Obsessed with Adult Animation—
New voices, unconventional storytelling—third year of the ATF x TTB Animation Pitch sustains strong responses from the industry
“Adult animation is one of the fastest growing and most dynamic sectors in today’s audiovisual market, yet it remains significantly less saturated than children’s content,” stated Alessandra Pastore, Animation Lab Manager at Ties That Bind (TTB).
This rise makes it the perfect ground for new voices and unconventional storytelling. With the upsurge of global streaming platforms, audiences are more open than ever to serialised, experimental, or short form animated content that speaks to their adult sensibilities. This trend is especially strong among viewers accustomed to rich, layered narratives.
Alessandra Pastore
Animation Lab Manager
Ties That Bind (TTB)
“International markets such as France, the US, South Korea, and Japan have been investing in adult animation for years, and funding schemes in Europe (like Creative Europe or CNC Talent) are now supporting this niche,” offered Alessandra. “By focusing on this genre, producers can carve out a strong and recognisable identity while building new international co-production opportunities.”
As content boundaries continue to blur, different genres of animation are finding fresh traction with viewers. The Insights Family’s latest Q2 2025 data reveals nuanced patterns of engagement, where Asian markets divulge early-stage interest in more sophisticated animated storytelling.
Asia holds a unique and influential position in the global animation landscape. “Countries like Japan and South Korea have long been pioneers in adult-oriented animation, developing rich traditions through anime, webtoons, and graphic storytelling that blend philosophy, genre tropes, and visual artistry,” observed Alessandra.
The Insights Family’s VP of Research Solutions, Adam Woodgate, noted that among Asian teens (11—18), the world of adult / family animation is niche, but noteworthy. In the Philippines and Indonesia, data reveals that leading in engagement in this alcove is “Naruto”, achieving high favourite scores, underscoring teens’ affinity with anime in these countries.
“Naruto” emerges as a cross-regional powerhouse, appearing in four of the six countries studied—China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, and South Korea. As well, “One Piece” and “Crayon Shin-chan” also show recurring presence across multiple markets, noted Adam.
Adam Woodgate
VP, Research Solutions
The Insights Family
These cultural products have had massive influence on global audiences and creators alike. But there’s more: emerging markets like China, Thailand, and India are now investing in adult animation with growing ambition—bringing local narratives into globally appealing formats.
Thanks to the proliferation of digital platforms and social media, Asian animation travels more freely than ever, reaching audiences far beyond regional borders.
“Moreover, co-productions between Asia and Europe or North America are expanding, creating new creative ecosystems that combine cultural specificity with universal themes,” added Alessandra. “Asia is not just participating, it’s leading.”
Alessandra believes that Asia’s storytelling is shaping new trends in tone, theme, and style, and its role in defining the future of adult animation will only grow stronger.
In countries where adult animation like anime is deeply embedded in youth culture, such as Japan, Philippines, Indonesia, the line between kids’ and not-made-for-kids animation is more fluid. This, according to Adam, results in what can be described as a “gateway effect”, where familiarity with complex storytelling in animation opens the door for teens to engage with more mature content.
In 2025, ATF attendees can expect an expanded edition of the ATF x TTB Animation Pitch, with more international scope and deeper industry engagement. “We’re strengthening the bridge between Asia and Europe, while also opening more channels toward North America,” Alessandra announced.
ATF has offered a visibility boost that’s crucial for early-stage projects—to facilitate access to future distribution and co-production opportunities directly through meetings held during the pitch.
“In short, the synergy between TTB and the ATF market is working, and ATF is not just a showcase: it’s an active springboard for talent and stories with international potential,” assured Alessandra.
To date, the ATF x TTB Animation Pitch has garnered a 55% increase in submissions over last year’s entry numbers, cultivating a tougher fight for attention among this year’s judging panel—among them is producer Matīss Kaža of Trickster Pictures. His entry, “Flow”, took home the 2025 Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film.
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*Submissions to the ATF x TTB Animation Pitch 2025 closes on August 31, 2025.
Enter here.