Animes won’t always be there readily available. They come and go. A brand-new season starts and ends. But when you need to re-watch and re-live your favorite anime shows, where do you find them? Here’s a list of the best sites and platforms where to stream previously aired animes, some you may be familiar with.
Popular Platforms
1. Crunchyroll
Talk about the best streaming platform for watching animes, Crunchyroll is the undisputed number one. It’s almost automatic that when somebody is looking for animes, they’ll type “Crunchyroll” on Google. With over 15 million subscribers, Crunchyroll is tough to beat.
This anime streaming platform holds a vast library of both popular and niche anime titles. It also offers simulcasts or the airing of new episodes shortly after they debut in Japan. There is also a wide range of dubbed and subtitled shows.
You can use Crunchyroll for free, but there will be ads. Should you wish to remove the ads, you must subscribe. Aside from animes, Crunchyroll also has a collection of mangas, Asian dramas, and a community where you can engage with fans worldwide.
2. Netflix
Netflix isn’t just about live-action movies and series but animes, too. It is the world’s most extensive streaming platform to date, but it is second in rank as an anime streaming platform. Here, you can watch animes like “Vinland Saga,” Beastars,” “Devilman Crybaby,” and even live-action animes such as “One Piece.”
Furthermore, this platform also allows you to download the shows you want in your personal library and customize how you view animes, such as skipping the repetitive anime opening. Plus, you can share the shows with your friends, cast them on other devices, and so much more.
3. Hulu
If you are surprised to learn that you can watch animes on Hulu, don’t. This versatile anime streaming platform offers a wide range of content, not to mention a solid selection of your favorite animes. Search for “Attack on Titan,” “My Hero Academia,” and “Naruto” here, and you will find them. Hulu is for both die-hard and casual anime fans.
This platform also has subtitled and dubbed options. Indeed, it is very accessible to viewers. Hulu has several subscription tiers – ad-supported, ad-free, and plans with access to live TV bundles. You will always find what you’re exactly looking for.
4. Amazon Prime Video
Since the world’s biggest eCommerce platform ventured into streaming, the response has been marvelous. Though not the number one, it is still a fantastic site to access and watch several animes. The pricing plans are also flexible, as there’s an option to borrow shows like borrowing videos from a video shop, or buy them to own them.
Aside from animes, the Amazon Prime Video library also has classics, popular movies, and new titles. You won’t be forced to sign up for membership, as there’s a free trial option to help you decide whether this is for you.
5. Disney+
Of course, PVP Live won’t forget about Disney+. The Walt Disney Company didn’t have to formally close tie-ups with anime studios just so they could have your favorite animes in its catalog. Some of the titles you can watch on Disney+ are the biggest ones, such as “My Hero Academia,” “Demon Slayer,” “Bleach,” and “Attack on Titan,” among others.
While primarily known for Disney classics, Pixar content, and Marvel shows, Disney+ is gradually integrating anime into its collection. With top-notch streaming and an ad-free experience through its subscription service, this platform appeals to mainstream and anime fans looking for a one-stop place for their viewing cravings. Its anime catalog is still tiny compared to others on this list, but it continues to expand.
6. VIZ Media
VIZ Media is another way to stream your favorite animes. If you can’t access your favorites via Crunchyroll and other platforms, you can head to VIZ Media, which provides content to United States and Canada viewers. This platform features scheduled programming, where you can save dates and schedules on your calendar to view the show as the rest of the world does.
This platform primarily focuses on English-dubbed content, making it highly appealing to audiences who prefer to watch animes in their native tongue. VIZ Media is also integrated with Hulu.
7. Rakuten’s Viki
Next up is Viki, managed by the owner of Viber, Japanese multinational Rakuten. Even if it’s a platform primarily known for Asian dramas, it also has a selection of animes for fans, though small. You can watch shows like “Naruto” and “Attack on Titan” here.
Furthermore, its subtitle system is community-driven, so you, the viewers, can suggest translation changes when you think certain parts are not precise. Rakuten’s Viki also offers free and ad-supported viewing, as well as premium memberships with ad-free experience. Still a fantastic option for those who want to watch dramas and animes on just one platform.
More Platforms
Those are some of today’s biggest anime streaming platforms. However, it is true subscriptions there can be expensive. For alternatives, you can head over to Animax, RetroCrush, Asiancrush, HIDIVE, Tubi, Max, and YouTube.
Watch Your Favorite Animes Anytime, Anywhere
Numerous platforms where to watch animes are before you. Each offers unique features and content that cater to various kinds of viewers. Whether you prefer free, ad-supported services or premium, ad-free experiences, anime streaming platforms such as Crunchyroll, Hulu, Disney+, and Rakuten’s Viki air a wide range of anime, from popular titles to low-key, hidden gems.
Top platform Crunchyroll stands out for its vast anime library and fast simulcast releases, while Disney+ and Hulu offer a balance of anime and other mainstream content. Meanwhile, Viki by Rakuten appeals to those who enjoy both anime and Asian dramas. Plus, it has a community that is constantly improving subtitles.
As anime grows worldwide, these platforms are excellent choices for exploring its world. They make it easier for fans to find and enjoy their favorite shows. Watch your favorite animes whenever and wherever you are.
