HiAnime Has Shut Down Forever: The End of an Era for Anime Fans

On June 1, 2026, one of the world's most popular anime streaming sites shut down its servers permanently. HiAnime, which accumulated tens of millions of monthly visits and was the favorite destination for millions of fans who couldn't or didn't want to pay subscriptions, closed for good.

What was HiAnime?

HiAnime (formerly known as Zoro.to and AniWatch) was a free anime streaming platform that offered a massive library of subtitled and English-dubbed series, with a clean interface, few ads, and near-real-time updates with Japanese releases. For many fans, it was simply the best way to watch anime.

Why did it close?

The closure came amid growing legal pressure from the anime industry and distributors like Crunchyroll and Netflix. The industry has been fighting piracy for years, and HiAnime was one of the biggest targets. Although the site didn't reveal the exact details of its closure, all signs point to legal pressure being the decisive factor.

The community's reaction

On Reddit, Twitter, and Discord, thousands of users expressed their sadness. "HiAnime introduced me to anime," wrote one user with 15,000 upvotes. "Without HiAnime I would never have watched Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood, Demon Slayer, or Attack on Titan," commented another. Nostalgia and gratitude flooded social media.

Where to watch anime now?

The main legal alternatives are:

• Crunchyroll: the largest legal anime platform, with nearly simultaneous releases with Japan.
• Netflix: has a growing anime selection, including exclusives.
• Disney+: has some titles including Star Wars Visions and Bleach.

But for many fans in regions where anime doesn't have accessible legal distribution, HiAnime's closure leaves a real void. The industry will need to find ways to reach those fans if it truly wants to combat piracy.