At one point in time, not too long ago, anime shows were almost exclusively available to only Japanese audiences. That meant fans across the world had to hope for sporadic episodes of their favorite series here and there. Now, with the magic of the Internet, availability of major streaming platforms, and the rising popularity of anime, it’s easier than ever to watch your favorite shows. But where are the hands down best places to stream anime? Read below to find out.
Where to Start?
Before you dig into the best streaming services for watching anime, you might be wondering what anime content to actually stream! Whether you’re a long time anime fan or somebody who is brand new to the genre, there are a handful of series that are a must watch.
Attack on Titan
If you haven’t watched Attack on Titan yet, chances are you’ve heard about it. Based on Hajime Isayama’s 2009 manga, Attack on Titan follows humanity’s endless war against huge humanoid monsters called Titans. What’s left of humanity is guarded behind huge walls, outside of which certain death awaits. Attack on Titan delivers on classic anime themes and also throws some shocking twists and emotional lessons in for good measure.
Demon Slayer
One of the most popular anime series on the planet right now is Demon Slayer. Delivering top-notch action, emotional story arcs, and an exciting but easy to follow plot, this series is beloved by fans across the globe. Following a young boy, Tanjiro, who is avenging his family, Demon Slayer promises big laughs and even bigger fight scenes.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
No list of the most popular anime series is complete without Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. It’s no mystery why many people claim this is the best anime of all time, mostly due to the near perfect blend of drama, world-building, action, and mystery. The story follows two brothers who are searching for the Philosopher’s Stone after an alchemical experiment goes horribly wrong. Before long the pair is dragged into a magical war that goes deeper than they could have ever imagined.
Death Note
Death Note is largely heralded as a great show to begin with if you’re relatively new to anime. This series follows a young protagonist, Light, who finds a mysterious book that has the power to kill. Before long the show has you questioning if Light is the protagonist you once thought, and all sorts of mayhem ensues.
Cowboy Bebop
The name Cowboy Bebop has been circulating around the internet lately due in large part to the poorly received live action remake. But that doesn’t make the original Cowboy Bebop anything less than an absolute anime classic. This show is the stuff of legends despite having only 26 episodes. Following space cowboy Spike and his ragtag crew of bounty hunters, Cowboy Bebop is an incredible blend of colorful animation, loveable characters, and a masterful soundtrack. You don’t want to miss this one.
Where to Stream
Now that you’re ready with a list of some of the most popular anime shows in the world right now, you’re ready to get streaming. Here are the best places to find anime online:
Crunchyroll:
If you’re a fan of anime, look no further than Crunchyroll. Crunchyroll is by far the go-to global landing place for anime streaming. After recently merging with Funimation, Crunchyroll now boasts “the world’s largest anime library,” which includes more than 40,000 episodes and over 16,000 hours of anime content. If you’re serious about anime this is the place for you. Not only do new episodes show up on the service just one hour after they premiere in Japan, you can also find all of the uncut versions of your favorite anime. You can access all the anime you could ever want by signing up for a free, ad-supported account. True fans can always sign up for the ad-free option for only $8 a month.
Hulu
If you’re looking to take advantage of the anime offerings you might already have access to, check out the impressive library on Hulu. With over 300 anime titles currently streaming, there is bound to be a show for everyone. From Soul Eater, Bleach, Fruits Basket, and more, Hulu is becoming one of the go-to streamers for fans. You can also find some of the old classics like Sailor Moon, the Pokemon movies, and Akira. If you want to peruse the anime offerings on this popular site, check out their Anime Hub, where all their content is waiting to be explored. Hulu starts at \$7 a month and also has the option to add Max to a subscription for an additional \$15 each month. Max boasts their own impressive anime lineup, including Studio Ghibli classics and Cartoon Network favorites.
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime might not be the first place people think of when looking for anime to view, but they are slowly becoming a trusted source for new and old anime alike. This streamer has a great collection of anime series and anime movies, many of which are more obscure than the titles you’ve heard of before. With the price of your Amazon Prime subscription ($14.99/month) you already have access to some amazing anime.
For more tips on how to stream anime safely and securely, check out the helpful tips from StreamSafely.
