Over the years, streaming services have significantly evolved from what they were in the 2000s. Previously, console players needed to physically insert a disc into their PS3 for Netflix streaming, which seems quite archaic compared to today. Nowadays, most consoles and TVs are equipped with pre-installed apps such as Disney+ and Netflix, making the process much more streamlined.
For anime enthusiasts, let’s explore some top-notch streaming platforms that offer anime content, whether they come pre-installed or can be easily downloaded. These platforms cater to a wide range of devices including consoles, televisions, computers, and numerous smart gadgets. The ranking will consider both the price range and variety of content, encompassing both modern shows and timeless classics. It’s important to note that not all these platforms are strictly dedicated anime apps.
Amazon Prime
You Probably Forgot You Had This Service
Initially, Amazon Prime emerged as a highly sought-after service that provided free shipping on all items in their store, following an annual subscription purchase. Over time, Amazon expanded its offerings by incorporating additional services at no extra cost, such as streaming anime, movies, and TV shows. While Amazon’s anime selection isn’t the most extensive, it primarily features popular, albeit older titles from the 2010s.
Some excellent examples are shows like “Death Note,” “InuYasha,” and “Great Teacher Onizuka.” They also offer popular current series such as “New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt” and “Mobile Suit Gundam GQ,” but it’s important to note that Amazon Prime may not always have the most recent releases. However, they do provide free shipping and offer a variety of options to rent or purchase content beyond just anime.
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Hulu
More Than Meets The Eye
Initially, Hulu emerged as a significant contender to Netflix in the streaming world, offering a unique appeal: viewers could stream basic cable shows a day after they were broadcasted at no cost. Over time, however, the service has undergone substantial transformations. Currently, subscribers can opt for an ad-supported plan priced at $10 per month or a commercial-free version costing $19 monthly.
Over time, Hulu has expanded its anime offerings beyond just price differences. While content can be found on other streaming platforms, Hulu’s collection is well-organized and features a mix of modern classics like “Attack on Titan” and “My Hero Academia”, as well as older favorites such as “Gundam Wing” and “Cowboy Bebop”. However, it should be noted that Hulu may not cater fully to hardcore anime fans due to its high cost. Nevertheless, its anime selection is certainly noteworthy.
Hidive
An Eclectic Collection Of Anime
Hidive, launched in 2017, represents a newer option among streaming services. It offers two payment options: a monthly fee of $7 or an annual fee of $70. Regardless of the plan chosen, users can stream content on two devices simultaneously, access both dubbed and subtitled versions, and even download episodes for offline viewing. Interestingly, Hidive stands out as one of the unique anime-focused apps, recommended when other streaming platforms have been exhausted.
To put it another way, this anime library has a unique slant, heavily emphasizing lesser-known, contemporary anime genres such as Isekai. However, it also offers some excellent, modern, and classic titles like “Food Wars,” “Made in Abyss,” and “Lupin the 3rd.” They also provide some good movies such as “Ninja Scroll” and “Vampire Hunter D.” Unfortunately, the overall quality doesn’t quite match other services, but it’s still worth considering for dedicated anime fans. However, it deserves recognition for its offering of new anime releases.
RetroCrush
Obscure And Old Classics
In around 2020, RetroCrush made its debut – an opportune time to launch a streaming service given the global situation that had everyone staying at home. Similar to Hidive, RetroCrush offers just two subscription options: users can opt for a $5 monthly fee or a $50 annual subscription. The unique selling point of RetroCrush lies in its extensive collection of retro anime, spanning from the 70s to the 90s, with additional offerings from the 60s, 2000s, and even a few live-action and Western animated series.
On this platform, you’ll find some less mainstream anime that might not be immediately familiar, but overall, the selection of vintage shows has been thoughtfully curated. You’ll come across titles such as “Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water,” “Urusei Yatsura,” and even the classic “Astro Boy,” which played a significant role in shaping the medium. The service offers both subtitled and dubbed shows, with the subtitled content dominating the offerings. One standout feature is the Livestream, which airs a programming block that seems to blend the relaxing Lo-Fi beats channels on YouTube with the quirky Adult Swim lineups of old.
Netflix
Surprisingly Great Anime
In 1997, Netflix initially functioned as a mail-delivery service that brought media directly to people’s homes. For almost a decade, it served as an affordable means of obtaining anime without having to spend a fortune on box sets or individual videos. The company later introduced their streaming platform in 2007 and soon gained widespread popularity. Over the years, Netflix’s online anime selection was somewhat unimpressive, but over the past five years, it has significantly improved and flourished.
Currently, they boast some highly popular anime series such as “Dan Dan Da Nan,” “One Piece,” and “Sakamoto Days.” Additionally, they often support game-based projects like “Castlevania” and “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.” It’s important to mention that Netflix offers a plethora of content beyond anime.
For those who prefer an ad-free experience, the $18 subscription is the obvious choice, while the basic $8 plan includes ads. Although there’s a $25 4K version available, it may not provide sufficient value for most viewers. In summary, Netflix can be considered expensive for anime enthusiasts, but its extensive selection and user-friendly interface make it challenging to dispute its appeal.
Crunchyroll
It’s THE Anime App
Initially launched in 2006 as a simple platform for anime fans, Crunchyroll has significantly grown since it started offering official content uploads in 2009. It’s now the premier destination to stream both dubbed and subtitled versions of current anime series, as well as a wealth of classic content. There are three subscription tiers: Fan, Mega Fan, and Ultimate Fan, all offering annual plans as well. These tiers cost $8, $12, or $16 per month, respectively. The differences between the versions relate to the number of active devices a subscriber can use simultaneously and the extent of store discounts they can enjoy.
Some popular and trending anime currently available include “Dr. Stone”, “Fire Force”, and “Solo Leveling”. Classics like “Ashita no Joe”, “City Hunter”, and “Golden Boy” are also worth watching. However, it’s worth noting that some anime, such as “Gate Keepers”, “Hunter X Hunter”, and “Naruto”, can only be found in subtitled versions even though dubbed versions exist. This is often due to licensing issues common in streaming services. Despite these occasional hiccups, Crunchyroll offers an impressive selection of anime.
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2025-08-12 17:04