HBO Max anime fans are drawn in by Studio Ghibli classics, but many are disappointed by the overall anime experience on the platform. The anime catalog remains limited and difficult to navigate, especially when compared to HBO’s broader animated offerings.

Users on Reddit frequently report that HBO Max’s anime section is poorly organized, hard to find, and lacks curated suggestions. Unless you search for a specific title, discovering anime on HBO Max can feel like finding a needle in a haystack.

Part 1: Does HBO Max Have Anime?

Yes, HBO Max does offer anime, but the experience is far from seamless. The platform lacks a dedicated anime category, making it difficult for users to discover titles unless they already know what they’re looking for. 

Instead of casually browsing, viewers often resort to third-party tools like Letterboxd to explore anime options. The current structure doesn’t support discovery, and navigating through anime content on HBO Max can be frustrating. 

Some viewers have noticed that many anime titles previously available on Max have been removed or migrated to other services. This shift coincided with WarnerMedia’s sale of Crunchyroll, leading to speculation that Max’s focus on anime has diminished. 

Although HBO Max has worked with brands like Adult Swim and Toonami, many of those shows are now also available on anime-focused platforms like Crunchyroll. As a result, Max’s anime library feels increasingly fragmented and harder to access.

Tip: Can’t find your favorite anime? Try searching by title or browse under “Animation” and “Adult Swim” to uncover hidden gems.

Part 2: Best Anime & Animated Series on HBO Max to Watch in 2025

In this section, we’ll be going over the best anime and animated series on HBO Max that you should consider watching in 2025. We’ve divided the list into three categories: trending now, critically acclaimed, and region-restricted titles that are only available on HBO Max.

A. Trending Now on HBO Max (Based on Rotten Tomatoes + Viewer Interest)

Based on recent data from Rotten Tomatoes, here are the anime series that are popular on Max:

1. Uzumaki (Best Horror Anime on HBO Max 2025)

Type: TV Mini-Series (Limited Series)

Runtime: ~23 min per episode | Rating: TV-MA

Genre: Horror, Supernatural

Studio: Production I.G / Adult Swim

IMDb Rating: 7.3/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 80% Tomatometer / 66% Audience Score

Watch it on RT: Uzumaki on Rotten Tomatoes

Why It’s Worth Watching:

If you're into slow-burn psychological horror, *Uzumaki* delivers a rare mix of dread and artistry. Adapted from Junji Ito’s acclaimed manga, this limited series captivates with haunting visuals and a deeply unsettling atmosphere. A standout title in the HBO Max anime collection.

Watch it if you like: Junji Ito’s manga, A24 horror, or unconventional anime art styles.

2. Ninja Kamui — A Stylish Sci-Fi Revenge Thriller on HBO Max

Type: TV series

Runtime: ~23 minutes per episode | Rating: TV-MA

Genre: Action/Sci-fi

Studio: E&H Production

IMDb Rating: 7.1/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 57% Audience Score

RT Link: Ninja Kamui on Rotten Tomatoes

Why It’s Worth Watching:

Among the more recent additions to the HBO Max anime lineup, Ninja Kamui delivers high-octane action with a dark, emotional core. The story follows Joe Logan, a former ninja who turns against his own clan after a brutal betrayal. With slick animation and intense fight scenes, it’s perfect for fans of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners or Afro Samurai. 

Watch if you like: revenge plots, cyber-ninjas, or morally conflicted heroes.

3. Rick and Morty: The Anime– A Bold (but Divisive) Spin-Off

Type: TV series (limited+short)

Runtime: 17-26 mins per episode | Rating: TV-14

Genre: Adventure/Sci fi

Studio: Sola Entertainment/Adult Swim

IMDb Rating: 3/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 50% Tomatometer, 17% Audience Score >

RT Link: Rick and Morty: The Anime on Rotten Tomatoes

Why It’s Worth Watching:

For better or worse, Rick and Morty: The Anime is one of the most talked-about animated series on HBO Max this year. Reimagining the iconic duo in a distinctly Japanese anime style, the series explores new cosmic adventures with the same chaotic energy—though reception has been mixed. It’s a curious experiment worth sampling for hardcore fans. 

Watch if you’re a fan of the original and open to creative reinterpretations.

4. Housing Complex C– Short, Strange, and Supernatural

Type: Mini TV series

Runtime: 26 minutes | Rating: TV-14

Genre: Supernatural horror

Studio: Akatsuki

IMDb Rating: 5.9/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 70% Audience Score

RT Link: Housing Complex C on Rotten Tomatoes

Why It’s Worth Watching:

Clocking in at just a few episodes, Housing Complex C is a compact horror mystery that makes the most of its limited runtime. The series centers on Kimi, a young girl living in an eerie housing complex plagued by ancient, unsettling forces. If you’re into short horror anime with Lovecraftian undertones, this one’s worth a weekend binge.

Watch if you enjoy slow-burn supernatural thrillers with psychological twists.

B. Critically Acclaimed Animated Series on Max

5. Lazarus – High-Stakes Sci-Fi Thriller From Studio MAPPA

Type: TV series

Runtime: 24 minutes  | Rating: R

Genre: Action/Sci-fi

Studio: Sola Entertainment/ MAPPA

IMDb Rating: 7/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 91% Tomatometer, 68% Audience Score >

RT Link: Lazarus on Rotten Tomatoes

Why It’s Worth Watching:

From the powerhouse studio MAPPA (Jujutsu Kaisen, Attack on Titan), Lazarus is a cerebral action anime set in a near-future world threatened by a miracle drug gone wrong. The pacing is intense, the visuals are slick, and the premise—a task force racing to undo a mass biochemical disaster—is both urgent and grounded in sci-fi realism. A must-watch for fans of dystopian thrillers.

Watch if you like: cyberpunk, conspiracy thrillers, or slick futuristic action.

6. Scavengers Reign– HBO Max’s Most Beautiful and Unsettling Sci-Fi

Type: TV series

Runtime: 23-27 minutes  | Rating: TV-MA

Genre: Drama, Horror

Studio: Titmouse, Inc./Green Street Pictures

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 100% Tomatometer, 96% Audience Score

RT Link: Scavengers Reign on Rotten Tomatoes

Why It’s Worth Watching:

Scavengers Reign isn’t just another sci-fi series—it’s a visual odyssey. With a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score and near-universal praise, it tells a haunting, slow-burn survival story on an alien planet, balancing horror with wonder. The hand-drawn aesthetic and haunting atmosphere make it one of the most original adult animations in recent years.

Watch if you like: Annihilation, Nausicaä, or rich alien worldbuilding with psychological depth.

7. Suicide Squad Isekai– A DC Anime Crossover That Actually Works

Type: TV series

Runtime: 23 minutes | Rating: TV-MA

Genre: Action/Adventure

Studio: Wit Studio

IMDb Rating: 6.3/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 100% Tomatometer, 68% Audience Score >

RT Link: Suicide Squad Isekai on Rotten Tomatoes

Why It’s Worth Watching:

Wit Studio (Attack on Titan S1–3, Vinland Saga) takes on DC’s most chaotic antiheroes in an isekai setting—and the result is surprisingly entertaining. While not perfect, the show delivers a fun mix of brutal action and offbeat humor as Harley Quinn, Deadshot, and others navigate a fantasy world where failure means death—literally.

Watch if you like: isekai genre twists, chaotic villains, or DC animation with a fresh coat of anime style.

8. Adventure Time: Fionna & Cake– A Heartfelt Multiverse Spin-Off

Type: TV series

Runtime: 30 minutes | Rating: TV-14

Genre: Action/Drama

Studio: Cartoon Network Studios/Frederator Studios

Rotten Tomatoes: 100% Tomatometer, 96% Audience Score

RT Link: Adventure Time: Fionna & Cake on Rotten Tomatoes

Why It’s Worth Watching:

This fan-favorite Adventure Time spin-off takes a more emotional and mature turn, following Fionna and Cake through a collapsing multiverse while exploring identity, purpose, and belonging. With top-tier writing and animation, it’s a love letter to longtime fans and a solid entry point for newcomers alike.

Watch if you like: emotional storytelling, multiverse themes, or grew up with Adventure Time.

C. Region-Restricted Anime on HBO Max

Region-restricted titles are only available in specific countries. As a result, users will have to check if these can be viewed on Max for their country.

9. Death Note – A Genre-Defining Thriller (Region-Limited on HBO Max)

Type: TV series

Runtime: 24 minutes | Rating: 12

Genre: Fantasy/Thriller

Studio: Madhouse

IMDb Rating: 8.9/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 100% Tomatometer, 96% Audience Score

RT Link: Death Note on Rotten Tomatoes

Why It’s Worth Watching:

Few anime have left as deep a mark as Death Note. This psychological cat-and-mouse game between Light Yagami and the detective L is packed with tension, philosophy, and moral dilemmas. It’s essential viewing for anyone new to anime—or looking to rewatch a classic in crisp HD.

Note: Only available in select countries on HBO Max. If you don’t see it, regional availability might be the reason.

10. Jujutsu Kaisen – High-Impact Action with a Supernatural Twist

Type: TV series

Runtime: 24 minutes | Rating: TV-14

Genre: Action/Thriller

Studio: MAPPA/Shueisha

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 89% Audience Score

RT Link: Jujutsu Kaisen on Rotten Tomatoes

Why It’s Worth Watching:

One of the most talked-about shonen anime of the decade, Jujutsu Kaisen combines expert fight choreography with dark emotional themes and stylish animation. Yuji Itadori’s journey into the world of curses is both gripping and surprisingly deep. If you can access it on HBO Max in your region, don’t miss it.

Streaming availability depends on your country. Use the search bar or check Max’s regional catalog.

11. Attack on Titan– Epic, Brutal, and Unforgettable

Type: TV series

Runtime: 24 minutes | Rating: TV-MA

Genre: Adventure/Drama >

Studio: Wit Studio

IMDb Rating: 9.1/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 96% Tomatometer, 95% Audience Score

RT Link: Attack on Titan on Rotten Tomatoes

Why It’s Worth Watching:

Widely hailed as one of the best anime ever made, Attack on Titan is a post-apocalyptic masterpiece with unforgettable characters, political intrigue, and jaw-dropping action. Whether you're new to anime or a seasoned viewer, this is one title that defines the genre. 

Heads up: Streaming rights vary by country. Check your Max region or consider alternative platforms if it’s unavailable.

Part 3: How to Watch & Download Region-Restricted Anime on HBO Max

Watching anime on HBO Max isn’t always straightforward. Geo-restrictions can block access to certain popular titles like Death Note or Attack on Titan, depending on where you're located. On top of that, HBO Max doesn’t offer a dedicated anime section, which makes discovery even more difficult for casual fans. 

If you're looking for a smoother experience—especially for offline viewing—there’s a practical solution. Eassiy One-stop Streaming Video Downloader—StreamFox for Video is a reliable tool that lets you download episodes directly from HBO Max in high quality. It's known for being up to 10x faster than many other downloaders, and it supports a wide range of formats for mobile and desktop playback. 

Whether you’re traveling, offline, or just want to keep your favorite anime permanently, StreamFox makes it easy to build your own collection—even for region-limited content.

Tip: For best results, make sure you're logged into your HBO Max account and have access to the anime in your region before downloading.

Here are some of its key features that set it apart from the rest:

Now, here is a step-by-step guide to using HBO Max on StreamFox:

Step 1: Install StreamFox on your computer from the official site and open it. Then, sign up for an account.

Step 2: Now, choose HBO Max from the list, and the website will open in StreamFox’s integrated browser.

Step 3: Search for the movie or TV show you want by typing the name in the search box or pasting the URL.

Step 4: Once you’ve found the title you want to save, drag it to the “+” icon on the right-hand side of the screen. Repeat this step for any other titles you want to download.

Step 5: Next, select the language, resolution, format, and bitrate in the following download screen and click “Confirm” once you've picked all the videos you want to save.

Step 6: Now, click on “Convert All” and wait for the download to complete. After it is finished, you can view the files on your device at any time and transfer them to your phone as well.

FAQs

Is HBO Max good for anime fans in 2025?

Unfortunately, HBO Max isn't the best platform for anime fans in 2025. Not only does it lack some of the major titles that fans want to see, but it also doesn't have a dedicated category to sort anime.

Can I watch Japanese audio on HBO Max anime?

This depends on the specific title that you want to watch. However, most anime available on HBO Max allows you to watch with Japanese audio.

Is Crunchyroll or Hulu better for anime?

Crunchyroll is the better option if you're exclusively planning to watch anime and want a vast library to choose from. However, for all-around viewing, Hulu might be a better option.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you now have a clear idea of the kind of anime you can watch on HBO Max. While it might be difficult to browse, you can pick them out by searching for the specific titles. For better viewing, StreamFox Video Downloader can ensure that you don't have to run into buffering by providing a fast, convenient, and reliable downloading experience.