The anime industry is booming, having surpassed a staggering $19 billion in 2023. With such growth, it's no surprise that fans are eager to dive into the vast world of anime without breaking the bank. While premium services like Netflix offer some exclusive titles, there's a wealth of free anime content available legally, catering to every taste from the latest hits to timeless classics.
However, navigating the online anime landscape can be tricky, with many sites teetering on the edge of legality or venturing into piracy. Fear not, as this guide focuses exclusively on reputable platforms that have legally secured their streaming rights.
Whether you're curious about the buzz around "Solo Leveling," planning to binge-watch "Naruto," or revisiting classics like "Sailor Moon," here are the top legal sites to watch anime for free.
Crunchyroll stands out as the ultimate destination for anime enthusiasts, offering a free ad-supported tier that provides access to a rotating selection of its extensive library. This free tier evolves with seasonal releases, ensuring you can catch the latest anime sensations 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 title piques your interest, Crunchyroll also offers a 14-day free trial of its Premium service.
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 (Episodes 1-61)
Tubi is a powerhouse in the free streaming realm, boasting an impressive lineup of anime thanks to licensing agreements with major players like Crunchyroll, Konami, GKIDS, and Viz Media. From timeless classics such as "Naruto," "Pokémon," and "Sailor Moon" to shoujo gems like "Toradora" and "Maid-Sama," and even hilarious comedies like "Daily Lives of High School Boys," Tubi has you covered. The platform also shines with its collection of anime movies, featuring works by renowned directors Satoshi Kon and Naoko Yamada.
Naruto
Sailor Moon
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
Daily Lives of High School Boys
Paprika
Liz and the Blue Bird
Sling TV's Freestream platform is a game-changer, consolidating various free streaming channels into one accessible hub. Among these is RetroCrush, a fantastic resource for fans of vintage anime, featuring beloved titles like "Ghost Stories" and "City Hunter." Freestream also offers sneak peeks of programming from Cartoon Network and Adult Swim, including the highly anticipated "Uzumaki" anime and the final season of "Attack on Titan."
Uzumaki
Attack on Titan: Season 4
Ghost Stories
Rick and Morty: The Anime
Maid-Sama
Yu-Gi-Oh! GX
Viz Media is a titan in the North American anime and manga distribution scene. While their website primarily offers manga and physical anime releases, their YouTube channel is a goldmine for free anime content. Here, you can watch full seasons of popular series like "InuYasha," "Naruto," and even enjoy "Sailor Moon" movies.
InuYasha
Hunter x Hunter
Death Note
Vampire Knight
Naruto Shippuden: The Movie
Sailor Moon R: The Movie
Unfortunately, due to licensing agreements, ads are a necessary part of free streaming sites. If you stumble upon a site without ads, it's likely operating in a legally gray area. Tread carefully!
Beyond Viz Media's official channel, YouTube hosts a vast array of free anime content. While I won't guide you to specific channels (to avoid any legal entanglements), exploring the platform can uncover hidden gems.