The times of animations and cartoons as entertainment for kids are long gone. As franchises like Rick and Morty and Big Mouth grow in popularity, we’re exploring a world of fun, adult content. Including anime.
Although the origins of anime date back to 1917, the genre has only recently become popular worldwide. With the release of series like Dragon Ball, Barbapapa, and Sailor Moon, the Western audience began to crave more similar content. Now anime is a thriving animation industry, releasing better and better titles for audiences around the world. Almost everyone knows award-winning titles like Attack on Titan or Demon Slayer. What makes them so popular? The thrilling storyline, expressive characters, and engaging plots for people of all ages.
Now both adults and children watch anime – and it can be fantastic entertainment for the entire family or a pleasant solo weekend with your favorite streaming service. You don’t have to be an otaku to enjoy anime! But is there anywhere you can binge-watch your dream series in peace?
Pirate streaming sites are now springing like mushrooms after rain, and a single click may end up with malware or viruses. So better avoid it and choose a trusted anime provider to start your Japanese animation adventure right away! To make it easier, we have assembled a list of the best anime streaming services.
Netflix
We all appreciate and love Netflix. So if you already have a subscription to this streaming service, you know what to do.
And if you’re still hesitating or haven’t had a chance to get to know its impressive library – it’s time to catch up and enter the phenomenal world of endless movie and animation offers for everyone.
Netflix is constantly developing as a distributor and creator of original content. With its epic rise in popularity, the website has decided to add an anime section to its standard library. It’s not much, but you can count on excellent streaming quality, matching dubs, and legendary genre titles. With the basic subscription, you’ll get unlimited access to iconic anime like One-Punch Man, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Cowboy Bebop, Naruto, and Jojo’s Bizzare Adventure.
Netflix is also where you can watch the recently released Cyberpunk: Edgerunners – an animation based on Cyberpunk 2077 video game. Sounds like fun? Well, that’s not all, as Netflix also has a massive range of legendary TV series, horror movies, stand-ups, and cartoons for the youngest.
Depending on your preferences, you can choose from three Netflix subscription plans to watch your favorite anime ad-free and in the best quality. Choose an anime subscription for $9.99 per month for the basic version or higher pricing for 4K content and viewing on multiple devices simultaneously.
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Crunchyroll
There is no anime watching without Crunchyroll! This streaming giant is the best source of new episodes of various series, dramas, and manga – perfect for those who want to focus entirely on watching Japanese productions.
Crunchyroll is an excellent choice for people on a tight budget or those who want to check the site’s suggestions before subscribing. It’s a trusted source of anime and other Asian productions, blessing the world with its existence since 2006. Now, blending with VRV and Funimation, it has expanded its options, becoming the absolute number one anime streaming service. Plus, it’s completely free! So if you don’t mind ads or slightly worse quality, enjoy your favorite series right away. But if you prefer watching ad-free, in higher quality, and with access to the latest episodes one hour after their premiere in Japan – choose one of three premium plans. Crunchyroll features anything you want to watch – from classics to total novelties. So don’t wait any longer and go check out its library!
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Hulu
It is a recommendation for those just embarking on their grand adventure with anime. Hulu’s small library of Asian productions can be a great introduction to further delving into the genre
And if you don’t like it, don’t watch it. But for now, you can mix your favorite TV series, anime, movies, and cartoons however you like!
Hulu has an incredible selection of the best shows, series, and movies at your fingertips. It is also a fantastic choice for everyone who wants to pick between a classic streaming service and Live TV. So if your watching depends on your mood swings – choose Hulu and enjoy a highly varied subscription plan! Among the available anime, you will find legendary series like Spy x Family, One-Punch Man, Sailor Moon, and Mobile Suit Gundam. These are excellent recommendations for the whole family or a night with friends, enabling fun for long hours of satisfaction. Hulu subscription starts at $7.99 a month with ads and $14.99 a month for ad-free viewing. Fancy Live TV? Check out the $69.99 and $75.99 plans!
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Retro Crush
It’s a website designed to stream old anime series, so if that’s what you’re looking for – enjoy! And if you feel like it would be nice to spend some time with anime classics from years ago, don’t look back and start watching
Retro Crush is a massive selection of classic anime titles from the 80s and 90s, like Astro Boy, Flame of Recca, Arcadia of My Youth, and Gokudo. Get ready for a rougher animation and lots of fun! Especially since this site is entirely free in the version with little advertising. Or you can decide to subscribe for $4.99 per month and enjoy legendary content with no ads or age restrictions.
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Funimation
Join over 2.5 million anime fans in this oasis of Asian content! Whether you’re a hardcore viewer or a novice genre enthusiast, Funimation has everything you need – for every occasion
This site is home to the best classic and brand-new anime. Now working with Crunchyroll, Funimation helps create the vastest library of dramas, movies, and anime but never stops growing its offer. Everyone will find something for themselves! In the library, you’ll discover epic series like the spooky Higurashi, the touching Barakamon, the thrilling Psycho-Pass, and more. And it’s unimaginably affordable, with the lowest ad-free subscription starting at $5.99 per month.
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Hidive
It’s a perfect option for hardcore viewers or those looking for something unique in anime
Hidive is a slightly more independent streaming service, focusing on the specific quality of materials than on reaching the largest number of watchers.
If you are into mature exclusives – Hidive will make all your dreams come true. Choose a subscription and enjoy watching your favorite series without advertising or censorship. You won’t find a library as gigantic as other anime providers on this streaming site – but be sure of excellent quality and fresh content selection. Among the best anime, you will find thrilling titles like the new season of Made in Abyss, Lupine the 3rd, Parasyte: The Maxim, and High School of the Dead. And you can watch it all and more for only $4.99 a month!
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VRV
This service combines several anime channels: Crunchyroll, Mondo Media, and VRV Select. This unique combination guarantees a rich selection of the best anime, adult animation, and various shows for every occasion and for everyone
See over 20,000 hours of free material, or pick a subscription and enjoy unlimited freedom of watching your favorite content! VRV is the source of fantastic series like Full Metal Panic, Mob Psycho 100, and Fire Force. You can also watch famous western shows like Final Space! As you can see, it is a service where everyone will find something for themselves and guarantees a brilliant start to anime. And by purchasing a subscription, you will gain access to ad-free, exclusive content within the selected channel. Although a VRV subscription costs $2 more than Crunchyroll’s basic premium plan, it comes with access to a wide selection of Western shows and ever-changing channels – so it’s worth it!
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It’s a golden age for anime – thanks to streaming services! Earlier, this genre was still quite exotic, mysterious, or alien. Western audiences took the time to discover the value of the animated series from Japan, and they loved them right away!
Now, with unlimited access to many streaming services, both older and younger watchers can freely choose the best content for themselves. Anime ceased to be entertainment for complete freaks and has permanently entered the mainstream, being one of the most popular genres to watch. Soon, streaming services will probably expand their animation libraries even more. So keep your finger on the pulse to enjoy your favorite titles at the best prices!