The anime industry has surged past a staggering $19 billion in 2023, and its growth shows no signs of slowing down. Fortunately, fans don't need to break the bank to enjoy their favorite shows and movies, as there are numerous legal avenues for watching anime for free. While you might miss out on some Netflix exclusives, the vast array of free content ensures there's something for everyone.
Navigating the world of anime streaming can be tricky, with many sites teetering on the edge of legality or diving straight into piracy. To help you stay on the right side of the law, we've compiled a list of the best free anime streaming platforms that have legally secured their content.
Whether you're eager to jump into the latest buzz with "Solo Leveling," planning an epic "Naruto" marathon, or revisiting classics like "Sailor Moon," these sites offer a wealth of options.
Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll Free Tier
Crunchyroll stands out as the premier anime streaming service, offering a free, ad-supported tier that provides access to a rotating selection of its library. This free tier is an excellent way to stay current with the latest anime, including the first seasons of blockbuster series like "Solo Leveling," "Jujutsu Kaisen," and "Chainsaw Man." If you're tempted by the Premium offerings, you can also take advantage of a 14-day free trial of Crunchyroll Premium.
Free Anime on Crunchyroll:
Solo Leveling - Season 1
Jujutsu Kaisen - Season 1
Chainsaw Man - Season 1
Spy x Family - Season 1
Vinland Saga - Season 1
One Piece - East Blue (Episode 1-61)
Tubi
Anime on Tubi
Tubi is renowned as one of the best free streaming platforms, boasting a robust selection of anime thanks to licensing deals with Crunchyroll, Konami, GKIDS, and Viz Media. Dive into classics like "Naruto," "Pokémon," and "Sailor Moon," indulge in shoujo favorites such as "Toradora" and "Maid-Sama," or enjoy comedic gems like "Daily Lives of High School Boys." Tubi also offers a notable collection of anime movies, including those directed by Satoshi Kon and Naoko Yamada.
Free Anime on Tubi:
Naruto
Sailor Moon
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
Daily Lives of High School Boys
Paprika
Liz and the Blue Bird
Sling TV Freestream
Sling Freestream
Sling TV's Freestream platform consolidates various free streaming channels into one convenient location. It includes RetroCrush, a dedicated free anime site that specializes in nostalgic classics like "Ghost Stories" and "City Hunter." Additionally, Freestream offers "sneak peeks" from Cartoon Network and Adult Swim, featuring new releases like the "Uzumaki" anime and the final season of "Attack on Titan."
Free Anime on Sling TV Freestream:
Uzumaki
Attack on Titan: Season 4
Ghost Stories
Rick and Morty: The Anime
Maid-Sama
Yu-Gi-Oh! GX
Viz Media
Viz Media
Viz Media is a key player in distributing anime and manga in North America. While their website focuses on manga and physical anime releases, their YouTube channel is a goldmine for free anime, featuring full series and movies such as "InuYasha," "Naruto," and "Sailor Moon."
Free Anime From Viz Media:
InuYasha
Hunter x Hunter
Death Note
Vampire Knight
Naruto Shippuden: The Movie
Sailor Moon R: The Movie
Free Anime Sites FAQ
Are there any free anime sites without ads?
Unfortunately, ads are a necessary part of free streaming sites due to licensing agreements. If you encounter a site without ads, it might be venturing into less legal territory. No judgment here, but proceed with caution.
Is there free anime on YouTube?
Absolutely! Beyond Viz Media's official channel, YouTube hosts a vast collection of free anime. While we won't direct you to specific channels, exploring YouTube can uncover many treasures for anime enthusiasts.