4 Websites to Watch Japanese Anime for Free

Are you looking for websites where you can watch anime for free without a subscription? Then you’ve come to the right place!

Anime, the unique style of animated storytelling from Japan, has captivated audiences around the world with its vibrant visuals, compelling narratives, and diverse genres. Unlike American animation, anime often contains more mature content and even stories with philosophical, social, or political depth.

In addition to being an enjoyable pastime, watching anime can also be a valuable tool for learning the Japanese language, as it exposes you to recurring expressions such as greetings, vocabulary related to emotions, and different verb tenses.

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Luckily, there are now many websites that allow you to watch anime for free. Here are four of the very best:

1. YouTube

YouTube, the popular video-sharing platform, is not only a hub for user-generated content but also a treasure trove of anime series. While not all anime is available on YouTube, there are still many free options to choose from. The platform supports various content creators, including official anime channels and distributors.

Unlike platforms such as Netflix and HBO, YouTube is completely free. Sure, there are pre-roll ads that play before certain videos. After all, YouTube derives its revenue from advertisements. However, by subscribing to the official YouTube channels of anime studios or creators, you can enjoy ad-free viewing experiences and support the anime industry directly.

Find Classic Anime for Free on YouTube

One notable anime production company available on YouTube is Nippon Animation. With a rich history spanning over 50 years, Nippon Animation is a Japanese animation studio primarily specialised in adapting classic Western novels into anime.

Here are three classic titles you can watch for free on YouTube:

• “Akage No Anne” (1979) – Based on the classic novel “Anne of Green Gables” by Lucy Maud Montgomery, this heartwarming series follows the adventures of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and spirited girl who is adopted by two elderly siblings. Set in the picturesque Prince Edward Island, Canada, it explores themes of friendship, love, and the pursuit of dreams. The story was recently adapted into a live-action TV series by Netflix (Anne with an E)
• “Haha o Tazunete Sanzenri” (1999) – A movie adaptation of the 1976 anime series, “3000 Leagues In Search of Mother” tells the poignant story of Marco, a young Italian boy in the late 19th century who embarks on a journey to find his mother. This emotional tale explores the bonds of family and the resilience of the human spirit.
• Heidi (1974) – Set in the Swiss Alps, “Heidi” narrates the life of a cheerful orphaned girl named Heidi. Her adventures in the mountains, her friendships, and her unwavering optimism make this series a timeless classic that continues to enchant audiences of all ages.

2. 9 Anime TV

If you’re willing to navigate through a few pop-up windows, 9 Anime TV offers an impressive, high-quality viewing experience, at no cost.

One of the standout features of this website is its inclusion of the entire filmography of Ghibli Studios. Ghibli, founded by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, is renowned for its visually

stunning and emotionally resonant films.

Find Ghibli’s Imaginative Anime for Free on 9 Anime TV

Whether you’re in the mood for a heartwarming tale or an action-packed adventure, 9 Anime TV has some of the best anime movies of all time!

Here are some examples of anime for free to watch on 9 Anime:

• My Neighbor Totoro (1988) – This heartwarming tale follows two sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who move to the countryside and befriend Totoro, a magical creature. Together, they embark on delightful adventures while discovering the wonders of nature and the importance of family.
• Spirited Away (2001) – Winner of the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, “Spirited Away” tells the story of Chihiro, a young girl who finds herself trapped in a mystical spirit world after her parents undergo a mysterious transformation. This mesmerising and thought-provoking film explores themes of identity, courage, and the power of love.
• Princess Mononoke (1997) – Set in a fantastical medieval Japan, “Princess Mononoke” depicts a conflict between humans and forest spirits. As Ashitaka, a young warrior, gets caught in the crossfire, he must navigate the complexities of the human-nature relationship and find a way to bring harmony to both sides. This epic and visually stunning film tackles issues such as environmentalism, morality, and the consequences of human actions.

3. Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll is a popular streaming platform dedicated to anime, offering both free and premium subscription options. While the premium subscription provides additional benefits such as ad-free streaming and early access to episodes, there is still a significant amount of content available for free.

Due to its vast library, Crunchyroll is the perfect place for hardcore anime fans who want to find more indie anime for free, including subgenres such as yaoi and yuri (anime about male and female same-sex romance respectively).

Find Indie Anime for Free on Crunchyroll

Are you an adventurous viewer who loves to explore different types of stories and animation styles? Here are some must-watch in anime for free to watch on Crunchyroll:

• Given (2019) – Based on the manga by Natsuki Kizu, “Given” is a heartfelt yaoi anime series that delves into the themes of music, friendship, and self-discovery. The story revolves around Ritsuka Uenoyama, a talented guitarist who has lost his passion for music. When he discovers a stray guitar belonging to Mafuyu Sato, a shy and reserved boy with a hauntingly beautiful voice, their lives intertwine in unexpected ways.
• “Mushi-shi” (2005 – 2006) – Set in a mystical world where ethereal creatures known as “mushi” exist, “Mushi-shi” is a riveting anime series that combines elements of fantasy, folklore, and introspective storytelling. Adapted from the manga by Yuki Urushibara, this critically acclaimed series follows the travels of Ginko, a Mushi-shi, or a mushi master, who possesses a deep understanding of these enigmatic beings.
• Bloom Into You (2018) is a yuri anime series based on Nio Nakatani’s manga. It follows Yuu Koito, a high school student who hasn’t experienced the romantic feelings portrayed in the media. When she meets Touko Nanami, the student council president admired for her charm, Yuu becomes captivated by Touko’s mysterious nature. However, as Yuu’s feelings for Touko grow, she realises that her emotions differ from societal expectations of romantic relationships.

4. AnimeFreak

AnimeFreak is a streaming website with an ever-expanding library of anime titles, ranging from classic to modern. With a simple and intuitive interface, the website makes it easy to browse through its extensive selection of anime.

AnimeFreak also provides video quality options for viewers who need to conserve data. This makes it a great resource for watching anime on the go. Oh, and the best part about AnimeFreak? Every film and TV series in the platform comes is spoken in Japanese with optional English subtitles!

Find your Favourite Anime for Free on AnimeFreak

Do you sometimes feel like revisiting the classics? This website is the best to watch some of your favourite childhood Japanese shows.

Here, you will find some of the most beloved anime for free, including unabridged versions of:

• Naruto (2002 – 2007) – Naruto Uzumaki is a young ninja who dreams of becoming the greatest and most powerful ninja in his village. As he embarks on his grand adventure, he meets allies and foes who will define the course of his future. With its memorable characters and captivating storyline, this long running and critically acclaimed series remains one of the most beloved in the world.
• Dragon Ball (1986 – 1989) – Dragon Ball follows the epic journey of Goku, a young martial artist determined to become the world’s strongest fighter. Along his path, Goku meets a wide range of colourful characters and his battles with powerful opponents are both electrifying and entertaining.
• Sailor Moon (1992 – 1997) – Usagi Tsukino is a teenage girl who discovers that she is the reincarnation of an ancient Sailor Guardian with the power to save the world. Joined by her friends, she embarks on an epic quest to defeat evil and protect the future. This classic series is widely credited for popularising the magical girl genre in anime and manga.

As you can see, as long as you have a laptop and a strong wifi connection, it’s not difficult to find anime for free on the Internet. Whether you’re a fan of the classics or a more adventurous viewer, there’s always something to watch. So why not explore all that anime has to offer? Who knows, you might find a new favourite series!

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