Anime is an international phenomenon nowadays, and this development can be at least partially credited to Crunchyroll, and, by extension, its greatest anime. Firmly established as the main streaming anime platform, Crunchyroll has an ever-expanding library that covers classics and modern seasonal releases, making them as accessible as possible. While not exhaustive, the service has the most substantial (legal) selection in the North American market, exceeding both anime-focused and general alternatives.
Whether watching free episodes or picking up a subscription, Crunchyroll users will find themselves overwhelmed with content; at least, I tend to feel that way. The platform has nearly every genre well covered, offering shonen, romance, comedy, horror, slice of life, mecha, isekai, fantasy, and almost everything else. Let's go through the best anime on Crunchyroll per genre or theme.
Updated December 19, 2025 by Mark Sammut: Crunchyroll’s anime library is constantly evolving, with new series launching, older favorites rotating, and trends shifting throughout the year. This guide focuses on the best anime on Crunchyroll to watch right now, while also highlighting standout series by genre for every type of viewer — from beginners to longtime fans. Rather than ranking everything at once, we’ve organized this list to help you quickly find the shows that are worth starting today, whether you’re looking for action, romance, fantasy, or something a little more unconventional.
Best Crunchyroll Anime To Watch Right Now
Crunchyroll's Hottest Current Anime
While most of this article is split into genres, this section will mention a few anime that you should watch this very moment. These picks are based on current discourse, upcoming seasons, or just great new shows that are at their peak relevance. This is not a beginner's guide, as that comes later. To help cover all bases, I will include both popular and slightly niche shows.
- Frieren: Beyond Journey's End – With the sequel set to debut halfway through January 2026, this is absolutely the best time to watch Frieren if you have yet to give through the initial season. This fantasy anime is all about making the most of your time while embracing the quieter moments. The animation, characters, and themes are all fantastic.
- Golden Kamuy – A personal favorite, Golden Kamuy's final season will air during Winter 2026, and it should bring this incredible anime to an end on a high note. At 49 episodes, catching up does not require a huge commitment, and Golden Kamuy is so entertaining that you will be binge-watching in no time.
- My Hero Academia – With season 8's conclusion, MHA is finally complete, at least if we do not take the Vigilantes spin-off into account. While I cannot imagine there are too many folks who have not watched at least a few episodes, MHA is not primed and ready to be consumed over the course of a long, glorious month.
- Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray – The best sports anime of 2025, Cinderella Gray is a must-watch for anybody remotely interested in the genre, even if they shiver at the idea of horse girls. You have 23 brilliant episodes at your fingertips, and the show covers suspense, comedy, and drama incredibly well.
- Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun – One of the silliest but most consistently amusing shonen anime of the last decade, Iruma-kun has lovable characters, great visuals, and a fun underworld-themed setting. Season 4 will begin in April 2026, giving you more than enough time to watch its predecessors.
The Biggest Anime Of 2026 (So Far)
2026 is almost here, and the upcoming year should be PACKED with both massive anime sequels and newcomers. Let's go through its biggest anime.
Best Anime On Crunchyroll For Beginners
A Guide To Help Get Your Anime Life Started
With thousands of shows to pick from, Crunchyroll's library can be downright intimidating for newcomers who are not intimately familiar with phrases like "isekai," "battle shonen," and "waifu." If you are interested in a specific genre, I recommend checking out their individual sections, as most of the listed shows are relatively accessible. However, this section lists a few anime that are particularly great for beginners.
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood – Arguably the quintessential "introductory anime," FMA: Brotherhood is just an all-around awesome show and the perfect representative for the genre as a whole. The story is gripping but easy to follow, and the characters are instantly endearing (or terrifying). The animation is also all-around fantastic.
- Grand Blue Dreaming – One for older viewers who love college comedies about drinking, messing around, and scuba-diving, Grand Blue is constantly hilarious, in a way that can be appreciated even by those who are not familiar with anime.
- Horimiya – The perfect pick for any beginner looking for a romcom. Horimiya's first season is mostly romance, albeit with some hilarious moments. The sequel is almost entirely comedy, albeit with some cute romantic moments. Overall, just a pleasure to watch.
- Spy x Family – Lighthearted family-friendly fun about a make-shift family who are all hiding huge secrets. The humor is delightful, the main characters are charming, and the action is great when it happens.
Best Action Anime On Crunchyroll
Fate/Zero
Fate/Zero
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2011 - 2012
WHERE TO WATCH
- Studio
- Ufotable
- Number of Episodes
- 25
- Creator
- Gen Urobuchi
- MyAnimeList Score
- 8.27 (Season 1)
Based on Gen Urobuchi's light novel, Fate/Zero belongs to Type-Moon's larger Fate franchise. Focusing specifically on anime, the 2011 show is likely to be someone's first exposure to this universe, and Fate/Zero makes quite an initial impression. The story revolves around the Holy Grail War, which involves human Masters summoning warriors from history. The last competitor standing will be granted any wish they desire; naturally, people are willing to do nearly anything to achieve this goal.
Best Fate Anime, Ranked
The Fate franchise is a long-standing one, and in the anime department, not every series is made of the same cut. Here's how the best rank up.
Featuring smooth animation that holds up beautifully despite the anime now being more than a decade old, Fate/Zero pits legendary heroes from history in epic and vicious battles for supremacy. Ufotable's anime is not just pleasing to the eyes, though, as the story dives into the philosophies and psyches of its characters. Almost nobody is portrayed as being purely good or evil, which enhances the fights since they often have an ideological component to them.
Black Lagoon
Black Lagoon
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2006 - 2006
- Directors
- Sunao Katabuchi
- Writers
- Sunao Katabuchi
- Studio
- Madhouse
- Number of Episodes
- 24
- Creator
- Rei Hiroe
- MyAnimeList Score
- 8.03 (Season 1)
A seinen classic, Black Lagoon is a rip-roaring action extravaganza predominantly set in Roanapur, a seedy city defined by criminal organizations and corruption. Operating within this world is Lagoon Company, a mercenary group that is more than willing to take on risky jobs, even if it entails turning an entire city against them or facing off against a killer maid. Rock, a fairly ordinary Japanese businessman, is kidnapped by Lagoon, but he winds up joining them when he realizes that he means nothing to his company. While arguably not the real main character, Rock's transformation serves as the anime's main throughline.
Split into two seasons and an OVA series, Black Lagoon delivers fantastic action, endearing characters, and the occasional philosophical musing. While some arcs overstay their welcome or are not all that memorable, the anime is still reasonably consistent. At its best, Black Lagoon is about as good as any other action anime to ever come out.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2009 - 2010
WHERE TO WATCH
- Studio
- Bones
- Number of Episodes
- 64
- Creator
- Hiromu Arakawa
- MyAnimeList Score
- 9.10
At some point during the 2010s, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood usurped the likes of Naruto as the ultimate gateway anime, particularly for people looking for action or battle shonen shows. Ambitious and epic, FMA:B takes place in a world where alchemy is possible, which is governed by the rule of equivalent exchange. When the Elric siblings break this rule, they pay a hefty price, one that requires them to find a Philosopher's Stone to reverse.
14 Best Side Characters In Battle Shonen Anime
You don't need to be the main character to make an impact, and these fantastic side characters in battle shonen anime series prove it.
Although a bit rushed in its opening stages, FMA:B tells a fantastic story that delivers impeccable action, heartbreaking moments, and an overabundance of humor. Picking the best action anime on Crunchyroll ultimately comes down to personal preference, but FMA:B is the ideal place to start.
Attack On Titan
Attack On Titan
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2013 - 2023-00-00
- Studio
- Wit Studio, MAPPA
- Number of Episodes
- 94
- Creator
- Hajime Isayama
- MyAnimeList Score
- 8.55 (Season 1)
After almost a decade, Attack on Titan is slowly approaching its end, although the final season still has a third part to go. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where the last remnants of humanity live behind walls to "protect" them from massive man-eating beasts called Titans, this beloved anime is unpredictable, intense, well-animated, and complex.
Each season brings with it a substantial shift in the story's direction, often taking seemingly straightforward characters and subverting expectations. Attack on Titan set a high standard for not just shonen anime but the industry in general, and it will take something special to fill the hole left by this series when it ends.
Attack on Titan is not typically associated with battle shonen, but the anime is being included here since it is action-heavy and a shonen property.
Other Recommended Action Anime On Crunchyroll:
- Bungo Stray Dogs
- Chainsaw Man
- Demon Slayer
- Dragon Ball Z
- Hellsing Ultimate
- JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
- Kill la Kill
- Mob Psycho 100
- Solo Leveling
- Yu Yu Hakusho
Best Comedy Anime On Crunchyroll
Gintama
Gintama
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2006 - 2021-00-00
- Studio
- Sunrise, Bandai Namco Pictures
- Number of Episodes
- 367
- Creator
- Hideaki Sorachi
- MyAnimeList Score
- 8.93 (Season 1)
As a parody of shonen stories, Gintama should not be someone's introduction to anime; if nothing else, they should at least watch Rurouni Kenshin first, which is also on Crunchyroll. Once that masterpiece is out of the way, Gintama awaits, along with plenty of laughs.
Gintama: Every Main Character's Age, Height, And Birthday
Even hardcore fans of the Gintama anime and manga series might not know all these details about the series' main characters.
In this alternate reality, Earth has fallen to aliens (Amanto), and samurai have been banned in Edo. With not much else to do, Gintoki has no choice but to accept any random job that happens to fall on his lap. More often than not, hilarity ensues. As it progresses, Gintama introduces arcs that are pure battle shonen. These are also great, even if the anime shines the brightest as a comedy.
Nichijou - My Ordinary Life
Nichijou - My Ordinary Life
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2011 - 2011
- Directors
- Tatsuya Ishihara
- Writers
- Jukki Hanada
- Studio
- Kyoto Animation
- Number of Episodes
- 26
- Creator
- Keiichi Arawi
- MyAnimeList Score
- 8.47
A thin line separates slice of life from full-blown comedy, and Nichijou is one of the best representatives of both genres. Orbiting around three friends, a professor, a robot, and a talking cat, this series blends the mundane with the surreal, with the latter becoming more pronounced as the season progresses. Just to provide an example of the strangeness on offer, at one point, a character witnesses a wrestling match between her school's principal and a deer. It is glorious.
Nichijou pushes "slice of life" into bizarre territory, but it is still ultimately a relaxing show without much in the way of conflict. The anime simply happens to follow "lives" that are not tethered to conventional reality.
Bocchi The Rock!
Bocchi the Rock!
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2022 - 2022
- Directors
- Keiichirô Saitô
- Writers
- Erika Yoshida, Aki Hamaji
- Studio
- CloverWorks
- Number of Episodes
- 12
- Creator
- Aki Hamazi
- MyAnimeList Score
- 8.76
2022 had more than a few great anime, but none managed to surpass expectations quite like Bocchi the Rock!. Based on Aki Hamaji's manga, the show follows Hitori "Bocchi" Gotou, a talented guitarist who struggles with social anxiety. After spending middle school alone, Hitori wishes to turn things around by joining a band, but her insecurities constantly impede her dream. One day, she is randomly approached by a girl named Nijika Ijichi who asks her to join Kessoku Band as their guitarist has gone missing right before a show. Unable to decline, Hitori finds herself on stage (and in a box) alongside two new bandmates.
On the surface, Bocchi the Rock! Might seem like a "cute girls doing cute things" story, but that is not the case. The anime focuses heavily on Bocchi's growth as she struggles to face the challenges that come with being in a band and just socializing in general. Surprisingly character-driven, the series blends imaginative and surreal comedy sequences with relatable moments driven by Hitori's fears.
Kaguya-sama: Love Is War
Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2019 - 2023-00-00
- Japanese Title
- Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai: Tensai-tachi no Renai Zunousen
- Studio
- A-1 Pictures
- Number of Episodes
- 37
- Creator
- Aka Akasaka
- MyAnimeList Score
- 8.62 (Season 1)
Shuchiin Academy's Student Council is run by Miyuki Shirogane and Kaguya Shinomiya, who both like each other but are anxious to admit it. Coming from vastly different backgrounds and suspicious of each other's intentions, Miyuki and Kaguya take part in battles to see who will be tricked into announcing their feelings first.
Kaguya-sama: Love is War starts as an over-the-top comedy, one that almost parodies romance anime. However, the series steadily begins to properly explore its core relationships, allowing its characters to change and grow along the way. The Ultra Romantic season aired in the Spring of 2022, and Kaguya-sama went from strength to strength. While comedy plays a major role, the show is constantly pushing forward its relationships and producing heart-pounding romantic moments.
Other Recommended Comedy Anime On Crunchyroll:
- Asobi Asobase
- Daily Lives of High School Boys
- Cromartie High School
- Ghost Stories (English Dub)
- Grand Blue Dreaming
- Hinamatsuri
- KonoSuba
- Spy x Family
- The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You
Best Fantasy Anime On Crunchyroll
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- September 29, 2023
- Japanese Title
- Sousou no Frieren
- Studio
- Madhouse
- Creator
- Kanehito Yamada
- MyAnimeList Score
- 9.31
Fall 2023 was not lacking in massive releases. The Apothecary Diaries is fantastic and features one of the best female protagonists in recent years, and Shangri-La Frontier is a fun thrill ride that will likely hit the mark with action fans. As good as these shows were, they existed in the shadow of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, a fantasy anime that might go down as Madhouse's ultimate masterpiece. As the title suggests, the story takes place long after the hero's party defeated the Demon King, ushering in a new era of peace. Frieren, an elf mage, has outlived most of her former companions, and she did not take full advantage of her time with them. Wishing to remember them while remnants of their original journey remain, she goes on a new adventure with a few young comrades.
Frieren: 13 Strongest Mages, Ranked
The world of magic in Frieren is dominated by these individuals who in different ways outmatch their opponents.
Frieren is, essentially, a slice of life fantasy story, albeit one that has quite a bit of action along with a fairly concrete goal the characters are working towards. The anime is primarily about celebrating the present while learning from the past, providing experiences that encourage the protagonists to grow, reflect, and live. Most episodes are happy to just let Frieren, Fern, and Stark's banter and occasionally interact with the locals. While the characters are brilliant, the anime also has clever and subtle world-building that convincingly hints at a long and complex history without relying on extensive exposition.
Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-
Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World-
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2016 - 2025-00-00
- Japanese Title
- Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu
- Studio
- White Fox
- Number of Episodes
- 65
- Creator
- Tappei Nagatsuki
- MyAnimeList Score
- 8.77 (Season 3)
Crunchyroll is not lacking in isekai anime, so anyone looking to jump into another world will be set for a couple of months at the very least. The concept has produced plenty of great content, however, due to similarities in setting, tone, and protagonists, many of the subgenre's shows can start to blend together after a while. Although it shares imagery with other isekai series, Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- is a unique beast.
A normal human, Subaru, finds himself teleported to a fantasy world with magic, waifus, and talking mascots. Standard as this setup might be, Re:ZERO wastes little time in establishing that it has no interest in telling a power fantasy story. Subaru's journey is one filled with suffering, failure, and self-discovery. The side characters are also quite interesting, with season 2 doing a stellar job of expanding on Emilia's personality.
Yona Of The Dawn
Yona of the Dawn
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- October 7, 2014
- Directors
- Kazuhiro Yoneda
- Writers
- Shinichi Inotsume
- Japanese Title
- Akatsuki no Yona
- Studio
- Pierrot
- Number of Episodes
- 24
- Creator
- Mizuho Kusanagi
- MyAnimeList Score
- 8.03
Based on Mizuho Kusanagi's highly regarded manga, Yona of the Dawn is a fantasy epic that chronicles the titular character's growth from a naive princess to a hardened warrior. The anime only lasted for one season, and while the episodes are of impeccable quality, they merely scratch the surface of the source material. Consequently, Pierrot's anime should be regarded as a teaser for the manga, which is definitely worth seeking out.
Leading a peaceful and fantastical life in the kingdom of Kouka's palace, Yona has little to no experience with the world at large. One day, the king is killed by Su-won, Yona's childhood friend, and the protagonist finds herself on the run with only her bodyguard as a companion. Stripped of everything she has ever known or owned, the princess goes on a punishing journey of self-discovery as she seeks to take down Su-won.
Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- January 11, 2021
- Japanese Title
- Mushoku Tensei: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu
- Studio
- Studio Bind
- Number of Episodes
- 48
- Based On
- Novel & Light Novel
- Creator
- Rifujin na Magonote
- MyAnimeList Score
- 8.38 (Season 1, Part 1); 8.42 (Season 2, Part 2)
Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation is not the easiest show to unabashedly recommend since it stars a rather unlikable protagonist, especially during the first season; however, at its core, this is one of the best-written isekai anime of all time. Dying after committing his solitary good act, a NEET reawakens in a fantasy world as Rudy, a baby born to a loving couple. Rudy remembers his past life completely, and his former personality frequently shines through his actions. Unlike many other isekai stories, Mushoku Tensei's main character is not a blank slate or a self-insert.
Mushoku Tense's world-building is generally fantastic, and the show does not rush things either. The story gradually chronicles Rudy's life as he grows up and changes along the way. He does not become a beacon of virtue since he never really stops being deeply flawed, but he is not static.
Other Recommended Fantasy Anime On Crunchyroll:
Best Romance Anime On Crunchyroll
Fruits Basket
Fruits Basket
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- April 6, 2019
- Studio
- TMS Entertainment
- Number of Episodes
- 63
- Creator
- Natsuki Takaya
- MyAnimeList Score
- 8.22 (Season 1)
TMS Entertainment's adaptation of Natsuki Takaya's Fruits Basket manga is a work of art that tells a brilliant story that covers a wide spectrum of genres and, more importantly, does justice to each one of them. At points, Fruits Basket can be a hilarious comedy, an intense drama, or a devastating romance.
Greatest Romance Anime Of All Time
There are too many great romance anime out there. These love stories will make you cheer, weep, and laugh.
The show's romantic element largely revolves around Toru, Yuki, and Kyou, and Fruits Basket has arguably the best love triangle in anime. Even if romance tends to be an acquired taste, Fruits Basket's appeal is universal. This is one of the absolute best anime on Crunchyroll.
Given
Given
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2019 - 2019
- Network
- Fuji TV
- Directors
- Akiyo Ohashi
- Studio
- Lerche
- Number of Episodes
- 11
- Creator
- Natsuki Kizu
- MyAnimeList Score
- 8.30
Romance anime are an acquired taste, and boys love stories take that to the next level. While reasonably popular in the grand scheme of things, the shounen-ai genre is also rather insulated and might seem impenetrable to the uninitiated. Ultimately, these are simply romance shows featuring two male leads. If someone is unsure where to start, then they can hardly do any better than Given.
The anime focuses on four band members, two of whom are in high school while the others are college students. Even though each character is well-written and gets their time to shine, the series primarily revolves around Mafuyu and Ritsuka, the high schoolers. The former is the latest addition to the band, and while he is not that accustomed to music, he is passionate about learning.
Your Lie In April
Your Lie in April
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2014 - 2015
WHERE TO WATCH
- Japanese Title
- Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso
- Studio
- A-1 Pictures
- Number of Episodes
- 22
- Creator
- Naoshi Arakawa
- MyAnimeList Score
- 8.64
Your Lie in April has become a cornerstone of the romance genre. The beloved manga led to an anime adaptation, along with a light novel extension and a live-action movie. For the most part, each iteration of the story or addition to the franchise is, at the minimum, pretty good. At their best, they are fantastic, and the anime falls within the latter category.
Music serves as this tale's beating heart. Not only does it bring together the main characters, but it fuels their passion, growth, and trauma. Following a personal tragedy, the young Kosei has struggled to play the piano, letting his talent go to waste. One day, he meets Kaori, an exceptional violinist who embraces life with every fiber of her being. Kosei is drawn to Kaori, and vice-versa.
Ouran High School Host Club
Ouran High School Host Club
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- April 5, 2006
- Japanese Title
- Ouran Koukou Host Club
- Studio
- Bones
- Number of Episodes
- 26
- Creator
- Bisco Hatori
- MyAnimeList Score
- 8.16
Honestly, Ouran High School Host Club could easily be slotted into the harem and comedy categories since it represents both genres at their best. However, this anime has a broad appeal that makes it an easy recommendation to pretty much anybody, regardless of whether they are into those genres. Among the most accessible and beloved shojo anime of all time, Ouran High School Host Club follows Haruhi, a girl who ends up working at the eponymous club after she breaks a vase. Crucially, she tends to be mistaken for a guy due to her fashion sense, which is sometimes used for comedic purposes but never for ridicule.
Ouran High School Host Club is filled with lovable characters who are equally capable of inspiring laughter or tears. Haruhi is a fantastic female lead, and she is supported by one of shojo's greatest leading men: Tamaki. The rest of the reverse harem members are all three-dimensional characters too, and they have more going on than their dynamics with Haruhi.
Other Recommended Romance Anime On Crunchyroll:
- Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian
- A Sign of Affection
- Don't Toy with Me, Miss Nagatoro
- Horimiya
- My Dress-Up Darling
- My Love Story!!
- Sasaki And Miyano
- Tonikawa: Over The Moon For You
- Toradora!
Best Sci-Fi Anime On Crunchyroll
Steins;Gate
Steins;Gate
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2011 - 2015-00-00
- Network
- Sun TV, Teletama
- Directors
- Kazuhiro Ozawa, Kanji Wakabayashi, Tomoki Kobayashi, Koji Kobayashi, Tomoko Hiramuki, Hisato Shimoda, Shigetaka Ikeda, Hiroyuki Tsuchiya, Yuzuru Tachikawa
- Studio
- White Fox
- Number of Episodes
- 24
- Based On
- Visual Novel
- MyAnimeList Score
- 9.07
Adapted from a visual novel, Steins;Gate is split into two halves: the first twelve episodes have an almost slice of life tone as they follow the quirky lives of the Future Gadget Laboratory's members, led by the enigmatic Rintaro Okabe. The anime's second half is a sci-fi thrill ride centering around the consequences of time travel and the people willing to kill for it.
Steins;Gate: 8 Things The Anime Does Better Than The Visual Novel
The popular Steins;Gate anime began as a visual novel game — but in some ways, the adaptation improved on the source material.
Both halves are brilliant when viewed in isolation, and they are even better when taken as a whole. Steins;Gate meshes together an array of genres, and it executes all of them well. After completing the series, Crunchyroll subscribers can also check out Steins;Gate 0, an alternate reality spin-off that is pretty fabulous in its own right.
Space Brothers
Space Brothers
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2012 - 2014
- Network
- Nippon TV, YTV
- Directors
- Hideaki Uehara, Shigeru Ueda, Takahiro Harada, Matsuo Asami, Nanako Shimazaki, Yasuo Tsuchiya, Daiji Suzuki, Toshimasa Ishii, Akiko Seki, Shigeru Yamazaki, Yoshihiro Oka, Hisatoshi Shimizu, Fumio Maezono, Yukihiko Asaki
- Japanese Title
- Uchuu Kyoudai
- Studio
- A-1 Pictures
- Number of Episodes
- 99
- MyAnimeList Score
- 8.48
Space Brothers is a different type of sci-fi anime, one grounded in reality. As its title suggests, the story follows two siblings who, as kids, wished to become astronauts. While one brother pursued this ambition, the other did not; however, the latter got an opportunity to change that, and he decided to seize it.
Space Brothers focuses heavily on the hard work and dedication required to head out into space. Most of the narrative centers on Mutta Nanba's training, and while these stretches can last for quite a long time, they are generally intriguing and immersive. When it does venture out into the great unknown, the anime is impossible to put down.
Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 1998 - 1999
- Studio
- Sunrise
- Creator
- Hajime Yatate
- Number of Episodes
- 26
- MyAnimeList Score
- 8.75
Cowboy Bebop transcends anime, and that goes beyond Netflix's mediocre live-action adaptation. The 1998 series not only introduced plenty of people to the glorious world of anime but also demonstrated that shows like Dragon Ball Z, Pokemon, and Sailor Moon are just a small slice of what the industry has to offer.
8 Most Iconic Anime Spaceships, Ranked
Space-centered anime tend to have creative storylines, often bolstered by incredible spacecraft. Hence, here are the most iconic anime spaceships.
Set in the (not too) distant future, humanity has set up roots across the galaxy. The eponymous ship belongs to two bounty hunters, Spike and Jet, who are willing to take on all sorts of odd jobs. Before long, their crew expands to include Faye, Ed, and an adorable dog. Cowboy Bebop offers a perfect mix of stand-alone episodes and serial storytelling; the former are highly entertaining, while the latter add depth to the characters. The anime's soundtrack is also phenomenal.
Gurren Lagann
Gurren Lagann
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2007 - 2007
WHERE TO WATCH
- Japanese Title
- Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
- Studio
- Gainax
- Number of Episodes
- 27
- MyAnimeList Score
- 8.63
Gainax's Gurren Lagann is hype in anime form. No, that makes it seem like the show is nothing but glorious action, but this 2007 anime backs its universe-spanning conflicts with multifaceted characters, a consistent thematic identity, and ambitious storytelling. Gurren Lagann is all about pushing beyond your limits in search of freedom.
Toeing the line between sci-fi and pure fantasy, Gurren Lagann's greatest strength is that the anime never ignores its human element in favor of spectacle. Ultimately, this is a coming-of-age story that just happens to take place in an incredibly unconventional reality.
Code Geass: Lelouch Of The Rebellion
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2006 - 2008
- Directors
- Gorō Taniguchi
- Writers
- Ichirō Ōkouchi
- Japanese Title
- Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch
- Studio
- Sunrise
- Number of Episodes
- 50
- MyAnimeList Score
- 8.70 (Season 1)
In 2006, anime had a thing for empowering manipulative geniuses with a desire to shape the world in their image. Code Geass envisions an alternate reality where Japan fell at the hands of the Britannian Empire; while a resistance group does exist, they are barely more than a small nuisance for the country's rulers. At least, that was the case until a new hero, Zero, rose up to protect the Japanese people from the discriminating Empire.
Zero's real identity is Lelouch, and his actions are not quite as noble as they might seem to the public. The rebel fighter also has the power to force someone to follow one order, an ability Lelouch uses to good and horrifying effect. Combining mind games and mecha battles, Code Geass is a highly entertaining show with barely a dull moment to be found.
Other Recommended Sci-Fi Anime On Crunchyroll:
Best Slice Of Life Anime On Crunchyroll
Natsume's Book of Friends
Natsume's Book of Friends
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2008 - 2024-00-00
- Japanese Title
- Natsume Yuujinchou
- Studio
- Brain's Base, Shuka
- Number of Episodes
- 86
- Creator
- Yuki Midorikawa
- MyAnimeList Score
- 8.58 (Season 7)
Ever since he was a child, Takashi Natsume has been able to see yokai, an ability he inherited from his grandmother. The teenager also received something else from his grandparent: a book containing the names of different spirits. This gives the notepad's owner authority over these yokai, making Natsume a target for all sorts of entities.
This premise seems made for a supernatural action series, but Natsume's Book of Friends takes things in another direction. Rather than vicious battles, Natsume only wants to return each name, freeing the yokai from the book's control. This journey is a generally peaceful one.
A Place Further Than The Universe
A Place Further Than the Universe
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2018 - 2018
- Japanese Title
- Sora yori mo Tooi Basho
- Studio
- Madhouse
- Number of Episodes
- 13
- Creator
- Yorimoi
- MyAnimeList Score
- 8.51
Classifying A Place Further Than The Universe as slice of life does not feel 100% accurate since the show's subject is far from ordinary. The anime follows four girls who wish to go to Antarctica, all of whom have their own reasons for pursuing this ambitious goal. Madhouse's series is powerful, heartbreaking, funny, and grounded (despite the somewhat outlandish premise).
Even though the girls are focused on their destination, A Place Further Than The Universe is just as much about the journey, and this is very much a coming-of-age story. Boasting gorgeous animation, an unbeatable story, and lovable characters, this show has very few peers in anime.
Barakamon
Barakamon
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- July 6, 2014
- Studio
- Kinema Citrus
- Number of Episodes
- 12
- Creator
- Satsuki Yoshino
- MyAnimeList Score
- 8.38
Slice of life stories might generally avoid drama as they try to stick to the status quo, but that does not mean their characters cannot undergo development. Barakamon is a prime example of the genre's capacity for crafting narratively satisfying journeys fueled by a protagonist's growth. Sei, a talent calligrapher, reacts to criticism in the worst possible way, which prompts his father to send him to an island where he can "work." In truth, the goal behind this trip is to push Sei to develop his social and interpersonal skills.
Barakamon emphasizes the importance of finding and engaging with a community. In the span of just 12 episodes, Sei undergoes an extraordinary change that is fully earned and never comes across as forced. The anime is also consistently hilarious, and all of its humor is wholesome.
March Comes In Like A Lion
March Comes in Like a Lion
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2016 - 2018-00-00
- Japanese Title
- 3-gatsu no Lion
- Studio
- Shaft
- Number of Episodes
- 44
- Creator
- Chica Umino
- MyAnimeList Score
- 8.37 (Season 1)
Thanks to its indecipherable name, March Comes In Like a Lion can be a hard sell. While good, the anime's opening season moves at a glacial pace at times and focuses quite a bit on its protagonist's shogi career, with most of these scenes being dry. Consequently, some people might drop the show before reaching season 2, which comfortably places March Comes In Like a Lion among the best anime on Crunchyroll.
Orphaned at a young age, Rei moves in with a family friend, a place where he never quite feels like he belongs. That feeling extends to nearly every part of Rei's existence, although that starts to change when he meets the Kawamoto sisters. March Comes In Like a Lion tells a coming-of-age story that deals with depression, anxiety, listlessness, loneliness, and bullying. Rather than settle for easy answers, the anime takes a realistic look at all of these themes, and it handles them very well.
Other Recommended Slice Of Life Anime On Crunchyroll:
- Laid-Back Camp
- Non Non Biyori Nonstop
- Flying Witch
- Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid
- Mushi-Shi
- Bunny Drop
Best Sports Anime On Crunchyroll
Ping Pong The Animation
Ping Pong The Animation
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2014 - 2014-00-00
- Studio
- Tatsunoko Production
- Number of Episodes
- 11
- Creator
- Taiyō Matsumoto
- MyAnimeList Score
- 8.62
An argument could be made that most sports anime are not truly about their chosen activities, but they tend to follow a formula that allows them to be grouped into a specific genre. Despite its on-the-nose title, Ping Pong the Animation has little in common with traditional sports shows, to the point that the series basically belongs in its own category. Peco and Smile have been tight for years, with the latter seeing the former as something of a hero. They are both regarded as Ping Pong prospects, although Peco begins to fall off after he suffers a loss.
7 Most Influential Sports Anime
There is certainly no lack of good sports anime now, but these shows remain the most influential sports series of all time.
Ping Pong the Animation uses a rather simple set-up to tell a complex tale about growing up, anxiety, expectations, and friendship. In just 11 episodes, the show completely dissects its characters, going beyond just Smile and Peco. Visually, the anime is undoubtedly unique, even if the art style might not be to everyone's tastes.
Run With The Wind
Run with the Wind
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2018 - 2019
- Japanese Title
- Kaze ga Tsuyoku Fuiteiru
- Studio
- Production I.G
- Number of Episodes
- 23
- Creator
- Shion Miura
- MyAnimeList Score
- 8.38
Sports anime might not seem all that attractive to the uninitiated, however, the genre is among the most accessible in anime. It does not matter whether a viewer has any knowledge or interest in the main sport since, for the most part, it is only used as a vehicle to supply character development, drama, and humor.
Running with the Wind is about healing, friendship, and finding satisfaction by establishing personal goals. Outside a few exceptions, Kansei University Track Club consists of novices, so they have a long journey ahead of them if they wish to attend the Hakone Ekiden.
Haikyu!!
Haikyu!!
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2014 - 2020-00-00
- Studio
- Production I.G
- Based On
- Manga
- Creator(s)
- Haruichi Furudate
- Number of Episodes
- 90
- MyAnimeList Score
- 8.44 (Season 1)
Haikyu!! Is about volleyball; to be exact, it is about passionate players who refuse to give up their desire to play the sport regardless of the obstacles in their way. It is about the partnership between the energetic Shoyo Hinata and the unapproachable Tobio Kageyama, two people who do not get along but also bring out the best in each other. It is about teamwork, hardship, success, and failure. Basically, Haikyu!! Is about life.
More importantly, this anime is ridiculously entertaining, be it through its captivating matches, memorable characters, or on-point humor. Each season is awesome in its own right, and there is scarcely a bad episode to be found across the series.
Fighting Spirit
Fighting Spirit
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2000 - 2014-00-00
WHERE TO WATCH
- Japanese Title
- Hajime no Ippo
- Studio
- Madhouse
- Number of Episodes
- 127
- Creator
- George Morikawa
- MyAnimeList Score
- 8.77 (Season 1)
Except for Tomorrow's Joe, Fighting Spirit is the most famous boxing anime of all time, and it ranks among the sports genre's greatest creations. The story follows Ippo, a timid and bullied teenager who is inspired to take up boxing after meeting the loudmouthed Takamura. Through hard work and dedication, Ippo sets out to climb to the top of the boxing scene, a process that involves plenty of intense battles for supremacy.
Fighting Spirit is one of Madhouse's best shows, which is saying a lot. Even though the original season is more than two decades old by this point, the animation still looks fantastic, particularly during matches. In between bouts, Fighting Spirit falls back on a strong roster of characters, some of which are downright hilarious.
Weirdly, Crunchyroll does not have this show's second season, making for an incomplete and disjointed experience. Still, season one has 75 episodes, so there is a lot of content to go through before hitting that wall.
Other Recommended Sports Anime On Crunchyroll:
Best Thriller Anime On Crunchyroll
Rainbow
Rainbow
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 1972 - 1991
- Network
- ITV1
- Directors
- John Woods
Rainbow deserves to be watched by anyone craving a harsh and challenging drama. A historical look at adolescent correctional facilities in the 1950s, the story follows a group of prisoners who are effectively tortured during their stay by one of the most detestable villains in anime.
While those horrifying sequences are hard to stomach, they are complemented by the strong bonds that form between the prisoners as they refuse to give in to the prison guard's cruelty. Rainbow is a mature seinen anime that shows the worst and best of humanity, often within the same few minutes. Although certainly not for everyone, this show is one of a kind.
Takopi's Original Sin
Takopi's Original Sin
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2025 - 2025
- Network
- Bandai Channel, Netflix, Prime Video, Niconico, ABEMA, Hulu, Disney+, FOD, d Anime Store, Anime Houdai, U-NEXT, TELASA, DMM TV, niconico Channel, Lemino, J:COM STREAM, milplus, WOWOW On Demand, Anime Times, Rakuten TV, VIDEX
- Japanese Title
- Takopii no Genzai
- Studio
- Enishiya
- Based On
- Manga
- Creator(s)
- Taizan 5
Arguably 2025's best surprise, Takopi's Original Sin is an absolute triumph in nearly every way. Based on a short manga, the anime only lasts 6 episodes, but it makes every single second count. The story follows a cute alien, Takopi, from Happy Planet, who lands on Earth and befriends a depressed girl named Shizuka. Takopi's goal is to try and make Shizuka smile, but he is way too innocent to really understand everything happening around him. Relentlessly bullied by one of her classmates and largely abandoned by her mother, Shizuka has been completely beaten down by the world, and she is desperate.
Takopi's Original Sin tackles suicide, bullying, abuse, manipulation, and depression, themes that are not only rarely touched upon by anime but can also be handled so poorly that they cause a show to become infamous. Takopi's Original Sin covers them spectacularly and with the nuance that they deserve, all the while telling an effective story that does not have a single dull moment. The writing is fantastic, and the same can be said for Enishiya's animation.
Psycho-Pass
Psycho-Pass
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2012 - 2019-00-00
- Studio
- Production I.G, Tatsunoko Production
- Number of Episodes
- 41
Psycho-Pass immerses viewers in a dark, futuristic world where Japan is built upon a justice system that judges people on their potential to commit future crimes. Once a person's Psycho-Pass is stained, they are removed from society with precious little hope of staging a comeback. The law is maintained by Inspectors and Enforcers, the latter of which are people already tagged as latent criminals.
Psycho-Pass is an intense sci-fi thriller that explores themes dealing with accountability and whether the preservation of the many outweighs an individual's rights. Mature, violent, and thought-provoking, this anime is rarely an easy watch, but it is also never dull. Crunchyroll only has the show's first two seasons, but they each tell complete stories in their own right. Season one is particularly strong and features one of the most memorable villains in anime.
Vinland Saga (Not A Natural Fit For The Thriller Genre, But This Series Needs To Be Recommended)
Vinland Saga
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2019 - 2023
WHERE TO WATCH
- Studio
- Wit Studio, MAPPA
- Number of Episodes
- 48
- Creator
- Makoto Yukimura
- MyAnimeList Score
- 8.76 (Season 1)
Taking inspiration from history, Vinland Saga is an ambitious Viking story that touches upon revenge, guilt, and redemption. Currently, Wit Studio has produced two seasons, which follow Thorfinn as he seeks vengeance for the death of his father and then deals with the consequences of his choices.
While they complement each other beautifully, the seasons are wildly different, with the first delivering a fairly action-packed war epic that does a fantastic job of painting nearly all its characters in ambiguous colors. Season 2 is far more introspective, particularly in its dissection of Thorfinn, a protagonist who can initially come across as one-note. Vinland Saga is not only one of the best anime on Crunchyroll but also one of the greatest series of all time.
Monogatari
Monogatari
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- July 3, 2009
- Studio
- Shaft
- Number of Episodes
- 100
- Creator
- Nisio Isin
- MyAnimeList Score
- 8.33 (Season 1)
Some anime defy classification or incorporate so many genres that they become something utterly unique. These shows are often acquired tastes, but they can also be quite spectacular.
Even though it takes elements from the psychological, slice of life, and supernatural genres, Monogatari very much fits into its own bracket of anime. The only other show that is remotely comparable is Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai, and even then, any similarities are surface-level. An adaptation of Nisio Isin's light novels, Monogatari is essentially about a guy who becomes sort of a vampire and winds up helping a group of girls suffering from supernatural afflictions.
A Beginner's Guide To The Monogatari Series
The Monogatari series can be intimidating to newcomers. This is everything potential viewers need to know going into the anime.
That might be the show's premise, but Monogatari is far more than just that. It is a dialogue-heavy drama packed with philosophical musings and the capacity to occasionally dish out a bloody battle. At the same time, this is an anime that is willing to craft extensive scenes revolving entirely around adolescent humor, frequently concluding on a juvenile punchline that seems to work in spite of itself. Monogatari is a visual masterpiece and a contender for Shaft's greatest work, even if this same art style can be off-putting and overwhelming.
Basically, Monogatari is worth trying simply because there is nothing else like it.
Other Recommended Thriller Anime On Crunchyroll:
FAQ
Q: Does every region have the same lineup of Crunchyroll anime?
No, Crunchyroll's library can vary significantly from region to region. This article focuses on North America, so please take that into account when considering a subscription.
Q: Does Crunchyroll have every anime ever?
Crunchyroll has an impressively huge lineup that includes both classics and modern shows. That said, the streaming platform does not have every anime ever, nor does it come close to offering that (nor does it claim to achieve that).
Q: Does Crunchyroll have anime dubs?
Yes! Mind you, not every Crunchyroll anime has English or other language dubs, but quite a few of the major ones do. So, it is always worth checking to see if a show has alternative audios available.