Anime continues to surge in popularity, with the industry valued at over $19 billion in 2023. This growth has led to a wealth of options for fans to watch anime for free, though it often means missing out on some exclusive content like Netflix originals. However, with hundreds of series and movies available at no cost, there's still plenty to enjoy.
It's important to navigate the world of anime streaming carefully, as many sites operate in legally ambiguous areas or engage in outright piracy. This list focuses exclusively on free anime sites that have legally obtained streaming licenses, ensuring you can watch your favorite shows safely and ethically.
Whether you're curious about the latest buzz around "Solo Leveling," planning a "Naruto" marathon, or eager to revisit classics like "Sailor Moon," here are the top sites where you can watch anime for free.
Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll Free Tier
See it at Crunchyroll
As the premier streaming service for anime, Crunchyroll offers a free ad-supported tier that provides access to a rotating selection of its library. This free tier is an excellent way to experience the latest anime hits, including the first seasons of "Solo Leveling," "Jujutsu Kaisen," "Chainsaw Man," and more. If you're intrigued by a Premium title, you can also take advantage of a 14-day free trial of Crunchyroll Premium, just remember to cancel if you don't wish to continue.
Free Anime on Crunchyroll:
Season 1: Solo Leveling - See it at Crunchyroll
Season 1: Jujutsu Kaisen - See it at Crunchyroll
Season 1: Chainsaw Man - See it at Crunchyroll
Season 1: Spy x Family - See it at Crunchyroll
Season 1: Vinland Saga - See it at Crunchyroll
East Blue (Episodes 1-61): One Piece - See it at Crunchyroll
Tubi
Anime on Tubi
See it at Tubi
Tubi stands out as one of the best free streaming platforms, bolstered by licensing agreements with major anime distributors like Crunchyroll, Konami, GKIDS, and Viz Media. The site offers a robust selection of anime, including classics like "Naruto," "Pokémon," and "Sailor Moon," as well as shoujo hits like "Toradora" and "Maid-Sama," and comedies like "Daily Lives of High School Boys." Additionally, Tubi boasts an impressive collection of anime movies, including works by acclaimed directors Satoshi Kon and Naoko Yamada.
Free Anime on Tubi:
Naruto - See it at Tubi
Sailor Moon - See it at Tubi
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure - See it at Tubi
Daily Lives of High School Boys - See it at Tubi
Paprika - See it at Tubi
Liz and the Blue Bird - See it at Tubi
Sling TV Freestream
Sling Freestream
See it at Sling TV
Sling TV's Freestream platform consolidates various free streaming channels into one convenient location. Among its offerings is RetroCrush, a dedicated free anime site featuring vintage classics such as "Ghost Stories" and "City Hunter." Freestream also provides "sneak peeks" at content from Cartoon Network and Adult Swim, including the highly anticipated "Uzumaki" anime and the final season of "Attack on Titan."
Free Anime on Sling TV Freestream:
Uzumaki - See it at Sling Freestream
Attack on Titan: Season 4 - See it at Sling Freestream
Ghost Stories - See it at Sling Freestream
Rick and Morty: The Anime - See it at Sling Freestream
Maid-Sama - See it at Sling Freestream
Yu-Gi-Oh! GX - See it at Sling Freestream
Viz Media
Viz Media
See it at YouTube
Viz Media is a leading distributor of anime and manga in North America. While their website primarily offers free manga chapters and physical anime releases, their official YouTube channel is a goldmine for free anime. You can find full series like "InuYasha," "Naruto," and "Sailor Moon" movies, providing a diverse range of content for fans to enjoy.
Free Anime From Viz Media:
InuYasha - See it at YouTube
Hunter x Hunter - See it at YouTube
Death Note - See it at YouTube
Vampire Knight - See it at YouTube
Naruto Shippuden: The Movie - See it at YouTube
Sailor Moon R: The Movie - See it at YouTube
Free Anime Sites FAQ
Are there any free anime sites without ads?
Unfortunately, due to the nature of licensing agreements, ads are a common feature on free streaming sites. If you come across a site without ads, it's likely to be operating in a legally gray area. While there's no judgment here, it's important to be cautious.
Is there free anime on YouTube?
Beyond Viz Media's official channel, YouTube hosts a vast array of free anime content. While I won't direct you to specific channels to avoid any copyright issues, exploring YouTube can often lead you to discover new and classic anime series and movies.