The world of anime has exploded in popularity worldwide, and nowhere is this more evident than in the United Kingdom. With a vast and ever-growing array of captivating stories, breathtaking animation, and diverse genres, it’s no wonder that fans are constantly seeking out the best platforms to indulge their passion. Gone are the days of relying solely on physical media or illicit streaming sites; many legitimate services now cater to anime enthusiasts.
So, if you want to watch some anime before indulging in the games at King Johnnie online casino Australia, here are seven of the most popular streaming platforms that every anime fan in the UK should consider:
Crunchyroll
For many, Crunchyroll is synonymous with anime streaming. This platform boasts the most extensive licensed library of anime worldwide, offering an incredible selection of subtitled and dubbed titles. Their commitment to simulcasts is a significant draw, meaning new episodes are often available just an hour after they air in Japan. While there’s a free, ad-supported tier with limited content, a Premium subscription (starting around £4.99 per month in the UK) unlocks the whole library, removes ads, and offers offline viewing for Mega Fan and Ultimate Fan tiers. Crunchyroll’s merger with Funimation in 2022 further solidified its position, combining its extensive catalogues into one comprehensive service.
Netflix
While not exclusively an anime platform, Netflix has significantly invested in its anime catalogue, producing a growing number of highly acclaimed original series alongside popular licensed titles. Shows like Castlevania, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and Blue Eye Samurai demonstrate their commitment to high-quality animation. You’ll also find fan favourites like Demon Slayer, Vinland Saga, and Studio Ghibli films. Its ease of use and inclusion in many households’ existing subscriptions make it a convenient option, though the anime library can vary by region.
HIDIVE
HIDIVE often caters to a slightly different audience than Crunchyroll. It offers a strong selection of titles, particularly known for its extensive collection of English dubs and its focus on more niche or uncensored series. While its library might not be as overwhelmingly vast as Crunchyroll’s, it’s a valuable platform for discovering hidden gems and enjoying dubbed versions of popular shows. They frequently simulcast new series and offer a free trial, with subscriptions available to unlock the whole ad-free experience.
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video offers a diverse range of content, and its anime selection has been steadily expanding. While it includes some popular titles as part of the standard Prime membership, its strength often lies in its channels. Through Amazon Channels, subscribers can add services like Crunchyroll (effectively accessing its library within the Prime Video interface) or purchase individual anime series and films. This can be a convenient option for those already subscribed to Amazon Prime for other benefits.
Hulu
Hulu boasts a robust anime library in the United States, including popular titles such as Attack on Titan, My Hero Academia, Naruto: Shippuden, and Demon Slayer. However, it’s important to note for UK audiences that Hulu is not directly available in the UK. Accessing it requires using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to mask your location, which can sometimes be against the platform’s terms of service. Therefore, while it offers great anime content, it’s not a straightforward option for British viewers.
Tubi
Tubi offers a surprising amount of free anime for those on a budget, supported by advertisements. While you won’t find the latest simulcasts here, it’s an excellent resource for catching up on classic series and a solid selection of fan favourites like Naruto, Sailor Moon, and even some Satoshi Kon films. The ad breaks can be frequent, but for no cost, it’s a compelling option for casual viewers or those exploring the genre.
RetroCrush / Sling TV Freestream
If you’re particularly fond of classic anime, RetroCrush is a fantastic free, ad-supported platform dedicated to older titles. It’s also part of Sling TV’s Freestream service, consolidating various free streaming “channels” into one place. This can be a treasure trove for nostalgic fans who want to revisit beloved series from decades ago. While not a source for current season hits, it fills an essential niche for the enduring appeal of vintage anime.