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9anime: The Complete UK Guide
If you have typed “9anime” into a search engine, you might be looking for a free anime streaming site you heard about from a friend, or perhaps you are trying to find out why your favourite site is suddenly not working. The name “9anime” has become almost legendary in the anime community, but its story is far from simple.
This guide covers everything UK anime fans need to know about 9anime: what it was, why it’s no longer a reliable option, the serious risks of using it, and most importantly, the best legal alternatives available in the UK today.
What Was 9anime?
9anime was one of the most popular free anime streaming websites in the world. Founded in 2016, it offered a vast library of subbed and dubbed anime, from classic series to the latest simulcasts, all without requiring a subscription.
The site’s appeal was obvious: one search box, many titles, and a low barrier to access. It became a go-to destination for anime fans who wanted to watch their favourite shows without paying for multiple subscriptions. At its peak, 9anime was receiving around 11,625 takedown requests in a single year, highlighting just how massive its audience had become.
The History of 9anime: From Rise to Rebrand
The Rebrand to AniWave
In August 2023, 9anime made a significant change. The site rebranded itself to AniWave. The operators cited DMCA pressure and site-blocking issues as the primary reasons. The success of 9anime had attracted increased attention from copyright enforcement agencies, so the site changed its name to delay being sued for piracy.
Despite the rebrand, the site continued to operate in the same way, offering unlicensed access to copyrighted anime content.
The Shutdown
On 27 August 2024, AniWave (formerly 9anime) was shut down, along with several related websites. The site displayed a goodbye message, which read:
“Now that everything has improved… it is also time for us to say goodbye. It is difficult to part with something we have invested so much effort and passion into, but it is something we need to do.”
The message encouraged users to transition to legal services, stating: “If possible, please use legal paid services. It’s something we should do to show our respect for creators and content producers.”
The 2026 Takedown
Even after the original site shut down, clone sites using the 9anime name continued to appear. In early 2026, dozens of these clone sites, falling under umbrella brands such as 9anime, Sflix, Watchseries, and Fmovies, all went dark. Users attempting to access them were met with Cloudflare error messages, indicating that the backend hosting infrastructure had been taken down.
The shutdown was part of a broader global crackdown. In January 2025, a court in Australia ordered internet service providers to block access to 52 piracy websites, including 9anime variants. The US Trade Representative also designated Vietnam (where many of these sites were hosted) as a Priority Foreign Country, putting further pressure on the operators.
What Does “9anime” Mean Today?
In 2026, the term “9anime” has become confusing. It no longer points to one clean destination. When someone searches for it, they might be looking for one of three things:
- The former 9anime streaming brand: The original site is gone, but clone sites using the name still appear.
- A 9ANIME tracker app: Some mobile apps use the name for tracking shows and getting release notifications, not for streaming.
- Nine anime recommendations: Someone might simply be looking for a list of nine shows to watch.
The important takeaway is this: the original 9anime identity is no longer a stable, trustworthy destination.
Is 9anime Legal?
No. 9anime and its clone sites are not legal. They operate without proper licensing from the copyright holders. In a nutshell, 9anime is not a legal anime streaming site.
In the UK, copyright law protects original works automatically upon creation. Streaming copyrighted content without permission is an infringement of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. While individual viewers are rarely prosecuted, using unlicensed streaming sites carries legal risks.
The operators of these sites face severe consequences. The original 9anime operators faced legal pressure, which led to the rebrand in 2023. The broader FMovies piracy ring (to which 9anime was connected) was shut down with assistance from the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE). As of 2026, more sites face permanent shutdown as enforcement efforts intensify.
Is 9anime Safe?
Not really. Using 9anime or similar free streaming sites comes with significant security risks.
Malware and Viruses
Security researchers have documented that 9anime-related domains are abused to spread malware, phishing, and potentially unwanted programs through deceptive ads and fake download buttons. Malwarebytes has flagged 9anime domains for spreading scams, phishing, and malware.
Intrusive Advertising
Free streaming sites are funded by advertisements. While it might be nice to think the ads are donated to studios, that is simply not the case. The profits from these ads seep into the pockets of the site operators. Pop-up ads on sites like 9anime can sometimes be dangerous because they might contain malware or redirect you to harmful websites.
Unreliable Service
Because these sites operate outside the law, they are constantly at risk of being shut down. One month a site might work perfectly, and the next you could arrive at a completely dead site. You cannot fully rely on these sites for consistent streaming.
Fake Clone Sites
There are many fake 9anime sites that show up online. They are basically clones of the site and sometimes look identical, but they have different owners and even more problems. These clone sites carry the same, if not greater, security risks.
UK Data Protection Concerns
Some 9anime-related apps collect user data. Under the UK GDPR, users have a “right to erasure” and can request that their data be deleted. However, the opaque nature of these sites makes it difficult to know how your data is being handled.
The Best Legal Alternatives for UK Anime Fans
The safest and most reliable way to watch anime in the UK is through official, licensed platforms. Here are the best options available.
Crunchyroll: The Best Overall
Crunchyroll is the largest dedicated anime service in the UK. As the world’s largest dedicated anime streaming platform, it boasts a wide range of anime from popular series to niche options.
- Content: Nearly 50,000 episodes of anime
- Price: Fan tier (ad-free access, one device) at $9.99 per month
- Free tier: Available with ad-supported viewing
- UK availability: Now available as a channel inside the Apple TV app in the UK
Crunchyroll is the standout option. As the world’s largest dedicated anime streaming platform, it is your best bet for the most comprehensive anime experience.
Netflix: Best for Originals and General Viewing
Netflix has a dedicated anime category and continues to promote new anime releases. The general consensus is that Netflix has the best anime offering of the more generic streaming services.
Amazon Prime Video
Prime Video offers a deep film catalogue, including anime, as part of an Amazon Prime subscription.
HiDive: Best for Classics and Niche Titles
HiDive is a dedicated anime streaming service focusing on classics and niche Sentai titles.
Tubi: Best Free (Ad-Supported) Option
Tubi lists free anime movies and TV shows. It is a legal, ad-supported service available in the UK.
BBC iPlayer
BBC iPlayer offers free anime content with a TV Licence, providing a limited but high-quality selection.
Comparison Table: Legal Anime Streaming Services in the UK
| Service | Content Library | Pricing | Free Tier | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crunchyroll | 50,000+ episodes | From $9.99/month | Yes (ad-supported) | Best overall for anime fans |
| Netflix | Dedicated anime category | From £4.99/month | No | Mainstream anime and originals |
| Amazon Prime Video | Anime catalogue | Part of Prime (£8.99/month) | No | Anime as part of broader streaming |
| HiDive | Classics and niche titles | Subscription-based | No | Hardcore anime fans |
| Tubi | Free anime movies/shows | Free | Yes | Budget-conscious viewers |
| BBC iPlayer | Limited anime | Free (with TV Licence) | Yes | Casual viewers |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to 9anime?
The original 9anime rebranded to AniWave in August 2023 due to legal pressure. AniWave shut down in August 2024. In 2026, dozens of clone sites using the 9anime name also went dark as part of a global anti-piracy crackdown.
Is 9anime legal in the UK?
No. 9anime and its clone sites operate without proper licensing from copyright holders. Using them is a breach of UK copyright law.
Is 9anime safe to use?
Not really. The site is associated with malware, phishing, and intrusive ads. Clone sites carry even greater risks.
Can I still access 9anime?
Some clone sites may still appear, but they are unreliable, unsafe, and at constant risk of being shut down. The original 9anime is no longer operational.
What is the best legal alternative to 9anime in the UK?
Crunchyroll is the best overall option for UK anime fans, offering nearly 50,000 episodes with both free and paid tiers. Netflix and HiDive are also excellent alternatives.
Is there a free, legal way to watch anime in the UK?
Yes. Crunchyroll offers a free ad-supported tier, and Tubi also provides free legal anime content. BBC iPlayer offers a limited selection with a TV Licence.
Will I get in trouble for using 9anime?
While individual viewers are rarely prosecuted, your ISP may send warning notices or throttle your connection. The operators of these sites face severe legal consequences, as demonstrated by the AniWave shutdown.
Why does 9anime have so many ads?
Free streaming sites like 9anime are funded by advertising. The profits go to the site operators, not to the creators. The ads can also be a source of malware.
Conclusion
9anime was once a go-to destination for free anime streaming, but its story has taken a dramatic turn. The original site rebranded to AniWave, then shut down in 2024. Clone sites using the 9anime name appeared but were taken down in 2026 as part of a global crackdown on digital piracy.
Using 9anime or its clones is not just illegal, it is also unsafe. These sites are associated with malware, phishing, and intrusive ads, and they are unreliable due to constant legal pressure.
For UK anime fans, the safest and most reliable option is to use official, licensed platforms. Crunchyroll is the best overall choice, offering nearly 50,000 episodes with both free and paid tiers. Netflix, HiDive, and Tubi also offer excellent legal alternatives.
By choosing legal platforms, you support the creators who produce the anime you love, enjoy high-quality streams without security risks, and avoid the frustration of broken links and sudden shutdowns. The extra cost is worth it for the peace of mind and the knowledge that you are supporting the industry.
Read More: VyvyManga UK: Guide to Risks & Legal Alternatives
