The landscape of anime streaming has grown prodigiously over the last 20 years. Where anime was once only available outside of Japan through swapped Betamax and bootlegged VHS tapes at niche conventions and backrooms, it has now skyrocketed into home video and streaming on demand. For the right money (or even in some cases FREE), you can get it dang near anywhere and stream it on dang near anything. While quite a few anime fans might be able to navigate the anime digital divide with aplomb, for some fans, especially those new to the genre, it can be confusing to figure out how best to consume the media. Some services offer a vast catalog of selections, while some are geared to specific niches, and even more offer anime merely as an afterthought, throwing some random shows on their service to check a box.

While you could opt to make like Ash and catch ’em all, and if you’re able to do so, more power to ya, if, instead, you are more fiscally cautious, allow me, your Cajun Samurai Uncle Josh, to give you a detailed (read: Long Winded) profile of some of the more major services in the series I’m calling “Samurai’s Streaming Survey”. We’ll be looking at some of the significant and minor streaming services that provide anime, giving you a breakdown of their history and going in-depth to see what makes them tick, how much they cost, and if it’s worth investing in.

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For our seventh post in this series…yes, we’ve done this SEVEN times now…we’re going to take a look at a company that needs no introduction. A Company that has been synonymous with animation for almost a century now. But now, in this new age, with new acquisitions under their belt, can this company appeal to those who seek animation of a more Asian variety? Let’s take a look at Disney+/Hulu.

(Editor’s Note: Disney+ now owns 100% of Hulu as of July 24, 2025, with a planned phaseout of the Hulu app (and probably the Hulu name) in early 2026. Both sites are still separate, though they have links to each other’s services. For simplicity’s sake, I’ll be referring to these two companies as “Disney+/Hulu” unless there’s something specific about the individual sites. Got it? Good. Let’s get on with it—this survey is already late.)

Service Overview: 

If Crunchyroll is the Walmart of anime streaming services, HIDIVE is the Fresh Market, RetroCrush is the Goodwill, OceanVeil is the Spencer’s Gifts, Netflix is the Houston Galleria, and Amazon Prime Video is the Trader’s Village, then Disney+/Hulu has to be  Macy’s Department Store of the anime streaming world. You know Macy’s, right? It’s one of the last true Department Stores out there; a member of the old guard that, by hook or by crook, still stands strong and still makes money, and only recently dragged itself into the modern day. Disney is much the same way as it’s relatively new to the streaming world, staying offline for the most part until just before the 2020’s when Big Mouse decided to enter the streaming ring with its own acquisitions. Eventually, around  2021, Disney+ decided to head East for some new material, acquiring a few action shows like Summer Time Rendering and BlackRock Shooter Downfall. Not EXACTLY groundbreaking titles. Only when Big Mouse merged with Hulu did its catalog explode with more popular titles, including a few simulcasts and even some simuldubs. It should also be noted that some of these acquisitions are much darker and, in some cases, more violent than anything Big Mouse has ever put out on any service bearing its name.

However, Big Mouse seems to have a few controversies in its closet regarding anime. Much like Amazon Prime Video, Disney+/Hulu typically does not market its shows like other providers do. There’s no real hype built up for their significant acquisitions like Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War or Tokyo Revengers. It’s just…there. In fact, the only way people really know that these shows are available is through the grapevine. In addition, Disney+/Hulu often hides certain shows in other countries. Such is the case with Heavenly Delusion (Tengoku Daimakyo). Upon its premiere, Disney+/Hulu region locked it to everywhere BUT the United States. Why? I don’t know; eventually, the show aired appropriately in the US, but it’s worth mentioning, and it shows that maybe Disney doesn’t really know how the anime world works. Also, if you’re a fan of physical media, I wouldn’t recommend getting your hopes up for any of Disney+/Hulu home video releases. Much like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, Big Mouse is shying away from physical media and sticking with digital. 

Site Layout:

Next to Netflix, I have to say, Disney+/Hulu has one of the best layouts of any site I’ve come across in this survey. Everything is well labeled, perfectly sized for screens of all dimensions, and easy to navigate. However, at the time this is posted, Big Mouse has yet to fully integrate Hulu into its stable, which means both sites remain separate with distinct offerings. However, there is an attempt to bridge the two on the Disney+ side—a bar at the top of the page lets you see Hulu exclusive titles, though it’s probably best to go directly to Hulu’s site to make sure you are seeing all their offerings. I also love that each show gets its own big splash screen section with screen captures from the episodes. Though, of all the moments they could’ve used for the thumbnail of Digimon: Digital Monsters’ first episode…they went with this VERY crazy picture of Izzy? Really? I’m gonna need you to do better, Hulu.  Also, why use the image of a very perturbed-looking TK for Episode 5 when that episode isn’t even ABOUT him! Lastly, I like that they give the English dub cast a shoutout in the “Starring” banner…but, at least in this case, I think they missed the mark. With all due and deserved respect to Michael Reisz, Steve Staley, and Steve Blum, not mentioning Joshua Seth, the guy who played our floppy socked, big-haired, goggle boy Tai for the better part of three decades is a pretty notable oversight.

Service Offerings: 

Like Amazon Prime Video, Disney+/Hulu looks to operate on the “Shared License” market as a good bit of its selections are available on other platforms. For example, The Dangers in My Heart is primarily a HIDIVE license, but scroll on their list, and there’s our little cringe lord dork and his tall snack-loving love interest—in both Sub and Dub flavors! And what’s more, you don’t have to have a separate subscription. You can click it and let it play. If you search for “anime” on Disney+, you might not find many options. However, if you go to the Hulu site, the selections improve significantly.

Even though Disney+’s catalog primarily consists of shared licenses, they have acquired a few titles like Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, Tokyo Revengers, Summertime Rendering, and one of my favorites, Heavenly Delusion (Tengoku Daimakyo). Only time will tell if, with the merger, they will get more seasonal shows and become yet another competitor in the anime streaming world.

Presentation: 

You may as well ask what CAN’T connect to the services. If it can get on the internet, it can get Disney+ or Hulu. I’m genuinely surprised that Big Mouse hasn’t developed its own streaming device. But I guess when you can get your own pre-programmed button on the remotes of Smart TV’s and streaming sticks, I guess you don’t need to. The player is really simplistic. Just a Play/Pause, Previous Episode, Next Episode, and a ten-second skip/fast-forward. They also offer on some titles the ability to change the language, though most of the library has separate Sub and Dub entries, so you can pick which you wanna go with. While I usually prefer that subs and dubs be put in the same entry for ease of use, I’m not going to complain too much about it, since at least they’re offering a choice. You can pick which one you wanna go with…because…once again…the existence of Dubbed Anime does not cause the subtitled iteration to disappear into the ether. You can enjoy anime as you wish in whatever language you want.

Subscription Prices and Features: 

Buckle Up, Kiddos. We’re going for a ride. Up to this point, the subscription offerings have been straightforward. Some companies only have ONE option, some have three. Disney+/Hulu has SEVERAL options and loads of bundles. 

Starting out, we have the basic package. The bottom of the bottom…the Disney+ and Hulu Bundle (which will probably just be Disney+ when Hulu goes away in early 2026). The basic package is $12.99 a month. You can get the Disney+ Hulu Bundle in “Premium” for $19.99, which gives you access to download videos for offline viewing and ad-free streaming. 

Up next, we have the Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Bundle (With Ads). This one is the same as the basic package, except it bundles HBO Max. There’s also a “Premium” version of this one with No Ads for $32.99. 

Following that, we have the Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited Bundle, which replaces HBO Max with ESPN Unlimited for $29.99. And of course, there’s a “Premium” option which gives you Ad-Free viewing on everything EXCEPT ESPN Unlimited for $38.99. 

“But Uncle Josh,” I hear you screaming from behind your keyboard, dazed. “I just want DISNEY! All I want is DISNEY! Can’t I get that plan!?” To which I reply, “Yup. You can. If you don’t wanna mess with bundles, you don’t have to.” Big Mouse got you covered. The base package for ONLY Disney+ is $11.99 per month. There’s also a Premium Ad-Free version for $18.99. And on the Hulu Side, there’s also a Hulu Only Plan available for the same price point. Pretty much, Big Mouse wants you to bundle your services, and considering that the cost of an ad-free Disney+/Hulu experience is only about two dollars more than a Disney+ Standalone plan, it makes sense. There’s also a Hulu + Live TV Option you can get if you want to exercise your inner OB/GYN and give cord-cutting a try.

Also, it should be noted that while Disney+ does not offer a Free Trial, Hulu currently provides free trials for its services, the length of which depends on the service you choose. Some might be longer than others and have Ads. NONE of the bundled plans offer a free trial, so no trying to be tricky. Keep in mind, though, this may change once Hulu is completely assimilated into Big Mouse.

One final note: all the prices listed above are subtotals. Taxes will apply and vary by region, and I think this is the first service we’ve covered that charges tax. It’s only about two bucks and change, but you should still be aware, so you’re not taken off guard.

Samurai Suggestion: 

So, with ALL THAT SAID…should you subscribe to Disney+/Hulu? Well, honestly, I think it’s worth it. If you were to ask me before the merger if you should subscribe, I would say ABSOLUTELY NOT; by itself, Disney+’s merger anime catalog is not worth it at all. But now that they’ve absorbed Hulu into their ranks, and their approximately 300 anime by extension, I think it would be worth your while. While you might not get as many simulcasts as Big Orange or Big Red, Big Mouse does have quite a few shared properties, so there’s always a chance you might see the hot new show on their service in addition to any non-anime-related items you might want to see. This is, after all, the home of some of the most popular animated movies of all time. 

With regards to which plan should you pick? Well, right off the jump, you should ignore any of the “Only” plans. You’re basically spending more of your money for less. Get one of the bundles. Outside of that, it all depends on how you feel about ads and if you are invested in ESPN. If your pockets are feeling a little light, I would recommend the base Disney+/Hulu bundle for $12.99. It gives you the most for your money, with a few ads here and there. There are also add-ons for premium channels you can add as needed, but honestly, if your focus is strictly anime, ignore them. Keep in mind, though, that the plans may change in the coming months once Big Mouse finishes assimilating Hulu into their ranks. As with all things in this day and age—watch this space.

Also, I would recommend checking with your cellular provider to see if they offer a discount on this or any other streaming service. Verizon currently has an add-on option that gives you Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ (With Ads) for $10. Yes, it will raise your cell phone bill a little, but you’re still saving about $10 per month in the long run.

When it launched, Disney+ was not a major player in the anime streaming space. Big Mouse was content with its own offerings. However, with Hulu’s acquisition, the rules have changed. With its suddenly expanded anime catalog, which includes popular long-running titles and the potential to secure first-run titles, Disney+ could very well expand its reach into the anime streaming sphere and, over time, play a significant role in the acquisition game. The big names had better not rest on their laurels–this is ONE mouse that has sharp teeth.

And with that, we can (Finally) call the Samurai Streaming Survey a wrap! While I know there are a few other services that offer anime, many of which are free, I wanted to focus on the more premium ones that people are more willing to pay for! I hope that this series helps newcomers and even some veterans to the world of anime make a reasonable decision about where to consume the object of our desires!