Streaming has made anime more accessible in the United States than ever before, but availability remains surprisingly fragile. Licensing deals expire. Dubs vanish. Entire series slip behind regional walls without warning. For fans who prefer specific versions, especially English dubs, some of the medium’s most beloved titles have become frustratingly difficult to find through legal platforms.
What makes it worse is that many of these shows are foundational to modern anime fandom. Romance classics, psychological thrillers, mecha masterpieces, and sports juggernauts have all, at various times, been partially or entirely inaccessible in America. Here are ten major anime hits that U.S. viewers have struggled to watch, particularly in their dubbed formats.
Toradora! (Dub)
Few romantic comedies are as universally adored as Toradora!. Its sharp character writing and emotionally devastating final stretch turned it into a rite of passage for anime fans. Yet the English dub, once easily available, has periodically disappeared from major streaming services in the U.S., leaving dub-only viewers scrambling.
Licensing reshuffles have pushed the show in and out of availability depending on the platform. While the sub often resurfaces, the dub’s absence hits especially hard for fans who discovered the series through English performances. For a genre-defining romance, that kind of inconsistency feels shocking.
Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket (Dub)
This compact OVA entry in the legendary Gundam franchise delivers one of anime’s most heartbreaking war stories. Focused on a child’s perspective of conflict, War in the Pocket strips away flashy heroics in favor of raw tragedy.
Despite its importance to the Gundam legacy, the English dub has been especially elusive in the U.S. Physical editions go out of print, and streaming rights fluctuate. For newcomers wanting to explore the franchise beyond its flagship timelines, this critically respected chapter is surprisingly difficult to access.
Lovely Complex (Dub)
A romantic comedy built around height differences and teenage insecurity, Lovely Complex has a lot of fast-paced banter and Osaka-accent humor. It’s a fan-favorite shojo adaptation that deserves wider recognition.
Unfortunately, the English dub has been nearly impossible to find through mainstream U.S. platforms. While subtitled versions occasionally appear, dub viewers are left out. For a show that depends heavily on comedic timing and verbal chemistry, losing the dub significantly limits its reach.
Darker than Black
Blending espionage, superpowers, and moody urban sci-fi, Darker than Black once enjoyed a strong cult following in America. Its brooding tone and episodic mysteries made it stand out in the late-2000s anime boom.
Yet the series has frequently slipped off streaming services altogether. Whether dubbed or subbed, legal access has been inconsistent. As newer fans search for darker, morally complex action series, one of the genre’s most stylish entries often isn’t there to be discovered.
Serial Experiments Lain
Long before social media dominated everyday life, Serial Experiments Lain explored digital identity, isolation, and the blurring line between reality and the wired world. Its themes feel even more relevant today than when it debuted.
However, its availability in the U.S. has historically been patchy. Though physical releases exist, consistent streaming access hasn’t always followed. For a landmark cyber-psychological series often cited in academic discussions, its limited accessibility feels especially ironic.
The Heroic Legend of Arslan (Dub)
Adapted from a sweeping fantasy novel series, The Heroic Legend of Arslan combines large-scale warfare, political intrigue, and character-driven drama. It earned praise for its strategic battles and moral nuance.
Yet the English dub has been difficult to locate across major U.S. streaming platforms. As fantasy anime gained popularity, one of its more grounded and tactical entries faded from easy reach. Fans looking for epic storytelling outside mainstream shōnen hits often hit a frustrating wall.
Steins;Gate (Dub)
A time-travel thriller wrapped in otaku humor, Steins;Gate became one of the highest-rated anime of all time. Its English dub, widely praised for its emotional performances, helped it break into the U.S. mainstream.
Still, licensing shifts have made the dub inconsistent to stream legally. While the subbed version appears more reliably, dub fans sometimes find themselves locked out. For a series built on intricate dialogue and character chemistry, losing the dub changes the viewing experience dramatically.
Haikyu!! (Dub)
Few sports anime have captured global audiences like Haikyu!!. Its high-energy volleyball matches and deeply human character arcs made it a breakout success in America.
Yet the English dub, especially across later seasons, has not always been fully available on a single U.S. platform. Rights fragmentation leaves viewers bouncing between services or waiting indefinitely. For a show about teamwork and momentum, that kind of disruption feels especially ironic.
Overshadowed at times by its later reboot, the 2003 version of Fullmetal Alchemist offers a darker, more introspective take on the Elric brothers’ journey. Its anime-original conclusion still sparks debate among longtime fans.
However, the 2003 adaptation has periodically vanished from U.S. streaming libraries, leaving only Brotherhood readily accessible. For viewers wanting to compare interpretations, or revisit the earlier tone, the lack of consistent access makes that exploration difficult.
Noragami
Blending urban fantasy with sharp humor and bursts of emotional intensity, Noragami built a passionate fanbase during its run. Its mix of Shinto-inspired mythology and modern settings gave it a distinct identity.
Despite that popularity, streaming availability has fluctuated in the U.S., particularly for certain seasons and dubbed options. For a series that once felt poised to become a long-running franchise staple, its on-again, off-again presence remains puzzling.