Anime just keeps getting bigger. It was reported to be a $19+ billion industry in 2023, so we can only imagine where it’s at now. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to watch anime without paying a dime. While you might have to skip out on the occasional Netflix original, there’s something for everyone in the hundreds of anime series and movies out there for free.
If you watch anime, you probably know that there are plenty of what we’ll call “risky” anime sites, most of which ride a legal gray line or head straight into piracy territory. This list is limited to free anime sites we know for sure legally acquired their streaming licenses.
Whether you want to see what the hype’s about with Solo Leveling, are planning a Naruto marathon, or want to dive into classics like Sailor Moon, here are the best sites to watch anime for free.
Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll Free Tier
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Ultimately the best streaming service for anime, Crunchyroll offers free ad-supported streaming of a selection of its library. What’s available with Crunchyroll’s free tier changes with seasonal releases, but it’s consistently one of the best ways to check out the latest and greatest anime for free. Right now, you can watch the first season of massive hits like Solo Leveling, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Chainsaw Man. If a particular Premium offering catches your eye, you can also sign up for (then try and remember to cancel) a 14-day free trial of Crunchyroll Premium.
Free Anime on Crunchyroll:
Tubi
Anime on Tubi
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Tubi is one of the best free streaming sites, period, and licensing deals with the likes of Crunchyroll, Konami, GKIDS, and Viz Media mean the free platform is stocked with a solid amount of anime. You’ll find plenty of the classics, like Naruto, Pokémon, and Sailor Moon, shoujo favorites like Toradora and Maid-Sama, and comedies like Daily Lives of High School Boys. Tubi also has a surprisingly great selection of anime movies, including films directed by Satoshi Kon and Naoko Yamada.
Free Anime on Tubi:
Sling TV Freestream
Sling Freestream
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Sling TV’s new Freestream platform combines a bunch of existing free streaming “channels” into a single platform. One of those streaming libraries is RetroCrush, which itself is a great free anime site focused on old-school classics like Ghost Stories and City Hunter. Freestream also includes “sneak peaks” at programming from Cartoon Network and Adult Swim, including the new Uzumaki anime and, interestingly enough, the final season of Attack on Titan.
Free Anime on Sling TV Freestream:
Viz Media
Viz Media
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Viz Media is a major distributor of anime and manga in North America. While the Viz website does offer free manga chapters (as well as physical volumes), you’ll only find physical releases for anime. However, you can find a pretty decent selection of free anime on the Viz Media YouTube channel, including a full spread of InuYasha, Naruto, and Sailor Moon movies.
Free Anime From Viz Media:
Free Anime Sites FAQ
Are there any free anime sites without ads?
Unfortunately, by virtue of licensing agreements, ads are par for the course for free streaming sites. If you find a streaming site without ads, it’s more than likely on the “riskier” side of the internet. No judgment, of course.
Is there free anime on YouTube?
Beyond Viz Media’s official channel, there’s a treasure trove of free anime on YouTube. I won’t necessarily point you (or the copyright police) in any specific direction, but I will say it’s worth checking if something you’re interested in is on there.
Blythe (she/her) is an SEO Coordinator at IGN who spends way too much time in character customization screens and tracking down collectibles.
