Dandadanwas one of the biggest anime hits of 2024, seemingly coming out of nowhere to become a must-watch series shortly after its debut in early October. WhileDandadanperformed strongly across all major platforms—including Hulu and Crunchyroll—it found particular success on Netflix, where it ranked among the top10 most-streamed anime in the second half of 2024, alongside heavy hitters likeNaruto,One Piece, andDemon Slayer.
It seemed like there would be just one problem for fans ofDandadanand physical media:the Netflix Curse. In the past, the streaming giant has been notoriously slow about releasing anime it streams—along with its own original titles—on DVD and Blu-ray. And if that was the case here, it didn’t seem like a physical release of the hit show would be coming out anytime soon. And yet, against all expectations,DandadanSeason 1 is now up for pre-order on Amazon—breaking the so-called Netflix Curse in record time.Fans can grab the Standard Edition for $34.98 or go all-in on the Collector’s Edition for $64.98, which comes packed with extras like art cards, a sticker, and a 32-page art book. Both editions are set to release onJune 10, 2025, giving collectors and die-hard fans something to look forward to.
From Manga Sensation to Anime Phenomenon
A Story That Defies Genre—and Expectations
Dandadanbegan as a manga by Yukinobu Tatsu, who previously assisted onChainsaw ManandHell’s Paradise. It debuted onShōnen Jump+in April 2021 and quickly rose to prominence, with over a million views per chapter—joining the ranks of digital hits likeSpy x Family. In 2024, Science SARU adapted the manga into a TV anime, which aired from October to December.A second season is now set for July 2025.
The story follows a high school girl, Momo Ayase, who believes in ghosts, and a nerdy boy nicknamed Okarun, who believes in UFOs. Determined to prove each other wrong, they visit a haunted location and a UFO sighting spot—only to encounter real paranormal phenomena and acquire supernatural powers. The series blends intense action with sharp humor and an unpredictable plot, winning over a wide audience. The anime adaptation has further boosted its popularity both in Japan and internationally, with Science SARU’s high-quality animation and faithful storytelling earning widespread praise.
How Did Dandadan Beat the Netflix Curse?
A Win for Fans and Collectors
It’s unclear exactly howDandadanmanaged to break the so-called Netflix Curse, but one possibility is that the team wanted to get the show into fans’ hands as quickly as possible—especially afterit logged an estimated 97 million viewing hours on Netflix in 2024. Another explanation could be that the licensing deal was structured with physical media in mind from the start. That would mark a sharp contrast to past Netflix-distributed titles likeDevilman Crybaby, which never received a U.S. Blu-ray release, orBeastars, whose Season 1 discs didn’t arrive until nearly two years after its Japanese broadcast. InDandadan’s case, while Netflix and other platforms had streaming rights, GKIDS handled the home video release.
Dandadan Season Two Is On the Horizon: Here’s What We Know About the Anime’s Big Comeback
Dandadan will return with a second season, and there are already exciting updates and information about the new episodes to come that fans should know
Either way,Dandadan’s swift jump from streaming sensation to physical release is a win for fans and collectors alike. It’s a rare case of a hit anime sidestepping the usual delays—and a sign that even the Netflix Curse isn’t unbreakable.
Dandadan
Cast
Two high school students, embroiled in a wager to prove the existence of ghosts or aliens, encounter daunting paranormal threats, acquire superpowers, and possibly discover love. The series blends supernatural elements with personal dynamics as the protagonists navigate their newfound abilities and unexpected challenges.
