With a plethora of streaming services vying for your attention, finding the perfect place to watch movies and TV shows online can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. This is especially true for anime fans, as popular titles are often scattered across multiple platforms. But don't despair! We've compiled a list of the best sites and apps to watch anime online in 2025, catering to various budgets and preferences.
While some services boast extensive libraries, others offer more curated selections. Fortunately, accessing top-tier anime is achievable through a variety of subscriptions, many of which are surprisingly affordable or even free.
Crunchyroll
Best Anime Streaming Service Overall

Crunchyroll offers three subscription tiers, all providing ad-free streaming access to their entire library. A 14-day free trial is available for new users, but the most economical plan starts at $7.99 per month thereafter. Note that some anime, including Chainsaw Man and My Hero Academia, are available for free with ads, regardless of your subscription level.
Anime Recommendations on Crunchyroll:

Dragon Ball: DAIMA See it at Crunchyroll!

Jujutsu Kaisen See it at Crunchyroll!

Solo Leveling See it at Crunchyroll!

My Hero Academia See it at Crunchyroll
Tubi
Best Free Anime Streaming Service

While Tubi is free, registration is required. You can create an account using your email or link your Google account. Tubi also provides free movies and TV shows from various genres, making it a versatile free entertainment platform.
Anime Recommendations on Tubi:

Death Note See it at Tubi!

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure See it at Tubi!

Inuyasha See it at Tubi!

Yu-Gi-Oh! See it at Tubi!
Hulu
Best All-in-One Streaming Service

Hulu offers two plans: ad-free for $14.99 per month or with ads for $7.99 per month. It's also available in various streaming bundles.
Anime Recommendations on Hulu:

Chainsaw Man See it at Hulu!

Attack on Titan See it at Hulu!

Cowboy Bebop See it at Hulu!

Spy x Family See it at Hulu!
Netflix
Best for New Original Anime

Netflix's pricing structure is currently undergoing changes, but the ad-supported plan is currently $7.99 per month. Higher-tier subscriptions offer additional features like offline downloads.
Anime Recommendations on Netflix:

The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. See it at Netflix!

Devilman Crybaby See it at Netflix!

Cyberpunk Edgerunners See it at Netflix!

Violet Evergarden See it at Netflix!
Max (formerly HBO Max)
Best Streaming Service for Anime Movies

Max offers three subscription tiers, starting at $9.99 for the ad-supported option.
Anime Recommendations on Max:

The Boy and the Heron See it at Max!

Spirited Away See it at Max!

Suicide Squad Isekai See it at Max!

Uzumaki See it at Max!
Anime Streaming Sites FAQ
What are the best sites to watch anime for free?
Beyond Tubi and Crunchyroll's limited free offerings, several other platforms provide free anime streaming. RetroCrush features a wide selection of classic anime and cartoons, including the original Astro Boy, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and City Hunter. Sling TV's FreeStream also includes several anime channels with on-demand series such as Fruits Basket, Maid-Sama, and Ghost Stories.
How can I watch anime live in the U.S.?
Most anime premieres in Japan before becoming available for streaming in the U.S. Crunchyroll's licensing agreements allow it to stream new episodes typically within a day of their Japanese broadcast, contributing to its status as the top anime streaming service. Even anime eventually released on Netflix or Hulu usually appears on Crunchyroll first.
To watch new episodes live, you might need a VPN to access Japanese channels like FujiTV.
Looking for more anime recommendations? Check out our guides to the best horror anime and the saddest anime of all time.