For years, HorribleSubs was a go-to destination for anime lovers who wanted access to high-quality, subtitled anime episodes shortly after their release in Japan. Offering a vast library of free anime downloads, HorribleSubs became an iconic name in the anime fan community. However, in 2020, the website announced its sudden closure, leaving fans in search of alternative sites to continue their anime journey.
In this article, we’ll explore why HorribleSubs shut down, its impact on the anime community, and the best replacement platforms to fill the void left by its closure.
Why Did HorribleSubs Shut Down?
HorribleSubs’ closure came as a surprise to many, but the site’s operators cited the COVID-19 pandemic and internal reasons as the primary causes. The statement from HorribleSubs indicated that the global circumstances of 2020 made it difficult for them to continue operating. Although the precise reasons remain somewhat vague, the closure highlights the growing pressure on illegal anime streaming and torrent sites from legal anime distribution platforms.
With streaming services such as Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Netflix licensing more anime content and offering accessible legal streaming options, it’s possible that HorribleSubs decided to bow out before facing further scrutiny or legal consequences.
The Impact of HorribleSubs’ Closure
HorribleSubs was a pivotal platform for anime fans, particularly those who relied on fansubbed anime that wasn’t readily available in their country or region. With thousands of episodes from multiple series available for download, fans could access content that was either difficult to find legally or unavailable altogether.
The closure of HorribleSubs marked the end of an era for many users who had come to rely on it for quick and reliable anime content. As the site provided subtitles in English and other languages, it also contributed to the widespread popularity of anime outside Japan. With the site gone, many fans were left scrambling for reliable replacements to continue their anime viewing.
Best HorribleSubs Replacements
If you’re looking for alternatives to HorribleSubs, there are several high-quality legal and fan-run platforms that have stepped up to offer anime content. Here are some of the best replacements for HorribleSubs:
1. Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is one of the leading legal platforms for streaming anime. With a vast library that includes both new and classic series, Crunchyroll offers a mix of subbed and dubbed anime. It also simulcasts many shows, releasing episodes shortly after they air in Japan. While the free version of Crunchyroll comes with ads, the premium subscription offers ad-free streaming and the ability to download episodes for offline viewing.
Pros:
– Extensive anime library
– Legal and high-quality streams
– Available on multiple devices
– Simulcasts new episodes
Cons:
– Premium subscription required for full access
– Not all shows are available globally
2. Funimation
Funimation is another major player in the legal anime streaming market, particularly for those who prefer dubbed anime. Like Crunchyroll, Funimation simulcasts anime and provides subbed and dubbed episodes. It also offers an app for downloading episodes to watch offline, and its premium plans are reasonably priced for the content you receive.
Pros:
– Focus on English dubs
– Large catalog of popular anime
– Simulcast of new episodes
– Offline downloads available with subscription
Cons:
– Not as many subbed episodes as Crunchyroll
– Some shows have regional restrictions
3. AnimeLab
AnimeLab is a great option for anime fans in Australia and New Zealand, offering a mix of subbed and dubbed anime. The platform provides fast access to the latest anime episodes and a sizable catalog of classic series. AnimeLab also offers both free and premium subscription plans, with the premium option granting ad-free viewing and offline downloads.
Pros:
– High-quality streams
– Latest episodes available quickly
– Available on multiple devices
Cons:
– Only available in Australia and New Zealand
4. 9Anime
For those looking for a free alternative, 9Anime is one of the top fan-run streaming sites. While it’s not a legal platform like Crunchyroll or Funimation, 9Anime offers a huge library of both subbed and dubbed anime. The site’s clean interface and regularly updated content make it a popular choice for anime fans, though users should be cautious of ads and pop-ups.
Pros:
– Huge selection of subbed and dubbed anime
– User-friendly interface
– Free to use
Cons:
– Ads and pop-ups can be intrusive
– Not a legal streaming site
– No official mobile app
5. AnimeFreak
Another fan-run site, AnimeFreak, offers a wide range of anime series with both subbed and dubbed options. The site updates frequently, ensuring that fans have access to the latest episodes. While AnimeFreak is free to use, it shares similar drawbacks to other free sites, such as pop-up ads and questionable legality.
Pros:
– Large library of subbed and dubbed anime
– Free access
– Regularly updated
Cons:
– Intrusive ads and pop-ups
– Not a legal streaming platform
With the closure of HorribleSubs, anime fans have had to seek out new sources to satisfy their viewing needs. Fortunately, there are several excellent alternatives, both legal and fan-operated. For those who want a legal and high-quality experience, Crunchyroll, Funimation, and AnimeLab are the top choices. However, for fans who prefer free alternatives, 9Anime and AnimeFreak provide easy access to a large selection of anime, though with the typical caveats of ads and legality issues.
Ultimately, the best replacement for HorribleSubs depends on your preferences for dubbed or subbed content, as well as whether you prefer legal, ad-supported, or fan-operated sites.