Anime has taken the world by storm and continues to find new fans through its captivating storytelling, animation, and art. No matter what you’re in the mood for — combat-packed shonen, meditative, emotional slice of life, or mind-bending sci-fi — there’s an anime on this list for you. But with so many platforms out there, one of the most common questions is this: Where can I watch anime? This guide will take you through the best anime streaming websites so you can move on from Netflix, Hulu, and any other general streaming service you already know.
The Importance of Anime’s Platforms
The days when anime was accessible only through bootleg DVDs or late-night cable TV now seem like the distant past. Nowadays, anime fans have extensive libraries of shows and movies at their disposal via legal streaming platforms. They also ensure that the content has been well transcribed with subtitles and dubs, and in addition preserve and support the creators behind your favorite series. The right streaming site for anime that you pick can make or break your experience, not to mention ensuring that you’re always up to date with the latest releases.
Best Legal anime streaming websites
Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is easily one of the best known anime streaming sites in the world. With a library of over 1,000 anime titles, it provides everything from classics like Naruto and Bleach to seasonal hits like Jujutsu Kaisen and Attack on Titan.
- Free Plan: Yes, with ads
- Pro Plan: Beginning at $7.99/month
- Simulcasts: Yes, on the same day as Japan
- Subbed Content: Some, mostly subbed
CrunchyrollWhy You Should Subscribe: If you’re into subtitled anime and want a slick source of simulcastsAlthough there are definitely more options, including services that focus on subtitled anime and those offering classic series, we recommend the services of the anime-giant-turned-hero Crunchyroll, if only for its extraordinary catalog.
Funimation
Funimation serves the English-speaking community more with a wide range of dubbed anime. It’s particularly a fan favorite for folks who enjoy a good bit of anime in English.
- Free Plan: Yes, with ads
- Premium Plan: begins at $5.99 per month
- SimulDubs: Dubs that come out fastest
Why it’s safe to download OpenSource/Freeware or Proprietary software or movies: Ideal for anyone who loves watching anime with a lot of English dubs, the best action-packed titles, or classic shows like Dragon Ball Z and One Piece.
Netflix
Netflix has a surprisingly extensive anime library, with exclusive and original titles like Devilman Crybaby, Yasuke and Castlevania. While its menu isn’t as rich as Crunchyroll’s or Funimation’s, Netflix emphasizes quality over quantity.
- Subscription Required: From $6.99 per month (with ads)
- Offline Viewing: Yes
- Why You Should Pick Netflix: Best for casual viewers or people who are already subscribed and want to ease into anime originals.CASCADESTYLCASCADESTYLECASCADESSTYLE
Hulu
Hulu is a mix of popular television shows and anime, which is great for anyone who doesn’t want to limit themselves to one type of TV shows. Its anime library features hits such as My Hero Academia, Demon Slayer and Tokyo Ghoul.
- Subscription Required: Beginning at $7.99/month
- Sub and Dub: both available
- Why You Should Choose Hulu: Good pick if you want to combine anime with live-action TV and movies.
HiDive
You might not have heard of HiDive, but it has a solid selection of obscure and vintage anime. Series like Legend of the Galactic Heroes and Princess Principal draw die-hard fans.
- Subscription Required: $4.99 per month
- Unique Pick: Vintage Anime, No censoring
- Why HiDive: Best for anime junkies craving rare or uncensored anime.
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime has been making some in-roads in the anime space, with exclusives such as Vinland Saga and Dororo. The library is smaller, but the quality is stunning.
- Subscription Required: Free with Amazon Prime
- Why Amazon: Great for Prime members who want to peruse some quality anime titles.
Best FREE anime streaming websites That Are Even Legal
Though the best content and the latest episodes generally come with a small fee, you can watch for free using a free trial. No need to settle with the shows that are dominating your local cable, these You can watch thousands of anime shows on the low or high, all with English dubs, 13 Oct 2019 Best Free Anime Websites to Watch Anime: For the next 30 days, you don’t have to demand your family to opt for a premium service to stream your favorite series as we bring you the list of “Top 9 Free Anime Streaming Sites to Watch Anime Online 2019“.
Tubi TV
Some older anime are available on Tubi (such as Yu-Gi-Oh!, Fist of the North Star and Initial D. At the moment, it’s ad-supported, but it’s completely free and legal.
Pluto TV
This free, ad-supported service offers anime channels that play programming such as Naruto and One Piece around the clock. It’s good for background viewing or light discovery.
RetroCrush
A treasure for fans of vintage anime dating from the 70s to the 90s. Titles such as Astro Boy and Lupin the Third come with ads.
YouTube (Official Channels)
Studios and publishers regularly post entire episodes or even series on YouTube. Be sure to find legal, verified channels, such as Toei Animation’s or Muse Asia’s, for free streaming.
Consideration for Platform Selection
When you are determining where can I watch anime you should keep the following things in mind:
- Price: Free options are out there, but they have ads. Subscribers get rid of commercials and access simulcasts.
- Content Type: Dubbed, Subbed, or Japanese?
- Simulcasts: Looking to watch the newest episodes as soon as they air in Japan?
- User Interface: There are better UI/UX and recommendation systems on some platforms.
- Device Support: Make sure you can get the app on your device of choice (phone, smart TV, etc.).
Are Free Anime Sites Safe to Use?
Yes, if you’re using legal platforms like Tubi, RetroCrush or YouTube’s official channels. Stay away from pirated anime sites thay might have malware or intrusive ads and even copyright laws. Legal streaming will provide you with high quality audio and video, subtitles and also helps the anime industry.
Future of anime streaming websites
The atmosphere of the anime streaming world has been a continually shifting landscape. With mergers like that of Crunchyroll and Funimation under Sony, and growing interest in anime originals from Netflix and Amazon, the competition is heating up. That means more investment in exclusive content, better localization and a much larger global reach.
Unfortunately, there’s no official list of territories getting Cowboy Bebop or any of these titles, but with platforms like Crunchyroll and Netflix striking up more and more licensing deals, the fans in even more countries around the world legally enjoying what was previously a region-locked goodie. With anime still on the rise, look out for even more innovation and accessibility as to how and where you can watch anime.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been asking yourself where can I watch anime, then you’ve never had it so good. With giants like Crunchyroll and Netflix leading the pack, and free platforms like Tubi and RetroCrush also entering the mix, anime fans these days are spoiled for choice. Selecting the right platform comes down to the features you prefer — whether that’s simulcasts, dubs or timeless classics.
So pull up your popcorn, choose your platform and take a deep dive in the wonderful world of anime.
