So, you cannot live without anime?Anime mesmerized the world with style, story, and emotion. In short, anime has it in droves — from action-packed adventures and heartwarming romances to psychological thrillers and fantastical worlds. But with so many streaming services to choose from today, many fans are asking themselves: where to watch anime without compromising quality, access, or legality?
Top Anime Sites to Watch in 2025 In this post, we’ll cover the best sites to stream or watch the anime you love. Whether you’re a lifelong otaku or just want to indulge your curiosity, these platforms have the best viewing experience for anime lovers around the world.
Crunchyroll
Best For: Newest simulcasts, subtitles, anime community interactivity
Crunchyroll is one of the most recognized names in the anime world. Featuring more than 1,000 titles and an emphasis on simulcast content straight from Japan, it is the destination for hardcore fans who want to be up to date.
Why It’s Great:
- Massive anime library, including hit shows like Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan, and One Piece
- Sub or dub only: simulcast options available hours later
- Multi-language subtitles enabled content
- Ad-supported free version; ad-free premium plans
where to watch anime Downsides:
- Due to regional restrictions, Some shows
- They offer less dubbed content than other platforms
Where to watch anime? Crunchyroll is where you want to go first if you want new releases and don’t mind reading subtitles.
Funimation (Now Combined with Crunchyroll)
Best For: Anime content (some dubbed)
Until other services came along recently, Funimation was the best anime site for the English-dubbed versions of series. Most of its shows have since moved over to Crunchyroll, following Sony’s acquisition and consolidation of the two services. The legacy Funimation app, however, still covers areas not yet rolled into either combination.
Why It’s Great:
- Popular, broad catalog of dubbed anime
- Includes notable series such as My Hero Academia, Tokyo Ghoul, and Black Clover
- Sleek interface and good streaming quality
Downsides:
- Well, most of the new content is now Crunchyroll exclusive.
- Will be phase out completely sometime soon
So how do you appropriately watch English dubbed anime? Crunchyroll (plus Funimation’s catalog) is your best bet.
Netflix
Best For: Mainstream anime and originals exclusive to a streaming service
Netflix has really upped its anime game. From licensing the biggest titles to producing its own originals, it’s becoming a powerhouse of the anime industry.
Why It’s Great:
- Ability to stream in HD and subtitle/ dub in various languages
- Original anime exclusives such as Devilman Crybaby, Yasuke, and Castlevania
- Intuitive interface with tailored recommendations
Downsides:
- Library varies by region
- Simulcasting is a rare exception; most anime are added after the fact
So where to watch anime and also hinge on mainstream films? So its experience on Netflix is well-rounded.
HIDIVE
Best For: Hard to find and niche titles
HIDIVE is a hidden treasure for folks who love to really dig deep into older or more obscure anime. It is great alternative to the more mainstream platforms as it holds exclusive rights to Sentai Filmworks titles.
Why It’s Great:
- Scarce and vintage titles unavailable anywhere else
- Uncensored versions of shows
- Affordable subscription plans
Downsides:
- Not as extensive a library as Crunchyroll or Netflix
- Less intuitive interface
If you’re searching for an alternative to mainstream anime and where to watch it, HIDIVE is a good choice.
where to watch anime in Amazon Prime Video
Best For: Casual anime viewers and rare exclusives
Amazon Prime Video isn’t necessarily known for its anime library, but they do occasionally license some new shows as exclusives. It was where shows like Vinland Saga and Dororo first aired here.
Why It’s Great:
- High-quality video and audio
- Part of Amazon Prime subscription
- Some gems among the things everyone else offers
Downsides:
- Inconsistent anime catalog
- Bad catagorizing/discovery of anime titles
If you’re an existing Prime subscriber, wondering where you can watch anime without paying a dump truck of money to see every single one, this is a solid place to start.
YouTube (Legal Channels)
Best For: Free, legal viewing
There are also now numerous anime studios and distributors uploading episodes and full series to YouTube via official channels.
Why It’s Great:
- Completely free and legal
- Accessible worldwide
- Go to old school anime and one shots OVAs
Downsides:
- Incancellation of images and incomplete charts
- In low res on some videos
If you’re looking for free options, check out this anime streaming guide. For legal and legit content, try channels like Muse Asia or Ani-One.
AnimeLab ( Now Crunchyroll Australia/NZ )
Best For: Anime lovers Down Under
Originally known as AnimeLab, this regional service was swallowed by Crunchyroll but still deserves a shout-out for its presence down under.
Why It’s Great:
- Australian specific content
- HD Streaming Dual Audio Options
- More seamless integration into Crunchyroll’s global ecosystem
Downsides:
- New users sent to Crunchyroll
- The mystery of where-to-watch anime is over, at least for anime fans in the Pacific, because Crunchyroll has joined the party.
where to watch anime VRV (U.S. only)
Best For: Geek culture content bundled together
VRV is a little different because it brings together anime, cartoons and other geeky content from multiple channels — think Crunchyroll, HIDIVE and more — for one subscription.
Why It’s Great:
- One hub for anime and animation
- That includes from Rooster Teeth, Cartoon Hangover, and others
- Ad-free tier is affordable
Downsides:
- U.S.-only access
- Redundant with updated offerings from Crunchyroll
Even if you’re in the U.S. and ask where to watch anime and more, VRV gives you the best of both worlds.
where to watch anime Final Thoughts
It has more options than ever for anime fans in 2025. No matter if you’re after simulcasts, dubbed classics or indie quirks, there’s a groomed streaming platform just for you.
There’s a perfect, or several perfectly good, sites out there, no matter your taste or budget. So, all set with your snacks and a comfy spot, immerse yourself in anime on the best platforms of 2025!
