Funimation is a leading anime streaming service, providing a wide range of both subbed and dubbed anime series and movies. Whether you're into action-packed shonen, emotional dramas, or quirky comedies, Funimation has something to offer every anime fan.
As a major licensor and distributor of anime globally, Funimation has an extensive library of over 500 shows, including current seasonal simulcasts and timeless classics. While Crunchyroll may have a larger quantity, Funimation stands out with its emphasis on English dubs.
Funimation's finest: 10 anime you can't miss
Discover a wide range of top-rated and immensely popular series across various genres, settings, and audience demographics. Whether it's the thrilling demon-fighting escapades of Demon Slayer or the charming sci-fi love story of Steins;Gate, Funimation has an abundant supply of incredible anime for streaming.
1. Demon Slayer
Demon Slayer (Image via Ufotable)
Demon Slayer has become one of the most beloved anime in recent times, captivating viewers with its incredible animation and compelling characters on a gripping journey of redemption and vengeance. The story centers around Tanjiro, a compassionate teenager whose family is brutally killed by demons. When his sister Nezuko is spared but transformed into a demon, Tanjiro embarks on a quest to cure her and seek justice by joining the Demon Slayer Corps and tracking down the demon behind the massacre.
2. My Hero Academia
Demon Slayer seamlessly combines shonen adventure tropes with chilling horror elements, drawing viewers into its captivating world and gripping storytelling. In addition to the outstanding first season, fans can now follow Tanjiro and his friends in new episodes and feature films, all accessible for streaming on Funimation.
My Hero Academia (Image via Bones)
My Hero Academia provides a unique perspective on the traditional hero's journey, catering to superhero enthusiasts. Set in a world where 80% of the population has developed superpowers known as "Quirks," the story follows Izuku Midoriya, a young boy born without a Quirk. His fate takes a turn when he crosses paths with his idol, the world's greatest hero, All Might.
All Might grants Izuku his powers, enabling him to attend the esteemed Hero Academy U.A. High School and pursue his goal of becoming a professional hero. As Izuku joins the hero course, he forges new friendships, meets formidable rivals, and must learn to harness his newfound abilities to safeguard society from the growing menace of villainous threats.
Through imaginative world-building, a varied lineup of characters with distinct powers, and thrilling action sequences, My Hero Academia offers a fresh take on traditional superhero narratives. And with new episodes simulcast each season, there's a never-ending supply of quirky hero adventures to enjoy on Funimation.
3. Fruits Basket (2019)
Fruits Basket (2019) (Image via TMS Entertainment)
The recent adaptation of the early 2000s shojo classic brings the beloved story to a new generation. Orphan Tohru Honda discovers the Soma family's secret - they transform into animals from the Chinese zodiac when embraced by the opposite gender. Inadvertently, she becomes entwined in their mystical curse while also helping to heal emotional wounds.
Heartwarming and poignant, Fruits Basket delves into themes of tragedy, self-acceptance, and found family. It skillfully weaves comedic and dramatic storylines, creating a captivating narrative. The show features a stellar Japanese voice cast, beautiful animation, and a melodic soundtrack, evoking a range of emotions from tears to laughter.
4. Steins;Gate
Steins;Gate (Image via White Fox)
Steins;Gate, considered one of the greatest anime of all time, begins as a lighthearted comedy centered around a quirky laboratory and its eccentric "mad scientist" inventor, Rintaro. However, the storyline takes a dramatic turn halfway through, transforming into a gripping sci-fi thriller that delves into the dangerous effects of changing the past through time travel.
5. Bungo Stray Dogs
Steins;Gate defies the norms of anime with its intricately woven narrative, well-crafted characters, fascinating exploration of time travel theory, and a deeply moving conclusion, offering a truly one-of-a-kind viewing experience. It is widely acclaimed not just as one of the top anime on Funimation, but as a timeless masterpiece of the genre.
Bungo Stray Dogs (Image via Bones)
Bungo Stray Dogs offers a seamless fusion of supernatural action, literature, and history. The storyline revolves around Atsushi Nakajima, an orphan saved from an abusive orphanage by the Armed Detective Agency. This agency consists of gifted detectives, each wielding special powers inspired by classic authors and their literary characters.
Upon joining the agency, Atsushi becomes entangled in their ongoing feud with the Port Mafia, a ruthless underground organization. Bungo Stray Dogs incorporates stylized action scenes, literary references to renowned authors such as Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Agatha Christie, and Franz Kafka, and a sympathetic core cast to explore profound themes, offering a distinct twist on the supernatural power genre.
6. One Piece
One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)
With over 1000 episodes, One Piece is recognized as one of the "Big Three" anime, alongside Naruto and Bleach.
The acclaimed mangaka Eiichiro Oda created One Piece, taking viewers on an adventurous journey with Monkey D. Luffy and his merry band of pirates. Their quest to become the King of the Pirates and claim the legendary treasure known as “One Piece” unfolds in a fantastical swashbuckling world.
One Piece expertly combines absurd humor, swashbuckling adventures, and intense battles with deep and heartfelt character backstories and the unbreakable bonds of friendship and family. Across its extensive 25-year history, the series seamlessly weaves together lighthearted comedy, thrilling action, and gripping drama through its sprawling sagas and storylines.
Funimation provides access to both dubbed and subbed episodes, allowing fans to fully immerse themselves in this iconic and beloved fantasy world that has captivated millions as a cornerstone of anime and manga.
7. Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop (Image via Sunrise)
Cowboy Bebop is not only regarded as one of the greatest anime shows, but also as one of the best TV shows of all time. It revolutionized the Western anime genre with its stylish animation, vivid world-building, compelling characters, seamless action sequences, and iconic jazz and blues-inspired soundtrack.
Taking place in a distinctive sci-fi future where humanity has expanded to the solar system, the series follows a group of bounty hunters led by the effortlessly cool Spike Spiegel. Each episode features the crew chasing a new bounty across space, gradually uncovering the mysterious past of each character.
Cowboy Bebop is a unique blend of westerns, noir, and cyberpunk, leading to a cathartic emotional climax that has cemented the show's sterling reputation. Even after 20 years, this anime masterpiece continues to be an utterly captivating watch.
8. Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA)
Yuuji Itadori's life takes a dramatic turn after a fateful encounter with an ancient sorcerer named Ryomen Sukuna. During a school trip, Yuuji swallows one of Sukuna's fingers to protect his friends from a deadly curse, inadvertently sealing Sukuna's presence inside him.
After this incident, a regular high school student enrolls at the Tokyo Metropolitan Jujutsu Technical High School with the goal of becoming a Jujutsu Sorcerer. His mission is not only to control the curse within him, but also to defeat the curses that threaten the world and save humanity from supernatural threats, all before Sukuna eventually revives.
Blending shonen adventure and horror with stunning action set pieces, Jujutsu Kaisen quickly gained a devoted following due to its charismatic main characters, innovative power systems, and ruthless Curses that forced sorcerers to think creatively. With new episodes being simulcast and new manga chapters regularly released, now is the perfect time to immerse yourself in this series.
9. Naruto
Naruto (Image via Pierrot)
Naruto, with its worldwide popularity and impact, stands among the most beloved and influential anime series, alongside One Piece.
Created by Masashi Kishimoto, the iconic shonen manga electrified a generation of viewers with the coming-of-age story of young ninja Naruto Uzumaki. Despite being shunned for having the destructive Nine-Tailed Fox sealed within him, Naruto strives to become the respected leader of Hidden Leaf Village.
Over the course of 820 episodes, viewers accompany Naruto on his journey as he faces challenges, learns new skills, and forms strong bonds with his comrades Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, and Kakashi Hatake. With a mix of thrilling ninja action and powerful themes of personal growth, loyalty, and redemption, Naruto presents a deeply impactful saga.
10. Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan (Image via MAPPA)
In a medieval world, humanity is on the brink of extinction, seeking refuge behind massive walls to protect themselves from the Titans, monstrous beings that consume humans without mercy. The protagonist, Eren Yeager, is driven to join the Survey Corps after witnessing his own town being destroyed and his mother being killed by the Titans. This military regiment takes on the dangerous mission of reclaiming land lost to the Titans beyond the safety of the walls.
After four intense seasons filled with intricate power dynamics, military plots, immersive world-building, and brutal Titan attacks, Attack on Titan has captivated millions of viewers with its constantly changing storyline.
Now, as the anime reaches its peak after more than a decade of surprising turns, fans can look to Funimation for the thrilling conclusion to this global sensation.
Conclusion
Funimation stands as a premier choice for anime streaming, providing a wide range of acclaimed classics, current popular series, hidden gems, and genre masterpieces to cater to diverse tastes, from casual viewers to dedicated otaku. This selection of outstanding series offers only a glimpse of the extensive offerings available.
Choose from a wide range of anime options on Funimation, whether you're in the mood for heartwarming shojo like Fruits Basket, artful storytelling in Steins;Gate, absurdist pirate antics in One Piece, or exhilarating ninja action in Naruto. Start binge-watching your favorite anime now.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I am thrilled to share my thoughts on the top 10 must-watch anime series on Funimation right now. With its extensive library of over 500 shows, Funimation offers an incredible variety of anime series and movies to cater to every fan's preferences.
Among the must-watch anime series on Funimation, "Demon Slayer" stands out as a captivating blend of action, adventure, and horror. The story follows Tanjiro Kamado's quest to avenge his family and cure his sister, Nezuko, who has been turned into a demon. With stunning animation, compelling characters, and an intriguing plot, "Demon Slayer" has become a global phenomenon and is a must-watch for any anime enthusiast.
Another top-rated series on Funimation is "My Hero Academia," which offers a unique take on the superhero genre. Set in a world where 80% of the population has superpowers, the story follows Izuku Midoriya, a young boy born without a Quirk. However, he gains the power of One for All from the world's greatest hero, All Might, and enrolls in the prestigious U.A. High School to become a professional hero. With its exciting battles, lovable characters, and inspiring themes of friendship and perseverance, "My Hero Academia" is a must-watch for fans of action-packed shonen anime.