Kissanime was one of the most popular illegal anime streaming sites before it was permanently shut down in 2020. The site faced constant legal pressure from copyright holders and was notorious for intrusive ads, malware risks, and unreliable uptime. Many users turned to mirror sites and clones, which carry the same legal and security risks that made the original problematic.
If you’re looking for anime content without the headaches of illegal sites, better options are available today. Legal streaming platforms offer high-quality anime with proper subtitles, no malware, and reliable service.
Top Legal Alternatives to Kissanime
| Service | Free/Paid | Content Library | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crunchyroll | Free/Paid | Largest anime selection | Dedicated anime fans |
| Tubi | Free | Mixed content with anime section | Budget-conscious viewers |
| Netflix | Paid | Popular anime + originals | Mainstream anime hits |
| Hulu | Free/Paid | Current season simulcasts | Staying current with new releases |
| Funimation (now part of Crunchyroll) | Paid | English dubbed anime focus | Viewers who prefer dubs |
| Pluto TV | Free | 24/7 anime channels | Background viewing |
Crunchyroll – The Anime Specialist
Crunchyroll is the obvious replacement for anyone who used Kissanime regularly. With over 1,000 anime series and simultaneous releases from Japan, it is built specifically for anime fans. The free tier includes ads but gives you access to most content, while premium removes ads and adds HD streaming.
Tubi – Best Free Option
Tubi offers a surprisingly good anime collection completely free with ads. You’ll find classic series like “Naruto” and “One Piece” alongside lesser-known gems. The ads aren’t excessive, and the streaming quality is solid for a free service.
Netflix – Mainstream Appeal
Netflix has invested heavily in anime content, including exclusive series like “Castlevania” and “Yasuke.” While their catalog isn’t as deep as Crunchyroll’s, they focus on popular, high-quality titles that appeal to broader audiences. Their anime originals have particularly high production values.
Hulu – Current Season Coverage
Hulu excels at simulcast anime, meaning you can watch new episodes shortly after they air in Japan. Their partnership with Funimation (now Crunchyroll) means they get many of the season’s hottest shows. The basic plan includes ads, but the anime selection justifies the subscription cost.
Free Alternatives to Consider
Beyond the major players, several free services offer anime content without subscription fees.
- Pluto TV runs dedicated anime channels 24/7, perfect for discovering new series
- Peacock’s free tier includes select anime movies and series from NBCUniversal’s catalog
- Crackle rotates anime content regularly, though selection is limited
- Kanopy offers anime films and documentaries if you have a library card
- Plex provides free anime movies and shows alongside their media server features
Premium Options for Serious Fans
If you’re willing to pay for premium anime experiences, consider these specialized services.
Funimation merged with Crunchyroll in 2022, creating the largest legal anime library available. Their combined service offers both subtitled and English-dubbed content with same-day releases from Japan.
VRV bundles Crunchyroll with other niche streaming services, giving you anime plus content from channels like Cartoon Hangover and Boomerang. It’s a good option if you enjoy animation beyond just anime.
Major streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and HBO Max also carry select anime titles, often including exclusive series or movies you won’t find elsewhere.
Why Choose Legal Streaming
Legal streaming platforms offer several advantages over illegal alternatives like the old Kissanime.
Security: No malware, suspicious downloads, or privacy concerns. Legal sites protect your devices and personal information.
Quality: Consistent HD streaming, proper subtitles, and no broken video files or missing episodes.
Reliability: No sudden shutdowns, domain changes, or service interruptions that plague illegal sites.
Creator Support: Your views and subscriptions directly support anime studios and creators, helping fund future productions.
Legal Protection: You avoid potential copyright infringement issues and ISP warnings that come with using illegal streaming sites.
Finding Specific Anime
If you’re looking for a particular series, check multiple platforms. Licensing agreements mean different services carry different shows.
Use sites like JustWatch or the built-in search features on your streaming device to find where specific anime are available legally. Many series rotate between platforms, so a show might move from Netflix to Hulu after a licensing period expires.
For older or more obscure anime, physical media from retailers like Right Stuf Anime or digital purchases through platforms like Microsoft Store or iTunes might be your only legal options.
Is Kissanime safe?
No, Kissanime and its mirror sites are not safe. The original site was shut down for copyright violations, and current clones often contain malware, intrusive ads, and pose legal risks to users. These sites also lack quality control, meaning you might encounter broken videos or incorrect subtitles.
What’s the best free alternative to Kissanime?
Tubi offers the best free anime streaming experience with a solid selection of popular series and movies. Crunchyroll’s free tier is also excellent if you don’t mind ads, giving you access to the largest legal anime library available. Both services are completely legal and safe to use.
Can I watch current anime episodes legally for free?
Yes, both Crunchyroll and Hulu offer simulcast anime on their free tiers, though you’ll watch with ads and might have to wait a week after premium subscribers. Crunchyroll’s free tier gets most new episodes, while Hulu covers many popular ongoing series through their partnership with Crunchyroll.
Ted Cisneros
Ted Cisneros is a senior entertainment journalist and celebrity biographer at Explosion.com, where he has published over 1,300 in-depth celebrity profiles. With more than 5 years of experience in entertainment journalism, Ted specializes in biographical research using public records, verified interviews, court documents, and industry databases. His work focuses on the personal stories of public figures and their families, providing accurate, well-sourced profiles for readers seeking reliable celebrity information.
