Watching Anime in French: Options, Popularity, and Preferences

For fans of anime seeking to enjoy their favorite series in French with French subtitles, there are several streaming platforms and options available. This guide provides an overview of the options, highlights the popularity of anime and manga in France, and shares personal insights from a local perspective.

Streaming Services for Anime in French

There are multiple platforms where you can watch anime in French with French subtitles. Here are some popular options:

Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll is a well-known streaming service that offers a wide selection of anime with French audio and subtitles. You can filter the language settings to find shows that meet your preferences. It's a reliable choice for a diverse range of titles.

Netflix

Depending on your region, Netflix offers a variety of anime with French dubbing and subtitles. Be sure to check the audio and subtitle options for each title, as availability can vary.

Wakanim

Dedicated to anime, Wakanim provides many series with French audio and subtitles. It often features simulcasts of new episodes shortly after they air in Japan. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to watch the latest titles.

Anime Digital Network (ADN)

Another dedicated anime streaming service, this platform offers a range of titles with French subtitles and dubbing. It’s a go-to option for fans who prefer watching their favorite series in French.

YouTube

YouTube is a versatile platform where some channels may legally upload anime episodes with French audio or subtitles. Look for official channels or those that have licensing agreements to ensure a legally valid experience.

Amazon Prime Video

This service also has a selection of anime available in French. Check the individual titles for audio and subtitle options to find the best match for your preferences.

Popularanime and Manga in France: A Long History of Engagement

Contrary to the misconception that anime and manga are less popular in France than in other Western countries, the reality paints a different picture. France has been a significant market for anime and manga for over two decades, ranking second worldwide after Japan itself. This popularity can be traced back to the early 1990s, when French anime enthusiasts were already watching series like Dragon Ball years before their American counterparts.

French television channels featured a wide range of anime, particularly on Wednesdays and weekends. Many of my generation, aged 35-45, grew up with JRPGs, anime, and manga as an integral part of their lives. My personal experience includes watching Dragon Ball, Orange Road, Kimengumi, and High School DxD on French TV as a child. Even series like City Hunter were available for kids, though some were censored for certain content.

The late 1990s saw a surge in the popularity of anime, with many French citizens traveling to manga shops in Paris to read and purchase the latest releases. Titles like Slayers, El Hazard, and Evangelion were immensely popular, even if their stories were not universally understood due to the lack of internet and online resources.

Thankfully, not all anime series have been dubbed into French, as many viewers prefer the original versions with subtitles. Dubbed versions are often seen as inferior and can be cringeworthy for a variety of reasons.

Current Trends in Anime Viewing

While some anime series still appear on TV, the trend has shifted to online streaming and torrent websites. This change in viewing habits is partly due to the cost of airing American cartoons, which are cheaper and thus more frequently broadcast. Channels that do air anime rarely attract large audiences, as younger generations have largely moved online to watch their favorite series via streaming services or torrent sites.

For those who prefer legal methods, websites like YGGTorrent and streaming platforms like J-One Manga, Game One, or TFX on Saturday mornings offer a variety of anime series that can be watched in French. However, the ease of accessing anime through illegal means such as torrent websites highlights the ongoing debate around legal access and distribution in France.

Summary

France has long been a significant market for anime and manga, with a rich history of engagement that predates many other Western countries. While some anime titles are now available in French with subtitles, the desire for the original version remains strong. Whether you prefer to watch online, through streaming services, or on traditional TV, the options are varied, making it easy to enjoy your favorite anime series in your native language.