KissAnime was once the go-to platform for millions of anime lovers worldwide. Known for its vast library of free anime content, both subbed and dubbed, it offered a seamless streaming experience that was hard to match. However, with its permanent shutdown, fans have been left searching for trustworthy and high-quality alternatives. Thankfully, the anime community is resilient, and several new platforms have emerged to fill the void left by KissAnime.
There are more options than ever for streaming anime for free in 2025. From minimalist interfaces with fast-loading servers to platforms that mimic KissAnime’s design and user experience, the alternatives cater to a wide range of viewer preferences. Whether you’re into classic anime, trending seasonal releases, or dubbed versions for easier viewing, there’s a site that suits your needs.
A Brief History of KissAnime
KissAnime launched in 2012 and quickly rose to prominence as one of the most popular anime streaming sites on the internet. It gained a massive global following due to its vast library, which included everything from popular mainstream titles to niche and classic anime. The site was completely free and offered high-quality streams in multiple resolutions, which made it accessible for users with different internet speeds and device types.
KissAnime’s user-friendly interface, daily updates, and support for both dubbed and subbed anime set it apart from other platforms at the time. Despite legal gray areas, it thrived for nearly a decade, becoming a cornerstone of online anime culture. Fans appreciated its comment sections and interactive features that created a sense of community.
However, KissAnime’s success also brought attention from copyright holders and regulators. Over the years, the site faced frequent domain takedowns, mirror site bans, and legal scrutiny. In August 2020, after a significant crackdown on piracy sites by Japanese authorities, KissAnime was permanently shut down. The announcement marked the end of an era, prompting fans worldwide to mourn the loss and seek out new platforms to continue their anime journey.
10 Free KissAnime Alternatives to Watch Anime Online
This guide explores the top 10 KissAnime alternatives, each offering a unique blend of content variety, usability, and streaming quality. These platforms are optimized for both desktop and mobile use, and most don’t require sign-ups. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a hardcore otaku, this list will help you find your next favorite anime streaming site—completely free and without the hassle.
1. RetroCrush
RetroCrush is a free, ad-supported streaming service specializing in classic anime from the 1970s to the early 2000s. It offers a curated selection of vintage titles, including hard-to-find gems like Urusei Yatsura, Devilman, Galaxy Express 999, and Future Boy Conan, Hayao Miyazaki’s directorial debut. The platform is accessible without registration and is available on various devices, such as Roku, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and smart TVs.
While the service is primarily free, RetroCrush offers a premium subscription at $4.99 per month or $49.99 annually, providing an ad-free experience and access to exclusive content. However, the majority of its library remains accessible to free users. The platform’s user interface is straightforward, featuring categories like “Live TV,” “Movies,” “Shows,” and “Genres,” making it easy to navigate and discover content.
It’s important to note that RetroCrush is currently available only in the United States and Canada. For anime enthusiasts interested in exploring the roots of the medium, RetroCrush serves as a valuable resource, offering a nostalgic journey through the history of anime.
Website: https://www.retrocrush.tv
2. Crunchyroll (Free Plan)
Crunchyroll is one of the most well-known and trusted platforms for anime streaming in 2025. With a massive collection of over 1,000 anime titles, it caters to both casual viewers and hardcore fans. While it offers a premium subscription with added perks, its free plan is still one of the best ways to legally watch anime online.
The free version of Crunchyroll is ad-supported, which means you can watch anime without paying, but you’ll encounter a few commercial breaks during each episode. Despite this, the platform provides HD streaming, accurate subtitles, and a user-friendly interface across devices including Android, iOS, smart TVs, and browsers.
Some of the most popular anime available on the free plan include Attack on Titan, One Piece, Naruto, and My Hero Academia. While new episodes (simulcasts) are typically delayed by one week for free users, the rest of the catalog is widely accessible.
Crunchyroll’s commitment to legal and high-quality content makes it a safe and reliable choice for anime fans. With regular updates, community reviews, and an extensive genre list, it’s a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the world of anime without spending a dime.
Website: https://www.crunchyroll.com
3. Anime-Planet
Anime-Planet is a reputable and legal anime streaming platform that offers a substantial collection of anime titles, including simulcasts of current series. It provides a free, ad-supported viewing experience, making it an excellent choice for anime enthusiasts seeking accessible and legitimate streaming options. Anime-Planet collaborates with major distributors to stream anime legally, ensuring that content creators and studios are supported. The platform offers a wide range of anime genres, from action-packed adventures to heartwarming romances, catering to diverse tastes.
Beyond streaming, Anime-Planet serves as a comprehensive database for anime and manga. Users can track their viewing progress, create custom lists, and receive personalized recommendations based on their preferences. The community aspect is robust, with active forums and user-generated content, fostering a vibrant environment for discussions and reviews.
Anime-Planet is accessible on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers. The user-friendly interface ensures a seamless viewing experience, whether at home or on the go. While dedicated mobile applications may not be available, the responsive website design adapts well to different screen sizes, providing flexibility for users.
While Anime-Planet offers a substantial amount of content for free, some newer or premium titles may require a subscription or may not be available in certain regions due to licensing restrictions. Additionally, as with many free streaming platforms, users may encounter advertisements during viewing. In summary, Anime-Planet stands out as a legal and community-driven platform for streaming anime, with extensive features that appeal to both casual and dedicated fans.
Website: https://www.anime-planet.com
4. Midnight Pulp
Midnight Pulp is a free, ad-supported streaming platform that offers a curated selection of cult classics, including anime, horror, sci-fi, and action films. Accessible on various devices such as Roku, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Google TV, it provides instant access without the need for a subscription or login.
The platform’s anime library features a mix of classic and niche titles, appealing to fans of retro and genre-specific anime. While the selection may not be as extensive as some dedicated anime services, it offers a unique blend of cult films and series, making it a valuable resource for enthusiasts seeking unconventional content.
Midnight Pulp is part of Cineverse, a company that also owns other streaming services like RetroCrush and AsianCrush, which focus on classic and Asian cinema, respectively. This affiliation allows Midnight Pulp to tap into a broader network of cult and genre-specific content, enhancing its appeal to a niche audience.
For viewers interested in exploring a diverse range of cult films and anime, Midnight Pulp offers a convenient and cost-free option. Its unique programming and accessibility make it a noteworthy choice for those seeking something different in the streaming landscape.
Website: https://www.midnightpulp.com
5. AsianCrush
AsianCrush is a free, ad-supported streaming platform that offers a curated selection of Asian entertainment, including anime, Korean dramas, and Chinese films. It provides a legal and accessible way for viewers to enjoy a variety of content from East Asia. While the platform is primarily available in the United States, users outside the U.S. can access it using a VPN service that provides a U.S. IP address.
AsianCrush’s anime library includes both classic and contemporary titles, catering to diverse tastes. The platform is accessible on various devices, including iOS, Android, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Google TV. This wide device compatibility ensures that users can enjoy their favorite anime series across different platforms.
For those who prefer an ad-free experience, AsianCrush offers a premium subscription at $4.99 per month, which includes a 7-day free trial. This subscription provides additional features such as access to exclusive content and an uninterrupted viewing experience.
In summary, AsianCrush is a valuable resource for anime enthusiasts seeking a legal and free streaming option. Its diverse content library, device compatibility, and premium subscription option make it a convenient choice for viewers interested in Asian entertainment.
Website: https://www.asiancrush.com
6. AnimeFreak
AnimeFreak is a free, ad-supported anime streaming website that offers a wide selection of anime series and movies, including both dubbed and subbed versions. It provides users with access to a variety of genres, from action and adventure to romance and slice-of-life, catering to diverse tastes within the anime community.
The platform is accessible without the need for registration, allowing users to stream content directly. However, it’s important to note that AnimeFreak operates in a legal grey area. The site does not have official licensing agreements with content creators or distributors, which raises concerns about copyright infringement. Additionally, users may encounter intrusive ads and potential security risks, including exposure to malware or phishing attempts.
For those seeking legal and secure alternatives to AnimeFreak, several reputable platforms offer extensive anime libraries. Services like Crunchyroll, Funimation, Netflix, and HiDive provide licensed content with high-quality streaming options. These platforms ensure that creators are compensated for their work and offer a safer viewing experience.
In summary, while AnimeFreak may appeal to viewers seeking free access to anime content, its legal status and potential security risks make it a less advisable choice. Opting for legitimate streaming services supports the anime industry and provides a more reliable and secure viewing experience.
Website: https://animefreak.to/
7. 9anime.to
9animetv.to is an unauthorized anime streaming website that emerged following the shutdown of the original 9anime platform. It operates in a legal grey area, offering free access to a vast library of anime content, including both dubbed and subtitled versions.
Despite its popularity, 9animetv.to has garnered mixed reviews regarding its safety and reliability. While some users report a smooth viewing experience, others have encountered issues such as missing subtitles and intrusive ads. Additionally, the website’s legitimacy is questionable, and it may pose security risks, including potential exposure to malware or phishing attempts.
For those seeking legal and secure alternatives to 9animetv.to, several reputable platforms offer extensive anime libraries. Services like Crunchyroll, Funimation, Netflix, and HiDive provide licensed content with high-quality streaming options. These platforms ensure that creators are compensated for their work and offer a safer viewing experience.
In summary, while 9animetv.to may appeal to viewers seeking free access to anime content, its legal status and potential security risks make it a less advisable choice. Opting for legitimate streaming services supports the anime industry and provides a more reliable and secure viewing experience.
Website: https://9animetv.to/
8. Pluto TV
Pluto TV is a free, ad-supported streaming service that offers a diverse range of anime content, making it an excellent choice for fans seeking accessible and legal viewing options. As of May 2025, Pluto TV has significantly expanded its anime offerings, providing a variety of channels and on-demand content to cater to different tastes.
One of the standout features of Pluto TV is its “Anime All Day” channel, which broadcasts a continuous lineup of popular anime series. This channel allows viewers to enjoy a curated selection of shows without the need for a subscription or login. Additionally, Pluto TV has partnered with HIDIVE to launch the “Anime x HIDIVE” channel, offering a mix of fantasy, slice-of-life, and romance genres, complete with English subtitles and dubs.
For those interested in anime films, Pluto TV has introduced the “Anime Movies” channel, featuring titles from franchises like Naruto Shippuden, Lupin the 3rd, and Bleach. The platform also offers a dedicated “Anime Comedy” channel, showcasing series such as Pop Team Epic and Ghost Stories.
In celebration of “Ani-May,” Pluto TV has added over 800 hours of anime content, including more than 120 movies and 50 new series. Highlights include marathons of Hunter x Hunter, Speed Racer, and Death Note, providing fans with an opportunity to binge-watch their favorite series. It is accessible on various devices, including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, and through web browsers. This wide compatibility ensures that viewers can enjoy their favorite anime anytime, anywhere.
In summary, Pluto TV offers a comprehensive and free anime streaming experience, with a wide range of channels and content to suit diverse preferences. Its user-friendly interface and extensive library make it a valuable resource for anime enthusiasts.
Website: https://pluto.tv/
9. Gogoanime
Gogoanime stands out as a reliable platform for free anime streaming, offering thousands of series, movies, and OVAs. It mirrors much of what made KissAnime successful: fast streaming, updated libraries, and no sign-up requirement. Gogoanime features both dubbed and subbed versions of anime in various genres such as action, romance, fantasy, and sci-fi. Its clean UI and episode tracking features make binge-watching easy.
The site’s categories like “Newest Episode” and “Popular Ongoing” help users discover trending titles quickly. Regularly updated with high-quality streams and multiple server options, Gogoanime remains one of the best KissAnime alternatives available today.
10. AnimeHeaven
AnimeHeaven lives up to its name by providing a well-organized, free anime streaming experience. It offers both subbed and dubbed content with little to no buffering. The interface is modern and intuitive, categorizing anime by genre, type, and release date. One unique feature is its detailed episode descriptions and user ratings, which help fans discover new series.
It hosts thousands of popular and obscure titles and allows users to download episodes for offline viewing. It’s ad-supported, but not overly aggressive. With consistent updates, AnimeHeaven has become a go-to choice for anime lovers looking for a trustworthy KissAnime replacement.
Final Thoughts
With the shutdown of KissAnime, many anime fans were left searching for reliable alternatives to continue enjoying their favorite shows. Fortunately, several platforms have stepped up, offering both legal and user-friendly streaming experiences. Crunchyroll and Funimation remain top-tier choices for their vast libraries, simulcasts, and commitment to supporting creators. For those looking for a more diverse selection, platforms like Netflix and Hulu offer curated anime collections alongside mainstream content.
For free options, sites like 9anime, AnimeHeaven, and Zoro have gained popularity, though users should be cautious of intrusive ads and potential legal gray areas. Always consider using ad-blockers and VPNs when accessing these sites to enhance privacy and safety.
Ultimately, the best KissAnime alternative depends on your priorities—be it high-quality streams, subtitle options, a mobile-friendly interface, or ethical viewing. While unofficial sites may fill the void left by KissAnime, supporting legal platforms helps sustain the anime industry. As the streaming landscape evolves, fans have more choices than ever, and it’s worth exploring both official and fan-driven platforms to find the best fit. In the end, the love for anime lives on, thriving across new platforms and dedicated communities worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the best legal alternatives to KissAnime?
A: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Netflix, and Hulu are top legal platforms offering extensive anime libraries and official licenses.
Are free anime streaming sites safe to use?
Many free sites can have intrusive ads, pop-ups, or malware risks. Use ad-blockers and VPNs for safety, but official platforms are always safer and more reliable.
Can I watch the latest anime episodes on these alternatives?
Yes, legal sites like Crunchyroll and Funimation often stream episodes shortly after they air in Japan.
Do I need to pay to watch anime on these platforms?
Some platforms offer free tiers with ads (like Crunchyroll), but premium subscriptions provide ad-free viewing and additional features.
