Over the years, anime fans have been growing in number. But do you know where they watch their shows? Crunchyroll, Netflix, or BiliBili? You might be surprised to learn that many have actually turned to YouTube as their anime hub. While YouTube anime may not offer the most “organized” content, that’s part of its charm.
With a mix of official broadcasts, old show clips, and original shorts, it’s not about committing to one series. Instead, you can casually click through and see what you might come across next.
Why Turn to YouTube Anime?
They’re not necessarily there for the latest hits, and they’re not always after high-definition quality. More often than not, they stumble upon a short clip while browsing, find it interesting, and end up watching more.
Or perhaps they discover an old favorite they loved years ago on some official channel.
But it’s not just about randomness, it’s also about accessibility. YouTube allows fans to find YouTube anime from all over the world, including rare, hard-to-find series or older classics that might not be available elsewhere.
With no subscription required and the freedom to jump from one video to the next, viewers can easily explore and enjoy content without commitment.
My Happy Marriage Season 2
Genres: Romance, Fantasy
Aired: January 6 – April 9, 2025
Episodes: 13
Studio: Kinema Citrus
Cast: Reina Ueda (Miyo Saimori), Kaito Ishikawa (Kiyoka Kudou)
Season 2 delves deeper into Miyo’s awakening supernatural abilities, intensifying conflicts with antagonistic forces. As she and Kiyoka face mounting challenges, their bond strengthens amidst unfolding conspiracies and revelations about Miyo’s past.
Solo Leveling Season 2 – Arise from the Shadow
Genres: Action, Fantasy
Aired: January 5 – March 30, 2025
Episodes: 13
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Cast: Taito Ban (Shun Mizushino)
Continuing the journey of the weakest hunter, Shun Mizushino, who gains the unique ability to level up, Season 2 follows his ascent to unparalleled strength, confronting formidable foes and uncovering deeper mysteries within the world of hunters.
Promise of Wizard
Genres: Fantasy, Otome Game Adaptation
Aired: January 6 – March 24, 2025
Episodes: 12
Studio: Coly
Cast: Yumiri Hanamori (Makki Akira)
Adapted from the popular otome game, this series follows Akira, who is transported to a magical realm where she forms bonds with various wizards, each with unique personalities and backstories, as they navigate challenges threatening their world.
Kagurabachi
Genres: Action, Dark Fantasy
Status: Anime adaptation announced; release date TBD
Studio: CygamesPictures
Based on the manga by Takeru Hokazono, Kagurabachi centers on Chihiro Rokuhira, a young swordsman seeking vengeance against the sorcerous gang Hishaku, who murdered his father and stole powerful enchanted blades. Armed with the seventh blade, Enten, Chihiro embarks on a perilous journey of retribution.
Zenshu.
Genres: Isekai, Drama
Aired: January 5 – March 23, 2025
Episodes: 12
Studio: MAPPA
Cast: Romi Park, Manaka Iwami
Zenshu. follows Natsuko Hirose, an overworked anime director who dies and reincarnates into her favorite anime world. In this new realm, she discovers the ability to bring drawings to life, leading to adventures that blend action, introspection, and a critique of work culture in the anime industry.
Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun Season 2
Genres: Horror, Comedy
Aired: January 12 – March 30, 2025 (First Cour)
Episodes: 8 (First Cour)
Studio: Lerche
Cast: Megumi Ogata (Hanako-kun), Akari Kito (Nene Yashiro)
The second season continues to explore the supernatural mysteries of Kamome Academy, focusing on the “Seven Wonders” and delving into Hanako-kun’s past and his connection with his twin brother, Tsukasa. The series maintains its blend of humor and eerie charm.
Momentary Lily
Genres: Sci-Fi, Slice of Life
Aired: January 2 – March 30, 2025
Episodes: 13 + OVA
Studio: GoHands
Cast: Natsuko Abe (Yuri Kawazu), Tsubame Sakuragi (Nanako Kōdaiji)
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Momentary Lily follows Renge Kasumi, a girl with amnesia who discovers newfound powers. She joins forces with other girls, each possessing unique abilities, as they confront mechanical invaders and uncover the secrets of their pasts, all while sharing moments of everyday life.
Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray
Genres: Sports, Drama
Aired: Premiered April 6, 2025
Status: Ongoing
Studio: CygamesPictures
Cast: Tomoyo Takayanagi (Oguri Cap)
This spin-off of the Uma Musume franchise focuses on Oguri Cap, a gray-haired horse girl rising from humble beginnings to racing stardom. The series portrays her challenges and growth within the competitive world of horse racing.
Witch Watch
Genres: Comedy, Fantasy
Aired: Premiered April 6, 2025
Status: Ongoing
Studio: Bibury Animation Studios
Cast: Rina Kawaguchi (Nico Wakatsuki)
Witch Watch follows Nico, a young witch who moves in with her childhood friend Morihito, an ogre-like high school student. As Nico’s magic often leads to comedic mishaps, the duo navigates daily life filled with supernatural occurrences and budding romantic tension.
Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World Season 3
Genres: Isekai, Fantasy
Aired: October 2, 2024 – March 26, 2025
Episodes: 16
Studio: White Fox
Cast: Yusuke Kobayashi (Subaru Natsuki), Rie Takahashi (Emilia)
Season 3 adapts the “Arc 5” of the light novel series, focusing on Subaru’s challenges in the city of Priestella and the complexities of the royal selection. The season is divided into two parts: the “Attack Arc” and the “Counterattack Arc,” each comprising eight episodes.
Streaming Platforms:
- Crunchyroll: Available for most titles, including Zenshu., Re:Zero Season 3, and Witch Watch.
- Netflix & Hulu: Streaming Witch Watch and other select series.
- Muse Asia (YouTube): Offers free, legal streaming of various anime with subtitles.
If you need assistance finding specific episodes or information on where to watch these series in your region, feel free to ask!
The Other Best YouTube Anime
Clannad: After Story
A lot of people wonder how a sweet high school romance anime could make someone cry so hard – at least, until they stumble into the After Story section of Clannad on YouTube anime.
This series goes far beyond just portraying love. It throws you into the heavy world of adulthood: building a family, losing the ones you love, and learning how to live with pain.
If you’re ready for a good cry (some of us have a weird thing for that), find a quiet moment, sit down alone, and press play on one of the most soul-crushingly beautiful anime you’ll ever watch.
(If you are interested, Clannad also has a visual novel-style anime game by the same name, which dives even deeper into its emotional storylines and character arcs.)
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Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
Jinta “Jintan” Yadomi used to lead a tight group of childhood friends, but after their friend Menma died in an accident, everything fell apart.
Now a shut-in high schooler, Jintan starts seeing Menma’s ghost, still cheerful, still waiting for her forgotten wish to be granted.
To help her move on, Jintan must bring the broken group back together, forcing each of them to face the guilt and pain they tried to forget.
Howl’s Moving Castle
Sophie is cursed into an old woman’s body, so she stumbles upon Howl’s enchanted, walking castle.
Inside, fire demons, doors that open to other lands, and a troubled wizard all intertwine in a story about identity, war, and love.
Howl is undeniably handsome, but maybe he cares a little too much about his looks. He sees himself as a coward, someone always running away.
But in Sophie’s quiet, unwavering love, he starts to fear less. And Sophie, through loving him, begins to find her own confidence again, growing younger in spirit, and perhaps even in body.
Attack on Titan
The image of his mother being eaten by a Titan haunted Eren Yeager for years. He only knew one thing: he would destroy every last enemy.
But as the truth about the world unfolds, Eren realizes that things are far more complicated than “humans vs. Titans.” Betrayal and ideals push him closer to becoming the very thing he despised.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Madoka Kaname’s world is turned upside down when she meets the mysterious Kyubey, who offers her the opportunity to become a magical girl.
What begins as an exciting adventure soon reveals itself to be a grim and unforgiving reality. As Madoka and her friends dive deeper into the magical girl world, they learn that every wish granted comes at a terrible cost, binding them to an inescapable fate.
In the end, Madoka is faced with a heart-wrenching decision that could alter the very fabric of their existence.
Note: It’s a brilliant example of how Japanese storytelling wraps deep existential themes in deceptively cute packaging, a trait shared by many unforgettable Japanese movies, where beauty and darkness often coexist in surprising harmony.
Haikyuu!!
Shoyo Hinata, with his unshakable passion for volleyball, faces a world stacked against him, starting with his height. But his determination to soar above the odds leads him to Karasuno High, where he forms a competitive and fiery rivalry with the brilliant Tobio Kageyama.
[Haikyuu!!] is a high-flying journey of teamwork, overcoming personal limitations, and the undeniable power of pushing forward together.
Neon Genesis Evangelion (EVA)
“Get in the EVA, Shinji.” From the moment Shinji Ikari becomes a pilot, he’s pulled into a spiral far deeper than any battle. Set against an apocalyptic backdrop, the story reveals humanity’s struggle with fear, loneliness, and the aching void within.
You think it’s a mecha anime, but it’s really about the emptiness we all try so hard to ignore.
Mirai Nikki (Future Diary)
A deadly game of survival begins with a phone that tells the future. But for Yukiteru Amano, the real enemy may be his own fear of living authentically.
Note: If you’re exploring beyond mainstream titles, don’t miss the rise of Chinese anime, a growing genre that offers fresh narratives and distinct artistic styles.
