Dive into Hulu’s vibrant anime universe where classics like Naruto and Fullmetal Alchemist share the spotlight with fresh hits such as Yuri on Ice and Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid. Whether you’re craving intense battles, heartfelt stories, or whimsical adventures, Hulu’s curated selection offers something for every anime enthusiast right now.
Like Netflix, Hulu has the streaming rights to some of the most beloved and iconic anime series and movies, such as Cowboy Bebop, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Akira, and more. For the purposes of the list, we’re going to emphasize the best anime on Hulu that aren’t available to watch on other services, like Netflix and Prime Video. We’ll update this list periodically to bring you the best recommendations possible, but for now, here is our list of the best anime to stream on Hulu.
Afro Samurai
Afro Samurai is a visually striking and action-packed anime set in a futuristic yet feudal Japan, where the quest for the powerful Number 1 headband drives a lone Black samurai named Afro on a relentless path of revenge. After witnessing the murder of his father by the current Number 1 headband holder, Afro, who wears the Number 2 headband, battles through a violent world filled with assassins, cyborgs, and cultists to claim his father’s title. The series is notable for its unique blend of hip-hop culture, soul music influences, and samurai action, with a soundtrack by RZA and the voice talent of Samuel L. Jackson. Despite its short length of five episodes, Afro Samurai delivers intense sword fights and a stylish aesthetic, earning acclaim for its animation and storytelling economy.
Number of episodes: 5 (English dub)
A Blaxploitation-infused, post-apocalyptic chanbara anime inspired by a love of hip-hop and soul music, Afro Samurai is an excellent action anime packed with fantastic fight sequences and accompanying geysers of gore. Set in an anachronistic Japan, the series follows the story of a young samurai who embarks on a personal journey to avenge his father’s death at the hands of a ruthless gunslinger and claim the mythical No. 1 headband – an item thought to bestow godlike powers onto any person who possesses it.
At five episodes, Afro Samurai is short and to the point, weaving an elaborate and violent tale of vengeance filled with outlandish characters and awesome battles. Combine that with a score composed by RZA of Wu-Tang Clan fame, and you’ve got a certified banger. If you like Afro Samurai, you should definitely check out the 2009 sequel movie Afro Samurai: Resurrection, which is also streaming on Hulu. –TE
Assassination Classroom
Assassination Classroom is a unique anime that blends action, comedy, and heartfelt drama. The story centers on an extremely powerful, octopus-like creature named Koro-sensei who destroys most of the moon and threatens to destroy Earth within a year. He becomes the homeroom teacher of Class 3-E, a group of misfit students tasked with assassinating him before time runs out. Despite their mission, Koro-sensei teaches them valuable life lessons and academic subjects, fostering growth and camaraderie. The series is praised for its strong narrative, emotional depth, and character development, making it a standout in the shonen genre.
Number of episodes: 47 (English sub and dub)
When I grow up, I want to be an octopus man oscillating between apocalyptic threats and compassionate care for my classroom of troubled students. Korosensei is just that kind of role model.
In Assassination Classroom, a smiling creature who looks like an octopus punches a hole in the moon and threatens to destroy the world unless the students in a misfit class can kill him before the end of the year. He’ll teach the class assassination techniques (and many other things) along the way. It’s the perfect mix of silly hijinx and heartfelt character building – for such a ridiculous premise, Assassination Classroom works well because of the deep care Korosensei has for his students, and the effort he puts in to help them grow into the adults they want to be. –Pete Volk
Chainsaw Man
Chainsaw Man, available to stream on Hulu, is a dark fantasy anime adapted from Tatsuki Fujimoto’s acclaimed manga. It follows Denji, a poverty-stricken teenager who merges with his pet devil, Pochita, gaining the terrifying ability to transform parts of his body into chainsaws. After being betrayed and left for dead, Denji joins the Public Safety Devil Hunters, battling deadly devils threatening humanity. The series is praised for its unique blend of intense action, dark humor, and emotional depth, with stunning animation by Studio MAPPA that brings its gory, chaotic world vividly to life. It’s a must-watch for fans of thrilling, mature anime with complex characters and unpredictable storytelling.
Number of episodes: 12 (English sub and dub)
Chainsaw Man doesn’t just whip, it rips and tears.
The anime adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s acclaimed dark fantasy action manga follows Denji, a teenage orphan living in a world populated by supernatural monsters known as “Devils.” Working as a freelance Devil Hunter in order to pay off his deceased father’s debts, Denji is betrayed by his employers so they can gain the favor of a powerful Devil themselves. Resurrected by his pet Chainsaw Devil Pochita, Denji transforms into Chainsaw Man: a powerful human-Devil hybrid with the power to summon chainsaws from his body.
Director Ryū Nakayama’s anime perfectly captures the irreverent, hyper-violent frenzy of Fujimoto’s story, bringing one of the most idiosyncratic and popular ongoing manga series to life in faithful detail and with stunning execution. If you want to know what all the fuss is about, watch the anime’s first season and then jump into reading the manga while we patiently wait for more news on Chainsaw Man’s upcoming second season. -TE
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood follows the journey of brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric, who, after a failed attempt to bring their deceased mother back to life using forbidden alchemy, suffer devastating physical losses-Edward loses an arm and a leg, while Alphonse loses his entire body and has his soul bound to a suit of armor. Determined to restore their bodies, Edward becomes a State Alchemist and together they embark on a perilous quest for the Philosopher’s Stone. Along the way, they uncover deep government conspiracies and face formidable enemies, blending intense action with profound themes of sacrifice, family, and redemption. This faithful adaptation of the original manga is celebrated for its compelling story, rich character development, and stunning animation, making it a must-watch on Hulu.
Number of episodes: 64 (English sub and dub)
If you’re looking for a show with complex female characters, gorgeous animation, monstrous adversaries, and smokin’-hot mentor figures (that is a pun), then Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood might just scratch all those itches.
The series follows alchemist prodigy Edward Elric and his brother Al, whose soul has been trapped in a suit of armor, as they look for a way to recover Al’s body. But their search leads to darker secrets about alchemy and the country they live in, uncovering a sinister plot that threatens the whole world. Unlike a lot of shonen anime, which take viewers on a “Let’s learn about curses/demons/Nen along with the protagonist!” arc, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood kicks off without much explanation, trusting viewers to keep up. This allows the show to jump-start immediately, diving right into the action and complexities of world-building. The plot is brilliantly executed, but never once sacrifices the character development along the way.
Fair warning: Once you watch this show, every other anime you watch will pale in comparison. Just putting that out there right now. -Petrana Radulovic
Gurren Lagann
Gurren Lagann is a dynamic mecha anime series set in a future where humanity is oppressed by the Spiral King, forcing people to live underground. The story follows two teenagers, Simon and Kamina, who discover a powerful mecha called Lagann and break through to the surface, sparking a rebellion against their tyrannical rulers. Known for its exhilarating action, unique mech designs, and inspiring themes of hope and perseverance, the series combines intense battles with heartfelt character development. With only 27 episodes, it delivers a fast-paced, emotionally charged experience that has earned critical acclaim and remains a must-watch on Hulu for both anime fans and newcomers alike.
Number of episodes: 27 (English sub and dub)
Every anime Studio Trigger has produced, to some degree or another, has been influenced by the precedent of Gurren Lagann.
Directed by future Trigger co-founder Hiroyuki Imaishi, the 27-episode mecha adventure follows the story of Simon, a 14-year-old living in an underground post-apocalyptic village. Together with his childhood friend Kamina, he discovers a mysterious robot head buried in the collapsed tunnels of their village just before it comes under attack by a horde of creatures known as Beastmen.
From there the show exponentially escalates into an explosive, action-packed, expectation-defying adventure filled with drama, humor, heartbreak, euphoric highs, and absurd levels of spectacle. Bursting at the seams with personality and fist-pumping excitement, Gurren Lagann is a giant robot anime for the ages and a must-watch for any fan of Promare, Space Patrol Luluco, or SSSS.Gridman. -TE
Mushi-Shi
Mushi-Shi is a uniquely calming and visually stunning anime set in a mystical version of 19th-century Japan, where primitive lifeforms called Mushi exist beyond human perception. The series follows Ginko, a wandering Mushi Master who can see these ethereal creatures and seeks to restore balance between humans and Mushi without violence. Each of the 26 self-contained episodes explores different phenomena caused by Mushi, blending traditional Japanese culture with a meditative, almost spiritual atmosphere. Praised for its breathtaking animation, serene soundtrack, and thoughtful storytelling, Mushi-Shi offers a profound reflection on life, nature, and coexistence, making it a must-watch for those seeking a contemplative anime experience on Hulu.
Number of episodes: 26 (English sub and dub)
Similar to 2007’s Mononoke, Mushi-shi is an anthology anime that follows a white-haired traveling exorcist of sorts who mediates disputes between the human world and the world of primitive supernatural life forms similar to bacteria that exist alongside the material world.
Mushi-shi is a stunning series: ambient, meditative, beautiful, and filled with captivating stories and intriguing characters. It’s a series that emphasizes the delicate and necessary balance between humanity and nature through its sophisticated tone, exquisite sound design, and sepia-infused color palette. If you’re looking for a few episodes to acclimate yourself to the series’ particular vibe, I recommend “Tender Horns” and “One-Eyed Fish.” -TE
Sonny Boy
Sonny Boy
Sonny Boy is a uniquely original and visually stunning anime available on Hulu that follows 36 middle school students mysteriously transported to an alternate dimension called “This World.” As they navigate this strange realm with altered physics, they develop supernatural powers and face intense interpersonal conflicts. Rather than focusing on action, the series delves deeply into psychological themes such as identity, freedom, and loneliness, using its surreal setting to explore the complexities of adolescence. Praised for its creative storytelling and striking animation by Madhouse, Sonny Boy offers a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant coming-of-age experience unlike any other.
Number of episodes: 12 (English sub and dub)
After breaking through with his work on the popular first season of One-Punch Man and Shinichirō Watanabe’s Space Dandy (more on that in a second), Shingo Natsume went to write and direct his first original anime: Sonny Boy, one of the best anime of 2021.
Sonny Boy centers on a group of high school students who, in the midst of blissfully enjoying their summer vacation, are whisked away to an alternate dimension. While attempting to devise a way to return home, the students learn the properties of this new world endow some of them with strange and extraordinary abilities, before inadvertently breaking through to yet another alternate dimension.
A coming-of-age allegory wrapped inside of a surreal sci-fi survival plot, Sonny Boy is an exhilarating and thoughtful meditation on the challenges of growing up, letting go of the comfort of the past, and embracing the inherent uncertainties and promise of the future. -TE
Space Dandy
Space Dandy is a 2014 Japanese sci-fi comedy anime that follows the misadventures of Dandy, a flamboyant alien hunter traveling through space with his robot assistant QT and feline-like friend Meow. Tasked with discovering and registering rare and undiscovered alien species, Dandy’s episodic adventures blend surreal humor, vibrant visuals, and references to classic sci-fi and pop culture. Known for its loose continuity and creative freedom, the series offers a unique mix of wacky escapades and occasional deeper themes, making it a fun and unpredictable watch for anime fans seeking something lighthearted yet imaginative on Hulu.
Number of episodes: 26 (English sub and dub)
How do you follow up Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo, two of the most celebrated genre-busting anime ever, both known for their idiosyncratic blend of action and music? Simple: You make a space opera comedy anthology series about a lovable oaf who gets into all kinds of shenanigans across a universe populated by freaky aliens and even freakier situations.
Space Dandy didn’t quite leave an impact equivalent to Shinichirō Watanabe’s magnum opus, Cowboy Bebop, back when it premiered in 2014. Which is a shame, because Space Dandy is one of the most inventive and surprising anime of the 2010s: a multiversal sitcom about a pompadour-haired alien hunter scouring the universe in his Hawaiian-themed starship looking for his next big adventure.
The series’ loose continuity and strong emphasis on animated storytelling leaves the door wide open for a host of talented episode directors – including Sayo Yamamoto (Yuri on Ice), Eunyoung Choi (The Tatami Galaxy), and Masaaki Yuasa (Inu-Oh) – to riff on the initial premise of the series and shoot off into their own unique and memorable directions. It takes a few episodes to really hit its stride, but once it does, Space Dandy makes for one hell of a ride. -TE
Tengoku Daimakyo (Heavenly Delusion)
Tengoku Daimakyo (Heavenly Delusion) is a gripping anime set in a post-apocalyptic Japan where society has collapsed after a catastrophic disaster. The story follows Kiruko, a skilled bodyguard, and Maru, a boy she is tasked to escort to a mysterious place called “Heaven.” The narrative intertwines their perilous journey through a dangerous world filled with monstrous creatures with the lives of children living in a secluded school known as Heaven. Praised for its compelling blend of mystery, sci-fi, and emotional depth, the series explores themes of survival, identity, and human connection, all brought to life with stunning animation by Production I.G. This thought-provoking anime has been acclaimed as one of the best of 2023, making it a must-watch on Hulu for fans of dark, immersive storytelling.
Number of episodes: 13 (English sub and dub)
If you’re looking for an intriguing post-apocalyptic mystery anime that feels like a spiritual cousin to Katsuhiro Otomo’s Akira, Heavenly Delusion is the perfect choice for you.
Set 15 years in the wake of a unknown disaster responsible for the destruction of modern society, Heavenly Delusion follows the story of Maru, a mysterious 15-year-old boy escorted by Kiruko, a courier and bodyguard, to a location known only as “Heaven.” They encounter several horrific mutated monsters on their journey, dispatching with these threats through a combination of Kiruko’s prowess as a marksman and a special ability Maru possesses that allows him to tap into the minds and biology of these fearsome creatures.
There’s more to the series than meets the eye, with the final episode of the first season all but necessitating a rewatch in order to understand the full chronology of events and the true identity of certain characters glimpsed throughout. It’s a genuinely terrific sci-fi mystery with beautiful animation, compelling characters, and a premise that touches on everything from generational division to gender identity. Don’t just take my word for it; watch Heavenly Delusion and see what all the fuss is about. -TE
Which anime on Hulu this month will surprise even seasoned fans
This month on Hulu, seasoned anime fans will be surprised by Dan Da Dan and Fire Force. Dan Da Dan stands out for its bold storytelling and unapologetic shock value, delivering a unique blend of humor and controversy that challenges typical anime norms. Meanwhile, Fire Force captivates with its distinctive fire-based power system, compelling protagonist Shinra Kusakabe, and deepening plot involving mysterious cults, making it a thrilling watch beyond typical action fare. Additionally, newcomers like Yuri on Ice offer a refreshing and emotionally rich experience with its acclaimed skating and boys’ love narrative, further enriching Hulu’s diverse anime lineup this month.
Which upcoming Hulu anime this month has the potential to shock seasoned fans
The upcoming Hulu anime this month with the potential to shock seasoned fans is Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku. This series stands out for its intense and dark narrative, blending brutal action with psychological horror and complex characters, which can deliver unexpected twists and emotional depth that surprise even veteran viewers. Alongside it, Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World continues to impress with its intricate plot and emotional stakes, but Hell’s Paradise is particularly noted for its raw and gripping storytelling that sets it apart this June on Hulu.
