Hollywood Actors Who Are Die-Hard Anime Fans

Anime has transcended its niche origins to become a global phenomenon that influences cinema and pop culture worldwide. Many prominent Hollywood actors have publicly expressed their deep admiration for Japanese animation and its complex storytelling. These stars often cite legendary directors like Hayao Miyazaki or classic series like ‘Dragon Ball Z’ as major inspirations for their own careers. The following list highlights fifteen famous men who are genuine enthusiasts of the medium.

Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan has frequently expressed his love for anime series like ‘Naruto: Shippuden’ and ‘Dragon Ball Z’ during interviews. He incorporated heavy anime influences into the fight choreography for ‘Creed III’ to honor his favorite animations. The actor collaborated with Coach to launch a fashion line inspired by the ‘Naruto’ franchise. Jordan famously admitted that anime action scenes help him prepare emotionally and physically for his own stunt work.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson remains one of the most vocal celebrity proponents of anime culture and adult animation. He has cited ‘Ninja Scroll’ and ‘Black Lagoon’ as some of his absolute favorite productions. The actor even produced and voiced the lead character in the anime series ‘Afro Samurai’ because of his deep appreciation for the genre. Jackson often discusses how anime storytelling offers a unique complexity that traditional Western cartoons lack.

Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves has held a long fascination with Japanese animation that dates back to the early nineties. He famously tried to get a live-action adaptation of ‘Cowboy Bebop’ off the ground so he could play the lead role of Spike Spiegel. The actor consistently praises ‘Akira’ as a masterpiece that influenced his perspective on sci-fi cinema. Reeves believes the philosophical depth found in anime scripts rivals that of many live-action feature films.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio has spent years trying to bring a live-action version of ‘Akira’ to the big screen through his production company. He identifies as a huge fan of Hayao Miyazaki and the fantastical worlds created by Studio Ghibli. The actor frequently cites ‘Spirited Away’ and ‘Princess Mononoke’ as examples of artistic excellence in animation. DiCaprio appreciates the environmental themes often present in Japanese animation which align with his personal activism.

Robin Williams

The late Robin Williams was an avid collector of anime figures and a genuine enthusiast of the medium. He famously requested a copy of ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ while filming ‘One Hour Photo’ to better understand his character. His collection included rare items from ‘Ghost in the Shell’ and ‘Cowboy Bebop’ that he treasured deeply. Williams often spoke about the intricate character designs and mature themes that drew him to Japanese animation.

Zac Efron

Zac Efron developed a strong interest in anime after watching the popular series ‘Death Note’. He engaged in talks to star in a live-action adaptation of the psychological thriller before the project changed hands. The actor enjoys the complex moral ambiguity found in many mainstream anime storylines. Efron has mentioned that the visual style of Japanese animation provides him with creative inspiration for his own projects.

John Boyega

John Boyega regularly tweets about his favorite ongoing series such as ‘Attack on Titan’ and ‘Hunter x Hunter’. He listed becoming a Hokage from ‘Naruto’ as one of his life goals during a press tour for ‘Pacific Rim Uprising’. The actor often compares the epic scale of anime battles to the blockbuster films he stars in. Boyega actively engages with the anime community online to discuss the latest plot twists and character arcs.

Tobey Maguire

Tobey Maguire grew up watching the classic series ‘Robotech’ and has maintained a love for the franchise into adulthood. His production company acquired the rights to the series in hopes of launching a massive live-action franchise. Maguire appreciates the intricate mecha designs and the sweeping space opera narrative of the original show. He believes the storytelling in ‘Robotech’ was ahead of its time and suitable for a modern cinematic adaptation.

Christian Bale

Christian Bale agreed to voice the character Howl in the English dub of ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ after watching ‘Spirited Away’. He was struck by the fantastical imagery and unique storytelling techniques used by director Hayao Miyazaki. The actor stated that the role allowed him to explore a whimsical side of performance that live-action rarely offers. Bale considers the creativity within Studio Ghibli films to be unmatched in the world of cinema.

Robert Pattinson

Robert Pattinson has expressed a deep love for the storytelling found in Studio Ghibli films. He specifically mentioned ‘The Boy and the Heron’ as a significant cinematic experience that moved him deeply. The actor admires how anime can convey profound emotions through abstract visuals and sound design. Pattinson often draws parallels between the character depth in anime and the roles he chooses in independent films.

John Cena

John Cena is a well-known admirer of the classic anime movie ‘Fist of the North Star’. He has shared images from the film on his social media accounts to show his appreciation for its gritty aesthetic. The professional wrestler turned actor finds the hyper-masculine character designs and intense action sequences compelling. Cena credits the 1986 animated film with shaping his understanding of action storytelling.

Terry Crews

Terry Crews is a vocal fan of the original ‘Ghost in the Shell’ film and its subsequent adaptations. He lobbied heavily on social media for a role in the live-action adaptation because of his passion for the source material. The actor loves the cyberpunk aesthetic and the philosophical questions regarding artificial intelligence. Crews frequently attends conventions where he interacts with fans who share his enthusiasm for anime culture.

Dylan Sprouse

Dylan Sprouse is arguably one of the most dedicated anime fans in Hollywood with extensive knowledge of the medium. He frequently cosplays characters from series like ‘Naruto’ and engages in deep discussions about anime lore. The actor voiced a character in the video game ‘Kingdom Hearts III’ which bridges Disney and anime aesthetics. Sprouse actively follows current seasons of popular shows and shares his unfiltered opinions with his followers.

Justice Smith

Justice Smith fulfilled a childhood dream when he starred in the live-action ‘Detective Pikachu’ movie. His love for anime extends beyond ‘Pokemon’ to include series like ‘Naruto’ and ‘Fullmetal Alchemist’. The actor has spoken about how anime helped him navigate his identity and social life while growing up. Smith continues to consume new anime releases and often references them in his professional work.

Lakeith Stanfield

Lakeith Stanfield is a massive fan of anime who actively sought out the role of L in the live-action ‘Death Note’ film. He studied the animated series meticulously to capture the quirks and mannerisms of the iconic detective character. The actor enjoys the dark psychological themes that act as a staple of the seinen genre. Stanfield often posts anime-related imagery on his social media to signal his continued passion for the art form.

Tell us which actor’s anime obsession surprised you the most in the comments.