Where to Watch Anime Legally
A comprehensive guide to official streaming services. Support the creators by watching on licensed platforms.
Official Streaming Guide
WatchAnimeWhere.com is a discovery tool and does not host any content. All links on this page point to official, third-party streaming services (like Crunchyroll, Netflix, etc.) that hold legal licenses to broadcast anime. We strictly oppose piracy and encourage users to support the anime industry by using these authorized platforms.
Quick Picks
Best Overall
The global leader in anime streaming. Offers the largest licensed library and simulcasts directly from Japan.
Best Free Option
A fully authorized, ad-supported service. Watch classic and modern anime legally without a subscription.
Best for Budget
Low-cost legal option starting at $4.99/mo. Specializes in exclusive, uncensored simulcasts.
Best for Bingeing
Home to high-budget exclusives. Offers a premium ad-free experience with seamless binge-watching features.
Why Watch Legally?
Support the Animators
Illegal sites generate zero revenue for the studios. By using services like Crunchyroll or Netflix, your money directly funds the creation of new seasons and pays the animators.
Highest Quality Video
Official streams offer 1080p/4K bitrates that piracy sites compress. Enjoy crisp visuals without buffering or dangerous pop-up ads.
Safety & Security
Legal sites are 100% safe. Piracy sites are notorious for malware, crypto-miners, and phishing scams that can harm your device.
Avoid Piracy Risks
"Free" streaming sites often come at the cost of your digital privacy. Stick to the trusted platforms listed below for a secure experience.
All Official Platforms
Crunchyroll
The industry standard for legal anime streaming. Crunchyroll directly supports the anime industry through licensing fees. Their library of 1,300+ titles ensures you are watching official, high-quality content.
Tubi
A Fox Corporation service offering 100% legal, ad-supported streaming. Tubi partners with studios like Toei Animation to bring you classics like Akira and Yu-Gi-Oh! without piracy.
Netflix
Netflix funds major anime productions (Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, Devilman Crybaby). While they lack weekly simulcasts, their subscription directly funds the creation of new, high-budget anime series.
HIDIVE
Owned by AMC Networks, HIDIVE is the official licensor for many unique titles. It is the only legal way to watch uncensored versions of specific series and supports niche studios.
Hulu
A major US streaming service with official partnerships for hits like Bleach and Naruto. Hulu offers a legitimate alternative for fans who also want access to western TV dramas.
Disney+
Recently entered the anime market by acquiring exclusive global rights to massive hits like Bleach: TYBW. Subscribing ensures these high-profile acquisitions continue to be profitable for Japanese studios.
Prime Video
The official home for the Rebuild of Evangelion movies. Prime Video licenses content directly from Japan, ensuring high-quality subtitles and video that piracy sites cannot match.
Feature Breakdown
Comparing the things that actually matter for daily watching.
| Platform | Free Tier? | Ad-Free Option? | Library | Offline Viewing | Simulcasts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limited | Huge (1,300+) | Most | |||
| Yes | Large (Older) | None | |||
| No | Medium (Exclusive) | Few | |||
| No | Niche (500+) | Select | |||
| No | Large | Good | |||
| No | Small | Growing | |||
| No | Medium | Rare |