35 Best Anime on Crunchyroll Right Now (2026)

Crunchyroll is the go-to streaming service for anime fans, offering a huge collection of popular and highly-rated shows. Titles like Frieren, Solo Leveling, Steins;Gate, Rainbow, One Piece, and Fruits Basket are just a small sample of what’s available. While it focuses on newer anime, Crunchyroll also has a good selection of older classics, hidden gems, and unique series. You’ll find everything from action-packed adventures and heartwarming romances to fantastical stories, comedies, and magical girl anime – truly something for everyone. Crunchyroll provides both a large library and high-quality streaming.

With so many anime series available, choosing what to watch can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the world of anime. It’s hard to know where to start – should you pick something brand new, a classic from the 2000s, or just leave it to chance? This article can help you find the perfect show and get started, drawing on years of anime-watching experience.

The Spring 2026 anime season is here, and Crunchyroll is now streaming a lot of new shows!

This article is designed to help you discover anime from different genres. It offers recommendations, but doesn’t rank them.

Best Anime On Crunchyroll For Beginners

A Guide To Help Get Your Anime Life Started

Crunchyroll has a huge selection of anime, which can be overwhelming if you’re new to the hobby and don’t know terms like “isekai” or “shonen.” While you can browse by genre – and most shows there are pretty easy to get into – this list highlights some anime that are perfect for beginners.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood – Arguably the quintessential “introductory anime,” FMA: Brotherhood is just an all-around awesome show and the perfect representative for the genre as a whole. The story is gripping but easy to follow, and the characters are instantly endearing (or terrifying). The animation is also all-around fantastic.
Grand Blue Dreaming – One for older viewers who love college comedies about drinking, messing around, and scuba-diving, Grand Blue is constantly hilarious, in a way that can be appreciated even by those who are not familiar with anime.
Horimiya – The perfect pick for any beginner looking for a romcom. Horimiya‘s first season is mostly romance, albeit with some hilarious moments. The sequel is almost entirely comedy, albeit with some cute romantic moments. Overall, just a pleasure to watch.
Spy x Family – Lighthearted family-friendly fun about a make-shift family who are all hiding huge secrets. The humor is delightful, the main characters are charming, and the action is great when it happens.

Best Action Anime On Crunchyroll

Solo Leveling Has Some Of The Best Fights On Crunchyroll

So far, Solo Leveling is arguably the biggest anime hit of the 2020s, and it’s created a lot of excitement for more manhwa being adapted into animated series. The story is set in a world where mysterious rifts open up, and humans become hunters to fight the creatures that emerge. These hunters are ranked based on their abilities, creating a clear power structure.

Sung Jinwoo wasn’t a very skilled hunter, but he had to keep working to pay for his mother’s medical bills. During a dangerous mission, his team stumbled upon a hidden room and a monster far stronger than anything they’d faced before. Severely wounded and near death, Sung was given a chance to become a “player” – a powerful warrior – and he took it, embarking on a journey to become the strongest hunter around.

While Solo Leveling doesn’t focus on complex plots or in-depth characters, it truly shines as a thrilling power fantasy, made even better by the incredible animation from A-1 Pictures. The action scenes are absolutely stunning – each fight is a visual masterpiece.

Jujutsu Kaisen Set A New Standard For Action Anime

I’ve been watching a lot of action anime lately, and Jujutsu Kaisen really stands out, maybe even more so than Demon Slayer or My Hero Academia. Like a lot of these stories, it starts with a pretty wild premise: a young guy swallows a cursed object and ends up hosting a tremendously powerful evil force. This basically forces him into a school for sorcerers, and from there, it’s a constant struggle filled with hardship and danger. It’s a tough life, to say the least.

Jujutsu Kaisen boasts impressive world-building and characters, but it’s best known for its incredible fight scenes. The animation is stunning, and the creative range of powers leads to diverse and exciting combat. The action is often fast-paced and intense, especially in the second season.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Is Maybe The Best Anime On Crunchyroll

During the 2010s, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood became the go-to anime for many newcomers, especially those interested in action-packed stories. This ambitious and sweeping series is set in a world where alchemy exists, but it follows a strict law: something must be given for anything you receive. When brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric violate this law, they suffer a terrible consequence and embark on a quest to find a Philosopher’s Stone to fix what they’ve done.

Despite a slightly fast start, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood tells a truly amazing story filled with exciting action, deeply emotional scenes, and plenty of humor. While choosing the best action anime on Crunchyroll depends on what you like, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a great place to begin your search.

Attack On Titan Is Maybe The Most Popular Anime On Crunchyroll

With nearly ten years of storytelling behind it, Attack on Titan is nearing its conclusion, though the final season still has one more part to be released. This popular anime is set in a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction, hiding behind walls to avoid gigantic, human-eating creatures called Titans. It’s known for being a thrilling, unpredictable, beautifully animated, and intricately plotted series.

With each new season, Attack on Titan dramatically changes its story, often surprising viewers by taking characters in unexpected directions. The series has become a benchmark for anime, not just within the shonen genre, and its conclusion will leave a significant void that will be hard to fill.

While Attack on Titan doesn’t fit the usual mold of battle shonen anime, it’s included because it features a lot of action and is aimed at a young male audience—a key characteristic of the shonen genre.

Other Recommended Action Anime On Crunchyroll:

Black Lagoon
Bungo Stray Dogs
Chainsaw Man
Demon Slayer
Dragon Ball Z
Fate/Stay night Unlimited Blade Works
Gachiakuta
Hellsing Ultimate
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Kaiju No. 8
Kill la Kill
Mob Psycho 100
Shangri-La Frontier
Yu Yu Hakusho

Best Comedy Anime On Crunchyroll

Gintama Is The Funniest Anime On Crunchyroll

If you’re new to anime, Gintama isn’t the best place to start. It’s a comedy that makes fun of typical anime stories, so it helps to have seen a more traditional series first. We recommend checking out Rurouni Kenshin (available on Crunchyroll) before diving into Gintama – that way, you’ll really appreciate the humor!

Imagine a world where aliens have conquered Earth and samurai are outlawed in the city of Edo. This is the setting for Gintama, where a former samurai named Gintoki scrapes by taking any job he can find, usually leading to chaotic and funny situations. While the series starts as a hilarious comedy, it also features exciting action-packed storylines, though it truly excels at making you laugh.

Grand Blue Dreaming Is The Ultimate College Comedy Anime

Anime often focuses on high school stories and doesn’t usually explore college life. Plus, there’s no need for another college comedy when Grand Blue Dreaming already does it so well. The series follows Iori as he starts university and ends up living at his uncle’s diving shop, which quickly leads to wild nights of drinking, unexpected antics, and hilarious over-the-top reactions – reminiscent of the classic series Great Teacher Onizuka.

While Grand Blue has its touching scenes, it mostly focuses on being hilariously, and often painfully, funny – and it’s remarkably successful. The show uses over-the-top silliness, but still manages to make its characters feel genuine and endearing.

Nichijou – My Ordinary Life Is A Surreal Comedy Masterpiece

It’s a fine line between everyday stories and outright comedy, and Nichijou perfectly balances both. The show centers around a group of friends – including a professor, a robot, and a talking cat – and expertly mixes ordinary life with bizarre, increasingly outlandish events. To give you an idea of how strange it gets, there’s a scene where a character watches her school principal wrestle a deer. It’s absolutely hilarious.

Nichijou takes the typical ‘slice of life’ genre and adds a wonderfully strange twist. Despite the unusual events, it remains a calming and low-stress show, simply portraying everyday lives that aren’t bound by what we consider ‘normal’.

Bocchi The Rock! Will Make You Laugh, Cry, And Cheer

While 2022 offered many excellent anime series, Bocchi the Rock! truly stood out. The show, adapted from Aki Hamaji’s manga, centers around Hitori “Bocchi” Gotou, a gifted guitarist who battles severe social anxiety. After a lonely middle school experience, she longs to join a band and overcome her shyness. Her chance arrives when Nijika Ijichi unexpectedly asks her to fill in as guitarist for Kessoku Band, just before a performance. Hesitant but unable to refuse, Hitori finds herself thrust onto stage – and even hiding in a box – with her new bandmates.

Though it initially appears to be a lighthearted anime about a group of girls, Bocchi the Rock! is actually a story about personal growth. It centers on Bocchi’s journey as she overcomes her anxieties, both when playing in a band and simply interacting with others. The series is surprisingly focused on its characters, mixing imaginative and often bizarre comedy with moments that feel very real and relatable thanks to Hitori’s struggles.

Kaguya-sama: Love Is War Splits Its Time Being One Of Crunchyroll’s Best Comedies And Romances

At Shuchiin Academy, Miyuki Shirogane and Kaguya Shinomiya, the student council president and vice president, have a secret crush on each other. However, they’re both too proud and hesitant to confess their feelings directly. Instead, they engage in elaborate schemes, trying to trick the other into being the first to admit their love.

At first, Kaguya-sama: Love is War is a hilarious, exaggerated take on romance anime. But as the series progresses, it delves deeper into the connections between its characters, allowing them to develop and change. The Spring 2022 season, Ultra Romantic, really solidified the show’s strengths. While still very funny, Kaguya-sama consistently builds on its relationships, delivering genuinely exciting and romantic scenes.

Other Recommended Comedy Anime On Crunchyroll:

Asobi Asobase
Daily Lives of High School Boys
Cromartie High School
Ghost Stories (English Dub)
Great Teacher Onizuka
Hinamatsuri
KonoSuba
Spy x Family
The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You

Best Fantasy Anime On Crunchyroll

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Is The Greatest Fantasy Anime On Crunchyroll

Many consider Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End to be one of Madhouse’s best works. The story begins after the heroes have already defeated the Demon King and established peace. Frieren, an elf mage who has lived far longer than her friends, regrets not getting to know them better. She embarks on a new journey with a younger group, hoping to preserve the memories of her past companions while traces of their adventures still exist.

Frieren is a fantasy anime that feels like a relaxing slice of life, but with exciting action and a clear objective for the characters. It focuses on appreciating the present and learning from the past, allowing the main characters to grow, think about their lives, and truly live. Many episodes simply showcase the fun interactions between Frieren, Fern, and Stark, and their encounters with the people they meet. Beyond its wonderful characters, the anime subtly builds a rich and believable world, suggesting a deep history without overwhelming the viewer with explanations.

Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Is The Best Isekai Fantasy Anime On Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll has a lot of isekai anime, meaning anyone wanting to watch shows about people transported to another world will have plenty to choose from. While the genre has created many enjoyable series, they can sometimes feel similar in their settings, overall mood, and main characters. However, despite sharing some common elements with other isekai shows, *Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World stands out as something special.

Subaru, an ordinary guy, suddenly finds himself transported to a magical world full of fantasy elements like magic, appealing characters, and even talking animals. While this setup might seem typical, Re:ZERO quickly proves it’s not a simple power fantasy. Subaru’s story is one of hardship, setbacks, and learning about himself. The show also features compelling supporting characters, and season two particularly shines in its development of Emilia’s personality.

One Piece Will Take Over Your Life (And Let It)

Let’s talk about One Piece. It’s incredibly difficult to recommend, mainly because it’s so long – it passed 1000 episodes years ago! Anyone starting this fantasy adventure will likely be watching it well into 2026, and will need to watch several episodes daily just to keep up. It’s hard to suggest a series that demands such a huge time commitment.

One of the biggest reasons One Piece is so good is simply that it is amazing. Despite some flaws – like a slow pace, inconsistent animation, and too many flashbacks – the anime is incredibly charming. The characters, especially Luffy and the Straw Hat crew, are lovable, and their bond feels like one of the best found families in storytelling. The story started small, but it’s constantly growing, and now the heroes are facing off against powerful forces like the world government and seemingly unbeatable enemies.

If you’re looking for creative and imaginative worlds, One Piece is a great choice because every island feels distinct and original.

Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Is A Divisive But Great Isekai Anime

It’s not always easy to recommend Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation because the main character is initially quite flawed, particularly in the first season. However, despite this, it’s one of the best-written isekai anime ever made. The story follows a man who, after finally doing something good, dies and is reborn as a baby named Rudy in a fantasy world. Rudy retains all his memories and often acts like his former self. What sets Mushoku Tensei apart from many other isekai shows is that its protagonist isn’t a simple, undeveloped character or a stand-in for the viewer.

The world-building in Mushoku Tensei is excellent, and the story takes its time developing. We see Rudy’s life unfold slowly as he matures and evolves. He remains realistically flawed throughout his journey, but he isn’t a stagnant character; he continues to grow and change.

Other Recommended Fantasy Anime On Crunchyroll:

Black Clover
Clevatess
Magi
Overlord
Ranking of Kings
Sentenced to be a Hero
That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime

Best Romance Anime On Crunchyroll

Fruits Basket Is The Best Romance Anime On Crunchyroll

The Fruits Basket anime, produced by TMS Entertainment and based on Natsuki Takaya’s manga, is a beautifully made series with a compelling story. It skillfully blends many different genres – it can be funny, dramatic, and heartbreakingly romantic, and it handles each tone with care.

The romance in Fruits Basket mainly focuses on the relationship between Toru, Yuki, and Kyou, and many fans consider it to have one of the best love triangles in all of anime. Even if you don’t usually enjoy romance stories, Fruits Basket is likely to appeal to you. It’s definitely one of the top anime series available on Crunchyroll.

Given Is A Fantastic Boys Love Anime

Romance anime isn’t for everyone, and stories focused on male relationships are even more specific. While fairly popular, this type of anime, known as shounen-ai, can feel exclusive to newcomers. Basically, these are just romance stories with two male main characters. If you’re curious about where to begin, Given is an excellent choice.

This anime follows a band with four members – two are in high school and two are in college. While all the characters are well-developed, the story mainly centers on the two high school students, Mafuyu and Ritsuka. Mafuyu recently joined the band and is eager to learn, even though he’s not very experienced with music.

Your Lie In April Blends Romance, Drama, Comedy, And Tragedy

Your Lie in April is now a classic romance story. It started as a popular manga and has since been adapted into an anime series, a light novel, and a live-action film. All versions of the story are generally well-received, but the anime is particularly outstanding.

Music is central to this story, connecting the characters and driving their emotional journeys, including both their joys and hardships. Kosei, a talented pianist, stopped playing after a difficult personal experience. His life changes when he meets Kaori, a vibrant and free-spirited violinist, and the two quickly feel a connection.

Ouran High School Host Club Is A Shojo Anime Classic

While Ouran High School Host Club definitely fits the harem and comedy genres – and excels at both – it’s enjoyable for a wide range of viewers, even if those genres aren’t usually your thing. It’s one of the most popular and easy-to-love shojo anime ever made! The story centers on Haruhi, a girl who starts working at the Ouran Host Club after accidentally breaking a valuable vase. A running joke is that people often mistake her for a boy because of her style, which provides humor without being mean-spirited.

Ouran High School Host Club features a cast of charming characters who are both funny and emotionally resonant. The series is led by the strong and engaging Haruhi, alongside Tamaki, who is considered one of the best romantic leads in shojo manga. Even the supporting characters are well-developed individuals with their own motivations and stories, going beyond just their relationships with Haruhi.

Other Recommended Romance Anime On Crunchyroll:

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian
A Sign of Affection
Don’t Toy with Me, Miss Nagatoro
Horimiya
My Dress-Up Darling
My Love Story!!
Sasaki And Miyano
Tonikawa: Over The Moon For You
You and I Are Polar Opposites

Best Sci-Fi Anime On Crunchyroll

Steins;Gate Is Maybe The Best Anime On Crunchyroll

Based on a visual novel, Steins;Gate begins as a lighthearted show about the unusual members of the Future Gadget Laboratory and their leader, Rintaro Okabe. However, the series quickly shifts gears, becoming an intense science fiction story focused on the dangers of time travel and those who would do anything to control it.

Both parts of Steins;Gate are excellent on their own, but they’re even more enjoyable when experienced together. The series skillfully blends multiple genres, and it handles them all with impressive quality. After finishing the original, Crunchyroll users can also explore Steins;Gate 0, a fantastic spin-off that presents an alternate storyline.

Dandadan Is The Ultimate Mash-Up Of Genres

Honestly, Dandadan seamlessly blends action, comedy, romance, and science fiction. What’s really impressive is how well it handles all of these genres, proving it’s incredibly versatile. Many consider it the best anime of 2024, and it’s already shaping up to be a top contender for 2025. The series follows Momo and Okarun through wild, large-scale supernatural and sci-fi adventures – everything from aliens and giant monsters to ancient creatures. And that willingness to explore any and all possibilities is what makes Dandadan so great.

At its heart, Dandadan is a story about relationships, especially the sweet connection between Momo and Okarun. Despite being a fast-paced action series, it also tells one of the best love stories in anime recently. Even if you don’t usually watch action or romance, Dandadan is worth checking out.

Space Brothers Is An Underappreciated, Realistic Sci-Fi Anime

Space Brothers is a realistic take on the sci-fi genre. The anime centers around two brothers who both dreamed of being astronauts as children. One brother actively worked towards that goal, while the other didn’t—until a surprising opportunity allowed him to chase his dream as well.

Space Brothers is a compelling anime that really emphasizes the intense effort and commitment needed to become an astronaut. The story largely follows Mutta Nanba as he trains, and although these training sequences can be lengthy, they’re usually captivating and draw you in. When the story finally moves into space, it’s absolutely gripping.

Cowboy Bebop Is A Must-Watch Masterpiece

Cowboy Bebop is more than just an anime; it’s a landmark series that goes far beyond Netflix’s recent attempt to recreate it. The original 1998 show brought many viewers into the world of anime and proved that popular titles like Dragon Ball Z, Pokémon, and Sailor Moon only represent a fraction of the diverse and exciting content the industry has to offer.

In the near future, humans have colonized the galaxy. The story follows the adventures of Spike and Jet, two bounty hunters who take on a variety of unusual jobs. They’re soon joined by new crew members: Faye, Ed, and a cute dog. Cowboy Bebop expertly blends self-contained episodes with a larger, ongoing story, making it both fun and emotionally engaging. Plus, the show’s music is incredible.

Gurren Lagann Is The Best Mecha Anime On Crunchyroll

Gainax’s Gurren Lagann is an incredibly exciting anime. While it’s known for its amazing action sequences, the show offers much more. Released in 2007, Gurren Lagann features well-developed characters, a strong underlying message, and a truly grand story. At its heart, the anime is about striving for freedom by overcoming any obstacle.

Though blending science fiction and fantasy, Gurren Lagann truly shines because it never loses sight of its characters and their emotions, even amidst all the amazing action. At its heart, it’s a story about growing up, set in a uniquely wild and imaginative world.

Code Geass: Lelouch Of The Rebellion Is Wildly Entertaining

Back in 2006, many anime series featured brilliant, but often scheming, characters who wanted to control the world. Code Geass presents a world where Japan has been conquered by the Britannian Empire. Although a resistance movement exists, it’s largely ineffective. That changes with the emergence of a new leader, Zero, who fights to defend the Japanese people against the Empire’s unfair rule.

I’ve discovered that the mysterious Zero is actually Lelouch, and honestly, his motives aren’t as purely heroic as everyone believes. He also possesses a frightening power – he can essentially force anyone to obey a single command, and he uses it in ways that are both impressive and deeply disturbing. Code Geass blends clever strategy and giant robot battles seamlessly, making it a really gripping show; I found it hard to look away.

Other Recommended Sci-Fi Anime On Crunchyroll:

A Certain Scientific Railgun
Dr. Stone
86 Eighty-Six
Mobile Suit Gundam
World Trigger

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Best Slice Of Life Anime On Crunchyroll

Journal With Witch Is One Of The Best Anime Of The Year

So far in 2026, only Frieren season 2 might be better than Journal with Witch, which is a truly exceptional anime. It’s easily the best slice-of-life anime we’ve seen in years, but it’s also surprisingly moving and emotionally impactful. The story follows Asa, who goes to live with her aunt Makio after losing her parents. They have very different personalities and ways of interacting with others, creating some tension as Asa adjusts to her new home and deals with her grief.

Many shows quickly move past difficult events, but Journal with Witch allows its characters to fully feel and process their tragedies as they heal. Makio is portrayed as a relatable adult with her own set of problems. While the anime deals with serious themes, it’s not solely focused on hardship. It explores the public and private sides of both Asa and Makio’s lives, with each episode largely centered on their efforts to build a life together.

Natsume’s Book of Friends Has 7 Seasons Of Slice Of Life Supernatural Bliss

Takashi Natsume has always been able to see spirits, a gift passed down from his grandmother. She also left him a special book filled with the names of these spirits. Owning the book gives Natsume power over them, which unfortunately makes him a target for many different yokai.

The setup feels perfect for an action-packed supernatural show, but Natsume’s Book of Friends chooses a different path. Instead of fighting, Natsume simply wants to give the spirits’ names back, releasing them from the book’s power. It’s a surprisingly gentle and calm adventure.

A Place Further Than The Universe Is A Short But Unforgettable Journey

I’ve been thinking about A Place Further Than The Universe, and while some call it slice of life, that doesn’t quite capture it. It’s about four girls determined to reach Antarctica, and each of them has incredibly personal reasons for wanting to go. Honestly, it’s a stunning series from Madhouse – it’s powerful, it’ll make you cry, it’s genuinely funny, and despite the crazy goal, it feels really real and relatable.

While the girls in A Place Further Than The Universe are determined to reach Antarctica, the show beautifully focuses on their personal growth along the way. With stunning visuals, a captivating story, and characters you’ll instantly adore, this anime truly stands out from the rest.

Barakamon Is An All-Time Slice Of Life Masterpiece

While slice of life stories often focus on everyday events and avoid big conflicts, they can still feature compelling character growth. The anime Barakamon perfectly illustrates this, telling a satisfying story centered around the development of its main character. Sei, a skilled calligrapher, responds poorly to feedback, so his father sends him to a remote island under the guise of work. The real purpose of this trip is to help Sei improve his social skills and learn how to connect with others.

Barakamon beautifully shows how important it is to connect with others and become part of a community. Over just 12 episodes, the main character, Sei, grows and changes in a realistic and satisfying way. Plus, the show is consistently funny, with humor that’s always good-natured and heartwarming.

March Comes In Like A Lion Is More Drama Than Slice Of Life, But It Is Incredible

The anime March Comes In Like a Lion has a complicated title that might turn some viewers away. While the first season is well-made, it can be slow-paced and spends a lot of time on the main character’s professional chess matches, which aren’t always exciting. Because of this, some viewers may stop watching before getting to season 2, where the show really shines and earns its place among the best anime available on Crunchyroll.

After losing his parents at a young age, Rei goes to live with a family friend, but struggles to feel at home. This sense of disconnect permeates his life until he meets the Kawamoto sisters. March Comes In Like a Lion is a thoughtful story about growing up that honestly explores difficult topics like depression, anxiety, loneliness, and bullying. The anime doesn’t offer simple solutions, instead presenting a realistic and well-handled portrayal of these challenges.

Other Recommended Slice Of Life Anime On Crunchyroll:

Laid-Back Camp
Non Non Biyori Nonstop
Flying Witch
Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid
Bunny Drop

Best Sports Anime On Crunchyroll

Ping Pong The Animation Is The Most Experimental Sports Anime On Crunchyroll

Many sports anime aren’t really about the sport itself; they follow a familiar pattern that defines the genre. However, Ping Pong the Animation, despite its name, is quite different from most sports shows – it’s almost in a category of its own. The series focuses on Peco and Smile, who have been close friends since childhood, with Smile looking up to Peco. Both are talented ping pong players, but Peco’s performance declines after a tough defeat.

Ping Pong the Animation tackles surprisingly deep themes like coming-of-age, worry, pressure, and the importance of friends, all within a short 11-episode run. The show really gets inside the heads of its characters, exploring them far beyond just the main duo, Smile and Peco. While its art style is definitely different and might not appeal to everyone, it’s visually striking and memorable.

Haikyu!! Is The Best Sports Anime On Crunchyroll

I’ve been watching Haikyu!!, and it’s really captivating. It’s a story centered around volleyball, but it’s more than just the sport itself – it’s about the players’ incredible drive and determination, even when facing tough challenges. A big part of what makes it so interesting is the dynamic between two key characters, Shoyo Hinata and Tobio Kageyama. They clash a lot, but somehow they push each other to be better. Ultimately, Haikyu!! feels like it’s about so much more than volleyball – it’s about the struggles, triumphs, and everything in between, really mirroring the ups and downs of life.

This anime is incredibly fun to watch, thanks to its exciting fights, characters you won’t forget, and consistently funny moments. Every season is fantastic, and it’s hard to find a single episode that isn’t enjoyable.

Other Recommended Sports Anime On Crunchyroll:

AoAshi
Blue Lock
Eyeshield 21
Kuroko’s Basketball
Megalo Box

Best Thriller Anime On Crunchyroll

Rainbow Is A Hard But Worthwhile Watch

If you’re looking for a tough and emotionally demanding drama, you should definitely watch Rainbow. This anime is a historical story set in 1950s Japan, focusing on a group of young prisoners who endure brutal treatment at the hands of a truly despicable villain.

Okay, so this anime, Rainbow, is intense. There are some seriously tough scenes to watch, really heartbreaking stuff. But what makes it so powerful is how these prisoners come together and support each other, even when the guards are unbelievably cruel. It’s a really mature show – it doesn’t shy away from the absolute worst of people, but it also highlights incredible acts of kindness and loyalty, sometimes all within the same episode! It’s definitely not a light watch, and it won’t be for everyone, but honestly, I’ve never seen anything quite like it.

Takopi’s Original Sin Was The Best Anime Of 2025

Many consider Takopi’s Original Sin the best anime surprise of 2025, and it truly excels in almost every aspect. Though it’s only six episodes long, adapted from a short manga, each moment feels impactful. The story centers on Takopi, an adorable alien from Happy Planet, who comes to Earth and becomes friends with Shizuka, a girl struggling with depression. Takopi’s mission is to cheer Shizuka up, but his naiveté often leads to misunderstandings about the difficult things happening around her. Shizuka is deeply hurt by bullying and feels neglected by her mother, leaving her feeling hopeless and lost.

Takopi’s Original Sin bravely addresses difficult topics like suicide, bullying, abuse, manipulation, and depression – subjects rarely explored in anime, and often handled poorly. This show tackles them with remarkable sensitivity and depth, all while maintaining a consistently engaging and compelling story. Both the writing and Enishiya’s animation are exceptional.

Psycho-Pass Is An Awesome Sci-Fi Police Procedural

The anime Psycho-Pass takes place in a bleak, futuristic Japan where a unique system determines if people are likely to commit crimes. If someone’s ‘Psycho-Pass’ indicates a high probability of criminal behavior, they are essentially exiled from society with almost no chance of rehabilitation. This system is upheld by Inspectors, who work alongside Enforcers – individuals already identified as potential criminals themselves.

Psycho-Pass is a gripping sci-fi anime that makes you think about justice and whether it’s okay to sacrifice someone’s rights for the greater good. It’s a mature show with violence, and while it can be challenging to watch, it’s never boring. You can find the first two seasons on Crunchyroll, and each season has a complete storyline. The first season is especially good and features a truly unforgettable villain.

Vinland Saga Is Not A Natural Fit For The Thriller Genre, But It Needs To Be Recommended

Inspired by historical events, Vinland Saga is a sweeping story about Vikings, exploring themes of revenge, regret, and finding forgiveness. The first two seasons, created by Wit Studio, center on Thorfinn’s journey to avenge his father’s death and the challenges he faces afterward.

The two seasons of Vinland Saga are very different but work well together. The first season is a thrilling war story with complex characters, while the second is more focused on internal struggles, especially the development of the main character, Thorfinn, who might seem simple at first. It’s not just one of the best anime available on Crunchyroll, but a truly great series overall.

Monogatari Is The Weirdest Anime On Crunchyroll (And Maybe The Best)

Certain anime are hard to categorize, blending so many different styles that they create something truly original. While not everyone will enjoy these shows, they can be incredibly impressive when they click.

Though it blends psychological themes, everyday life moments, and supernatural elements, Monogatari is truly unique among anime. Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai is the closest show in terms of style, but their similarities don’t go very deep. Based on novels by Nisio Isin, Monogatari centers on a young man who becomes a type of vampire and ends up assisting girls who are dealing with strange, supernatural problems.

Okay, so the basic idea of Monogatari might sound simple, but trust me, it’s so much more! It’s a really talkative show, full of deep thoughts and surprisingly intense fights. And honestly? It doesn’t shy away from really silly, teenage humor – the kind that’s funny because it’s so ridiculous. Visually, it’s stunning – I think it’s one of Shaft’s best achievements, even if the unique style can be a bit much at first.

Basically, Monogatari is worth trying simply because there is nothing else like it.

Other Recommended Thriller Anime On Crunchyroll:

Case Closed
Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo
Joker Game

Anime That Don’t Fit Any Of The Above Categories

Some anime don’t easily fit into typical genres, and I prefer not to force them into categories. This section highlights excellent Crunchyroll anime that go beyond standard genre classifications.

The Apothecary Diaries – One of the best anime of the 2020s, The Apothecary Diaries is a historical fiction piece that revolves around Maomao, a girl who uses her expertise in medicine and poison to solve mysteries set in the Imperial Palace.
Dorohedoro – I guess this series could be classified as sci-fi, but I feel that is not really representative. Set in a grungy, dark fantasy world with traces of cyberpunk, Dorohedoro is about a guy with amnesia and a lizard for a head. The show has black comedy, gore, traces of humanity, and surprisingly nuanced characterization.
Kingdom – A definitive epic war saga that is also perhaps the best historical anime on Crunchyroll.
Mononoke – Horror and anime don’t really go together all that well, with almost none of the genre’s efforts being all that scary. Mononoke is not an exception in that regard, but it is a fantastic and surreal series that has very few peers.

FAQ

Q: Does every region have the same lineup of Crunchyroll anime?

Crunchyroll’s content differs depending on where you are in the world. This article specifically discusses what’s available in North America, so keep that in mind if you’re considering a subscription.

Q: Does Crunchyroll have every anime ever?

As a huge anime fan, I’m always impressed with Crunchyroll’s selection – they’ve got everything from older favorites to the newest series! Now, let’s be real, no streaming service has every anime ever made, and Crunchyroll doesn’t pretend to. But they definitely have a massive library that keeps me coming back for more.

Q: Does Crunchyroll have anime dubs?

Great news! While not all anime on Crunchyroll are dubbed in English or other languages, many popular titles are. It’s always a good idea to check if a dub is available for the shows you’re interested in.

2026-04-10 13:15