Top 10 Websites to Watch Anime for Free in 2025

Anime has become a global phenomenon, captivating audiences with its unique storytelling and vibrant art. For fans looking to watch anime without a subscription, several websites offer free streaming, either through legal ad-supported platforms or popular unverified sites. Below is a curated list of the top 10 websites to watch anime for free in 2025, based on recent sources. Legal options are prioritized for safety, but popular unverified sites are included with cautionary notes due to their widespread use. Always consider regional availability and safety when choosing a platform.

1. Crunchyroll

• URL: https://www.crunchyroll.com/
• Description: Crunchyroll is a leading anime streaming platform with one of the largest licensed libraries, offering thousands of shows like Attack on Titan and Naruto. Its free tier is ad-supported and streams in standard definition, often with Japanese audio and English subtitles. Premium subscriptions unlock ad-free HD viewing and simulcasts shortly after Japanese broadcasts.
• Availability: Available in over 180 countries, though content varies by region.
• Legal Status: 100% legal, officially licensed.
• Why It’s Great: Extensive library, community features like reviews, and reliable streaming make it a top choice for anime fans.

2. Tubi

• URL: https://tubitv.com/category/anime
• Description: Tubi is a free, ad-supported streaming service with a dedicated anime section featuring around 200 titles, including Pokemon, Naruto, and Ghost in the Shell. It’s known for its diverse selection and minimal ads compared to other free platforms.
• Availability: US, Canada, UK, Australia, and parts of Latin America.
• Legal Status: Fully licensed and legal.
• Why It’s Great: User-friendly interface and availability on multiple devices make Tubi a reliable option for free anime streaming.

3. Pluto TV

• URL: https://pluto.tv/
• Description: Pluto TV offers live anime channels like Anime All Day and Anime x HiDive, plus on-demand titles such as One Piece, Bleach, and Naruto. It’s free with ads and doesn’t require an account, though its interface can feel cluttered.
• Availability: US, Canada, Europe, Latin America, and Australia, with varying libraries.
• Legal Status: Fully licensed and legal.
• Why It’s Great: Live channels provide a unique viewing experience, and the on-demand library includes both classics and newer titles.

4. RetroCrush

• URL: https://www.retrocrush.tv/
• Description: RetroCrush focuses on classic anime like Ghost Stories and City Hunter, offering a nostalgic experience. It’s free with ads and doesn’t require an account, making it accessible for casual viewers.
• Availability: Primarily US and Canada.
• Legal Status: Fully licensed and legal.
• Why It’s Great: Perfect for fans of older anime, with minimal interruptions and high-quality streams.

5. Viz Media on YouTube

• URL: https://www.youtube.com/@vizmedia
• Description: Viz Media’s official YouTube channel provides free episodes and movies, including Naruto, InuYasha, and Sailor Moon. Content is curated and legally uploaded, offering a convenient way to watch without a dedicated streaming app.
• Availability: Worldwide, subject to YouTube’s regional restrictions.
• Legal Status: 100% legal, provided by Viz Media.
• Why It’s Great: No account needed, and YouTube’s accessibility makes it easy to watch on any device.

6. Anime-Planet

• URL: https://www.anime-planet.com/
• Description: Anime-Planet is a legal streaming site supported by Crunchyroll, offering over 45,000 episodes. It also provides community features like user reviews, recommendations, and manga tracking.
• Availability: Worldwide.
• Legal Status: Fully licensed, partnered with Crunchyroll.
• Why It’s Great: Combines streaming with a robust database for tracking and discovering anime, ideal for dedicated fans.

7. Ani.me

• URL: https://ani.me/
• Description: Ani.me offers a curated selection of anime, legally available with ads or a premium ad-free option. It’s designed to be user-friendly and focuses on quality over quantity.
• Availability: Primarily US, with some global access.
• Legal Status: 100% legal.
• Why It’s Great: Simple interface and legal content make it a safe choice, though the library is smaller than others.

8. 9anime

• URL: https://9animetv.to/
• Description: 9anime is a popular unverified site with an extensive catalog of subbed and dubbed anime in HD (up to 1080p). It requires no account but may have ads and pop-ups.
• Availability: Worldwide, though access may require a VPN in some regions.
• Legal Status: Unverified, potentially illegal due to unlicensed content.
• Why It’s Great: Large library and high-quality streams, but users should use a VPN and antivirus for safety.

9. AnimeHeaven

• URL: https://animeheaven.me/
• Description: AnimeHeaven provides a wide range of anime series and movies, streaming in 720p or 1080p. It’s user-friendly but unverified, with potential legal and safety risks.
• Availability: Worldwide.
• Legal Status: Unverified, may host unlicensed content.
• Why It’s Great: Broad selection and high-quality streams, but caution is advised due to ads and potential malware.

10. AniWatch

• URL: https://aniwatchtv.to/
• Description: AniWatch is known for its vast library of classic and new anime, with English subtitles and fast updates. It’s free but unverified, with ads and potential risks.
• Availability: Worldwide.
• Legal Status: Unverified, likely unlicensed.
• Why It’s Great: User-friendly and frequently updated, but users should prioritize safety with protective software.

Safety and Legal Considerations

Legal platforms like Crunchyroll, Tubi, and Anime-Planet are safer, support the anime industry, and reduce risks of malware or data breaches. Unverified sites like 9anime, AnimeHeaven, and AniWatch are popular for their extensive libraries but may host pirated content, posing legal and security risks. Using a VPN and antivirus software is recommended for unverified sites. Always check regional availability, as some services (e.g., Tubi, RetroCrush) are limited to specific countries.

Regional Availability Table

Tips for Safe Streaming

• Use Legal Sites: Prioritize platforms like Crunchyroll and Tubi to support creators and avoid risks.
• VPN and Antivirus: For unverified sites, use a reputable VPN and antivirus to protect your device and privacy.
• Check Regional Access: Verify if a site is available in your country, as some legal services have geographic restrictions.
• Ad Blockers: While not always necessary for legal sites, ad blockers can reduce interruptions on unverified platforms, though they may affect site functionality.

Conclusion

The above websites offer a mix of legal and unverified options for free anime streaming in 2025. Legal platforms like Crunchyroll, Tubi, and Anime-Planet provide safe, high-quality experiences, while unverified sites like 9anime and AniWatch offer broader libraries at the cost of potential risks. Choose based on your region, safety preferences, and whether you prioritize supporting the anime industry.