10 Best KissAnime Alternatives — Safe & Working in (2025)

KissAnime may be gone for good, but that hasn’t stopped dozens of copycat sites from popping up. If you’ve stumbled across one that “works,” like KissAnime.ru, it’s not the real deal. The original KissAnime shut down in 2020. These clones often flood you with ads, track your activity, or even push malware.

Many KissAnime alternatives also operate in a legal gray area, meaning they may not be licensed or safe to use. That’s why I’ve carefully selected options that actually work in 2025, clearly noting which are legitimate and which offer the broad, reliable content libraries you can enjoy without unnecessary risks.

Short on Time? Here Are the Best KissAnime Alternatives in 2025

Why Did KissAnime Shut Down?

KissAnime shut down on August 14, 2020, after its team confirmed on Discord that copyright owners had removed all files1. Japan had just tightened copyright laws to target anime and manga piracy more aggressively. The site was already blocked in places like Australia and India, and Funimation had taken legal action.

For years, KissAnime streamed unlicensed anime from third-party sources, making it popular but legally risky. Stricter laws, international bans, and ongoing lawsuits left its owners with no safe way forward. The official site has been gone since 2020, and any “KissAnime” you find today is a clone. Many of these copies are unsafe, using pop-ups, trackers, and malware to exploit visitors.

Best Safe KissAnime Alternatives That Work in 2025

1. Crunchyroll — The Largest Legal Anime Library With Near-Instant Simulcasts

Crunchyroll has what most anime fans dream of — an official, massive library that drops new episodes about an hour after they air in Japan. That means you can binge completed hits like Attack on Titan and Death Note, and keep up with ongoing favorites like One Piece and Boruto, almost in real time, without gambling on sketchy mirror sites.

You can stream it in most countries, including the US, UK, and much of Europe. However, some titles shift based on licensing. Subs and dubs are available in multiple major languages, such as Spanish, French, and Arabic. Crunchyroll runs smoothly on browsers, phones, smart TVs, and even game consoles.

There’s a free plan if you don’t mind ads, but premium is the best version of Crunchyrol. You get ad-free HD, the full catalog, offline downloads, and instant access to simulcasts. The 7-day free trial is enough to see why it’s one of the best, safest, and most reliable KissAnime alternatives.

2. HIDIVE — Exclusive Simulcasts & Fast-Tracked Dubs

HIDIVE has carved out a space for anime you simply can’t get on bigger platforms. From Oshi No Ko to Made in Abyss, it has exclusives you’ll unlikely find anywhere else. With its DUBCAST program, English dubs arrive about 2 weeks after airing in Japan, so you can actually keep pace with the hype.

HIDIVE isn’t everywhere, but where it works, it works well — North America, plus select English-speaking regions like the UK, Ireland, and Australia. Many shows stream the same day as Japan, and regional licensing means you get quality over sheer quantity. If you’re in a supported country, you’re getting one of the most curated and up-to-date anime lineups around.

You can stream it on your TV, console, phone, or laptop, and even download up to 20 episodes for offline viewing with a 48-hour watch window. HIDIVE’s 2-device streaming limit and support for multiple profiles make it easy to share without fighting over the remote. Like Crunchyroll, HIDIVE comes with a 7-day free trial so you can try it risk-free before committing.

3. Netflix — Decent Catalog and Exclusive Originals You Can’t Miss

Netflix isn’t just tossing anime into its catalog as an afterthought — it has streaming exclusive hits you can’t watch anywhere else, like Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, PLUTO, and Baki Hanma. You won’t get simulcasts here, but you will get polished, binge-ready seasons and high-budget storytelling that rivals Japan’s best studios.

You can watch Netflix in 190+ countries, though the catalog can change based on your location. Some series drop all episodes at once, others like Sakamoto Days roll out weekly to keep you hooked. Subtitles and dubs are available in multiple languages, so you can watch in whatever way feels most natural without sacrificing quality.

Netflix plays nice with nearly every screen you own, from 4K smart TVs to your phone on a lunch break. Offline downloads let you take anime anywhere, and multiple profiles keep your queue safe from roommates’ questionable tastes. The only downside is that Netflix doesn’t have a free trial, but you can check its anime catalog beforehand to see if it’s worth buying.

4. RetroCrush — Free, Legal Access to Anime’s Golden Era

RetroCrush is where you go when you want real anime history, not just whatever’s trending this season. Its library is a goldmine of fully licensed classics like City Hunter, Kimagure Orange Road, and the rare 2025 U.S. release of Future Boy Conan. You can watch free with ads or get the paid plan for ad-free viewing, with a 7-day free trial if you want to test it out first.

As its name suggests, RetroCrush focuses on preserving the shows that built anime’s global fandom. In April 2025, it started dropping Future Boy Conan episodes weekly in the US, a big deal for Hayao Miyazaki fans. It works seamlessly on web, iOS, Android, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Samsung TVs, and it even has a 24/7 linear channel on Samsung TV Plus and Roku.

However, title access depends on your location due to copyright licensing. The US catalog has full availability. It’s also worth noting that some titles offer English dubs, while others stick to subs only, so make sure to check before you dive in.

5. Hulu — Next-Day Anime Episodes With a Shounen Powerhouse

If you hate waiting, Hulu is one of the fastest legal ways to watch new anime. Many episodes land the very next day after they air in Japan, so you don’t fall behind on the hype. It’s a smooth, official way to keep up without crossing into sketchy territory or digging through shady sites.

Hulu packs a shounen-heavy library that feels like a greatest-hits collection. From Naruto Shippuden and Bleach to Dragon Ball Z Kai and Attack on Titan, it covers the action-packed titles that shaped modern anime. For fans who grew up on these shows, it’s like having a comfort-food library ready to binge anytime.

The trade-off is that Hulu only works in the US. Subtitles are available on most titles, and big hits usually come with dubs too. If you already use Hulu for TV and movies, adding anime into the mix makes it a convenient all-in-one service.

6. Amazon Prime Video — Big-Name Anime With Global Access

Amazon Prime Video isn’t just for Hollywood blockbusters; it’s become a real player in anime, too. Your Prime membership unlocks it by default, or you can grab a video-only plan if that’s all you need. There’s also a 30-day free trial that lets you explore the catalog risk-free. In select regions, the Crunchyroll add-on drops an extra 800+ anime titles into the account.

The lineup mixes fan favorites with exclusives you won’t find elsewhere. You can stream classics like Attack on Titan and Death Note alongside newer releases such as Look Back, which premiered globally on Prime Video. With Crunchyroll integration, some shows land almost immediately after airing in Japan.

Prime Video also nails the viewing experience. You can watch in UHD, HDR10, or even Dolby Vision and Atmos if your device supports it. Subtitles and dubs cover a wide range of languages, so international fans aren’t left behind. Offline downloads keep you covered on the go, and if a title isn’t in Prime’s library, you can rent or buy it.

7. Tubi — Free, Legal Access to Anime Classics and Hits

Tubi gives you a surprisingly large anime library without asking for a single cent. You’ll run into ads, but you never need a subscription or even a credit card to start watching. For anyone who wants a legal alternative to pirate sites, that makes it one of the easiest entry points into anime streaming.

The catalog covers a mix of classics and modern hits, including Naruto (subbed and dubbed), Bleach, One-Punch Man, and Ghost in the Shell. Titles rotate in and out as licenses change, but there’s always a balance of long-running favorites and shorter cult series to dig into. It’s not a simulcast service, so new episodes don’t drop instantly after Japan.

Tubi is available in the US, UK, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and parts of Latin America. It has dedicated apps for almost every device, including Amazon Fire TV devices, Android TV, Apple TV, Roku, and more. Most shows include English subtitles, and popular series often come with dubs as well.

8. Pluto TV — Free and Legal Site With Curated Anime Marathons

Pluto TV makes anime easy to watch by bundling it into dedicated live channels and on-demand collections. You can jump straight into streams of Naruto, One Piece, Yu-Gi-Oh!, or check out the dedicated Sailor Moon channel, all for free. Pluto TV recently added 800+ hours of new anime, including Inuyasha, Bleach films, and Hunter x Hunter movies.

Unlike Crunchyroll or HIDIVE, Pluto TV doesn’t do simulcasts. Instead, it runs curated marathons and themed programming blocks that rotate big-name titles throughout the week. Many shows are offered dubbed, while others include subtitles. It’s available in the US, Canada, UK, Latin America, and Australia, with language options that vary by region.

9. AnimeFrenzy — A Fan-Favorite but Far From Official

AnimeFrenzy is a go-to site for fans who want instant access to a massive lineup of anime. You’ll find everything from shonen staples like Naruto and Bleach to newer sensations such as Chainsaw Man. Episodes are often uploaded quickly, with options for both subs and dubs. The best part is that it’s completely free and doesn’t even ask you to sign up.

That said, the platform doesn’t provide any proof of licensing, and that’s a big problem. Streaming shows without proper rights makes the site legally questionable, and users could run into takedowns or unreliable mirror links. There’s also the risk of ads or shady redirects that licensed platforms don’t carry.

10. GoGoAnime — Decent Anime Catalog, but Unlicensed

If you’re after variety, GoGoAnime is a good option. You’ll find long-runners like Naruto Shippuden sitting next to newer hits like Chainsaw Man, all offered in subs and dubs. The site updates fast, adding fresh episodes soon after they air. I found its layout made it easy to browse by genre or popularity.

The obvious catch is that none of this catalog is licensed, which means it operates outside official distribution. That brings risks like unstable mirror domains, takedowns, and ad-heavy pages that sometimes push shady redirects. Still, GoGoAnime’s sheer breadth is why it stays popular in regions where legal access is limited.

How to Stream Anime Safely Online

Streaming anime isn’t always risk-free, especially if you’re using sites that don’t clearly hold licenses. To stay safe, you need to take a few precautions that protect both your privacy and your device while watching online.

• Stick to licensed platforms — Legal services like Crunchyroll, HIDIVE, and Netflix ensure high-quality streams without malware or copyright risks. Unlicensed sites may work but expose you to unstable access and potential legal issues.
• Enable strong antivirus protection — Many unofficial sites push aggressive ads or malicious redirects. A trusted antivirus blocks dangerous scripts and downloads before they can harm your system.
• Avoid download buttons and pop-ups — Piracy sites often disguise malware as “Download” links or autoplay ads. Only click the actual play button, and never install suspicious extensions or apps suggested by the site.
• Keep your browser updated — Outdated browsers are more vulnerable to exploits used by shady ad networks. Regular updates patch these security gaps and give you safer performance while streaming.
• Verify URLs carefully — Mirror domains change frequently, and impostor sites often mimic popular names. Double-check the address to avoid landing on clones that exist only to harvest data or spread malware.
• Use a reliable VPN — A top VPN shields your IP address from trackers and third parties while encrypting your traffic. This adds privacy whether you’re streaming legally abroad or checking a site that relies on shifting mirrors.

Quick Fixes for Common Streaming Issues

Even safe platforms sometimes cause problems, from buffering to login errors. Here are a few quick fixes that solve the most common streaming headaches:

• Buffering or lag — Try lowering the video quality a notch or two. If that doesn’t help, switch to a wired connection or clear your browser cache to smooth out playback.
• Can’t log in — Double-check your details, then clear cookies if it still fails. A quick password reset usually does the trick, especially if two-factor security is slowing things down.
• Video refuses to load — Turn off ad-blockers or browser add-ons that might be clashing with the player. Sometimes, just refreshing the page or swapping browsers solves it.
• App keeps crashing — Make sure you’re running the latest version. If not, update or reinstall from the official store — old builds are a common cause of sudden shutdowns.

Warning! Avoid These Anime Streaming Sites

FAQs on KissAnime Alternatives

Stream Your Favorite Anime Shows on the Best Kissanime Alternatives

When you’re picking a KissAnime alternative, it really depends on what matters most to you. If you care about safety and reliability, platforms like Crunchyroll, Netflix, or RetroCrush have you covered. If you’d rather keep things free, Tubi and Pluto TV have plenty of anime as long as you don’t mind ads.

Sites like GoGoAnime and AnimeFrenzy are tempting, but they’re unlicensed. My team and I don’t condone violating copyrights, which is why you should strictly stick to licensed, legal platforms. Even if you don’t want to pay to watch anime, there are free ad-supported services where you can stream for free.

References

1. https://nichegamer.com/piracy-websites-kissanime-and-kissmanga-shut-down-due-to-stricter-japanese-piracy-laws/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. https://www.alliance4creativity.com/news/ace-shuts-down-illicit-anime-streaming-website-with-worldwide-viewership/?utm_source=chatgpt.com