|
Article by Ben Huber
It wasn't so long ago that as an otaku you had no legit choices if you wanted to watch anime online, but that slowly is changing. And while the field is still evolving there are quite a few options open:
Crunchyroll
The king of streaming anime! Crunchyroll reigns over the anime streaming kingdom, and features a host of anime that cover a wide breadth of genres. But while it does an excellent job of keeping up with the latest shows, it's a bit lacking on some older classics. Still, it's one of the easiest sites to recommend a subscription to, as it has a little something for everyone, and has apps for nearly every device as well.
FUNimation
If you're looking for FUNimation titles, they've got you covered here. Not everything is streaming for free though, and like most sites you'll need a subscription for the latest episodes of currently airing shows. Their back catalog is a solid collection though, and feature both subs and dubs for many of their shows.
Aniplex
While Aniplex's library is not as big as many other sites, they have exclusive streams of several of their currently airing shows, as well as back catalogs of other anime. Big names like Sword Art Online and Madoka Magica originate here, all available via a Hulu video player.
Hulu
Speaking of Hulu! Hulu has a variety of content from many publishers, such as FUNimation, Aniplex, and more. Like Crunchyroll it has a fairly wide breadth of content and also features a big back catalog, some of which is free and some which requires a Hulu Plus account. Said account is also required if you want to use Hulu's mobile apps, too.
|
|
|
 |
|
Netflix
Netflix is everywhere. It's a huge plus when you can use it on your iPad, Android, and then your Xbox at home. Their anime content is fairly restrained, though, and mainly focuses on titles such as Cowboy Bebop, Ghost in the Shell, Fullmetal Alchemist, and your usually smattering of Satoshi Kon and Ghibli films. While it may not have any currently running series, the great selection of classics is worth a subscription -- plus, you probably already have one anyway.
Anime Network
There's some unique and varied content on the Anime Network, with the odd collection feature titles like Penguindrum, Children Who Chase Lost Voices, Elfen Lied, and Mardock Scramble. Most of their content requires a subscription, and if you're looking for some harder-to-find anime, it might just be here.
Daisuki.net
This is new kid in town backed by studios like Aniplex, Sunrise, Toei and TMS in Japan. They're just getting started but they already have classics like One Piece and Lupin III along with more recent series like Sword Art Online. They only have a handful of shows, but they're off to a good start.
|
|
|
