Anime has exploded from a niche hobby of a subculture into a worldwide phenomenon. Anime is a popular genre with millions of fans globally, and the demand for a high-quality anime streaming service has increased significantly. Whether you’re a longtime otaku or you’re new to the wonderful world of Japanese animation, it’s important to know where you can watch anime legally, affordably and in high quality. Here, we will show you the top anime sites you can look up for in 2025 to watch your anime TV series and also find new ones.
Why You Need to Choose the Right where to watch anime Site
Before we jump to the list, you need to understand why choosing the right anime streaming platform is important. No two anime websites are the same. Some boast huge libraries but few dubs, others have simulcasts but no staple classics. Like any good anime site, it should have:
- A vast collection of titles
- High-definition video quality
- Fast, reliable streaming
- Sub and dub options
- Affordable or free access
- User-friendly interface
- Legal and secure viewing
Now, let us take a look at the best anime websites that you can trust.
where to watch anime Crunchyroll
Best for: Simulcasts, Subbed Anime
Crunchyroll has been a leading answer to, “where to watch anime?” With more than 1,000 anime titles and simulcasts from Japan that come out while they’re still airing overseas, it’s the best option for sub fans.
Features:
- Free ad-supported tier
- Premium ad-free plans
- Simulcasts within an hour after being released in Japan
- Available on web, mobile, consoles, and smart TVs
where to watch anime Pros:
✔ variety anime catalog
✔ Get the new episodes ahead of time
✔ Also manga and drama available
Cons:
✘ Limited dubbed content
✘ Not all older anime is available
Funimation (Now part of Crunchyroll)
Best for: Dubbed Anime
The lord of English dubs before it became fully integrated into Crunchyroll, Funimation. Most of its best-known shows, including Dragon Ball Z and My Hero Academia, now reside at Crunchyroll. To this day, its legacy survives for those who enjoy watching anime in English.
(Note: As of 2023, Funimation is part of Crunchyroll, and thus has transferred its dub library to Crunchyroll.)
Netflix
Best for: Original Anime, Lighter Viewers
Netflix no longer belongs only to bingeing western shows. In the last few years, it has poured money into anime, creating original titles and purchasing streaming rights to fan favorites.
Features:
- HD and 4K streaming
- Personalized recommendations
- Multilingual subs and dubs
- Offline downloads
Popular Titles:
Demon Slayer, Beastars, Baki Hanma, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, One Piece (live action + anime)
where to watch anime Pros:
🟢 Great for anime newcomers
🟢 Premium original programming
✔ Easy-to-use interface
Cons:
✘ Simulcasts are few and far between
✘ sommige series zijn regio-locked
Hulu
Best for: Anime + Mainstream TV Combo
The anthropocentric world of anime fans generally ignores Hulu with big-boy anime selections. It’s ideal for those who need anime and mainstream shows in one location.
Major Titles:Attack on Titan, Naruto Shippuden, Tokyo Revengers
Pros:
✔ 2 entertainment: anime + japan show
✔ Streaming is fast and of decent quality
✔ Cheap packages with Disney+ and ESPN+
Cons:
✘ Not as large a library as Crunchyroll
✘ Ads on lower-tier plans
HiDive
Best for: The Niche and The Classics
Among anime fans, HiDive is a true hidden gem. Its catalog isn’t as enormous as Crunchyroll’s, but it specializes in older, rare, and niche anime that are difficult to find elsewhere.
Features:
Simulcasts
Exclusive licenses
Sub and dub options
Pros:
🪧 Unique and classic titles
🪧 Well-priced
🪧 Shows that are less mainstream, more cult-favorite
Cons:
✘ Smaller catalog
✘ Interface not as polished
where to watch anime in Amazon Prime Video
Best for: Anime Movies & Some Shows
Amazon Prime Video isn’t marketed as an anime hub, but it does have some standout titles, particularly for films.
AVOD: Crunchyroll Content Not on Crunchyroll
Pros:
📍 Great for movie lovers
📍 Included with Amazon Prime
📍 HD quality and easy access
Cons:
✘ Inconsistent anime catalog
✘ Not great for binge-watchers
YouTube (Official Channels)
Best For: No-Cost Access, Older Anime
YouTube is a surprisingly great legal source for watching anime for free (albeit, with the whole ad thing). Full episodes are regularly uploaded by channels such as Muse Asia, Ani-One Asia, and Toei Animation as well.
Pros:
🟢100% free and legal
🟢Subtitled episodes
🟢 Ideal for finding new shows
Cons:
✘ Often geo-restricted
✘ Episodes or series may only be available in limited quantities
AnimeLab (For Australia & NZ)
Best For: Anime Buffs in Australia
AnimeLab, in both Australia and New Zealand, is an excellent Crunchyroll replacement. It provides HD subbed and dubbed anime with a sleek UI.
Pros:
👉Tailored for AU/NZ viewers
👉Fast uploads
👉Family-friendly options
Cons:
✘ Regional limitations
✘ Smaller catalog than the other global platforms
VRV
Best for: Nerd Culture + Anime
VRV is a streaming bundle service with Crunchyroll, HiDive, Rooster Teeth and more. Ideal for the anime fan who is also into gaming, geek culture and cartoons.
Pros:
🟢Bundle value
🟢Great for crossover content
🟢Single subscription to multiple channels
Cons:
✘ Only available in the US
✘ Not available in some regions
Tubi TV & Pluto TV
Best for: Ad-supported Free Streaming
Then, there are ad-supported platforms, which are gaining popularity. They have a good selection of anime series and movies, tho they are not exclusive to anime.
Pros:
📌100% free
📌 No signup required
📌Legal and safe
Cons:
✘ Limited library
✘ Occasional unskippable ads
The Conclusion — where to watch anime?
With so many platforms, it can be difficult to settle on just one. Here’s the high-level overview, tailored for you:
- Simulcasts (sub): Crunchyroll
- For dubbed anime: Crunchyroll (formerly Funimation)
- For original and mainstream choices: Netflix
- [For niche or rare anime: HiDive
- Where to watch (legally, and for free): YouTube channels, Tubi TV
It doesn’t matter what kind of anime you’re into, there’s a platform that’s right for you. The next time same one ask “where to watch anime?, you’ll get the answer — and some options.
