The anime industry has skyrocketed to a staggering $19+ billion in 2023, and its growth shows no signs of slowing down. Fortunately, fans don't need to break the bank to enjoy their favorite shows and movies, as there are numerous legal avenues to watch anime for free. While you might miss out on some exclusive content, the vast selection of free anime caters to every taste, from the latest hits to timeless classics.
When it comes to watching anime, it's important to steer clear of the many "risky" sites out there that often tread a thin line between legal ambiguity and outright piracy. This curated list focuses solely on free anime streaming platforms that have secured legitimate licenses to offer their content.
Whether you're curious about the buzz surrounding "Solo Leveling," planning a "Naruto" marathon, or eager to revisit classics like "Sailor Moon," here are the top legal sites where you can watch anime for free.
Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll Free Tier
Crunchyroll stands out as the ultimate destination for anime enthusiasts, offering a robust free ad-supported streaming service that showcases a rotating selection of its extensive library. With Crunchyroll's free tier, you can stay up-to-date with seasonal releases and dive into popular series like "Solo Leveling," "Jujutsu Kaisen," and "Chainsaw Man." Should a Premium title pique your interest, you can explore it further with a 14-day free trial of Crunchyroll Premium.
Free Anime on Crunchyroll:
Season 1
Solo Leveling
See it at Crunchyroll
Season 1
Jujutsu Kaisen
See it at Crunchyroll
Season 1
Chainsaw Man
See it at Crunchyroll
Season 1
Spy x Family
See it at Crunchyroll
Season 1
Vinland Saga
See it at Crunchyroll
East Blue (Episode 1-61)
One Piece
See it at Crunchyroll
Tubi
Anime on Tubi
Tubi shines as one of the premier free streaming platforms, bolstered by licensing agreements with industry giants like Crunchyroll, Konami, GKIDS, and Viz Media. This ensures a rich collection of anime, from beloved classics such as "Naruto," "Pokémon," and "Sailor Moon," to cherished shoujo series like "Toradora" and "Maid-Sama," and even humorous titles like "Daily Lives of High School Boys." Tubi's impressive catalog also includes a notable selection of anime films by renowned directors Satoshi Kon and Naoko Yamada.
Free Anime on Tubi:
Naruto
See it at Tubi
Sailor Moon
See it at Tubi
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
See it at Tubi
Daily Lives of High School Boys
See it at Tubi
Paprika
See it at Tubi
Liz and the Blue Bird
See it at Tubi
Sling TV Freestream
Sling Freestream
Sling TV's innovative Freestream platform consolidates various free streaming "channels" into a single, user-friendly interface. This includes RetroCrush, a dedicated free anime site renowned for its focus on vintage gems like "Ghost Stories" and "City Hunter." Additionally, Freestream offers "sneak peeks" at programming from Cartoon Network and Adult Swim, featuring the eagerly anticipated "Uzumaki" anime and the final season of "Attack on Titan."
Free Anime on Sling TV Freestream:
Uzumaki
See it at Sling Freestream
Attack on Titan: Season 4
See it at Sling Freestream
Ghost Stories
See it at Sling Freestream
Rick and Morty: The Anime
See it at Sling Freestream
Maid-Sama
See it at Sling Freestream
Yu-Gi-Oh! GX
See it at Sling Freestream
Viz Media
Viz Media
Viz Media, a leading distributor of anime and manga in North America, offers more than just physical releases. While their website hosts free manga chapters, their YouTube channel is a goldmine for free anime, featuring complete series and movies like "InuYasha," "Naruto," and "Sailor Moon."
Free Anime From Viz Media:
InuYasha
See it at YouTube
Hunter x Hunter
See it at YouTube
Death Note
See it at YouTube
Vampire Knight
See it at YouTube
Naruto Shippuden: The Movie
See it at YouTube
Sailor Moon R: The Movie
See it at YouTube
Free Anime Sites FAQ
Are there any free anime sites without ads?
Unfortunately, free streaming sites typically include ads as part of their licensing agreements. If you encounter a site without ads, it may be operating in a legally gray area.
Is there free anime on YouTube?
Yes, beyond Viz Media's official channel, YouTube hosts a vast array of free anime content. Exploring this platform can uncover many hidden gems, though be mindful of copyright concerns.