The Biggest Anime Franchises That Inspired Trading Card Games

Gregory Thornberry
3 days ago
5 min read

Some of the biggest trading card games in the world started as anime. Long before fans were opening booster packs or chasing rare cards, they were watching characters like Pikachu, Goku, Luffy, and Naruto on television.

As these franchises grew into global entertainment giants, it was only natural that many of them expanded into trading cards.

Some anime, like Pokémon, One Piece, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Dragon Ball, Digimon, and Gundam, have their own dedicated trading card games. Others appear in crossover games like Union Arena and Weiß Schwarz. Either way, they've given fans another fun way to collect the characters and stories they already love. Here are the biggest anime franchises that made the jump from the screen to the tabletop.

Biggest Anime Franchises With Trading Card Games

Pokémon

If you ask someone to name an anime, there's a good chance Pokémon is the first one they'll think of. The series has been on television since 1997 and introduced generations of fans to Ash Ketchum, Pikachu, and hundreds of unforgettable Pokémon. Even after Ash's story came to an end, Pokémon Horizons proved the franchise is still just as popular with a brand-new cast.

The Pokémon Trading Card Game has become just as iconic as the anime itself. Whether you're collecting vintage Base Set cards, chasing modern Special Illustration Rares, or building a tournament deck, there's something for everyone. Nearly thirty years after its debut, it's still one of the biggest and most valuable trading card games in the world.

One Piece

One Piece has been running since 1999, but it somehow keeps getting bigger every year. Streaming services, the Netflix live-action series, and one of the most passionate fanbases in entertainment have helped introduce Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates to millions of new viewers. With more than 1,100 episodes and the best-selling manga by a single author, it's one of anime's biggest success stories.

Bandai's One Piece Card Game has followed the same path. The game combines solid gameplay with incredible artwork, including Manga Rares, alternate arts, and premium Leader cards. Even collectors who never play the game enjoy opening packs because the cards do such a great job celebrating the anime.

Dragon Ball

Before anime became mainstream around the world, there was Dragon Ball. Goku's adventures introduced millions of people to Japanese animation, and Dragon Ball Z became must-watch television throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s. Today, the franchise continues to grow through new movies, games, and Dragon Ball Super.

Dragon Ball has inspired several card games over the years, with Dragon Ball Super Card Game Fusion World serving as Bandai's newest flagship game. The cards feature characters from across the franchise, giving collectors the chance to own beautifully designed versions of Goku, Vegeta, Frieza, Broly, and many of anime's most famous heroes and villains.

Naruto

Few anime have connected with fans the way Naruto has. Watching Naruto Uzumaki grow from an outcast into one of the Hidden Leaf Village's greatest heroes made the series a favorite for millions of viewers. Combined with Naruto: Shippuden, the franchise remains one of the most recognizable names in anime.

For years, fans wondered why Naruto didn't have a modern global trading card game. That's finally changing. Bandai's upcoming Naruto Card Game launches worldwide in 2027, and excitement is already building among collectors who have been waiting years to collect their favorite ninjas in a dedicated TCG.

Attack on Titan

When Attack on Titan debuted in 2013, it immediately grabbed attention with its dark story, incredible animation, and shocking twists. It quickly became one of the biggest anime of the decade, attracting viewers who had never watched anime before.

Characters like Eren, Mikasa, Armin, and Levi have become modern anime icons.

Unlike many franchises on this list, Attack on Titan doesn't have its own standalone trading card game. Instead, fans can collect the series through games like Union Arena and Weiß Schwarz, both of which feature beautifully illustrated cards based on the anime.

Yu-Gi-Oh!

No anime is more closely connected to trading cards than Yu-Gi-Oh!. The original Duel Monsters series turned card battles into dramatic showdowns, introducing fans to legendary monsters like Blue-Eyes White Dragon, Dark Magician, and Exodia. Even people who never played the game usually recognize those names.

That success carried directly into the real world. The Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game remains one of the largest competitive card games on the planet, with decades of expansions, tournaments, and collectible rarities. Few anime have influenced the trading card hobby as much as Yu-Gi-Oh!.

Demon Slayer

Demon Slayer became one of the biggest anime hits of the last decade almost overnight. Stunning animation, memorable characters, and the record-breaking success of Mugen Train helped turn Tanjiro and Nezuko into household names for anime fans around the world.

Instead of launching its own card game, Demon Slayer joined Bandai's Union Arena. The game lets collectors build decks featuring Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu, Inosuke, and the Hashira while introducing the franchise to an even larger audience of trading card fans.

Jujutsu Kaisen

Even though Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the newest anime on this list, it has already become one of the biggest. The series exploded in popularity thanks to incredible animation from MAPPA, fast-paced action, and memorable characters like Yuji Itadori, Gojo Satoru, Megumi Fushiguro, and Sukuna. Every new season becomes a major event in the anime community.

Jujutsu Kaisen is part of Bandai's Union Arena lineup, giving fans another way to collect their favorite sorcerers and curses. With sharp artwork and a growing player base, it's one of the strongest modern anime licenses in the game.

My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia took the classic superhero formula and gave it an anime twist. Since premiering in 2016, the story of Izuku Midoriya's dream of becoming the world's greatest hero has attracted millions of fans. Between its colorful cast, exciting battles, and emotional moments, it's become one of the defining anime of the past decade.

Rather than releasing its own trading card game, My Hero Academia joined Union Arena. Fans can collect cards featuring Deku, Bakugo, Todoroki, All Might, and many of the series' biggest heroes and villains while enjoying the same gameplay system as other popular anime franchises.

Hunter × Hunter

Hunter × Hunter has earned a reputation as one of the smartest action anime ever made. The adventures of Gon, Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio are packed with creative battles, memorable villains, and story arcs that are still considered some of the best in anime.

Hunter × Hunter is available through Union Arena rather than its own dedicated trading card game. That gives fans the chance to collect beautifully designed cards featuring the series' most popular characters while introducing the franchise to new players.

The List Could Go On and On

Anime and trading cards have gone hand in hand for decades, and that connection continues to grow every year. Some franchises have become dedicated trading card games played around the world, while others have found success through crossover games that bring multiple anime together under one roof.

No matter which series introduced you to anime, there's a good chance you can collect it today. Whether you're chasing vintage Pokémon cards, opening the latest One Piece booster box, waiting for the Naruto Card Game, or collecting your favorite Union Arena characters, there's never been a better time to be both an anime fan and a trading card collector.

The best part is that the list keeps growing. As new anime become global hits, don't be surprised if the next great franchise eventually finds its way into the trading card hobby too.

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