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. Also, the Japanese titles of each anime include links to their HIDIVE pages.

Best Fall 2023 Anime On HIDIVE

HIDIVE has a respectable enough lineup for Fall 2023, even if the streaming service cannot hope to match Crunchyroll’s roster. In terms of Summer layovers,

Helck

and

Dark Gathering

are both worth watching in their own right. The latter is a rare horror anime done well, while the former is a passable adaptation of a great manga.

For completely new shows, HIDIVE has

The Demon Sword Master of Excalibur Academy

,

Ragna Crimson

, and

The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess

. Out of the three, only

Ragna Crimson

has so far presented a case for being among Fall 2023’s best anime, although the other two are by no means terrible. However, HIDIVE has one Fall 2023 anime that stands above the rest.

The Eminence In Shadow

Season 2

The standout isekai anime of Fall 2022,

The Eminence in Shadow

is creative, funny, and unpredictable. Ever since he was a child, Cid yearned to become the person who guides society from the shadows. After he dies and reawakens in a magical world, Cid is finally granted the tools to turn this dream into a reality. He just has to make up his secret organization and the cult they oppose. Luckily for the protagonist, he can lie with the best of them.

The Eminence in Shadow

, at times, plays out like a parody of isekai tropes, all the while still taking its world and characters seriously. The series is more than happy to switch genres as it chronicles Cid’s childhood and adolescence. Impressively, this scattershot approach to tone and storytelling pays off throughout the season, and that will hopefully continue to be the case in the upcoming sequel.

Season 2 builds upon its predecessor’s rock-solid foundation by expanding Cid’s reach beyond the confines of Season 1’s main city. The protagonist has largely carried the anime on his shoulders, but the sequel has started to flesh out the secondary cast along with the politics that govern this world.

Check It Out On HIDIVE

Ragna Crimson

Perhaps slightly overshadowed by a few of Fall 2023’s other battle shonen anime,

Ragna Crimson

has been steadily picking up steam as the season has progressed. In a world where humans are in constant danger from dragons, the former come to realize they are basically little more than playthings for the latter, something Ragna plans to fix in order to protect a girl he admires greatly. Granted power by his older self, the protagonist sets out to eradicate every dragon, and he is accompanied by a peculiar figure named Crimson.

Ragna Crimson

‘s premise is not particularly unique, nor is Ragna’s motive, and the first few episodes are decent but not great. However, the anime has been on an upswing since Crimson’s proper integration into the story. Compared to Ragna’s fairly straightforward drive, Crimson is far more complicated and intriguing, especially since he is not exactly presented as a noble hero. The show has also started to shine a light on the dragons’ hierarchy, which has been genuinely interesting.

Check It Out On HIDIVE

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

Oshi No Ko

HIDIVE’s biggest Spring 2023 series was

Oshi no Ko

, and most will argue that it is also without question 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.

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 Fantasy Anime On HIDIVE

Made In

Abyss

The Summer 2022 season was not lacking in sequels, with

The Devil is a Part-Timer!

,

Overlord

,

Rent-a-Girlfriend

, and

Classroom of the Elite

all airing highly anticipated follow-ups. While those shows are not on HIDIVE, the service has a couple of anime that compare favorably with those heavyweights.

Made in Abyss: The Golden City of the Scorching Sun

was arguably the best anime of Summer 2022.

The entire anime franchise is available on HIDIVE, including 2020’s

Made in Abyss: Dawn of the Deep Souls

movie, which is a

must-watch

prior to starting season 2. Dark, harrowing, and fantastical, Kinema Citrus’ series has stellar animation, endearing (or terrifying) characters, and a wonderful sense of mystery.

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

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 number of 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

Best Other Anime On HIDIVE

Penguindrum

Penguindrum

cannot be truly described. Yes, the plot can be summarized as two brothers searching for the titular “Penguindrum” in order to unlock a power that will save their third friend, Himari; however, that does not even begin to reflect this anime’s bizarre flow, endless imagination, and unique tone. Predictability is not necessarily a terrible thing, but it is refreshing to encounter something that is unequivocally like nothing else.

Penguindrum

is ambitious, silly, heartfelt, funny, and dark. Not every part of the package works, but the overall experience is satisfying.


Penguindrum

is only available on HIDIVE

and the anime is worth a one-month subscription all on its own.

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

MORE: Best Shojo Isekai Anime & Manga