From the dawn of its inception in the 1960s to its worldwide domination in the 1980s and beyond, Japanese anime has captivated hearts globally, constituting over 50% of the world’s animated productions. It’s not just a form of entertainment; it’s a cultural phenomenon. If you’re an anime enthusiast like us, you’re probably always on the lookout for the next best streaming platform to satisfy your craving for anime goodness. That’s why we’ve curated a list of streaming services that cater specifically to anime fans, excluding the mainstream giants like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. Let’s dive in and explore these hidden gems!
Crunchyroll: Your Ultimate Anime Haven
Come on, let’s not pretend we didn’t see this coming! Crunchyroll takes the crown as the go-to destination for anime aficionados. Boasting one of the most extensive libraries of subtitled anime content, Crunchyroll offers over 30,000 episodes from more than 1,000 anime titles, alongside a plethora of East Asian dramas and manga. Plus, they drop new releases just an hour after they air in Japan! With pricing plans catering to various needs, Crunchyroll ensures there’s something for everyone.
Funimation: Where Dubbed Anime Reigns Supreme
If you prefer your anime dubbed rather than subtitled, Funimation is your paradise. With around 800 movies and series totaling over 15,000 hours of content, Funimation is a haven for dubbed anime lovers. Their SimulDubs feature brings dubbed content to you within the same week as its Japanese release, ensuring you stay up-to-date with your favorite shows.
Wakanim: Your European Anime Destination
Part of the Funimation family, Wakanim focuses on providing localized content for European regions. With dubbed content available in French, English, German, and Russian, Wakanim ensures that European anime fans have access to high-quality, region-specific content. It’s a must-try for those looking for a tailored anime streaming experience.
HIDIVE: Curated Content with a Twist
HIDIVE may not be as mainstream as some of the other platforms on this list, but it has carved out its niche in the anime streaming market. With a well-curated library of anime content and a unique feature allowing you to switch between censored and uncensored versions of shows, HIDIVE offers a refreshing streaming experience for anime enthusiasts.
RetroCrush: Reliving the Golden Age of Anime
As the name suggests, RetroCrush specializes in bringing back the classics from the “golden age” of anime. If you’re nostalgic for the anime of the 90s and earlier, RetroCrush has got you covered. With a mix of subbed and dubbed offerings across various genres, it’s a trip down memory lane for any anime fan.
Tubi: More Than Just Anime
While not exclusively dedicated to anime, Tubi offers a decent selection of both subbed and dubbed anime, along with a diverse collection of East Asian movies and series. Plus, they’ve got a pretty solid K-Drama collection for those looking to explore beyond anime.
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FAQs
1. Can I access these streaming services from anywhere in the world?
- While most of these services are available worldwide, content availability may vary based on your region. Consider using a VPN like ForestVPN to unlock geo-restricted content.
2. Are these streaming services free?
- Some of these services offer free content with ads, while others have subscription plans for ad-free streaming and additional perks.
3. Can I watch anime on my mobile device?
- Yes, all of these streaming services offer dedicated apps for Android and iOS devices, allowing you to enjoy anime on the go.
4. Do these services offer dubbed or subtitled anime?
- The availability of dubbed or subtitled anime varies across platforms. Crunchyroll and Funimation, for example, offer both options, while others may focus more on one or the other.
5. Are there any legal concerns with using these streaming services?
- As long as you’re accessing content through legitimate channels and adhering to the terms of service of each platform, you should be in the clear. Avoid piracy and support the creators by streaming from authorized sources.