With a click of a mouse, a tap on the screen, or a stop at the theater, millions of people around the world are able to watch anime shows and films. But how did anime get to be so popular?

Over the last century, anime has evolved from silent films to action-packed shows filled with amazing fight scenes or heart-wrenching feature films that tell a touching coming-of-age story. Many anime are adapted from manga or light novels, but some are completely original! Overseas licensors have picked up many anime titles, exploding its popularity around the world. What sets anime apart from other animated art forms are its unique styles, stories, and voices. From the sub versus dub debate to anime's global impact, discover more about anime, its history, popular series, various adaptations, and more.