We live in an age where streaming subscriptions are way too costly, and owning DVD collections isn’t as common. But thanks to YouTube, audiences can indulge in entertainment from the comfort of their home, without having to pay a single cent. Foranimefans, particularly, YouTube offers a really good collection to stream for free. YouTube is a massive treasure trope for anime lovers, with official channels from top studios and distributors hosting entire seasons of beloved series.
From classic shows to the latest breakout hits, the selection is both diverse and constantly evolving. One week you might be binging on the adventures of a plucky shonen hero, the next you’re divinginto the dark, psychological depths of an underrated masterpiece. And the best part? They are all available to stream without getting a membership or subscription. We have compiled a list of 9 must-watch anime series you may start streaming on YouTube for free right away.
9’Space Adventure COBRA' (1982 – 1983)
Space Cobra
A solid anime from the 1980s,Space Adventure COBRAis set in a universe ripe with intergalactic crime and thrilling adventures. It follows the journey of one charming space pirate, Cobra, who was once an ordinary citizen but reverted to his original self when he regained memories of his past as a notorious outlaw. With his signature Psycho-Gun and robotic partner Lady Armaroid, Cobra takes on missions, faces mafias, and fights extraterrestrial enemies.
Sci-Fi Classic Dripping With Style
This one is a true classic, which means it’s more style than substance. It offers a stunning combination of retro-futuristic aesthetics and high-octane action sequences to keep viewers entertained from start to finish. Thespace-faring adventuresalso have this old-school comic book energy, where the protagonist oozes cool, and character designs are exaggerated. Overall, it feels like aJames Bond-meets-Star Warshybrid.
8’That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime' (2018 – Present)
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
One moment, Satoru Mikami is an ordinary salaryman in modern-day Japan. And the next, he is reborn in a fantasy world – not as a mighty warrior or a wicked mage, but as a blob of slime. Yet, what appears to be a bizarre situation turns into an adventure for Satoru – renamed Rimuru – who evolves gradually, befriends monsters, takes on powerful foes, and thrives in his new existence.
Refreshing Spin on Isekai
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slimedefies the conventional tropes of the isekai genre and offers a refreshingly original take on the concept of being reborn in a strange, new world. With its endearing protagonist, who takes his time to learn about diplomacy, leadership, and community-building, subtle humor, and feel-good atmosphere, the series quickly became a beloved favorite among anime fans. And it is definitely a must-watch among the anime available to stream for free on YouTube.
7’Masamune-kun’s Revenge' (2017 – 2023)
Masamune-kun’s Revenge
A lighthearted romance,Masamune-kun’s Revengecenters around Masamune Makabe, who was overweight and bullied as a child. When he asked Aki Adagaki out, she rejected him. Years later, he reinvents himself as an attractive and confident high school student,driven by one goal – revenge. His plan? Make Aki fall for him and then dump her in return.
Petty Scheme Turns Into Romance
Masamune comes up with a calculated plan and a series of clever schemes to manipulate Aki, but at the same time, he must deal with his own unexpected feelings and complicated friendships. The anime is filled with shocking twists and explores themes of self-worth and identity. The aesthetic is bright and crisp to perfectly complement the tone of the narrative. The playful banter, well-timed humor, and charming soundtrack bring fun elements.
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6’Black Bullet' (2014)
InBlack Bullet, the parasitic Gastrea virus has ravaged the world and pushed humanity to the brink of extinction, save for some who have turned into powerful Cursed Children. The surviving humans are forced to live within massive walls made of special metal to keep the monsters out. Enter Rentarou Satomi, a skilled fighter, and Enju Aihara, a young girl with Gastrea-enhanced powers. They team up to combat the creatures and safeguard what’s left of civilization.
Fusion of Dystopian Sci-Fi and Action
Combining action, mystery, sci-fi, and drama,Black Bulletdeliversan epic post-apocalyptic storywhere survival is a fleeting luxury. One of the strongest elements of the anime is that it balances thrilling combat scenes with genuine character development and deeper truths about war and sacrifice. The gritty, cyberpunk-meets-dystopian animation is a visual treat, and, for the most part, the narrative provokes thought. It gained a lot of attention upon release but has since remained under the radar, which should change now that it’s free on YouTube.
5’Mashin Genesis Wataru' (2025)
A fresh addition to theMashin Eiyuuden Wataruseries, this one follows the spirited young Wataru Hoshibe, a fourth grader with dreams of becoming a RyuTuber celebrity, who suddenly finds himself transported to another world where he is deemed the prophesied hero. His task is to team up with a robot partner of his own creation, Ryujinmaru, and battle his way through multiple towers to finally defeat the final boss, Enjoda.
Unique Take on Mecha Fantasy
Mashin Genesis Wataruis a mecha anime that pays homage to the genre’s storied legacy while offering a fresh and engaging narrative. Bright, energetic, and filled with fun twists and fights, the series embraces the classic “boys adventure” trope and infuses each mecha battle with something new. It does not lean heavily on politics or philosophy like other mecha anime; instead, it thrives on pure-hearted entertainment, whimsical world-building, and fast-paced action.
Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead
After nailing both academics and extracurriculars, Akira Tendou landed the perfect job. Now a burned-out corporate worker stuck in a soul-crushing job, his life takes a sharp turn when he wakes up one morning and discovers that Japan has descended into pure chaos. A zombie outbreak has torn through the city, but instead of panicking, Akira feels more alive than ever and takes the apocalypse as an opportunity to finally pursue his dreams and passions.
The Apocalypse Has Never Been This Fun
Hilarious and surprisingly warm-hearted,Zom100: Bucket List of the Deadfinds the main character drafting a bucket list of things he wants to experience before inevitably becoming zombie food. Pretty crazy, right? From outrageous adrenaline-fueled adventures to rediscovering long-buried aspirations, he does it all. The anime itself flips the traditional zombie horror narrative into an exhilarating, darkly comedic survival story that proves life can be liberating anytime you want it to. Overall,Zom100: Bucket List of the Deadis a must-watch gem.
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3’Hunter x Hunter' (2011 – 2014)
Hunter x Hunter
If you’re looking for a longer anime,Hunter x Hunteris the perfect one. It follows a young boy named Gon Freecss, who always believed that his father was dead. But he learns the truth that his dad is alive and is a legendary Hunter – a member of an elite group skilled in tracking, unveiling, and fighting the world’s deadliest secrets. Gon is determined to follow in his father’s footsteps, so he trains to become a Hunter himself.
All About Adventure and Character Growth
A true masterpiece of the anime medium, this one is exceptional because of how unpredictable the storyline is. From the brutal Hunter Exam tothe dangerous Chimera Ant battles, each arc of this sweeping epic is different in tone and aesthetic, shifting from whimsical and adventurous to intense and emotional. The world-building is meticulous, the action sequences are fluid, the protagonist is relentlessly optimistic, and the journey feels deeply rewarding towards the end.
2’Dan Da Dan' (2024)
Momo Ayase believes in ghosts but not aliens, while Ken Takakura is convinced of extraterrestrial existence but isn’t very sure about the supernatural. Their worlds collide when they challenge each other to prove themselves, only to realize that both the paranormal and sci-fi phenomena are very real. What starts as a simple dare turns into an action-packed quest as they face evil spirits and alien threats.
Energetic, Genre-Bending Fun
Dan Da Danis a one-of-a-kind anime adapted from a classic of the same name. It is a non-stop ride through unexpected twists, bizarre battles, and a mashup of horror, comedy, romance, and supernatural chaos. The animation bursts with energy, and each fight is a spectacle filled with detailed and precise motions. Though relatively new compared to established ones, its rapid-fire pacing and Momo and Okarun’s dynamic have made it a fan favorite.
1’Spy x Family' (2022 – Present)
Spy x Family
Spy x Familythrusts viewers into a world of political intrigue, high-stakes espionage, and clandestine operations. The plot goes as follows: Twilight, a master spy, is assigned the impossible task of gathering intel on a politician, who only appears in public at his son’s school. So he creates a perfect fake family as a cover by marrying Yor, who is secretly operating as an assassin, and adopting Anya, a six-year-old child with telepathic abilities who wants nothing more than to impress her new parents.
Perfect Blend of Action and Heart
Each member of this unconventional family is hiding their own secrets, so misunderstandings are bound to happen. Yet, they form a heartwarming and hilarious,sometimes action-packed, espionage-heavy narrative that is impossible to look away from. The polished animation, flawless comedic timing, and domestic dynamic between the characters offer a lot to look forward to.Spy x Familyis an absolute must-watch because it delivers on all fronts.
