous records in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4×100 meters relay, and those records remain unbeaten to this day. Despite being charismatic, he never came off as arrogant, which is likely a major factor behind the immense adoration he received from his fans.

Apart from being an avid supporter of Manchester United in football, it’s worth noting that he is equally passionate about anime. His Instagram stories reveal a deep affection for the character Naruto, as evidenced by the posters of Naruto figures adorning the walls of his home.

15. Elon Musk

Elon Musk, a highly influential entrepreneur and billionaire, tends to inspire intense feelings – you either adore him or not. He is the mastermind behind companies such as Tesla and SpaceX, and his ventures are closely watched by many. In 2018, Musk shared his affection for the anime “Your Love” through a tweet, demonstrating his diverse interests.

In subsequent tweets, he hinted at developing a mecha similar to those seen in anime. Given Elon Musk’s track record, such an endeavor might seem unlikely.

14. Quentin Tarantino

Quentin Tarantino is an exceptional film director of our time, known for his unique postmodern approach to directing. This style involves drawing inspiration from various media and artistic sources to craft something entirely new and original. Throughout his career, Tarantino has consistently demonstrated his passion for spaghetti westerns, comic books, and global cinema.

Apart from that, it’s common knowledge that he openly admits his affection for anime, particularly Ghost in the Shell and Blood: The Last Vampire. Interestingly, he went as far as recruiting anime artists to design animated scenes for Kill Bill. Given Tarantino’s penchant for the unconventional, it wouldn’t be shocking if he embarks on more anime-related projects in the future.

13. Tobey Maguire

Tobey Maguire, who played everyone’s favorite Spider-Man in the 2000s, has a lengthy and admired career that many people are envious of. His acting journey commenced at the beginning of the 1990s when he showcased his talent in serious dramas. The Spider-Man series catapulted him to fame during the 2000s, and when he returned last year to reprise his role in Spider-Man: No Way Home, he regained the limelight.

It’s well-known that his passion for anime stems from his past interviews, during which he openly professed his fondness for Robotech and the initial Macross series. At one point, it was planned for him to take on directing, producing, and acting roles in a live-action movie adaptation of Robotech, but Sony ended up holding the rights to the anime. Fingers crossed, we’ll catch Tobey Maguire in a similar role in the future.

12. Avril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne, a Canadian rock sensation, dominated global music scenes during the early 2000s. Her unique blend of music and Sk8er girl image left countless teenagers in admiration, and this adoration continues even today. Although she still produces new tunes, her passion for the anime series One Piece stretches back to its initial airing.

She’s incredibly fond of One Piece, having provided two of her songs for the 2012 One Piece Film Z movie. Given her expressed affection for various anime, it’s hoped that we’ll also hear Avril composing music for other anime in the future.

11. BTS

A few years ago, K-pop conquered the globe, and many fans who emerged during that time continue to support their favorite Korean groups today. While millions of Western fans were early supporters, one band in particular is credited for making K-pop a global sensation in the West – BTS. This group boasts one of the largest fanbases on Earth, and whatever they do quickly becomes popular.

It’s clear that they have a deep affection for anime, as evidenced by their admiration for series such as Naruto, One Piece, My Hero Academia, among others. This love is evident in their performances at concerts, the themes of their music videos, and various other projects they undertake.

10. James Cameroon

James Cameron is renowned as one of the greatest directors in science fiction cinema. He’s responsible for creating iconic films such as “The Terminator” (1984), “Aliens” (1986), “The Abyss” (1989), “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” (1991), “Titanic” (1997), and “Avatar” (2009). These films have not only made unprecedented amounts at the box office but also received widespread critical acclaim. Interestingly, aside from being an occasional explorer of the Titanic, Cameron has openly expressed his affection for anime on multiple occasions.

As a devoted connoisseur of animated films, I can confidently say that Hayao Miyazaki stands among the greatest animators in anime history. His masterpiece, Nausicaa and the Valley of the Wind, left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape, particularly influencing James Cameron’s creation, Avatar. The lush, alien world of Pandora, home to the Na’vi, bears a striking resemblance to the Valley of the Wind – a testament to Miyazaki’s profound impact on Cameron’s vision.

9. Terry Crews

Terry Crews, an accomplished actor hailing from the United States, previously excelled as a professional American football player and TV host. Currently, he is predominantly recognized by modern audiences due to his roles in popular sitcoms like Everybody Hates Chris and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Over the years, he has appeared in numerous films, leading him to participate in an AMA (Ask Me Anything) session on Reddit about a decade ago.

At that location, the crew openly declared their immense appreciation for Ghost in the Shell and admitted to occasionally re-watching the anime series. It’s possible they might be involved with a future project similar to it.

8. Kanye West

Kanye West, a renowned figure in both hip-hop and contemporary art, is widely recognized as one of the most influential musicians and artists of our era. Given his profound impact on the rap scene since his debut, it’s no surprise that he shares an appreciation for anime too.

The 2007 music video for “Stronger,” a collaboration between Kanye and Daft Punk, was influenced by his preferred anime, Akira, as seen in the anime-inspired style of their music videos. He frequently declared his affection for this anime across various social media platforms.

7. Leonardo Di Caprio

Leonardo DiCaprio is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of our era, with films such as Romeo and Juliet, Shutter Island, The Great Gatsby, Django Unchained, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Titanic, Inception, and others contributing significantly to his status as a cultural phenomenon. Beyond his passion for environmental conservation, Di Caprio has expressed his fondness for anime on numerous occasions. Some of his favorite titles include Ninja Scrolls, Akira, and Gundam.

With Leo’s knack for exploring different artistic mediums and his eagerness to take on new challenges, it’s hopeful that he might consider joining an anime production in the future.

6. Megan Fox

Megan Fox held the title of the world’s most admired actress during the era of the Transformers films in the 2000s and her portrayal of April O’Neil in the live-action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movies, earned her a spot as every nerd’s favorite.

Apart from working on films based on comic books and toy franchises, Megan Fox frequently voices her admiration for anime. Notably, Sailor Moon, Inuyasha, and Cowboy Bebop are among her preferred anime titles, and she also appreciates graphic novels and manga.

5. Hulk Hogan

In the ’80s and ’90s, Hulk Hogan rose to global fame, playing a pivotal role in boosting the popularity of WWE. One of his matches, against Andre the Giant, remains one of the most-watched wrestling bouts in U.S. history. Known as a cultural icon, Hulk Hogan’s passion for Pokémon is equally recognized.

Apart from showing affection towards Pokémon Go, Hogan was also part of the festivities marking the 10th anniversary of the Pokémon anime series.

4. Christian Bale

Known as one of the finest actors of our time, Christian Bale is renowned for his exceptional performances in films like American Psycho, The Machinist, The Batman Trilogy, The Fighter, and others. His talent lies in his remarkable ability to immerse himself completely into the characters he portrays, a skill that has earned him the nickname “chameleon.” It’s no wonder then, that this versatile actor is also an avid anime fan.

In a clearer and more conversational manner, we could say: Bale openly admired the movies created by Miyazaki, often praised as critical darlings and true works of art.

3. Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande is a versatile performer who excels in both acting and singing. She first gained recognition through Nickelodeon’s TV series “Victorious,” and her musical career took off worldwide shortly afterward. Upcoming, she will demonstrate her talent on Broadway in the show “Wicked.” Additionally, her fondness for anime may lead to some exciting projects in that field.

Grande’s social media accounts are among the most popular on the entire internet, and she often expresses her thoughts freely. Once, she revealed her latest tattoo to her fans on Snapchat – a depiction of Chihiro, the main character from Miyazaki’s anime movie titled Spirited Away. She subsequently provided a detailed explanation about the tattoo, and soon after added another anime-inspired tattoo to her collection – that of Pokémon Eevee.

2. Daniel Radcliffe

Daniel Radcliffe, best recognized globally for his role as the iconic teenage wizard Harry Potter, is not just a talented actor but also has quite an eclectic taste in movies and television shows, which makes him intriguing to watch. It’s no wonder then that he holds a deep affection for anime, with “Monster”, “Initial D” and the works of Miyazaki being among his favorites. Given Radcliffe’s versatility, it seems only natural that we might see him in an anime production someday, and we’d be more than happy to welcome such a venture.

1. Hayley Williams

Hayley Williams, lead singer of Paramore, is likely considered by teens from the 2010s what Avril Lavigne was to those from the 2000s. Much like Lavigne, Williams’ talent and charm made a lasting impact. In fact, Paramore played a significant role in the initial wave of nu-metal that swept through the music scene during the 2000s and has persisted ever since. Her vocal range is well-known among her followers, as is her affection for anime.

In casual conversation, I’d say something like this: “I openly admit my deep-rooted affection for Digimon and Death Note, two series that have left a lasting impression on me. On occasion, during my theatrical appearances, I even donned the costume of Blood: The Last Vampire, showcasing my devotion to these fascinating worlds.

2025-05-11 06:18