The Anime Streaming Scene in 2025
The anime streaming world has undergone significant transformation in recent years. What began as a niche market dominated by a few specialized services has evolved into a competitive landscape where major streaming giants and dedicated anime platforms vie for viewer attention. With the continued global surge in anime popularity, streaming services have responded by expanding their libraries and improving features specifically for anime fans.
Following Sony’s acquisition of Crunchyroll and subsequent merger with Funimation’s library, the industry underwent further consolidation while simultaneously seeing new entrants appear. Established platforms have also fundamentally changed their approach to anime content, with several mainstream services developing dedicated anime verticals and investing in exclusive licenses and original productions.
For viewers, these changes bring both benefits and challenges:
- More legal options than ever before for watching anime
- Fragmented content libraries spread across multiple platforms
- Higher quality streaming experiences with improved UIs and apps
- Increased investment in dubbing across more languages
- Original anime productions commissioned by streaming platforms
- Better simulcast availability for seasonal anime
This comprehensive comparison examines the top anime streaming services in 2025, evaluating them across key factors including library size, exclusives, simulcast offerings, dubbed content, user experience, and value. Whether you’re a seasoned anime enthusiast or just beginning your journey, this guide will help you identify which services best match your viewing preferences.
1. Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll stands as the undisputed leader in the anime streaming space, especially following its merger with Funimation. Now operating as the premier dedicated anime platform under Sony’s Aniplex division, it offers the most comprehensive anime library available outside Japan.
What Makes It Great:
- Massive library: Over 5,000 anime titles spanning all genres and decades
- Seasonal simulcasts: 30-40 new seasonal anime with episodes available within hours of Japanese broadcast
- Expanded dubbing: English dubs for approximately 1,500 series plus growing Spanish, Portuguese, French, and German dubs
- Manga integration: Digital manga reader included with subscription
- Exclusive originals: Crunchyroll Originals program producing platform-exclusive content
- Complete consolidation: Now includes former Funimation, VRV, and AnimeLab libraries
User Experience:
- Redesigned interface: Significant improvements to navigation and recommendation algorithms
- Advanced filtering: Search by genre, season, studio, language, and completion status
- Multiple platforms: Available on all major streaming devices, consoles, and mobile platforms
- Offline viewing: Download episodes for offline viewing on mobile devices
- Watch parties: Synchronized viewing with chat functionality
- Customizable experience: Personalized recommendations, watchlists, and history tracking
Best For: Dedicated anime fans seeking the most comprehensive library, seasonal simulcasts, and dubs across multiple languages.
2. Netflix
Netflix has transformed from a casual anime supporter to a major industry player, investing heavily in exclusive licenses and original productions while creating a dedicated anime vertical within its service.
What Makes It Great:
- Netflix Originals: Substantial investment in exclusive anime productions like “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners” and “The Rising Shield Hero: New World”
- Studio partnerships: Direct production deals with top studios including WIT Studio, MAPPA, and Science SARU
- Global exclusives: Licenses for international distribution of major titles
- Multilingual support: Industry-leading dubbing in 20+ languages and subtitles in 30+ languages
- Consistent weekly releases: Moving away from batch releases for more titles
- High-quality streaming: 4K HDR support for select anime titles
User Experience:
- Integrated discovery: Anime recommendations alongside other content with personalized suggestions
- Consistent interface: Familiar Netflix experience across all devices
- Quality options: Adaptive streaming with manual quality selection
- Recommendation engine: Sophisticated algorithm for discovering similar anime
- Profiles: Separate watchlists and recommendations for multiple users
- Smart downloads: Automatic management of mobile downloads
Best For: Casual to moderate anime fans who appreciate high production values, multiple language options, and prefer an integrated platform for all their streaming needs.
3. HIDIVE
HIDIVE has emerged as the third major dedicated anime service, focusing on carefully curated content, niche titles, and uncensored versions unavailable elsewhere.
What Makes It Great:
- Sentai Filmworks catalog: Exclusive streaming home for Sentai’s extensive library
- Uncensored versions: Home video/uncensored versions of many series
- Niche content: Specialization in seinen, josei, and ecchi genres underrepresented elsewhere
- Dubcast: Simulcast dubbing for select seasonal anime
- Growing exclusives: Increasing number of exclusive licenses not available on other platforms
- Classic anime: Strong representation of titles from the 1980s-2000s
User Experience:
- Revamped interface: Modernized design with improved navigation
- Advanced subtitle options: Customizable subtitle styling and positioning
- Multiple audio tracks: Easy switching between language options
- Smart queue: Automatically updates with newly released episodes
- Synchronized watching: Cross-device viewing progress synchronization
- Marathon mode: Continuous episode playback with skip options
Best For: Dedicated anime fans looking for titles not available on mainstream services, uncensored versions, and niche content outside the shonen mainstream.
4. Hulu
Hulu maintains a significant anime presence through strategic partnerships and a well-curated library that balances popular titles with exclusive content.
What Makes It Great:
- Curated selection: Approximately 400+ anime titles focused on quality over quantity
- Adult Swim partnership: Exclusive streaming home for Toonami content
- Same-day simulcasts: Select seasonal anime available day-of-broadcast
- Classic titles: Strong catalog of beloved series from the 2000-2010 era
- FX anime: Exclusive home for anime productions from FX network
- Anime documentaries: Behind-the-scenes content and industry features
User Experience:
- Dedicated anime section: Easy navigation within the anime category
- English-friendly: Focus on dubbed content for casual viewers
- Multiple streams: Support for up to two simultaneous streams
- Watchlist organization: Customizable lists for different genres or moods
- Auto-play control: Options to enable or disable automatic playback
- Skip intro/recap: One-click feature to skip opening and recap segments
Best For: More casual anime viewers who appreciate English dubs and viewers already subscribing to Hulu for other content.
5. Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video has steadily built its anime presence through strategic exclusive licenses and improved discoverability within its platform.
What Makes It Great:
- Noitamina partnership: Exclusive streaming for many anime from Fuji TV’s prestigious Noitamina programming block
- Prime exclusives: Select high-profile exclusive licenses
- Theatrical releases: Faster access to anime films after theatrical runs
- Integrated rentals: Option to rent titles not included in subscription
- Studio collaborations: Direct partnerships with select Japanese studios
- Amazon Original anime: Commissioned exclusive anime productions
User Experience:
- X-Ray feature: Character information and scene details during playback
- Multiple device support: Available across smart TVs, mobile devices, and web browsers
- 4K streaming: Ultra HD support for select anime titles
- Audio options: Original Japanese and English dubs where available
- Multi-account profiles: Separate watchlists and recommendations
- Offline downloads: Mobile viewing without internet connection
Best For: Amazon Prime subscribers looking to maximize their existing subscription and fans of more mature, sophisticated anime titles from the Noitamina block.
6. Disney+
Disney+ has become a surprising contender in the anime market, securing high-profile exclusive licenses and developing original anime content through their studio partnerships.
What Makes It Great:
- Star Wars anime: Exclusive home for “Star Wars: Visions” and other franchise anime adaptations
- Studio partnerships: Strategic relationship with select top-tier studios like Science SARU
- Seasonal exclusives: Growing number of exclusive simulcast licenses for major titles
- Marvel anime: Exclusive Marvel animated projects with anime studios
- Family-friendly focus: Curated selection appropriate for various age groups
- Original productions: Disney-commissioned anime productions with Japanese studios
User Experience:
- High streaming quality: 4K HDR support with high bitrate streaming
- Multiple audio tracks: Original Japanese and dubbed options
- User profiles: Family-friendly content filtering and recommendations
- Consistent apps: Reliable experience across all supported devices
- Group watch: Synchronized viewing with reaction features
- Expanded subtitle options: Multiple language support for subtitles
Best For: Family viewers looking for anime appropriate for various ages and fans of Disney’s franchise adaptations in anime form.
7. RetroCrush
RetroCrush delivers a specialized service focusing exclusively on classic anime from the 1970s through the early 2000s, serving as a vital archive for vintage titles.
What Makes It Great:
- Classic specialization: Focused entirely on retro anime from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and early 2000s
- Rare titles: Many obscure series unavailable on other streaming platforms
- Historical preservation: Restoration of classic anime with improved video quality
- Genre pioneers: Original series that established popular anime genres
- Free tier availability: Ad-supported free version alongside premium subscription
- Curated collections: Thematic groupings by era, studio, and influence
User Experience:
- Era-based navigation: Browse by decade and historical periods
- Director spotlights: Collections organized by influential creators
- Studio retrospectives: Complete collections from classic animation studios
- Historical context: Supplemental information about significant titles
- Minimal interface: Straightforward, uncluttered design
- Multiple viewing options: Free ad-supported and premium ad-free tiers
Best For: Anime history enthusiasts, vintage animation fans, and viewers interested in exploring the medium’s foundations and evolution.
8. Ani-One Asia (YouTube)
Ani-One Asia has pioneered a unique approach by offering legal, free anime streaming through a YouTube channel, making it particularly accessible in regions underserved by major platforms.
What Makes It Great:
- Free accessibility: Legal anime streaming without subscription on YouTube
- Seasonal simulcasts: Select current-season anime available weekly
- Regional focus: Particularly strong for Southeast Asian viewers
- Growing library: Consistent addition of new titles and back catalog
- YouTube integration: Watch with existing YouTube account and features
- Multi-language subtitles: Subtitles in English and various Asian languages
User Experience:
- Familiar YouTube interface: No new app or platform required
- Playlist organization: Series organized in dedicated playlists
- Community features: Comment section and community tab engagement
- Cross-device synchronization: Watch progress saved through YouTube account
- Smart TV compatibility: Available on any device that supports YouTube
- Subscriber notifications: Alerts for new episode uploads
Best For: Budget-conscious viewers seeking legal options without subscription costs and anime fans in Southeast Asian regions with limited access to other platforms.
9. Bilibili International
Bilibili International has expanded beyond its Chinese origins to become a global platform with a unique focus on anime alongside Chinese animation and donghua.
What Makes It Great:
- Diverse Asian animation: Anime alongside Chinese donghua and other Asian animation
- Exclusive licenses: Growing number of exclusive anime simulcasts
- Original productions: Bilibili-funded anime and co-productions with Japanese studios
- Interactive viewing: Danmaku/bullet comment system for real-time viewer reactions
- Cultural context: Supplemental content explaining Japanese cultural references
- Hybrid content: Video platform featuring anime, gaming, and entertainment content
User Experience:
- Bullet comments: Unique scrolling comment system during playback
- AI-powered recommendations: Smart content discovery based on viewing habits
- Integrated community: Social features connecting fans of similar content
- High-quality streams: Adaptive bitrate with manual quality selection
- Multi-language support: Growing number of subtitle and dub options
- Content categories: Organized sections for anime, donghua, and related content
Best For: Viewers interested in exploring both Japanese anime and Chinese animation in one platform, and those who enjoy interactive social viewing experiences.
10. Max
Max (formerly HBO Max) has established a significant anime presence through its partnership with Studio Ghibli and Adult Swim, with continued expansion of its anime category.
What Makes It Great:
- Studio Ghibli collection: Complete library of Ghibli films in one streaming home
- Adult Swim anime: Toonami content and Adult Swim original anime
- Crunchyroll collection: Curated selection from Crunchyroll’s catalog
- Anime-inspired originals: Western animations with significant anime influence
- Theatrical film focus: Strong selection of anime feature films and OVAs
- Documentary content: Behind-the-scenes looks at anime production
User Experience:
- Curated discovery: Editorially selected recommendations and collections
- High-quality streaming: Up to 4K resolution for select anime titles
- Personalized profiles: Custom watchlists and viewing history
- Cross-platform availability: Consistent experience across devices
- Multi-language support: Original audio and multiple dub options
- Enhanced search: Detailed filters for finding specific anime content
Best For: Film enthusiasts especially interested in Studio Ghibli works and viewers who appreciate Adult Swim’s anime curation alongside broader entertainment content.
Comparing Anime Streaming Services
| Platform | Library Size | Simulcasts | Dubs | Exclusive Content | UI Quality | Original Anime | Free Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crunchyroll | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | Yes (Limited) |
| Netflix | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | No |
| HIDIVE | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | No |
| Hulu | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | No |
| Amazon Prime | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | No |
| Disney+ | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | No |
| RetroCrush | ★★★☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | Yes |
| Ani-One Asia | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | Yes |
| Bilibili | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | Partial |
| Max | ★★☆☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | No |
How to Choose the Right Anime Streaming Service
Finding your ideal anime streaming solution depends on your specific viewing preferences:
For Dedicated Anime Fans:
If you’re a serious anime enthusiast who wants access to the largest library and latest seasonal shows, Crunchyroll is the essential service, potentially supplemented with HIDIVE for exclusive titles and uncensored versions.
For Casual Viewers:
Viewers who watch anime occasionally alongside other content will likely find sufficient options through mainstream services like Netflix, Hulu, or Max, particularly if you already subscribe to these platforms for other content.
For Dub Preference:
Fans who primarily watch English dubs should prioritize Netflix for its industry-leading dubbing quality and language options, with Crunchyroll and Hulu as strong secondary options.
For Film Enthusiasts:
Viewers with a particular interest in anime films should consider Max for the Studio Ghibli collection, alongside Netflix for their exclusive anime films and theatrical acquisitions.
For Classic Anime:
Fans of vintage anime from the 70s-90s will find RetroCrush indispensable, complemented by selections from Crunchyroll’s classic catalog.
For Budget-Conscious Viewers:
Those looking to minimize costs should explore the free tier of Crunchyroll, Ani-One Asia’s YouTube channel, and the ad-supported version of RetroCrush before considering paid subscriptions.
The Changing Landscape: Trends in Anime Streaming
The anime streaming landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with several key trends shaping the future:
Consolidation vs. Fragmentation
While Sony’s acquisition of Crunchyroll and Funimation created a dominant specialized platform, the entry of major players like Disney and significant expansion by Netflix has simultaneously fragmented the available content across more services.
Simulcast Competition
Competition for simulcast rights has intensified, with traditional players like Crunchyroll facing unprecedented challenges from Disney+, Netflix, and Amazon for seasonal exclusives, driving up acquisition costs but also expanding global availability.
Original Productions
Streaming platforms have moved beyond simply licensing content to commissioning original anime productions, with Netflix leading in volume but Crunchyroll, Disney+, and Bilibili making significant investments in exclusive content.
Dubbing Expansion
The industry has seen massive growth in dubbing efforts, moving beyond English to include Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, and other languages, making anime more accessible to global audiences.
Specialized Services
As mainstream platforms expand their anime offerings, specialized services have responded by focusing on specific niches – whether classic anime (RetroCrush), uncensored content (HIDIVE), or cross-cultural Asian animation (Bilibili).
Conclusion
The anime streaming landscape in 2025 offers unprecedented choice for viewers, with options spanning from comprehensive dedicated platforms to specialized niche services and mainstream streamers with growing anime libraries.
For most viewers, the optimal approach will likely involve a primary service supplemented by one or two additional platforms based on specific interests. Crunchyroll remains the essential cornerstone for dedicated fans, while casual viewers may find sufficient content through mainstream services they already subscribe to like Netflix or Hulu.
🎬 Finding Legal Anime Streaming
Is Crunchyroll still worth it after merging with Funimation?
Absolutely. The merger has created the most comprehensive anime streaming library available outside Japan. While the subscription price increased slightly post-merger, the value proposition has significantly improved with:
- The addition of Funimation’s entire library including many exclusive titles
- Expanded dubbing efforts across multiple languages
- Unified platform eliminating the need for multiple subscriptions
- Improved apps and streaming technology
- Greater investment in simulcast acquisitions
For dedicated anime fans, Crunchyroll now represents an even more essential service, though the removal of the ad-supported tier for newer titles has been a drawback for budget-conscious viewers.
What happened to Funimation's streaming service?
Funimation’s standalone streaming service was gradually phased out following Sony’s acquisition of Crunchyroll and the subsequent decision to consolidate their anime properties under the Crunchyroll brand. The transition occurred through several phases:
- Initial content sharing between platforms
- Migration of Funimation exclusives to Crunchyroll
- Transfer of user accounts, watchlists, and purchase history
- Eventual discontinuation of the Funimation service in 2024
Funimation continues to exist as a dubbing and distribution brand under Sony, but its streaming functions have been fully absorbed into Crunchyroll. All subscribers, digital purchases, and watchlists were migrated to equivalent Crunchyroll accounts during the transition period.
Why do some anime appear on Netflix months after they air in Japan?
Netflix employs different release strategies for anime content:
Batch release model: Netflix often acquires complete seasons and releases all episodes simultaneously, months after the Japanese broadcast concludes. This approach caters to binge-watching preferences but creates delays.
Netflix Exclusive productions: For shows Netflix co-produces (labeled Netflix Originals), they typically hold global rights but still often prefer the batch release approach.
Weekly simulcast experiments: Netflix has begun testing weekly releases for select high-profile titles, responding to fan demand for more timely availability.
The delay occurs primarily because Netflix prioritizes having multiple language dubs ready at launch and prefers the binge model over weekly episodic releases for most content. However, their strategy has been evolving, with more titles now receiving weekly or accelerated release schedules compared to previous years.
Which service offers the best value if I'm new to anime?
For newcomers to anime, the best value depends on your existing subscriptions and viewing preferences:
If you already subscribe to Netflix: Start here, as its algorithm can recommend entry-level anime based on your non-anime viewing habits, and everything includes English dubs.
For a dedicated anime experience: Crunchyroll offers the most comprehensive library with a free ad-supported tier (limited to older titles) to sample before committing to a subscription.
For family viewing: Disney+ provides a curated selection of generally all-ages appropriate content alongside other family entertainment.
For film-first approach: Max gives access to Studio Ghibli films, widely considered excellent entry points to anime storytelling.
Most newcomers benefit from starting with a mainstream service they may already have before deciding if a dedicated anime platform subscription is worthwhile for their level of interest.
Why are some anime split across different streaming services?
The fragmentation of anime series across multiple platforms typically occurs for several reasons:
Licensing periods: Rights may change hands when contracts expire, moving series between services.
Season-by-season bidding: Different seasons of the same show may be licensed separately, especially for long-running series.
Regional rights: Streaming rights are often sold by territory, resulting in different availability depending on your location.
Film vs. TV rights: Movies related to a TV series may be licensed separately from the series itself.
Historical licensing deals: Older agreements made before the streaming era can create complex rights situations.
This fragmentation has become more pronounced as competition for anime content has intensified, with more platforms aggressively bidding for exclusive rights to popular franchises. Using a tracking service like Because.moe can help locate which platform streams specific anime in your region.