If you’re an anime fan in Europe, finding the right streaming service is honestly a bit of a headache thanks to region restrictions. The top streaming platforms for anime in Europe—Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Wakanim—offer legal content, popular series, and some originals you won’t find elsewhere.
These platforms make it simpler to catch your favorite shows without the hassle of region locks or sketchy sites.
Each service has its own vibe. Crunchyroll is a dream for hardcore fans because of its huge library.
Netflix brings original anime to the table and is more of an all-rounder. Wakanim, being Europe-focused, fills some of the gaps the others miss.
What you pick depends on what kind of anime you’re after and how you want to watch it.
Key Takeways
- You can actually watch a ton of anime legally with Europe-friendly platforms.
- Different streaming services suit different anime tastes and styles.
- The right service really comes down to what’s available, what you like, and what you’re willing to pay.
Top Anime Streaming Services in Europe
When you’re picking an anime streaming service in Europe, you want good libraries, solid access, and support for your country. Some focus on original content, others just have a ton of shows, old and new.
Price and what’s actually available can be all over the place.
Crunchyroll and Its European Presence
Crunchyroll is a big name in anime streaming, and it’s popular in Europe too. The library is massive, covering everything from new simulcasts to older gems.
You’ll find top titles in almost every genre, so if you like variety, it’s a strong pick.
Crunchyroll is owned by Otter Media and offers subtitles and dubbing in different European languages. The free tier has ads, but if you pay, you get new episodes right after Japan and no interruptions.
Just know that some titles are still region-locked, but overall, Crunchyroll is a go-to for anime fans in Europe.
Netflix for Anime Fans
Netflix has really stepped up its anime game, especially in Europe. You’ll spot both originals and licensed series that aren’t always on other sites.
The dubbing and subtitles are usually high quality, which is a relief.
With one subscription, you get access pretty much anywhere in Europe. You can also download episodes to watch offline, which is handy.
Netflix is perfect if you want anime plus regular movies and TV in one place. The anime library isn’t as deep as Crunchyroll’s, though, so it’s best for casual fans.
Amazon Prime Video and Anime Content
Amazon Prime Video has a smaller but growing anime lineup for Europeans. Some series are locked by region, so what you see depends on where you live.
You’ll find a mix of old classics and new releases, but honestly, anime isn’t their main thing.
If you already have Prime, it’s a nice bonus to get some anime at no extra cost. The app works on tons of devices, supports downloads, and usually offers both dubbed and subbed options.
The collection is limited compared to Crunchyroll or Netflix, but if you’re looking for a bit of everything, Amazon is convenient.
Accessing Legal Anime Content
Trying to watch anime online? It’s important to stick to legal, licensed platforms—not just for peace of mind, but to support the creators too.
You’ll face the classic choice: free vs. paid streaming. Regional restrictions can get in the way, but there are ways around them (though not all are risk-free).
Licensed Anime and Distribution
Licensed anime means the streaming service actually has permission to show it. That way, you’re watching legally and helping out the people who make the shows.
Sites like Crunchyroll and Funimation usually have big catalogs in HD. They pay for the rights to stream in certain countries, so Europe gets a fair share.
Licensed content is usually higher quality and has fewer ads. Plus, you’re less likely to run into dodgy or poor-quality streams.
If a platform says “licensed anime” or “official partner,” you’re probably in good hands.
Free vs. Paid Streaming Options
A lot of services let you watch anime for free, but there’s usually a catch. Expect ads, smaller libraries, or episodes that are a bit older.
Crunchyroll and Funimation let you watch some episodes for free, but you’ll need a subscription to unlock everything. Paying gets you HD, no ads, and early access to new stuff.
YouTube has some free, licensed anime too, but with ads.
If you want everything, ad-free and in high quality, a paid plan is worth it. If you don’t mind ads or limited choices, free works too.
Regional Availability and Using VPNs
Streaming platforms limit what you can watch depending on where you live. Some websites only let you in if you’re in the US, UK, or Japan.
In Europe, you might notice some big titles are missing. VPNs can help you get around this by hiding your location.
But be careful—using a VPN can break the streaming site’s rules, and you could lose your account.
It’s safer to stick with platforms that officially support your country, like Crunchyroll’s European service or Amazon Prime Video, which is available in most places.
| Streaming Platform | Free Option | Paid Subscription | Regional Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crunchyroll | Yes (ads) | Yes | Some titles restricted |
| Funimation | Yes (ads) | Yes | Mainly US, limited Europe |
| Amazon Prime Video | No | Yes | Mostly global availability |
| YouTube | Yes (ads) | No | Varies by channel |
Popular Titles and Original Content
There’s a mix of big-name anime, streaming originals, and those classic series that shaped the genre. You’ll find something for everyone, whether you’re new to anime or have been watching for years.
Trending Anime Series and Movies
If you’re into anime, you’ve probably heard of My Hero Academia, One Piece, and Attack on Titan. These are everywhere in Europe and always have new episodes dropping.
Movies like The Girl Who Leapt Through Time still get a lot of love for their stories and animation. Newer films tied to popular series also pop up on Netflix and Crunchyroll, which keeps things exciting.
You can expect fresh episodes and new seasons of One Punch Man and Fairy Tail—they’re not going anywhere. Platforms know these are in demand and tend to feature them front and center.
Japanese Animation and Pop Culture
Anime isn’t just entertainment—it’s got a real cultural punch. Companies like Crunchyroll and VIZ Media work to bring you shows with professional translations, so you don’t miss the little details.
Old favorites like Death Note and Dragon Ball really shaped how people see anime worldwide. You see their influence in merch, events, and fan groups everywhere.
Streaming services have started making their own anime, inspired by Japanese styles. It’s cool to see new stories come out of this mix of cultures.
Classic and New Anime Releases
You get both old-school classics and the latest releases. Shows like Bleach and Dragon Ball are still easy to find for streaming, so you can relive those epic moments.
New series often hit anime-focused platforms first, with Crunchyroll leading for die-hard fans. Netflix keeps adding its own originals, which honestly are getting better all the time.
Libraries get updated regularly, so whether you’re into weekly episodes or want to binge a new movie, there’s always something new.
Choosing the Right Service for Anime Fans
Picking a streaming service is about more than just what’s on offer—it’s how easy it is to use and what extras you get. Some focus on device support and cool features, others just offer a ton of content for the price.
Platform Features and User Experience
Check what devices a service works on before signing up. Most support consoles, Windows, Android, and iOS, so you can watch on your TV, phone, or laptop.
A good app makes it way easier to find and save shows you like.
Look for things like subtitles, different video quality settings, and offline viewing. Crunchyroll and HIDIVE are known for big libraries and simulcasts, so you get new episodes fast.
Some services add community features like reviews or connect with sites like MyAnimeList or Anime-Planet. It’s handy for keeping track of what you’ve watched or finding new series based on what you already love.
Subscription Plans and Free Trials
Subscription costs? All over the place, honestly. Premium plans usually give you perks like ad-free viewing and access to the full anime catalog.
Sometimes, you get early releases or even bonus content if you’re paying. A few services toss in merchandise discounts or other goodies just for subscribers.
Free trials are great if you want to poke around before you pay. It’s worth seeing if the library and app actually fit what you’re looking for.
Watch out for geographic restrictions, though. Some anime just isn’t available in Europe, even if you’re subscribed.
You’ll almost always need to make an account so the service can track what you’ve watched and your preferences. Many platforms let you use your subscription on several devices—handy if you’re sharing with family or friends.