Fact Check: "It is possible to watch every anime in existence"
What We Know
The claim that it is possible to watch every anime in existence is fundamentally flawed due to the sheer volume of anime produced. As of 2023, estimates suggest there are over 18,000 anime titles when considering series, films, and original video animations (OVAs). Furthermore, the anime industry continues to grow, with numerous new titles being announced for upcoming years, including 2025. For instance, there are already several anticipated releases for 2025, such as "Solo Leveling" and "Kaiju No. 8" (source-2).
Analysis
The assertion that one can watch every anime is impractical for several reasons:
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Volume of Content: With over 18,000 titles available and counting, the time required to watch each one would be astronomical. Even if an individual were to dedicate several hours a day to watching anime, it would take years, if not decades, to complete such a task. For example, if an average anime episode is about 24 minutes long, watching 18,000 titles (assuming an average of 12 episodes per series) would require approximately 43,200 hours, or about 5 years of continuous viewing without breaks.
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Ongoing Production: The anime industry is not static; it continually produces new content. As noted, there are numerous new series and films set to debut in 2025 alone (source-1). This ongoing influx means that even if someone were to watch every existing anime today, new titles would quickly render that effort obsolete.
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Accessibility and Availability: Not all anime titles are readily accessible due to licensing issues, regional restrictions, or the fact that some older titles may not be available on streaming platforms. This further complicates the feasibility of watching every anime.
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Quality and Interest: The diversity in genres and styles means that not every anime appeals to every viewer. Many fans tend to focus on specific genres or series that interest them, making the idea of watching every title even less practical.
Given these points, the claim that it is possible to watch every anime in existence is not only unrealistic but also ignores the dynamic nature of the anime industry.
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that it is possible to watch every anime in existence is false. The overwhelming number of titles, the continuous production of new content, accessibility issues, and personal viewing preferences all contribute to the impracticality of this assertion.