Anime has exploded in popularity worldwide, with millions of fans searching for the best platforms to watch their favorite series and movies. Whether you’re into shonen, slice of life, or fantasy, there are numerous websites that cater to every anime lover’s needs. Here’s a list of the top websites to watch anime online in 2024, offering both free and paid options.

1. Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll is a leading anime streaming service known for its extensive library, including simulcasts straight from Japan. It offers both free (ad-supported) and premium subscription plans. With a premium plan, you get access to new episodes just an hour after they air in Japan, along with an ad-free experience and access to the manga library.

• Pros: Simulcasts, large library, available on multiple devices
• Cons: Some series may not be available in all regions

2. Funimation

Funimation is another top contender, especially for English-speaking fans, as it offers a wide range of dubbed anime. They provide both free and premium versions, with the latter granting access to exclusive shows and an ad-free experience. Funimation also has a strong library of classic titles alongside new releases.

• Pros: Extensive dubbed collection, exclusive content
• Cons: Region restrictions, fewer subtitle options compared to Crunchyroll

3. Netflix

Netflix has made significant strides in the anime scene, offering a growing selection of anime series and movies, including exclusive Netflix Originals like Beastars and The Seven Deadly Sins. While it’s primarily a paid service, the high-quality streaming and the option to download episodes for offline viewing make it a great choice for anime fans.

• Pros: High-quality streaming, Netflix Originals, offline viewing
• Cons: Limited anime library compared to dedicated platforms

4. Hulu

Hulu is another excellent option for anime lovers, offering a mix of popular and lesser-known titles. It’s a great choice if you already have a subscription for its diverse range of TV shows and movies. Hulu’s anime library includes popular series like Attack on Titan and My Hero Academia.

• Pros: Large anime selection, variety of other content
• Cons: Ads in basic plans, not all anime are available in all regions

5. Anime-Planet

Anime-Planet is a legal and free option for watching anime, supported by industry partners like Crunchyroll. It offers over 45,000 anime episodes, including some lesser-known gems. The site also features manga, forums, and an anime recommendation engine to help you find your next favorite show.

• Pros: Free, large library, legal
• Cons: Ad-supported, limited new releases

6. VRV

VRV is a bundle service that includes Crunchyroll, HiDive, and other streaming channels in one package. It’s perfect for anime fans who want to diversify their content consumption with not just anime, but also gaming and geek culture shows. A premium subscription offers ad-free viewing and offline downloads.

• Pros: Access to multiple channels, offline downloads
• Cons: Available only in the U.S., content overlap with Crunchyroll

7. HiDive

HiDive is known for its extensive collection of classic and niche anime titles, along with simulcasts of current series. The platform offers a more curated experience, making it perfect for fans of old-school anime and those looking for something different from mainstream offerings.

• Pros: Classic and niche titles, simulcasts
• Cons: Smaller library compared to major platforms

8. YouTube

Believe it or not, YouTube is home to a surprising amount of free, legal anime content. Channels like Muse Asia and Ani-One upload full episodes and series, making it an easily accessible option. While the selection is limited compared to dedicated streaming services, it’s a great place to find free anime.

• Pros: Free, accessible, no subscription required
• Cons: Limited selection, lower video quality

Conclusion

There’s no shortage of options when it comes to streaming anime online, whether you’re looking for a free platform or a premium service. From the comprehensive libraries of Crunchyroll and Funimation to the unique selections on HiDive and Anime-Planet, every anime fan can find a site that suits their preferences. Remember to support legal streaming services to ensure the anime industry continues to thrive and produce the content we all love.