25 Celebrities You Didn’t Know Were Huge Anime Fans
Keanu Reeves
Keanu Reeves has never hidden his love for anime. He was a major force behind a planned live-action version of Cowboy Bebop and hoped to play the lead character, Spike Spiegel. Reeves was drawn to the show’s unique mix of sci-fi, western, and noir elements, which resonated strongly with him.
Tobey Maguire
The original Spider-Man, Tobey Maguire, has been an anime fan for decades. He isn’t just a casual viewer—he even acquired the rights to the classic 1980s sci-fi series Robotech in the early 2000s. Although his live-action adaptation never materialized, Maguire’s effort shows his genuine commitment to bringing mecha anime to Hollywood.
Megan Fox
Megan Fox has openly discussed her love of anime in interviews. Her tastes range from Akira and Sailor Moon to the gory, action-packed Gantz. She’s even expressed interest in starring in a live-action adaptation of the latter, underlining just how invested she is in the genre.
Leonardo DiCaprio
One of Hollywood’s most acclaimed actors, Leonardo DiCaprio, is also linked to anime. His production company, Appian Way, once owned the rights to produce a live-action adaptation of the legendary cyberpunk anime Akira. DiCaprio has a deep appreciation for Katsuhiro Otomo's visually stunning and thematically rich story, recognizing anime’s power to captivate global audiences with its thought-provoking narratives.
Zac Efron
Zac Efron is another long-time anime enthusiast. He has expressed admiration for Death Note, one of the most popular anime and manga series worldwide. At one point, Efron was even tipped to play Light Yagami in a live-action American adaptation. While the project never moved forward, his interest reflected a real passion for the series.
Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande’s love for anime has helped normalize and celebrate the fandom in mainstream culture. The pop superstar is an unapologetic anime fan—so much so that she has tattoos inspired by her favorite characters and often cosplays iconic roles. Ariana sports a tattoo of Spirited Away’s brave and resilient protagonist, Chihiro, and even shows off her affection for Pokémon with a large tattoo of Eevee.
Christian Bale
The Oscar-winning actor has a special connection to anime. Christian Bale voiced the English version of Howl in Studio Ghibli’s Howl’s Moving Castle. His decision to join Hayao Miyazaki’s beloved project showed not only his admiration for the art form but also his respect for its distinctive style and storytelling.
Michael B. Jordan
Naruto introduced millions to anime, and Michael B. Jordan is one of its loudest celebrity fans. He has called Naruto his all-time favorite series, and the influence shows in his work. His Black Panther villain costume for Killmonger was directly inspired by Vegeta’s armor from Dragon Ball Z. Jordan even partnered with Coach to create a fashion line infused with Naruto’s designs and iconography, proving his love for anime goes far beyond casual fandom.
Daniel Radcliffe
Best known as Harry Potter, Daniel Radcliffe has revealed his love for anime in interviews. He’s a fan of Naruto and also admires Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood for its rich storytelling and world-building. Radcliffe’s appreciation for long, character-driven sagas shows he’s more than just a casual viewer.
James Cameron
The visionary filmmaker behind Titanic and Avatar, James Cameron, is also an anime enthusiast. He developed Alita: Battle Angel for nearly two decades before passing the project to Robert Rodriguez. Cameron’s dedication to faithfully adapting Yukito Kishiro’s manga earned him respect among anime fans, who praised the final film’s authenticity.
Samuel L. Jackson
Known for some of Hollywood’s coolest roles, Samuel L. Jackson is also a dedicated anime fan. He voiced the lead in Afro Samurai and has praised darker, more mature titles such as Ninja Scroll and Black Lagoon. Jackson even served as executive producer for the live-action remake of Kite, further cementing his passion for the medium.
Hunter Schafer
Euphoria breakout star Hunter Schafer also has a deep connection to anime. She says the medium has influenced her both personally and artistically. Works by Hideaki Anno, especially Neon Genesis Evangelion, had a profound impact on her. She also cites the psychological horror classic Perfect Blue as a major inspiration, reflecting her taste for more mature, challenging titles.
The Weeknd
The Grammy-winning musician is also a proud anime fan. The Weeknd often weaves his love for anime into his work and public persona. He’s praised Dragon Ball Z and the dark atmosphere of Attack on Titan, while his music video “Snowchild” features a distinct anime-inspired art style to tell his life story. He’s even incorporated music from classics like Akira into his live performances, blending his artistry with his fandom.
Snoop Dogg
Everyone’s favorite rapper and gangsta grandpa, Snoop Dogg, is one of the most surprising names on this list. He has publicly shared fan art of himself drawn in the Dragon Ball Z style and often posts clips from series like Naruto. Snoop may be a casual fan, but his enthusiasm is authentic. His love for anime shows just how deeply the genre has influenced pop culture in recent years.
Usher
R&B superstar Miguel is also an old-school anime fan. He has often spoken about his love for the classic 1980s sci-fi series Robotech. For many Western fans, Robotech was their introduction to anime, and Miguel appreciated its mature storylines and complex themes. His admiration reflects a respect for anime at a time when it was only beginning to leave its mark on global culture.
Ronda Rousey
Even the fiercest fighters aren’t immune to anime’s pull. Former UFC champion and WWE star Ronda Rousey has long professed her love for Pokémon and Dragon Ball Z—even admitting she once had a crush on Vegeta. She has worn anime-inspired gear in official matches and often gushes about her favorite shows, proving that even the toughest warriors can love the spirit of shonen.
Quentin Tarantino
Acclaimed director Quentin Tarantino translates his love for anime directly into his films. His 2003 masterpiece Kill Bill: Volume 1 is the clearest example. The backstory of O-Ren Ishii was animated as a violent, stylish sequence by Japan’s Production I.G. It was a bold creative choice that paid tribute to the Japanese art and stories that inspired him.
Robin Williams
The late Robin Williams was an outspoken anime fan. He often mentioned his love for Akira, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and Ghost in the Shell in interviews. Beyond watching, he collected figures and memorabilia, and he was even spotted at anime conventions—proof that his fandom ran deep.
Robert Rodriguez
Battle Angel Alita is one of the most beloved titles in the anime/manga world, and filmmakers Robert Rodriguez and James Cameron made sure to honor it in their live-action adaptation, Alita: Battle Angel. Both longtime fans of anime, they ensured the movie stayed true to the source material—something audiences appreciated, as the film was warmly received.
Pharrell Williiams
The influential musician, producer, and designer Pharrell Williams has incorporated Japanese pop culture into his work for years. He collaborated with contemporary artist Takashi Murakami, whose style is steeped in anime and manga aesthetics. Pharrell even commissioned vibrant anime-style visuals for his 2014 music video It Girl.
Kanye West
For Kanye West, Akira has been a defining creative influence. He has openly declared his admiration for Katsuhiro Otomo’s classic, and its impact is visible in his music video for Stronger, which pays direct homage to iconic scenes from the anime. He has also cited works like Ghost in the Shell as inspirations, praising their visuals and dystopian storytelling.
Jon Boyega
Star Wars actor John Boyega is another vocal anime fan. He often tweets about Attack on Titan and Naruto, praising their world-building and character arcs. Boyega has even expressed interest in playing a live-action anime character one day.
Grimes
Experimental pop artist Grimes has infused anime and sci-fi aesthetics into much of her work. She frequently cites Neon Genesis Evangelion and Studio Ghibli films as inspirations, and her music videos reflect her passion for futuristic, otherworldly anime visuals.
Harry Shum Jr.
Harry Shum Jr., known for Glee and Crazy Rich Asians, is a passionate anime fan. He has praised classics like Yu Yu Hakusho for its compelling characters and epic battles. Beyond appreciation, Shum has credited Spike Spiegel’s smooth, dance-like fighting style from Cowboy Bebop as an inspiration for his own movement as a dancer and actor.
Fiin Wolfhard
For many fans, Death Note is a gateway anime, and Stranger Things star Finn Wolfhard is no exception. He has spoken about his love for the series, as well as his appreciation for the art style of Studio Ghibli. With interests spanning both classic and modern titles, Wolfhard’s watchlist reflects the balance of today’s anime fandom.
