Cartoons, AKA anime, have become a global phenomenon, captivating audiences with its unique storytelling, stunning animation, and diverse genres. In 2025, streaming cartoons legally online is easier than ever thanks to a growing number of platforms offering vast libraries, from classic favorites to the latest simulcasts.
Watching cartoons through official sites not only ensures high-quality video and subtitles but also supports the creators and the industry, helping bring even more great content in the future. Whether you prefer English dubs, subtitles, or exclusive originals, there’s a legal streaming service that fits your needs.
This article highlights of the best websites where you can watch cartoon online legally in 2025. Each platform offers unique features, device compatibility, and content choices, making it simple to find the perfect service for your anime binge sessions while staying safe and supporting the anime community.
What Are Cartoons?
Cartoons are visual illustrations that convey stories, ideas, or humor through exaggerated and often whimsical characters and settings. They can be still images, like those found in comic strips or editorial cartoons, or animated sequences shown in television shows, movies, and online videos. Cartoons are widely recognized for their colorful and imaginative style, often appealing to children but also enjoyed by adults.
Traditionally, cartoons were hand-drawn, but modern technology has made digital animation more common. Cartoons use creative visuals, funny expressions, and simplified storytelling to entertain, educate, or comment on social and political topics. Popular cartoon series like Tom and Jerry, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Looney Tunes have become cultural icons, entertaining generations across the globe.
While cartoons are often associated with humor and entertainment, they also play a vital role in education. Educational cartoons teach children basic skills, moral lessons, and even complex concepts in a fun and engaging way. In newspapers and magazines, political cartoons use satire to comment on current events and societal issues.
Best Websites to Watch Cartoons Online in 2025
Let’s check out some of the best websites to watch cartoons online:
1. Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is arguably the most popular legal streaming platform dedicated primarily to anime and Japanese animation in 2025. It boasts a vast library of over 1,000 titles including fan-favorites like Naruto, One Piece, Attack on Titan, My Hero Academia, and Demon Slayer. The platform offers simulcasts, meaning many anime episodes are available just hours after airing in Japan, keeping fans up to date with the latest releases.
Crunchyroll operates on a freemium model—users can watch with ads for free or subscribe for an ad-free experience with HD streaming and offline downloads. The subscription also unlocks access to exclusive content, manga, and community features. The site is accessible on multiple devices including smartphones, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and desktop browsers.
In addition to anime, Crunchyroll offers a selection of Asian dramas and movies. Its user interface is clean and easy to navigate, and parental controls help families regulate what children can watch. In 2025, Crunchyroll remains a top choice for anime lovers worldwide who want legal, high-quality streaming of both classic and the newest anime series.
Website: https://www.crunchyroll.com
2. HIDIVE
HIDIVE is a lesser-known but growing anime streaming service offering a robust selection of legal anime titles in 2025. It focuses on niche and classic anime alongside popular new releases. HIDIVE carries titles like Legend of the Galactic Heroes, High School DxD, and Made in Abyss, often featuring exclusive simulcasts and dubbed versions.
HIDIVE’s subscription offers HD streaming, offline downloads, and customizable subtitles. The platform has a clean interface and supports multiple devices such as smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. It also includes features like curated watchlists and content recommendations based on user preferences.
HIDIVE is committed to legal, high-quality streaming and has affordable subscription plans that appeal to dedicated anime fans. For those seeking a rich anime catalog with unique and classic titles, HIDIVE is a solid, legal alternative in 2025’s crowded streaming market.
Website: https://www.hidive.com
3. Anime-Planet
Anime-Planet is a unique legal anime platform that combines streaming with community and recommendation features. It offers thousands of anime episodes for free through partnerships with Crunchyroll and HIDIVE, making it a great starting point for anime newcomers and seasoned fans alike.
What sets Anime-Planet apart is its personalized recommendation engine, which suggests anime based on your watch history and ratings. It also provides manga recommendations and user reviews, fostering an engaged community. The site supports legal streaming and encourages fans to watch licensed content.
Accessible on all major devices via web browsers, Anime-Planet is ad-supported but provides a seamless viewing experience. It’s an excellent choice in 2025 for viewers who want both anime streaming and discovery tools in a single platform.
Website: https://www.anime-planet.com/
4. 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
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. 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
7. 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/
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. Tubi TV
Tubi TV is a free, ad-supported streaming service offering a diverse selection of anime titles, making it an excellent choice for fans seeking accessible and legal viewing options. As of May 2025, Tubi continues to expand its anime library, providing a variety of genres and series to cater to different tastes.
The platform’s anime collection includes both classic and contemporary titles, ensuring that viewers can enjoy a wide range of content. Tubi’s partnerships with major anime distributors, such as VIZ Media, Sentai Filmworks, and Toei Animation, have bolstered its catalog, bringing popular series and films to its audience. These collaborations have made Tubi a valuable resource for anime enthusiasts seeking free and legal streaming options.
Tubi is accessible on various devices, including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, iOS, Android, and web browsers, allowing users to enjoy their favorite anime series anytime, anywhere. The service does not require a subscription or account, providing a hassle-free viewing experience.
Overall, Tubi TV offers a comprehensive and free anime streaming experience, with a wide range of titles and genres to suit diverse preferences. Its partnerships with leading anime distributors and user-friendly interface make it a go-to platform for anime fans looking for quality content without the need for a subscription.
10. 9anime.to [unauthorized]
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/
Final Thoughts
Streaming anime legally in 2025 has never been more accessible or diverse. With numerous platforms offering extensive libraries, simulcasts, and exclusive originals, anime fans can enjoy their favorite shows in high quality and on multiple devices. Choosing legal websites like Crunchyroll, Funimation, HIDIVE, or Netflix not only guarantees a great viewing experience but also supports the creators and the anime industry.
Free options like Tubi TV and RetroCrush provide excellent alternatives without compromising legality. Remember, watching anime through official channels helps ensure the continued growth and innovation of this beloved art form. Whether you’re new to anime or a longtime fan, these legal streaming services offer something for everyone, from timeless classics to the latest hits. So dive in, explore these sites, and enjoy a safe, high-quality anime experience while supporting the community you love.
