31 Must-Have Apps for Every Anime Fan
So if you’re into anime like me, you know how your phone kinda turns into your anime HQ, right?
I mean, I’ve got apps for watching, reading manga, checking what’s airing, even finding wallpapers. It’s honestly a lot.
I thought I’d just share my big list of 31 apps every anime fan should have.
Some are for streaming, some for reading, some just for fun. Grab what you like, skip what you don’t.
But trust me—there’s something here you’ll wanna try.
Ready? Let’s go.
1. Crunchyroll
If you’re into anime even a little, you’ve probably heard of Crunchyroll.
It’s kinda the go-to app for streaming tons of shows—old classics, new episodes, even simulcasts fresh from Japan. There’s a free version with ads, or you can pay to get rid of them and watch right away.
Honestly, if you only get one app from this list, this is probably it.
Also Read: Free Apps to Watch K-Dramas
2. Funimation
This one’s all about dubbed anime. If you don’t feel like reading subtitles, Funimation’s your buddy.
It has a huge library of dubs and subs both, though some regions still have the app even after merging with Crunchyroll. Great for binging classics or finding hidden gems.
3. Netflix
Yeah, I know—it’s Netflix. But their anime section is seriously good.
Originals like Castlevania or Beastars, plus big-name series and movies. It’s not just for your drama or true crime binges—definitely worth checking out for anime.
4. Hulu
If you’re in the U.S., Hulu actually has a pretty decent anime lineup.
Simulcasts, classics, movies—stuff you might not even expect. If you already have it for other shows, don’t sleep on the anime section.
5. HiDive
HiDive is for the deep cuts. It has shows you won’t always find on the big apps—classic, niche, sometimes older stuff that’s hard to stream elsewhere.
If you’re tired of the usual popular titles, this is the one to try.
6. Amazon Prime Video
Surprised? Yeah, Amazon has a sneaky-good anime library. Not everything is there, but you’ll find exclusives and movies you might not see on Crunchyroll or Netflix.
If you already have Prime, it’s basically bonus anime.
Also Read: FREE Apps to Watch Movies Online
7. Disney+
Yeah, weirdly enough, Disney+ is getting in on anime.
They’ve picked up big titles like Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War and Summer Time Rendering.
If you’re already paying for Marvel or Star Wars, might as well check out the anime they’ve got, too.
8. AnimeLab
If you’re in Australia or New Zealand, this one’s for you.
AnimeLab has a great selection of shows, both subbed and dubbed. Super clean app, easy to use, and it’s basically the Crunchyroll of that region.
9. Bilibili Comics & Anime
This app’s awesome if you’re into both anime and manhua (Chinese comics).
It’s got streaming options in some regions, plus a big library of comics with that anime vibe. Great for discovering new stuff you won’t see everywhere.
10. VRV
Think of VRV as the bundle deal for nerdy streaming.
In the U.S., it gives you Crunchyroll plus other channels in one app. Perfect if you want more variety without paying for ten separate subscriptions.
11. Manga Plus by Shueisha
If you want your manga legit and free, this is it.
Manga Plus has official releases from Shueisha (think One Piece, My Hero Academia) as soon as they drop in Japan. No sketchy sites. Just good, official manga, straight from the source.
12. VIZ Manga
If you’re serious about manga, VIZ is a must.
It’s packed with big titles—Naruto, Bleach, One Piece, you name it. You can buy volumes or read chapters with their subscription. Super clean app, and totally official.
13. Shonen Jump
This one’s for the weekly fix.
It’s super cheap (like, really cheap) and you get access to the latest Shonen Jump chapters the same day as Japan. If you’re following My Hero, Jujutsu Kaisen, or One Piece, this app’s your best friend.
14. Webtoon
Okay, so it’s not traditional manga, but Webtoon has so many anime-style series, it’s wild.
A lot of manhwa (Korean comics) have that same vibe, with amazing art and stories. Plus, tons of it is free.
15. Tachiyomi (Android only)
If you’re on Android, Tachiyomi is like the holy grail for manga readers.
It’s an open-source app that lets you pull in manga from all sorts of sources. Totally customizable. Just know it’s not on the Play Store—you’ll need to sideload it.
16. Anilist
Tracking all the anime you watch? Anilist is made for that.
Log your series, rate them, make lists. Plus, it looks really nice. It’s a lifesaver if you’re juggling ten shows at once and keep forgetting what episode you’re on.
17. MyAnimeList (MAL)
This one’s the classic.
Almost everyone in the anime world uses MAL to track what they’re watching, read reviews, and see what’s popular. Super handy if you want to keep your watchlist organized or find new stuff to binge.
18. AniChart
If you’re always asking “What new anime is coming out?”, AniChart has your back.
It’s basically a seasonal calendar for upcoming shows. Super simple, super helpful. You’ll never miss a new release again.
19. LiveChart
Similar to AniChart, but with its own style.
LiveChart gives you schedules, trailers, and notifications for upcoming episodes. Perfect if you’re the type who plans your whole week around new anime drops.
20. Zedge
Zedge isn’t just for ringtones—it’s full of anime wallpapers, too.
Search by show or character, download in seconds, and boom—your phone’s suddenly way more you.
21. Anime X Wallpaper
If you’re all about making your phone scream “I’m an anime fan,” this app’s for you.
It’s packed with high-quality anime wallpapers, updated all the time. Super easy to find stuff that actually fits your screen without looking blurry.
22. Artbreeder
This one’s fun if you’re into creating art.
Artbreeder uses AI to help you design anime-style characters. You can blend styles, tweak faces—it’s surprisingly addictive. Great for artists or just playing around with OC ideas.
23. ibis Paint X
Hands-down one of the best free drawing apps for anime art.
Tons of brushes, layers, and tutorials to help you nail that anime style. Works great even if you’re just sketching on your phone.
24. MediBang Paint
Another solid choice for drawing manga-style art.
It’s free, cross-platform, and has cloud storage so you can switch between devices. Perfect if you want to actually plan out manga pages.
25. Pixiv
Basically the social network for anime artists.
Upload your work, discover amazing art, follow creators you love. It’s huge in Japan but super global now. If you love browsing or sharing anime art, you’ll get lost here (in a good way).
26. Amino (Anime Amino)
Wanna chat with other fans? Anime Amino is a dedicated community where you can join groups, post art, write blogs, or just geek out over your favorite shows. Super social and pretty chill.
27. Discord
Not exactly “just” an anime app, but let’s be real—so many anime communities live here.
Servers for specific shows, general anime chats, art sharing, even watch parties. If you wanna actually talk with other fans, Discord’s where it’s at.
28. Etsy
Yeah, shopping counts. Etsy is packed with handmade anime merch—stickers, prints, keychains, cosplay stuff you won’t find in big stores.
Great for supporting small artists and grabbing something unique.
29. AliExpress
If you’re hunting for cheaper anime goods—figures, shirts, posters—AliExpress is a goldmine.
Tons of variety, though shipping can be slow. Perfect for stocking up without emptying your wallet.
30. Gacha Club
This one’s just pure fun.
Gacha Club lets you create your own anime-style characters and stories with tons of customization. Great if you love designing OCs or making mini comics on your phone.
31. Honkai Impact 3rd / Honkai Star Rail
Had to end with some games.
Both of these are stunning, anime-style games with insane visuals and stories. Honkai Impact 3rd is action-heavy, while Star Rail’s more RPG.
If you want that full anime vibe even when you’re gaming, these won’t disappoint.
Wrap-Up
So yeah—that’s my big list of 31 apps every anime fan should probably check out at least once.
Some you might already have, some you might not have even heard of.
Honestly, it’s all about making your phone feel like your little anime world, you know?
Pick a few, try them out, see what sticks. Whether you’re watching, reading, drawing, shopping, or just chatting with other fans, there’s something here for every kind of anime lover.
And if you’ve got any favorites I missed, I’d love to hear about them.
