Best Anime On HIDIVE

HIDIVE might not quite have the same presence as Crunchyroll, but the streaming service should be on the radar of anime fans. The site has plenty of old and new shows, some of which cannot be found on any other platform. Looking for a shonen series? HIDIVE has them by the dozens. Want a comedy? Jump onto HIDIVE and enjoy a good laugh. Feel like sitting through an anime movie? HIDIVE’s library is better than most in this area.

For people tempted to subscribe to the service but are unsure of what awaits them, let’s take a look at the best anime on HIDIVE.

Anime that are predominantly comedies will not be included as they are covered in a
separate article
. The seasonal recommendations are the only exception.

Best Winter 2024 Anime On HIDIVE

As always, most Winter 2024 anime are airing on Crunchyroll; however, also as always, exceptions exist. Even though it has a long way to go before it can begin to match Crunchyroll’s quantity, HIDIVE is known to acquire either quality or niche series. The service’s simulcast lineup showcases both aspects, delivering one of the season’s best shows along with two risqué projects.

Chained Soldier and Gushing Over Magic Girls benefit from being on HIDIVE due to the platform’s willingness to release uncensored episodes. Fan service is a huge selling point of these anime, and they deserve to be showcased with as few restrictions as possible. While certainly not for everyone, these shows have their positives and charm.

A more mainstream HIDIVE exclusive is My Instant Death Ability is So Overpowered, No One in This Other World Stands a Chance Against Me!, a comedy that parodies isekai tropes. The source material is great, but the adaptation is just fine.

Let’s take a look at the best Winter 2024 anime on Hidive.

The Dangers In My Heart Season 2

One of the best Winter 2024 anime, The Dangers in My Heart has continued to build on the first season’s upward momentum. While not dating yet, Kyotaro and Anna’s friendship is a joy to watch, as is their individual growth. The two teenagers are willing to show their appreciation for each other, despite both of them struggling to put their exact feelings into words.

Now, The Dangers in My Heart season 2 has been progressing at a fairly slow pace, with most episodes having an almost slice of life rhythm to them. At this point, the series does seem happy to just quietly and steadily strengthen the main couple’s bond, while also allowing the secondary characters to comment on their growing dynamic.

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Urusei Yatsura (2022) 2nd Season

Another sequel, Urusei Yatsura is just a dependable comedy. The manga has been around since the late ’70s, and the 2022 remake retains the original’s spirit, storylines, and core banter while modernizing enough elements to make the overall experience not seem dated.

As a situational comedy, Urusei Yatsura prioritizes laughs above everything else, and the characters have grown very little so far. While that would be a criticism for most shows, this anime has such fantastic and timeless humor that tuning in to watch Ataru and Lum’s weekly schtick is comforting.

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Ragna Crimson (Fall 2023 Continuation)

Out of all the Fall 2023 anime that extended into Winter 2024, Ragna Crimson is arguably the most overlooked. The show falls under the battle shonen umbrella, and it represents the oversaturated genre at close to its best. While falling somewhat short in the action department, especially when compared to Undead Unluck or Shangri-La Frontier, Ragna Crimson shines in its characterization, world-building, and stakes.

The first cour did an impressive job of introducing this universe’s power dynamic, with humans being regarded as little more than food by dragons, while also establishing the heroes and villains who will take center stage during this war. Although hardly the only important figures, Ragna and Crimson serve as the story’s central duo, and they complement each other beautifully. Despite initially coming across as a hot-headed, overpowered protagonist, Ragna is quickly brought down to Earth and fleshed out. Conversely, the manipulative and unpredictable Crimson is fascinating from the start and has only gotten better as the series progresses.

The Fall 2023 cour ended with a string of episodes that largely focused on setting up the next conflict, a build that the Winter 2024 episodes have more than paid off. At this point, Ragna Crimson is one of the best currently-airing action shonen anime, and it deserves to be watched by more people.

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Best Action Anime On HIDIVE

Akame Ga Kill!

An adaptation of Takahiro’s manga with the same name, Akame ga Kill! is all about revolution and taking down a corrupt government led by a sinister Prime Minister. Naturally, such a process involves a lot of sacrifices, blood, and cool weapons.

Akame ga Kill! revolves around the Night Raid, the Revolutionary Army’s assassination team that targets high-profile officials to undermine the power of the state. The anime has splendid action, likable characters, and a significant body count. Even though the anime is not considered a spot-on adaptation of the manga, when viewed on its own, the show is a blast.

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Beyond The Boundary

On the surface, Beyond the Boundary appears to be your run-of-the-mill fantasy action anime about a girl with a unique sword who fights wayward spirits. Technically, the anime is all of that, but Beyond the Boundary is also deeply tragic, beautifully bittersweet, and refreshingly nuanced. This is also a character-driven anime, one that does not use its action as a substitute for strong writing.

Along with the series, the Beyond the Boundary: I’ll Be Here – Future movie is also on HIDIVE. Make sure to also watch that.

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Lupin The 3rd

An all-time classic, Lupin the 3rd has been a staple of the anime scene since the early ’70s. Over the decades, Arsene Lupin III and his ragtag crew have pulled off all sorts of legendary heists, driving Zenigata up the wall in the process. HIDIVE does not have all the franchise’s seasons, but the content it does have is pretty good:

• Lupin the 3rd – Part 1 (1971): The one that started it all, this is the original 1971 series. Naturally, these episodes are dated in quite a few ways, beyond just the animation, but the stories and characters remain as enjoyable as ever. Approach these for what they are – lighthearted heists – and a good time should be had.
• Lupin the 3rd: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine (2012): A side story that pushes Fujiko to the forefront, this season is not quite as comedic as the main shows, opting for a darker overall tone. While it lacks some of the charm of classic Lupin, The Woman Called Fujiko Mine is nevertheless a worthy addition to the franchise.
• Lupin the 3rd – Part 4 (2015): Beautiful animation, solid episodic storylines, and a memorable overarching plot, this season represents everything great about this legendary anime property.
• Lupin the 3rd – Part 5 (2018): Arguably the franchise’s best season, Part 5 is a thrill ride from beginning to end. Be it the action, comedy, or main arch, everything in this season hits the mark. If someone is only willing to try one entry in the series, Lupin the 3rd – Part 5 should be it.
• Lupin the 3rd – Part 6 (2021): A bit of let down after the stellar previous seasons, Part 6 has a pretty good first half revolving around Sherlock Holmes, along with a middling second cour that does not quite come together as satisfyingly as it could. Nonetheless, this is still a decent watch.
• Lupin Zero (2022): A prequel OVA series that shows Lupin’s early days, the 6-part series is a decent watch for long-time fans.

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Best Isekai Anime On HIDIVE

No Game, No Life

Like any service specializing in Japanese animation, HIDIVE has plenty of great isekai anime. Since releasing its only cour in 2014 and a prequel in 2017, No Game, No Life‘s reputation has steadily declined as it became apparent that a continuation might not materialize. Consequently, the anime is not complete or fully satisfying.

That said, No Game, No Life‘s strengths hold up well even after more than half a decade following the anime’s debut. Madhouse’s animation is top-notch, Sora and Shiro make for a charismatic pair of protagonists, and the high-stakes games they engage in are entertaining. The movie prequel, No Game, No Life Zero, is also available on HIDIVE.

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Ya Boy Kongming!

If this anime proves anything, it is that there is no such thing as “too silly” of an idea. Named after a Chinese military strategist who lived during the Three Kingdoms era, Ya Boy Kongming! reincarnates the historical figure in modern Tokyo. So far, so isekai; however, things get stranger when the show throws Zhuge Kongming into the idol industry and he becomes the manager of a struggling performer.

Ya Boy Kongming! is more than just a gimmick. The anime treats its characters with respect, fleshing out their fears, dreams, and blind spots. Zhuge is not the story’s only great character either as Eiko Tsukimi, the hopeful idol, is just as important to its success. Idol anime can be hard sells, but this show is a fantastic entry point into the genre.

Technically,
Ya Boy Kongming!
is a reincarnation story and not isekai, but the themes share enough in common to justify the show’s inclusion.

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Best Thriller Anime On HIDIVE

Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor & Against All Rules

Gambling anime are rare, but they tend to be a treat. As awesome as Akagi and One Outs are, Kaiji has a slight edge over them in one specific area: intensity. Kaiji is very much a normal person who is forced into situations that go well beyond his expertise; regardless of the challenge being faced, the protagonist is constantly struggling to avoid drowning.

Kaiji is a masterpiece of suspense, and Madhouse’s anime is fantastic in both seasons. Each series is split into different arcs, all of which stand on their own while simultaneously building upon Kaiji’s character and this universe’s rules.

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The Promised Neverland

HIDIVE only has the first 12 episodes of The Promised Neverland, so fans will need to go elsewhere to watch the polarizing sequel. Although it ends on something of a cliffhanger, season 1 is nevertheless a satisfying solo sit, one that makes expert use of its confined setting to tell a suspenseful and unpredictable story.

The Promised Neverland opens in an orphanage that sends children into the world when they hit a certain age. When a young girl is adopted, Emma and Norman decide to go after her so they can give her a toy she left behind. This excursion opens the kids’ eyes to the horrors that await them.

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Oshi No Ko

HIDIVE’s biggest Spring 2023 series was Oshi no Ko, and most will argue that it is also without question one of the best HIDIVE anime. While the plot has a fairly convoluted setup, the story essentially boils down to a murder mystery set within the entertainment industry. Aqua, a mature-for-his-age teenager, dives into various facades of show business in search of a truth that might finally ease his regret and pain stemming from a childhood tragedy.

Based on a manga by Aka Akasaka, Oshi no Ko can be funny, haunting, bleak, hopeful, and intense. The anime goes to some very dark places, but it balances these sequences with moments of levity and humanity.

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Parasyte: The Maxim

A mix of sci-fi and horror, Parasyte: The Maxim is about identity, a common theme in both genres. Shinichi Izumi is quite an unassuming teenager, but his life changes when his hand becomes infected by an alien parasite. As the intruder fails to take over the human’s brain, the two are left with no choice but to co-exist, a relationship that gradually morphs between both parties.

Parasyte: The Maxim blends gory scenes with sharp writing and complex characterization to craft a story that gets under the viewer’s skin. While not necessarily scary, the anime is unsettling and discomforting.

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Best Fantasy Anime On HIDIVE

Made In Abyss

Made in Abyss is perhaps the greatest dark fantasy anime of all time, although some content is so uncomfortable that it can be difficult to outright recommend to anyone but the most seasoned of consumers. Still, if someone is searching for a soul-crushing adventure series that features beautiful animation, likable characters, and a contender for the most terrifying setting in anime, they must dedicate a few hours to sit through this disconcerting masterpiece.

Alongside Reg, a boy with robot parts, Riko heads into the Abyss, a dangerous chasm split into layers that have their own wonders and nightmares. Their aim is to reach the Abyss’ bottom in search of Riko’s mother, although there is no guarantee they will get there in one piece.

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Land Of The Lustrous

A contender for the best CG anime of all time, Land of the Lustrous is a masterpiece that is slightly underappreciated. The anime envisions a reality where Gems, humanoid beings who are quite fragile, are constantly trying to survive onslaughts from the Lunarians. Phos, a Gem deemed not fit to directly fight the Lunarians, desperately seeks a way to assist their society and justify their existence.

Land of the Lustrous accomplishes a lot in just 12 episodes; not only does the anime expertly establish its fantasy world, but it gives its main character a complex and complete arc that never feels rushed.

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Princess Tutu

Blending fairy tales with magical girls, Princess Tutu is a classic that does not get enough love, perhaps due to its title putting off some people. Taking inspiration from ballets like Swan Lake, Princess Tutu tells the story of a duck who transforms into a girl to heal the heart of a prince.

Princess Tutu is a thought-provoking anime that tackles themes about the nature of destiny and personal agency. The anime succeeds in crafting moments of unbridled whimsy and joy while also allowing for the exploration of mature ideas and the execution of heavy sequences. Do not be put off by its name, Princess Tutu is one of the best anime on HIDIVE.

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Best Romance Anime On HIDIVE

Call Of The Night

Based on Kotoyama’s Shonen Sunday manga, Call of the Night follows Kou Yamori, a bored student who spends his nights exploring his city as a way to deal with his insomnia. During one particular stroll, Kou meets the enigmatic Nazuna Nanakusa, and the girl quickly reveals herself to be a vampire. Enamored by the freedom her life offers, Kou asks to be turned into a vampire, a process that requires a human to fall in love with his sire.

Call of the Night creates a dream-like atmosphere through its vibrant depictions of a moonlit city. Some of the show’s strongest moments simply involve Kou wandering around empty streets, almost as if he has been teleported to a whole new world.

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Nana

Nana Osaki and Nana Komatsu might share a name and an apartment but they are vastly different in basically every other way. By all “logic”, they should not get along, but the opposite somehow happens: they end up hitting it off like nobody’s business. More importantly, their relationship helps facilitate self-exploration for both characters.

Nana‘s core dynamic is about as good as any you are likely to find in an anime. This relationship evolves organically throughout the show’s run, rarely ever seeming like it is being used to trigger cheap melodrama. Anyone seeking a mature slice of life anime needs to check out Nana.

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Bloom Into You

A high school drama centering around a romance between two girls, Bloom Into You can be a hard sell to anyone who is not immediately onboard after reading that description. Anime has an uneven track record when it comes to yuri-themed stories, so this skepticism is not unfounded. However, Bloom Into You is something special.

Although romance naturally plays a part, Bloom Into You is closer to a coming-of-age drama that happens to use a blossoming relationship as a catalyst for its characters’ development. Speaking of the characters, this anime is fantastic in this department; as the leads, Yuu Koito and Youko Nanami get the most attention, and they are both three-dimensional figures with clearly defined flaws and desires. They feel like real people rather than idolized versions of teenagers. The supporting cast is also incredibly strong.

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Insomniacs After School

A few Spring 2023 anime had the power to make hearts flutter, and none more so than Insomniacs After School. Suffering in silence, Ganta and Isaki both feel alienated due to their struggles with insomnia. While the latter is nevertheless outgoing, the former tends to come across as grumpy and unapproachable, which has made it difficult for him to connect with people.

One day, the two students accidentally meet at their school’s observatory, and they quickly come to realize they are both insomniacs. This encounter starts a friendship that helps both of them find peace of mind. Ganta and Isaki are not only adorable together, but they are also great individual characters in their own right. Both of them have fully fleshed-out personalities defined by their pasts, insecurities, fears, and dreams, and they are constantly changing through their relationship.

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Girls’ Last Tour

Slice of life anime are a dime-a-dozen, which is by no means a criticism of the industry. These shows tend to be warm, cozy, and relaxing; they are perfect for unwinding after a long day at work or school. Girls’ Last Tour has most of these elements to a certain degree, it just happens to be set in a post-apocalyptic world with barely any signs of life.

Chito and Yuuri are the titular girls, and they find themselves scavenging their way through a desolate city as they attempt to survive the struggles of everyday life. Despite its dark setting, Girls’ Last Tour is still quite optimistic and charming, which mostly stems from the girls’ personalities and their banter with each other. One of the best anime on HIDIVE, Girls’ Last Tour is unique, endearing, and periodically haunting.

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