The anime industry continues to soar, having surpassed a staggering $19 billion in 2023, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Fortunately, for fans eager to dive into this vibrant world, there are numerous ways to enjoy anime without spending a penny. While you may miss out on certain Netflix originals, the vast selection of free anime series and movies ensures there's something for every viewer.
Navigating the sea of anime streaming sites can be tricky, with many falling into legal gray areas or outright piracy. However, this guide focuses solely on reputable platforms that have legally acquired their streaming licenses, ensuring a safe and enjoyable viewing experience.
Whether you're curious about the latest sensation like Solo Leveling, planning an epic Naruto marathon, or revisiting classics such as Sailor Moon, here are the top sites where you can watch anime for free:
Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll Free Tier
Crunchyroll stands out as the premier streaming service for anime enthusiasts, offering a robust selection of its library through a free, ad-supported tier. The content available on Crunchyroll's free tier rotates with seasonal releases, making it an excellent way to explore the latest and greatest anime without any cost. Currently, you can enjoy the first seasons of blockbuster hits like Solo Leveling, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Chainsaw Man. Should a Premium title catch your eye, you can take advantage of a 14-day free trial of Crunchyroll Premium—just be sure to set a reminder to cancel if you don't wish to continue.
Free Anime on Crunchyroll:
Season 1
Solo Leveling
Season 1
Jujutsu Kaisen
Season 1
Chainsaw Man
Season 1
Spy x Family
Season 1
Vinland Saga
East Blue (Episode 1-61)
One Piece
Tubi
Anime on Tubi
Tubi is renowned as one of the best free streaming platforms, and its extensive licensing agreements with major players like Crunchyroll, Konami, GKIDS, and Viz Media make it a powerhouse for anime. Here, you can indulge in timeless classics such as Naruto, Pokémon, and Sailor Moon, as well as beloved shoujo series like Toradora and Maid-Sama, and humorous gems like Daily Lives of High School Boys. Tubi also boasts an impressive lineup of anime movies, featuring works by acclaimed directors like 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, RetroCrush stands out as a fantastic source for free anime, specializing in nostalgic classics like Ghost Stories and City Hunter. Freestream also offers "sneak peeks" at programming from Cartoon Network and Adult Swim, including the much-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. Although their website primarily offers free manga chapters and physical anime releases, the Viz Media YouTube channel is a treasure trove of free anime. Here, you can find an extensive collection, including full seasons of InuYasha, Naruto, and a variety of Sailor Moon movies.
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 the nature of licensing agreements, ads are a common feature on free streaming sites. If you come across a site without ads, it might be operating in a legally questionable space. It's worth noting, but proceed with caution.
Is there free anime on YouTube?
Beyond the official Viz Media channel, YouTube hosts a vast array of free anime content. While I won't direct you to specific sources (to avoid the copyright police), it's definitely worth exploring to see if your favorite series or movie is available there.
