For years, 9anime was one of the most visited anime websites on the planet. Then it changed its name — and in 2024 it disappeared completely. If you are searching for 9anime today, here is the full story, what happened, and the best legal ways to watch anime in 2026.
Quick Facts
- Launched: 2016
- Renamed: AniWave (August 2023)
- Shut down: 27 August 2024
- Why: Anti-piracy action (ACE + Vietnamese police)
- Peak traffic: ~214 million visits/month (2023)
- Status 2026: Offline — clones only
Important: 9Anime (9anime.world) is an independent anime guide. We are not affiliated with the former 9anime / AniWave website, and we do not host or stream any videos.
What Was 9anime?
9anime launched in 2016 and quickly became one of the biggest anime streaming sites, offering sub and dub episodes, movies and new seasonal anime. By 2023 it was receiving an estimated 214 million visits per month and ranked among the most-visited sites in the world. The problem: it streamed anime without licenses from the studios.
9anime Became AniWave (2023)
In August 2023, 9anime suddenly rebranded to AniWave. The change came as anti-piracy groups increased pressure on the site. Right after the rename, many fake 9anime clone sites appeared, copying the old name to grab its traffic.
Why Did 9anime / AniWave Shut Down?
On 27 August 2024, AniWave went offline together with several connected sites. Two days later, the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) confirmed it had helped Vietnamese police shut down AniWave, FMovies and related piracy sites. The farewell message even told users to switch to legal services.
Is 9anime Still Working in 2026?
No. The original 9anime is gone. Any website using the 9anime name today is a copycat — not the original — and many are full of pop-ups, fake download buttons and malware. Read our guide: Is 9anime Safe?
Where to Watch Anime Now (Legally)
- Crunchyroll — the biggest anime library, with new episodes shortly after Japan (paid plans)
- Netflix — huge anime collection and exclusives like Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2
- Disney+ / Hulu — Bleach TYBW, Tokyo Revengers
- Free & legal: Tubi, Pluto TV, RetroCrush, and official YouTube channels like Muse Asia and Ani-One (region-locked)
Full list: 12 Best 9anime Alternatives (Free & Legal).
What You’ll Find on 9Anime
- 🔥 New anime releases & schedules
- 🎬 Anime movies and 💕 romance movies
- ▶ Newest official trailers
- 📺 Watch orders and ⏭ filler lists
FAQ
Is 9anime coming back?
There is no sign of the original returning. Sites claiming to be “the new 9anime” are clones.
What is the new 9anime called?
9anime renamed itself AniWave in 2023, and AniWave shut down in August 2024. There is no official successor.
Is 9anime.to working?
No. The original 9anime.to domain no longer works as the old site.
Was 9anime legal?
No — it streamed anime without licenses, which is why it was shut down.
