Pros
- Vast selection of anime from the past and present
- Simulcasts for new episodes
- Organized schedule for new releases
- Downloads for offline viewing
Cons
- Some limited options for subtitled content
- No parental controls
For anime enthusiasts, there are multiple ways to watch anime in the US and internationally, but Crunchyroll has become a go-to streaming service for fans to find the latest releases and beloved classics. It’s been the primary destination for global fans to watch Jujutsu Kaisen, for instance, which was the world’s most in-demand TV show in 2023. The service’s mixture of theatrical films, originals such as Tower of God, and hit shows like Chainsaw Man and Demon Slayer have helped it earn the unofficial title among fans as the “Netflix of anime.” I rank it as the best anime streaming service, hands down.
Initially launching in 2006 as an anime piracy site, Crunchyroll has become a titan in the genre thanks to a series of deals, partnerships and acquisitions. Today, it’s a Sony-owned brand that encompasses anime streaming, gaming and merchandise. It also hosts its own events like the annual Crunchyroll Anime Awards. After officially merging with fellow industry giant Funimation in 2022, the platform is home to more than 40,000 episodes of content for viewers in over 200 countries. And you can watch everything legally.
You can watch some content on Crunchyroll for free, but paid subscriptions start at $8 per month and give you access to everything. In this age of streaming price hikes, it’s one of the more affordable services. Even though it’s relatively niche, Crunchyroll is not without its competitors. Hulu, HiDive, Netflix and the international arm of Disney Plus carry exclusive titles that you can’t find on Sony’s service, while platforms like RetroCrush and Tubi offer audiences an assortment of titles for…
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