Best HIDIVE Anime

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 HIDIVE anime.

Updated September 21, 2024 by Mark Sammut: Fall 2024 is right around the corner, and HIDIVE has confirmed a few anime exclusives. Let’s go through all of them.

Comedies will not be included as they are covered in a
separate article
. The seasonal recommendations are the only exception.

Fall 2024 HIDIVE Anime

• 	2.5 Dimensional Seduction	How I Attended an All-Guy’s Mixer	Is It Wrong To Try To Pick Up Girls In A Dungeon?	Loner Life in Another World
  Japanese Title	2.5-jigen no Ririsa	Goukon ni Ittara Onna ga Inakatta Hanashi	Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru no Darou ka	Hitoribocchi no Isekai Kouryaku
  Release Date	2024-07-05	2024-10-05	2015-04-04	2024-10-04
  Genres	Comedy, Harem	Romance, Comedy	Action, Fantasy	Isekai, Fantasy
  Studio	J.C.Staff	Ashi Productions	J.C.Staff	Passione, Hayabusa Film
  Based On	Manga	Manga	Light Novel	Light Novel
  Creator	Yu Hashimoto	Nana Aokawa	Fujino Ōmori	Shoji Goji

Fall 2024 is right around the corner, and HIDIVE has announced a couple of exclusives. As always, the streaming service cannot match Crunchyroll’s sheer quantity, but it has quality to offer. So far, HIDIVE has confirmed four shows for the upcoming season (including a Summer 2024 continuation). Let’s go through them quickly. Will any of these series eventually rank among the best HIDIVE anime?

• 2.5 Dimensional Seduction – Starting with the continuation, this harem anime has been pretty entertaining, along with just being a good fit for HIDIVE in general. In the last year, the service has doubled down on ecchi content, and 2.5 Dimensional Seduction reflects that shift. An anime club’s last man standing is introduced to the magical world of cosplay through the arrival of a new female member, setting them both on a journey of self-expression.
• How I Attended an All-Guy’s Mixer – Three guys go to a mixer and, to their surprise, find three men waiting for them. In truth, the latter are women who like to crossdress. After the initial confusion subsides, both groups hit it off, eventually leading to romance. The manga is cute and lighthearted, and there is nothing to suggest the anime will be anything different.
• Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? 5 – The biggest HIDIVE anime of Fall 2024, DanMachi is back for a new season. While always enjoyable, the series went up a notch with its fourth season, producing two action-packed cours that showcased just why the light novel is so popular. The upcoming sequel has big shoes to fill, but it should be covering a strong arc.
• Loner Life in Another World – Fall 2024’s isekai lineup mostly consists of sequels, none of which will be airing on HIDIVE. However, the platform has collected Loner Life in Another World, a new adaptation that is worth keeping an eye on. Now, the light novel’s sense of humor is fairly polarizing, but it should at least provide something different from the norm.

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.

Check It Out On HIDIVE

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.

Check It Out On HIDIVE

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.

Check It Out On HIDIVE

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.

Check It Out On HIDIVE

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.

Check It Out On HIDIVE

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.

Check It Out On HIDIVE

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.

Check It Out On HIDIVE

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.

Check It Out On HIDIVE

Best Drama Anime On HIDIVE

Oshi no Ko

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. The “main” story revolves around Aqua, a reincarnated teenager who becomes obsessed with finding the person responsible for his mother’s death. This involves infiltrating the entertainment industry.

While the protagonist is driven by a desire to find the person responsible for Ai’s death, Oshi no Ko is more interested in exploring different aspects of the entertainment industry, highlighting both the positives and negatives in the process. For example, season 2 presents a grounded depiction of creative forces butting heads as they try to make their voices heard, despite all ultimately wanting the same thing: to create the best project they can.

Check It Out On HIDIVE

Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night

An original series created to celebrate Doga Kobo’s 50 years in the business, Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night was an enigma before its debut, and the only surefire thing was stellar animation. As the title gives very little away, what exactly is this story about? Well, Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night follows a group of artistic girls who come together to form a collective called JELEE.

• An unfairly disgraced idol seeking to present a more authentic version of herself to the world, Kano is the group’s charismatic dynamo and most public-facing member, although she keeps her identity a secret.
• As a child, Mahiru not only loved to draw but was also talented, so much so that her jellyfish illustration was chosen to be turned into a mural. However, she rejected art after her friends mocked the mural. Thanks to Kano, Mahiru has started drawing once again as she tries to establish JELEE’s brand and identity.
• Kimura was Kano’s biggest fan, at least when she was an idol. A capable musical composer, she embraces the chance to create music for her hero, even if she misses Kano’s former incarnation.
• When she struggled to connect with her high school peers, Kiui retreated from reality and invested completely in her VTuber persona, Nox. With Mahiru’s encouragement, Kiui joins JELEE as their video creator.

Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night has an incredible selection of main characters, with all four girls being a delight in their own right. While not dark, the anime is not afraid to touch upon realistic and even heavy themes, all the while maintaining a fairly lighthearted and fluffy tone. The show’s scope is small and intimate, focusing specifically on the girls’ relationships and their passion for the arts without positioning them as all-time great talents. They are just good at what they do, and with the right support base, they can thrive.

Despite ending on a slightly underwhelming note, this Spring 2024 anime was still great.

Check It Out On HIDIVE

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.

Check It Out On HIDIVE

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.

Check It Out On HIDIVE

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.

Check It Out On HIDIVE

Best Romance Anime On HIDIVE

The Dangers In My Heart

One of the best Winter 2024 anime, The Dangers in My Heart is one of the greatest romance anime of all time, something that seemed unlikely after the first episode. Building on decent opening season, the sequel pulled out all the stops as it gradually morphed from cute to nuanced and moving. 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 progresses at a fairly slow pace, with most episodes having an almost slice of life rhythm to them. The series seems happy to just quietly and steadily strengthen the main couple’s bond, while also allowing the secondary characters to comment on their growing dynamic.

Check It Out 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.

Check It Out On HIDIVE

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.

Check It Out On HIDIVE

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.

Check It Out On HIDIVE

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.

Check It Out On HIDIVE

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.

Check It Out On HIDIVE