The anime industry is thriving, reaching a staggering $19+ billion in 2023, and it's only getting bigger. Fortunately, anime fans don't have to break the bank to enjoy their favorite shows and movies. While you might miss out on some Netflix exclusives, there's a vast array of anime content available for free online. However, it's important to be cautious, as many "risky" sites dabble in piracy or operate in legal gray areas. This guide focuses exclusively on legal streaming platforms that have secured the rights to offer their content for free.
Whether you're eager to dive into the latest hit like Solo Leveling, embark on a Naruto marathon, or revisit classics like Sailor Moon, there's a perfect site for every anime enthusiast. Here's a curated list of the best free, legal anime streaming sites.
Crunchyroll
------------Crunchyroll Free Tier
Crunchyroll stands out as the premier streaming service for anime lovers, offering a robust selection of its library for free, supported by ads. The free tier's lineup shifts with the seasons, ensuring you can always catch the latest and greatest anime without spending a penny. Currently, you can enjoy the first seasons of blockbuster series like Solo Leveling, Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, and more. If a Premium show catches your eye, 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:
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 a top-tier free streaming platform, boasting an impressive anime collection thanks to licensing agreements with Crunchyroll, Konami, GKIDS, and Viz Media. From timeless classics like Naruto, Pokémon, and Sailor Moon to beloved shoujo series like Toradora and Maid-Sama, and even comedies like Daily Lives of High School Boys, Tubi has something for everyone. Additionally, the platform offers a remarkable selection of anime movies, including works by acclaimed directors 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. Among these is RetroCrush, a fantastic free anime site dedicated to vintage classics like Ghost Stories and City Hunter. Freestream also offers "sneak peeks" at programming from Cartoon Network and Adult Swim, including the eagerly anticipated 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 leading distributor of anime and manga in North America. While their website offers free manga chapters and physical anime releases, their YouTube channel is a goldmine for free anime content. You can find a diverse selection of series and movies, including full runs of InuYasha, Naruto, and Sailor Moon films.
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, due to licensing agreements, ads are a necessary part of free streaming sites. If you come across a site without ads, it's likely operating in a legally questionable manner. While we don't judge, it's important to be aware of the risks involved.
Is there free anime on YouTube?
Beyond Viz Media's official channel, YouTube hosts a wealth of free anime content. While we won't direct you to specific channels to avoid any copyright issues, it's definitely worth exploring to see if your desired anime is available there.