Author: chilca

The cinematic journey toward the grand finale of Kimetsu no Yaiba has officially begun in Japan with the release of the first installment of its final film trilogy. Kimetsu no Yaiba: The Infinity Fortress premiered on Friday, July 18, and its success was immediate. Breaking box office records and earning glowing reviews, the film has ignited excitement worldwide—especially among fans awaiting its release in the West.

Spanish audiences won’t have to wait much longer. The film is scheduled to premiere in Spain on September 12, nearly two months after its Japanese debut. Whether the next two movies in the trilogy will follow a similar staggered schedule remains to be seen. Given the franchise’s undeniable success, there’s growing hope for a simultaneous global release in the near future. Until then, international fans must content themselves with the overwhelmingly positive reactions coming out of Japan—reactions that describe the film as nothing short of a masterpiece.

A Film That Delivers on Every Front

The Infinity Fortress lives up to the high expectations set by the anime and previous films. Viewers have praised its breathtaking animation, evocative music, masterful staging, and heart-pounding battle scenes—some of which are already being hailed as the best in the entire series. That’s no small feat, considering Ufotable’s reputation for setting new standards in anime production.

The Japanese studio continues to outdo itself, and Kimetsu no Yaiba remains its crown jewel. This first film in the trilogy is being celebrated as “pure adrenaline,” a cinematic rollercoaster that leaves a lasting emotional impact. Some audience members have even admitted to being moved to tears, a testament to the film’s powerful storytelling and character arcs.

For many, this is more than just a movie—it’s the beginning of something monumental. With The Infinity Fortress, Kimetsu no Yaiba sets the stage for a trilogy that could go down in cinematic history. And if this first chapter is any indication, fans are in for a legendary ride.

In the vast landscape of anime, where countless series vie for recognition and acclaim, one title consistently rises above the rest: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. This masterpiece, created by Hiromu Arakawa and adapted by Studio Bones, stands as the pinnacle of animated storytelling, combining exceptional narrative depth, character development, and thematic complexity that few series have ever matched.

A Perfect Storm of Storytelling Elements

What sets Brotherhood apart from its contemporaries is its remarkable ability to balance multiple storytelling elements without compromising any single aspect. The series weaves together political intrigue, military conspiracy, philosophical exploration, and personal drama into a cohesive narrative that never feels overwhelming or disjointed. From the opening episodes, viewers are thrust into a world where alchemy operates under strict natural laws, establishing a magic system that feels both fantastical and grounded in scientific principles.

The story follows brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric as they search for the Philosopher’s Stone to restore their bodies after a failed alchemical experiment. However, this simple premise evolves into something far more complex, exploring themes of sacrifice, the nature of humanity, and the consequences of playing god. The series manages to maintain this personal journey while simultaneously building toward a nation-spanning conspiracy that threatens the very fabric of their world.

Character Development That Transcends Genres

Brotherhood’s character development is nothing short of extraordinary. Every major character, from protagonists to antagonists, undergoes meaningful growth throughout the series. Edward Elric transforms from an arrogant, hot-headed alchemist into a mature young man who understands the true value of human connections. Alphonse evolves from his brother’s shadow into his own person, grappling with questions of identity and existence that resonate deeply with viewers.

Even the antagonists are given depth and motivation that make them compelling rather than simply evil. The homunculi, particularly characters like Greed and Wrath, are portrayed with enough humanity to make their conflicts genuinely tragic. This approach to character writing ensures that no one feels like a plot device, but rather like a real person with understandable motivations and flaws.

Thematic Depth and Philosophical Resonance

The series tackles profound philosophical questions without becoming pretentious or heavy-handed. The concept of equivalent exchange serves as both a magical rule and a life philosophy, exploring ideas about fairness, sacrifice, and the true cost of achieving one’s goals. Brotherhood examines what it means to be human through Alphonse’s existential crisis and the artificial beings known as homunculi, creating a dialogue about consciousness, soul, and identity that remains relevant and thought-provoking.

The show also delves into political and social commentary, examining themes of war, genocide, racism, and corruption through the lens of the Ishvalan conflict and the military state of Amestris. These heavy topics are handled with sensitivity and nuance, never simplifying complex issues but presenting them in ways that encourage viewers to think critically about real-world parallels.

Technical Excellence and Artistic Vision

From a technical standpoint, Brotherhood represents anime at its finest. Studio Bones delivered consistently exceptional animation quality throughout all 64 episodes, with fluid fight sequences, expressive character animation, and detailed backgrounds that bring the world of Amestris to life. The action scenes are choreographed with precision and creativity, making each alchemical battle unique and visually stunning.

The series’ pacing is virtually flawless, knowing exactly when to accelerate the plot and when to slow down for character moments or world-building. Unlike many long-running series, Brotherhood never feels padded or rushed, maintaining engagement from the first episode to the climactic finale. The soundtrack, composed by Akira Senju, perfectly complements the emotional beats of the story, enhancing both quiet character moments and epic battle sequences.

Universal Appeal and Emotional Resonance

Brotherhood succeeds because it appeals to viewers on multiple levels. Action enthusiasts enjoy the spectacular fight sequences and creative use of alchemy in combat. Drama lovers connect with the deep emotional relationships between characters and their personal struggles. Philosophy enthusiasts appreciate the series’ exploration of complex moral and ethical questions. Even casual viewers can enjoy the adventure and mystery elements that drive the plot forward.

The series manages to be both accessible to newcomers and rewarding for longtime anime fans. It doesn’t rely on genre conventions or fan service to maintain interest, instead focusing on solid storytelling fundamentals that transcend cultural barriers and appeal to universal human experiences.

A Legacy of Excellence

Nearly two decades after its release, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood continues to top “best anime” lists worldwide, and for good reason. It represents what anime can achieve when exceptional source material meets passionate adaptation, resulting in a series that elevates the medium as a whole. Brotherhood proves that animated stories can be just as sophisticated, emotionally powerful, and intellectually stimulating as any other form of narrative art.

In a medium often dismissed as mere entertainment for children, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood stands as undeniable proof that anime can be profound, meaningful, and transformative. It remains the gold standard against which all other series are measured, and likely will continue to hold that distinction for years to come.

The 2000s marked a transformative period in anime history, representing a golden age that bridged the experimental 1990s with the digital innovation of the 2010s. This decade witnessed the rise of legendary series that would define generations of fans, introduce groundbreaking storytelling techniques, and establish anime as a globally recognized art form. From epic adventures to intimate character studies, the 2000s delivered an unprecedented variety of masterpieces that continue to influence animation and storytelling today.

The Digital Revolution and Its Impact

The early 2000s coincided with anime’s transition from traditional cel animation to digital production methods. This technological shift allowed studios to experiment with new visual styles, create more complex action sequences, and produce content at a scale previously impossible. The decade saw the emergence of high-definition animation, sophisticated computer-generated imagery integration, and innovative artistic approaches that pushed the medium’s boundaries.

Studios like Studio Madhouse, Bones, and Production I.G reached new heights during this period, while established powerhouses like Studio Ghibli continued to refine their craft. The decade also marked the beginning of anime’s serious expansion into international markets, with series specifically designed to appeal to global audiences while maintaining their distinctly Japanese sensibilities.

Foundational Masterpieces That Defined the Decade

Fullmetal Alchemist (2003-2004)

Hiromu Arakawa’s dark fantasy epic stood as one of the decade’s most influential works. The series tackled profound themes of sacrifice, morality, and the consequences of playing god through the journey of Edward and Alphonse Elric. What set Fullmetal Alchemist apart was its mature approach to complex philosophical questions, its intricate world-building, and its refusal to provide easy answers to moral dilemmas. The series demonstrated that anime could handle serious subject matter while maintaining exceptional entertainment value, paving the way for more sophisticated storytelling in the medium.

Death Note (2006-2007)

Few anime have captured global attention quite like Death Note. This psychological thriller transformed the traditional good-versus-evil narrative into a complex chess match between brilliant minds. Light Yagami’s descent from idealistic student to megalomaniacal killer, counterbalanced by L’s eccentric detective work, created one of anime’s most compelling rivalries. The series proved that anime could sustain tension through intellectual battles rather than physical confrontations, influencing countless psychological thrillers that followed.

Monster (2004-2005)

Naoki Urasawa’s Monster represented the pinnacle of psychological horror and mature storytelling in anime. Following Dr. Tenma’s pursuit of the enigmatic Johan Liebert across post-Cold War Europe, the series delivered a slow-burn thriller that explored the nature of evil, moral responsibility, and human psychology. Monster’s realistic art style, complex character development, and philosophical depth demonstrated anime’s capacity for sophisticated adult-oriented content that rivaled the best of international cinema.

The Shonen Renaissance

The 2000s witnessed an explosion of exceptional shonen anime that redefined the genre’s possibilities and global appeal.

Naruto (2002-2007)

Masashi Kishimoto’s ninja epic became a cultural phenomenon that introduced millions to anime. Beyond its spectacular fight scenes and ninja techniques, Naruto explored themes of perseverance, friendship, and the cycle of hatred with remarkable depth. The series’ emphasis on character growth, its exploration of war’s psychological impact, and its message about breaking cycles of violence resonated with audiences worldwide. Naruto’s success helped establish anime as mainstream entertainment in Western markets.

Bleach (2004-2012)

Tite Kubo’s supernatural action series brought gothic aesthetics and spiritual mythology to shonen anime. Ichigo Kurosaki’s journey from ordinary teenager to Soul Reaper created epic battles while exploring concepts of duty, sacrifice, and the balance between life and death. Bleach’s distinctive visual style, memorable character designs, and complex spiritual world-building influenced countless action anime that followed.

One Piece (1999-present)

While One Piece began in the late 1990s, its 2000s episodes established it as the decade’s most enduring adventure series. Eiichiro Oda’s pirate epic combined incredible world-building with emotional storytelling, creating a universe where every arc felt like a complete adventure while contributing to an overarching narrative. The series’ themes of dreams, friendship, and freedom, combined with its creative Devil Fruit powers and diverse cast, made it a cornerstone of 2000s anime.

Genre-Defining Innovations

Cowboy Bebop’s Lasting Influence

Though Cowboy Bebop concluded in 1998, its influence permeated the entire 2000s decade. The series’ blend of genres, sophisticated jazz soundtrack, and episodic storytelling structure inspired numerous anime throughout the period. Its mature themes, realistic character interactions, and cinematic approach to animation became the gold standard for space westerns and episodic anime.

FLCL (2000-2001)

Studio Gainax’s six-episode experimental series pushed anime’s artistic boundaries to their limits. FLCL’s stream-of-consciousness narrative, explosive animation, and symbolic storytelling created a unique coming-of-age story that defied conventional structure. The series demonstrated that anime could function as pure artistic expression, influencing experimental animation for years to come.

Paranoia Agent (2004)

Satoshi Kon’s psychological thriller anthology explored the dark underbelly of modern Japanese society through interconnected stories of urban alienation and collective hysteria. The series’ surreal imagery, social commentary, and innovative narrative structure showcased anime’s potential for serious social critique and artistic experimentation.

The Mecha Evolution

The 2000s saw mecha anime evolve beyond giant robot battles to explore complex political, philosophical, and personal themes.

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (2006-2007)

This series revolutionized mecha anime by focusing on political intrigue, moral ambiguity, and strategic warfare rather than simply spectacular robot battles. Lelouch’s transformation from exiled prince to revolutionary leader created one of anime’s most complex protagonists, while the series’ exploration of power, rebellion, and sacrifice elevated the mecha genre to new heights.

Eureka Seven (2005-2006)

Bones’ coming-of-age mecha series combined environmental themes, spiritual elements, and romance within a beautifully animated adventure. The relationship between Renton and Eureka, set against a backdrop of ecological consciousness and personal growth, demonstrated how mecha anime could prioritize character development and thematic depth over action spectacle.

Slice-of-Life Sophistication

The decade also saw remarkable growth in slice-of-life anime, with series that found profound meaning in everyday experiences.

Azumanga Daioh (2002)

This school comedy series captured the authentic experience of Japanese high school life with unprecedented charm and humor. Its focus on character relationships, daily interactions, and the bittersweet nature of growing up established templates for countless school-life anime that followed.

Mushishi (2005-2006)

Yuki Urushibara’s supernatural series created a meditative exploration of humanity’s relationship with nature through Ginko’s encounters with mysterious life forms called Mushi. The series’ philosophical approach, beautiful art direction, and episodic storytelling created a unique viewing experience that emphasized contemplation over action.

The Sports Anime Renaissance

Hajime no Ippo (2000-2002)

This boxing anime elevated sports storytelling through its realistic portrayal of training, competition, and personal growth. Ippo’s journey from bullied teenager to accomplished boxer resonated with audiences through its authentic depiction of dedication, perseverance, and the psychology of competition.

Prince of Tennis (2001-2005)

While often criticized for its over-the-top tennis techniques, the series successfully combined sports action with character development and school life elements, influencing numerous sports anime that followed.

International Recognition and Cultural Impact

The 2000s marked anime’s true international breakthrough, with series like Naruto, Death Note, and Fullmetal Alchemist achieving unprecedented global success. This international recognition led to increased production budgets, greater creative ambition, and more sophisticated storytelling as creators began considering global audiences without compromising their artistic vision.

The decade also saw the rise of anime conventions, fan communities, and streaming platforms that would make anime more accessible than ever before. Series from this period became gateway shows that introduced millions of viewers to the medium, creating lasting fandom that continues to influence popular culture today.

Artistic and Technical Achievements

The 2000s witnessed remarkable advancements in animation quality, with series like Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex showcasing the potential of combining traditional animation with cutting-edge digital effects. The decade’s technical innovations in character animation, background art, and special effects established new standards for visual excellence that influenced the entire industry.

Directors like Satoshi Kon, Mamoru Hosoda, and Makoto Shinkai emerged during this period, each developing distinctive visual styles that expanded anime’s artistic vocabulary. Their work demonstrated that anime could function as serious cinematic art while maintaining its entertainment value.

Legacy and Lasting Impact

The anime of the 2000s created foundations that continue to influence the medium today. The decade’s emphasis on complex narratives, sophisticated character development, and thematic depth established templates that modern series still follow. Many of the decade’s series remain actively discussed, analyzed, and celebrated by new generations of fans, demonstrating their enduring relevance and artistic merit.

The period’s greatest achievement was proving that anime could simultaneously serve as entertainment, art, and cultural bridge-building. Series like Spirited Away won international awards, while shows like Naruto created global communities of fans who shared common experiences despite cultural differences.

The 2000s represent anime’s golden age, a period when the medium achieved unprecedented artistic sophistication, international recognition, and cultural influence. The decade’s best anime transcended entertainment to become genuine works of art that explored complex themes, pushed creative boundaries, and established lasting legacies.

From the philosophical depths of Monster to the epic adventures of One Piece, from the psychological complexity of Death Note to the emotional resonance of Fullmetal Alchemist, the 2000s delivered masterpieces that defined what anime could achieve. These series didn’t just entertain; they challenged viewers intellectually, moved them emotionally, and expanded their understanding of storytelling possibilities.

The influence of 2000s anime extends far beyond the decade itself, continuing to inspire creators, influence popular culture, and introduce new audiences to the medium’s unique potential. As anime continues to evolve and reach new heights, the foundations established during this remarkable decade remain as relevant and powerful as ever, testament to the enduring artistry and vision of the creators who made the 2000s truly anime’s golden age.

Anime has evolved from a niche Japanese art form into a global cultural phenomenon that captivates millions of viewers worldwide. With thousands of series and films produced over the decades, determining the “best” anime can be subjective, but certain titles have consistently earned critical acclaim, commercial success, and devoted fandoms that transcend cultural boundaries. This comprehensive guide explores the most influential, innovative, and beloved anime productions that have shaped the medium and continue to inspire new generations of fans and creators.

The Golden Age Foundations

The foundation of modern anime excellence was laid during what many consider the golden age of the medium, spanning from the 1980s through the early 2000s. During this period, several groundbreaking works established the artistic and narrative standards that continue to influence anime today.

Akira (1988) stands as perhaps the most influential anime film ever created. Katsuhiro Otomo’s cyberpunk masterpiece not only showcased unprecedented animation quality but also introduced Western audiences to the sophisticated storytelling possibilities of anime. Set in post-apocalyptic Neo-Tokyo, the film’s exploration of power, corruption, and human evolution resonated globally, proving that anime could tackle mature themes with artistic sophistication. The film’s hand-drawn animation, consisting of over 160,000 individual cels, set a new standard for visual excellence that influenced countless subsequent productions.

Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995-1996) revolutionized the mecha genre by infusing it with deep psychological exploration and religious symbolism. Hideaki Anno’s deconstruction of traditional giant robot narratives created a complex meditation on depression, identity, and human connection. The series’ influence extends far beyond anime, affecting pop culture, philosophy, and discussions about mental health representation in media. Its controversial ending sparked debates that continue today, cementing its status as one of anime’s most thought-provoking works.

Cowboy Bebop (1998) demonstrated anime’s potential for genre-blending excellence. Shinichiro Watanabe’s space western combined film noir aesthetics, jazz music, and existential themes to create a series that appealed to both anime newcomers and veterans. The show’s episodic structure, mature themes, and incredible soundtrack by Yoko Kanno made it a gateway series for many Western viewers, proving that anime could successfully adapt diverse storytelling approaches.

Studio Ghibli’s Animated Poetry

No discussion of the best anime is complete without acknowledging Studio Ghibli’s unparalleled contribution to animated cinema. Under the guidance of Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, the studio has created some of the most beautiful and emotionally resonant films in animation history.

Spirited Away (2001) represents the pinnacle of Miyazaki’s artistic vision. This Academy Award-winning film tells the story of Chihiro, a young girl trapped in a supernatural bathhouse who must overcome her fears to save her parents. The film’s environmental themes, rich character development, and stunning hand-drawn animation created a universal story that resonates across cultures. Its success at the box office and with critics worldwide demonstrated anime’s potential for mainstream appeal without compromising artistic integrity.

Princess Mononoke (1997) tackled environmental destruction and the conflict between industrial progress and natural preservation with nuanced storytelling that avoided simple moral judgments. The film’s complex characters, including the wolf-raised San and the curse-afflicted Ashitaka, embodied the gray areas of environmental conflict, making it one of anime’s most sophisticated explorations of humanity’s relationship with nature.

My Neighbor Totoro (1988) and Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989) showcased Miyazaki’s ability to create wonder from everyday experiences. These films demonstrated that anime could find profound meaning in simple stories about childhood, family, and growing up, establishing templates for slice-of-life storytelling that continue to influence creators today.

Modern Masterpieces and Evolution

The 2000s and beyond have seen anime evolve with changing technology and global audiences, producing works that build upon classical foundations while exploring new narrative territories.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009-2010) is frequently cited as one of the best anime series ever created. Hiromu Arakawa’s story of two brothers seeking to restore their bodies after a failed alchemical experiment combines adventure, philosophy, and political intrigue with masterful character development. The series’ exploration of war, sacrifice, and moral responsibility, combined with its satisfying conclusion, has earned it consistently high ratings among fans and critics alike.

Attack on Titan (2013-2023) redefined what anime could achieve in terms of suspense and plot complexity. Hajime Isayama’s story of humanity’s struggle against giant titans evolved from a simple survival narrative into a complex exploration of war, propaganda, and the cycle of hatred. The series’ ability to continuously subvert expectations while maintaining emotional investment in its characters demonstrated anime’s capacity for long-form storytelling that rivals the best television dramas.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (2019-present) has showcased how modern animation technology can enhance traditional storytelling. Studio Ufotable’s innovative blend of 2D and 3D animation techniques created some of the most visually spectacular action sequences in anime history, while the story’s focus on family bonds and perseverance in the face of tragedy resonated with global audiences, making it one of the highest-grossing anime franchises ever.

Genre-Defining Excellence

Certain anime have become synonymous with their respective genres, setting standards that subsequent works aspire to match.

Death Note (2006-2007) elevated the psychological thriller genre through its cat-and-mouse game between Light Yagami and the detective L. The series’ exploration of justice, morality, and the corrupting nature of power created a compelling narrative that maintained tension throughout its run. Its influence can be seen in numerous subsequent anime that attempt to replicate its psychological complexity and moral ambiguity.

One Piece (1999-present) has redefined what a long-running adventure series can accomplish. Eiichiro Oda’s pirate epic has maintained quality and creativity across over 1000 episodes, creating one of the most expansive fictional worlds in any medium. The series’ themes of friendship, dreams, and freedom, combined with its imaginative world-building and character design, have made it one of the best-selling manga and most beloved anime series of all time.

Monster (2004-2005) demonstrated anime’s capacity for mature, realistic storytelling. Naoki Urasawa’s psychological thriller about a doctor pursuing a serial killer showcased the medium’s ability to tackle serious themes without relying on fantastical elements. The series’ European setting and focus on human psychology proved that anime could successfully adapt to diverse cultural contexts while maintaining its essential character.

Contemporary Innovation and Global Impact

Recent years have seen anime continue to innovate while gaining unprecedented global recognition and influence.

Your Name (2016) and Weathering with You (2019) by Makoto Shinkai have demonstrated anime’s continued relevance in exploring universal themes of love, connection, and environmental concern. These films’ stunning visual presentation and emotional resonance have made them global phenomena, proving that anime cinema remains vibrant and influential.

Jujutsu Kaisen (2020-present) has shown how modern anime can blend traditional shounen elements with contemporary animation techniques and storytelling approaches. The series’ dynamic action sequences, complex magic system, and well-developed character relationships represent the current evolution of battle anime.

Violet Evergarden (2018) by Kyoto Animation exemplified the studio’s commitment to emotional storytelling and visual excellence. The series’ exploration of trauma, healing, and human connection through the story of a former child soldier learning to understand emotions showcased anime’s capacity for profound character development and social commentary.

The Slice-of-Life Revolution

Anime’s exploration of everyday life has produced some of its most beloved and influential works, proving that extraordinary storytelling can emerge from ordinary circumstances.

March Comes in Like a Lion (2016-2018) tackled depression and social isolation with remarkable sensitivity, using the game of shogi as a metaphor for life’s strategic challenges. The series’ honest portrayal of mental health struggles and the healing power of human connection established new standards for psychological realism in anime.

K-On! (2009-2012) transformed the cute-girls-doing-cute-things genre into something meaningful by focusing on the genuine friendships and personal growth of its characters. The series’ influence on subsequent slice-of-life anime cannot be overstated, as it demonstrated how seemingly simple premises could generate profound emotional investment.

The Enduring Legacy of Excellence

The best anime transcends cultural boundaries, language barriers, and medium limitations to create universal stories that resonate with human experience. From the groundbreaking animation of Akira to the emotional depth of Studio Ghibli films, from the genre-defining excellence of series like Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood to the contemporary innovations of modern productions, anime has consistently proven its capacity for artistic achievement and cultural impact.

What unites these diverse works is their commitment to storytelling excellence, visual innovation, and emotional authenticity. They demonstrate that animation is not merely entertainment but a legitimate art form capable of exploring the full spectrum of human experience. As anime continues to evolve and gain global recognition, these foundational works remain essential viewing for anyone seeking to understand the medium’s artistic potential and cultural significance.

The best anime challenges viewers to expand their perspectives, question their assumptions, and connect with stories that might otherwise remain foreign to their experience. In doing so, these works fulfill art’s highest purpose: to illuminate the shared humanity that connects us all, regardless of the cultural context from which they emerge. Whether through the environmental allegories of Princess Mononoke, the psychological complexity of Evangelion, or the adventurous spirit of One Piece, the greatest anime productions continue to inspire, challenge, and entertain audiences worldwide, ensuring the medium’s continued relevance and artistic evolution.

We bring you a collection of the 14 best websites to watch anime online, many featuring some of the best anime in history. All these alternatives offer perfectly legal content to watch wherever you want, some where you’ll find your favorite anime and others where you can discover new ones.

We’re going to try to create a varied list, with free alternatives and paid ones so you can choose the one that best fits your needs. But what they all have in common is that they offer their content completely legally. We’ve even included some foreign content where you’ll need a VPN to watch them. All in the name of variety.

And as we always say in Xataka Basics, these are our proposals but they may not be all of them. So if you think we’ve missed any important service, we invite you to let us know your recommendation in the comments section. This way, all readers can enjoy your recommendations from our xatakeros community.

Table of Contents

Crunchyroll

It’s possibly one of the most well-known anime streaming services with the highest quality and quantity of content. It has a free version with ads, limited content, and lower resolutions where you can already explore part of the content, and also other paid plans.

The bad news is that most of the content is paid, you have to subscribe just like you do with Netflix and similar platforms. But if you want to pay to watch anime, it’s possibly the best option, with mobile and TV apps in addition to a web client, episode releases almost simultaneously with Japan, and an extensive catalog of iconic series and lesser-known ones.

Link: Crunchyroll.com

Pluto TV

The free platform Pluto TV has a large amount of content of all kinds in streaming. Among them, it also has two varied anime channels, plus some specific channels for particular series like Detective Conan, Avatar, or Inazuma Eleven.

In favor of this platform is that it’s accessible to everyone in free mode with ads, and that it has applications for almost all systems. Against it is the fact that it has very, very little anime content, and if you’re looking for dedicated platforms, this one will probably fall short.

Link: Pluto.tv

Funimation

Funimation is another of the main services for consuming anime, and in countries like the United States, it’s an institution. You’ll be able to watch part of its content for free with ads, although if we want to see the entire catalog and the most recent episodes of our favorite anime, we’ll need to subscribe.

We’ve included this service because it’s very important and powerful, although it has bad news: It’s not officially available in Spain, and although it’s a completely legal service, you’ll need to use a VPN to access it and its catalog.

Link: Funimation.com

Retro Crush

It’s a free streaming platform that focuses on classic anime. This means you won’t find currently successful series, but you’ll see series from the past, like Lupin III, Kimba the White Lion, or Astroboy among many others.

You’ll be able to watch the content from their website or with multiple applications for mobile and TV systems. In addition to its free mode, it also has a paid one. The problem is that the website is American and the subscription is paid in dollars, plus their applications aren’t available in Spain and you may need a VPN to access.

Link: Retrocrush.tv

CONtv + Comics

This is a free service with ads in English, but which you can access from Spain. Its operation is classic, with part of its catalog available to watch for free and another paid part. They’re mainly movies, among which we find an anime section.

Here, you should keep in mind that there’s little content, and that the anime movies it has are mainly old ones. Additionally, it’s a website more focused on B-series cinema, with independent horror fantasy and some rather peculiar content. But it can be interesting if you want to watch some of its anime, like Street Fighter II, Ghost Messenger, or Samurai Troopers.

Link: Contv.com

Rakuten TV

Rakuten TV is a service with free content with ads, and that includes some anime. But there’s bad news. There are only two series to watch for free, and the rest are anime movies you can buy or rent. The rental price isn’t very expensive, you can watch movies like Dragon Ball Super: Broly or the 2017 Mazinger Z for just a couple of euros.

Link: Rakuten.tv

Hidive

We could call this service another Netflix of anime, a streaming service specialized in offering Japanese animation content. The bad news is that it’s a paid service, and despite being viewable from Spain, it doesn’t have content in Spanish, the page is in English, and the subscription is paid in dollars.

In this service, you can find many series and movies, all anime, being able to choose to watch them in original version subtitled in English or dubbed in English. In any case, it will always tell you what content is dubbed, although don’t expect to find them in Spanish.

Link: Hidive.com

Selecta Visión Simulcast

Selecta Visión is one of the companies in charge of putting great anime series on sale in Spain, although they’re always paid and in physical format. So why is it on this list? Well, because it has a peculiarity, and that’s that from time to time it uses its Simulcast function to broadcast anime online and completely free for anyone who’s paying attention.

Here, what you should know is that they don’t have any kind of catalog. Suddenly they announce a series, and put it on streaming broadcasting one episode each week. Only one series at a time, and which then probably ends up disappearing because they launch it in physical format.

Link: Simulcast.selecta-vision.com

Atresplayer

The streaming service created by the Atresmedia group has a large amount of content from the audiovisual company, including the Kidz channel section which includes some anime series in addition to other animation content. Atresplayer has apps on almost all platforms, which will make accessing the content much easier for you.

To watch this content you’ll need to register, although you’ll be able to watch almost everything with ads using the free account. Not all series are complete, but you can entertain yourself watching some modern titles like Pokémon, but especially classics like Heidi or Marco.

Link: Atresplayer.com

Tivify

Putting Tivify on this list is a bit like cheating, but it’s never too much to know. We could say that all the anime broadcast on DTT you can watch on Tivify, since it allows you to watch all DTT channels with a free account. It also has paid plans with more channels. None are specific to anime, but you can watch live broadcasts from any DTT channel.

Link: Tivify.es

Netflix

Netflix is one of the main streaming platforms, and one of the bets it’s making in terms of content is creating its own anime series. Therefore, on this platform you’ll find both some well-known anime series and movies as well as others of its own production.

Obviously, we’ve left Netflix for almost the end of the list because it’s a service without a free mode, so you’ll have to pay yes or yes in case you’re interested in accessing its catalog.

Link: Netflix.com

Prime Video

Amazon’s series and movie streaming service also has a rich anime catalog, and much of this anime is top-tier. The negative part is that it’s a paid service, although it’s linked to Amazon Prime and overall is quite an affordable price, and the positive part is that if you don’t have Prime it has a one-month trial period to watch your favorite anime or see if it convinces you to pay for the subscription.

Link: Primevideo.com

Jonuplay

Jonuplay is another streaming platform dedicated to anime. It’s not too big, doesn’t have a free mode and you have to pay yes or yes, but the subscription is just 4 euros per month or 40 per year, so maybe you’ll consider giving it a chance.

But it also has some advantages. You’ll be able to watch unreleased series at the same pace as in Japan in original version with subtitles, and it also has its own catalog of unreleased anime dubbed in Spanish. Additionally, you’ll find both modern content and some classics.

Link: Jonuplay.com

Tubi TV

Tubi TV is the largest free movie and series streaming platform in the United States, and among its content you can also find anime. The bad thing is that it hasn’t officially arrived in Spain, so if you want to enjoy its content you’ll have to use a VPN.

Link: Tubi.tv

Bonus: Anime-Planet

And to finish, a gift. If you’re a big anime fan but have trouble keeping track of everything you’ve watched, this is a website that will help you. With it, you can keep track of the anime you watch and the manga you read, having files to have all the information about each of them.

Therefore, you’ll be able to get information about each anime, and you’ll be able to rate them or leave reviews to remember which ones you liked most or what other people think about them. Additionally, the website will also offer you personalized recommendations based on the content you’ve watched and liked.

Link: Anime-planet.com