How well do general audience anime perform (Miyazaki..)?

[Fandal]

I enjoy watching the Akiba style anime because it's fun and interesting. However, every so often I want to watch something different. Something geared towards a more general audience (Not Akihabara!).

How well do these types of anime do in Japan? Do they do well in TV series format or are movies their main domain? Of course, there's Miyazaki, but he looks more like an exception rather then the rule since so much anime is geared towards the Akiba crowd.

[SeijiSensei]

You'll find some answers to these questions in the DVD sales thread. The thread on anime ratings might also be informative.

The best general audience anime television program in recent years is probably Seirei no Moribito. Other recent possibilities include Nijuu Mensou no Musume and the currently-airing Kemono no Souja Erin (link in signature). These are all shows that children are expected to watch, but the stories have enough depth and complexity to appeal to adults as well.

[Guardian Enzo]

A cursory glance at Japan's all-time top grossing films should tell you that general interest anime do just fine there.