This blog covers the best anime to watch on HBO Max while keeping you attached to the most captivating storylines. Though Max’s anime library offers fewer options than others, the misconception that it doesn’t have a great anime library is just a myth. In this blog, we will debunk this myth with the best anime on HBO Max, both films and shows.
HBO Max is a streaming platform that is only available in the United States of America. It offers some great anime movies and series for fans in the USA. However, fans of these famous anime are located all over the world. In order to access HBO Max outside the United States, you need a premium VPN. A smooth and seamless VPN option is Surfshark.
Access geo-restricted content on websites and applications initially blocked/restricted in your region. With over 3,200 dynamic, lightning-fast servers in over 100 locations worldwide, unblock your favorite websites quickly. It masks your IP address, generating a new one that virtually takes you to the country of the platform’s origin.
Anime is famous for attracting people to its unique animation complemented by captivating stories. Nevertheless, gripping storylines keep the audiences talking about the anime for a particular time. Access HBO Max in your region to watch the anime it offers.
Best Anime to watch on HBO Max
Access HBO Max to watch the best anime to watch on the platform. Here is a combined list of seasons and movies. Explore the world of anime like a true fan.
1. Fullmetal Alchemist
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Director: Seiji Mizushima
Genre: Adventure
Adapted From: Fullmetal Alchemist
Release Year: 2003
No. Of Seasons: 1
Two alchemist brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, face devastating consequences due to their actions. Trying to revive their deceased mother through forbidden alchemy, Edward loses an arm and leg, while Alphonse loses his entire body. Edward sacrifices his remaining arm to bind Alphonse’s soul to a suit of armor.
Now, Edward, the Fullmetal Alchemist, and Alphonse take on an adventure to restore their bodies. However, their journey is full of surprises, taking them through a nation of political corruption and dark, hidden truths. They encounter supporters and enemies while solving the mysteries of alchemy and facing the consequences of their wrongdoings.
2. My Neighbor Totoro
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
Release Year: 1988
Run-time: 86 minutes
Satsuki and Mei, two sisters, move to the countryside with their father. They explore their new home and encounter friendly forest spirits, including the giant and cuddly Totoro. Their days are filled with wonder as they discover the magic hidden in nature, form a heartwarming friendship with Totoro, and learn valuable life lessons.
This classic anime feel-good film celebrates childhood imagination, the beauty of nature, and the enduring power of family bonds.
3. Princess Mononoke
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Genre: Adventure
Release Year: 1997
Run-time: 134 minutes
In a war-torn land, Prince Ashitaka, cursed by a rampaging boar god, seeks a cure in the western forests. There, he faces a fierce young woman, San, raised by wolves and protector of the forest spirits. Ashitaka navigates a path of understanding in a bitter conflict between humans and the ancient gods who protect it. He seeks a peaceful resolution, his fate entangled with the forest’s survival.
Before accessing HBO Max, you need to remember that a secure connection with a premium VPN is a must. Connect to a US-based server before launching Max on your device.
4. Death Note
IMDb Rating: 8.9/10
Director: Tetsurô Araki
Genre: Thriller
Release Year: 2006
No. Of Seasons: 1
Light Yagami, a brilliant high school student, stumbles upon a mysterious notebook – the Death Note. It grants the power to kill anyone with their names on its pages. Consumed by a warped sense of justice, Light creates a crime-free world by eliminating criminals using the notebook as he carries out his vigilante killings under the alias “Kira,” a legendary detective known as L emerges to track him down.
A thrilling game of cat and mouse follows, where both Light and L battle wits and manipulation, each determined to prove their ideals of justice.
5. Spirited Away
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
Release Year: 2001
Run-time: 125 minutes
Chihiro, a stubborn young girl, stumbles upon a hidden spirit world while moving with her parents. Her parents transform into pigs, and Chihiro must work in a bathhouse for spirits to free herself and her parents. Facing challenges and making allies, Chihiro learns the value of courage, kindness, and selflessness in this fantastical adventure filled with wonder and magic.
6. Castle in the Sky
IMDb Rating: 8/10
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Genre: Adventure/Fantasy
Release Year: 1986
Run-time: 124 minutes
Sheeta, a mysterious girl with a glowing crystal necklace, escapes capture by air pirates. Falling from the sky, Pazu, an orphan mechanic, rescues her. Together, they discover a hidden clue leading to Laputa, a legendary floating castle in the clouds. Pursued by pirates and government agents, they embark on a thrilling adventure, unraveling the secrets of Laputa and its connection to Sheeta’s past.
7. Jujutsu Kaisen
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Director: Sunghoo Park & Shōta Goshozono
Genre: Action
Release Year: 2020
No. Of Seasons: 2
In Jujutsu Kaisen, high schooler Yuji Itadori swallows a cursed object, becoming the host of a powerful evil being. To avoid execution, he joins a secret organization of Jujutsu Sorcerers who fight evil spirits using cursed energy. Facing deadly curses and cracking the mysteries of his power, Yuji trains alongside his classmates to grind his abilities and protect humanity from the darkness.
8. Weathering with You
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Director: Makoto Shinkai
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Release Year: 2019
Run-time: 114 minutes
In a Tokyo soaked by endless rain, 16-year-old runaway Hodaka befriends Hina, a girl with a mysterious power: she can control the weather. Together, they start a business, offering sunshine to those in need that threatens their newfound joy. As Hina’s power grows, so does the rain, and she faces a choice that could alter the fate of Tokyo and her existence. Will Hodaka find a way to save her and the city they love from a flood of emotions and sacrifice?
9. Kill la Kill
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Director: Hiroyuki Imaishi
Genre: Action
Release Year: 2013
No. Of Seasons: 1
Schoolgirl Ryuko transfers to a militaristic academy ruled by the elite student council. Ryuko rebels against the oppressive system in a mysterious talking uniform, wielding a gigantic scissor blade. Her quest for revenge against the council president, fueled by a personal tragedy, leads to explosive battles and shocking revelations.
10. The Tale Of Princess Kaguya
IMDb Rating: 8/10
Director: Isao Takahata
Genre: Drama, Fantasy
Release Year: 2013
Run-time: 137 minutes
An old bamboo cutter discovers a tiny princess inside a glowing stalk in an enchanting bamboo forest. He raises her as his own, naming her Kaguya. As Kaguya grows, she blossoms into a breathtaking beauty, captivating everyone around her.
But whispers of her mystical origins begin to spread. Kaguya holds a mysterious secret and a connection to a celestial world beyond their wildest dreams.
Will she remain on Earth or return to her true home? Unravel the captivating story of Princess Kaguya, a tale of love, sacrifice, and the enduring power of the moon’s light.
11. Berserk
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
Director: Shin Itagaki
Genre: Dark Fantasy
Release Year: 2016
No. Of Seasons: 2
Guts, a lone swordsman branded with a mark attracting evil spirits, fights relentlessly. Haunted by his past and fueled by vengeance, he seeks Griffith, his former comrade who betrayed him. Aided by the mysterious Puck and the determined Isidro, Guts faces monstrous creatures and battles inner demons. This dark fantasy saga explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the struggle against overwhelming odds.
12. Bungo Stray Dogs
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Director: Takuya Igarashi
Genre: Mystery
Release Year: 2016
No. Of Seasons: 5
In Yokohama, gifted individuals with extraordinary abilities solve mysteries and combat threats. Orphaned Atsushi, gifted with a mysterious power, joins the Armed Detective Agency, a group of licensed individuals dedicated to protecting the city.
Alongside detective Osamu Dazai, known for his unorthodox methods, Atsushi faces rival agencies and corrupt forces and uncovers the secrets of his power. Bungo Stray Dogs explores loyalty, redemption, and the power of human connection.
13. Erased
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Director: Yûichirô Hirakawa
Genre: Thriller
Release Year: 2016
No. Of Seasons: 1
A struggling manga artist, Satoru can rewind time after witnessing a life-threatening event. However, after the murder of his mother, his life takes a devastating turn. He’s framed for the crime and sent back in time, 18 years, to his elementary school days.
Determined to prevent his mother’s death and uncover the truth, Satoru navigates the complexities of childhood friendships and confronts a hidden darkness threatening his loved ones.
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14. Hunter x Hunter
IMDb Rating: 9/10
Director: Hiroshi Kōjina
Genre: Adventure
Release Year: 2011
No. Of Seasons: 6
In Hunter x Hunter, young Gon Freecss dreams of finding his father, a legendary Hunter – individuals who explore the unknown and specializes in unique skills. Gon leaves his island home and takes the rigorous Hunter Exam, meeting other hopefuls like Kurapika, Leorio, and Killua.
Together, they embark on thrilling adventures, facing challenges and forming deep friendships. They encounter Nen, a mysterious power system, and confront formidable foes while solving the secrets of the Hunter world and Gon’s father’s whereabouts.
It is undoubtedly one of the best anime to watch on HBO Max. Stream it online now.
15. Inuyasha
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Director: Yasunao Aoki
Genre: Action
Release Year: 2009
No. Of Seasons: 8
Inuyasha, a half-demon, awakens after centuries sealed by a priestess. He joins forces with Kagome, a modern-day schoolgirl who can travel through time to retrieve fragments of a powerful jewel. Alongside a group of friends, they face demons, dangers, and their own evolving feelings as they journey to reunite the jewel and prevent its misuse.
16. Ponyo
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Genre: Fantasy-Adventure
Release Year: 2008
Run-time: 103 minutes
Ponyo, a goldfish princess, longs to become human and explore the world above the sea. Escaping her underwater kingdom, she encounters Sosuke, a kindhearted boy who befriends her. Their bond strengthens as Ponyo experiences the wonders and challenges of the human world.
Her transformation has unforeseen consequences, disrupting the balance of nature. Ponyo and Sosuke must work together to find a solution, facing choices that will determine their future and the fate of both worlds.
17. Rurouni Kenshin
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Director: Kazuhiro Furuhashi
Genre: Adventure
Release Year: 1996
No. Of Seasons: 3
In the peaceful Meiji era, Japan sought to heal after a long, bloody war. A mysterious swordsman named Kenshin Himura, bearing a scarred face and a reverse-blade sword, wanders the land. Haunted by his violent past as a deadly assassin, Kenshin vows never to take another life. Offering protection to those in need, he faces enemies who threaten the fragile peace and force him to confront his troubled past.
18. Days
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Director: Kōnosuke Uda
Genre: Drama
Release Year: 2016
No. Of Seasons: 1
Tsukushi Tsukamoto is a shy and unathletic high schooler. Attracted to his neighbor’s passion for soccer, he joined the renowned Seiseki High team despite needing to gain experience.
Alongside the talented and lazy genius Jin Kazama, they take on a harsh journey to push their limits and prove themselves. Facing intense competition, self-doubt, and harsh training, Tsukushi’s unwavering determination and newfound passion for the sport fuel his growth as he strives to become a valuable team member.
19. When Marnie Was There
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Release Year: 2014
Run-time: 103 minutes
Young Anna, a shy and lonely girl, is sent to stay with relatives by the sea. There, she encounters the mysterious Marnie, a free-spirited girl who seems to exist only for Anna. As they form a deep bond, Anna begins to uncover the secrets of Marnie’s past, leading to a heartwarming and emotional journey of self-discovery, friendship, and acceptance.
20. Your Lie in April
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Director: Kazuya Iwata
Genre: Musical
Release Year: 2014
No. Of Seasons: 1
Kousei Arima, a young piano prodigy, loses his passion for music after a traumatic experience. Withdrawn and silent, he lives a mute life until he meets Kaori Miyazono. He is a free-spirited violinist who once again ignites his passion for music.
Through their contrasting styles and clashing personalities, they set sail on a journey of rediscovering music, friendship, and societal expectations. The anime leaves viewers contemplating the melody’s true meaning and the human connection’s beauty.
Best Anime to watch on HBO Max: How To Watch Outside The United States
The library of the Best Anime to watch on HBO Max consists of some of the most famous names. Unfortunately, HBO Max is only available in the United States. How can you access HBO Max in India or anywhere else apart from the United States of America?
The fans, however, are present in every corner of the world for their favorite anime on Max. To access it in your region and watch the best anime on HBO Max, you need a premium VPN. Follow these steps:
- Choose a reliably smart premium VPN option, such as Surfshark.
- Visit the website and subscribe to your preferred plan.
- Complete the payment. You will soon get a confirmation email.
- Now, download and install the Surfshark app on your device.
- Log in to the account with your credentials.
- Open the app and turn the VPN on.
- Connect to a US-based server to access HBO Max in your region.
- Now open the HBO Max app and create your account.
- Complete the billing and get ready to stream your favorite anime on Max.
Best VPNs for the Best Anime to watch on HBO Max
The best anime to watch on HBO Max will only be possible with the help of a premium VPN if you aren’t a United States resident. We have gathered a bunch of reliable premium VPN options for users that take privacy very seriously.
Surfshark
The closest VPN to a free VPN with top-notch premium VPN features, Surfshark is the most economical VPN right now. Safeguard your online presence and protect your and your family’s privacy with just one account. If you own a small business, Surfshark is the best option to connect up to 20+ devices with budget-friendly packages.
Surfshark works on a strict no-logs policy, keeping your data secret from you or anyone trying to pry you. It has a vast and reliable network of 3200+ servers in 100 locations worldwide. Plans start at only $2.49/month. Visit the website and choose the most suitable plan for you, your family, or your business.
NordVPN
Online privacy in today’s world is not a thing to compromise, and Nord doesn’t compromise when it comes to quality. Protect your data from any sort of leaks or hacking with NordVPN. The premium VPN promotes the latest protocols and features that make up for a dynamic, top-notch premium VPN.
NordVPN works on all devices, including Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iPhone, Xbox, FireStick, SmartTV, Oculus Quest, and even your router. Access your favorite content anywhere in the world with its reliable and dependant 6000+ servers in 60+ countries. Say goodbye to buffering and game lagging with NordVPN.
Check out the website for the exclusive prices right now.
ExpressVPN
The largest network of over 3000+ servers in 105 countries worldwide belongs to the best all-rounder VPN, ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN has no compromise against safeguarding your privacy. It supports a strict no-logs policy, protects all your devices(home and work), and connects to the most stable server available without dropping speeds.
It provides premium features like advanced password manager, gaming VPN and an AirCove Router, ExpressVPN’s very own router that protects 6 devices. The latest technology is implemented by ExpressVPN to provide safety to its users. Privacy has a price at ExpressVPN and that price guarantees you a 24/7 security.
Until Next Time
Exploring the best anime to watch on HBO Max is like exploring big fish in a pond; the famous and popular ones are right before you. This blog enlists the twenty best anime available on Max right now, which includes movies and shows. Jump into your favorite anime and stream hassle-free.
Remember one thing: HBO Max is only available in the United States. However, you can access the platform to watch anime and much more by using a premium VPN. A VPN like Surfshark helps you bypass geo-restrictions, creating a virtual IP address for you in the United States. Don’t forget to turn the location of your server to a US-based location to access the exclusive HBO Max library.
