Anime has skyrocketed in popularity over the last decade, with millions of fans worldwide engaging in streaming, reviews, and blogging. Whether you’re a diehard otaku or just someone who enjoys a good shōnen series now and then, building a WordPress website dedicated to anime can be a fantastic way to connect with like-minded enthusiasts. The good news? You don’t have to break the bank to do it. There are plenty of free WordPress themes tailored for anime websites, whether your focus is streaming, reviewing, or blogging. Below, we explore twelve of the best free themes for anime sites that offer both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
1. Astra
Astra is one of the most versatile and lightweight themes on the market. While it’s not anime-specific, it comes highly customizable for building a niche-focused anime site. It supports multiple page builders like Elementor, so users can design layouts perfect for anime streaming catalogues or reviews.
- Fast loading times
- Mobile responsive
- WooCommerce support
2. OceanWP
OceanWP is a developer-friendly theme that also caters well to anime websites. If you’re planning to integrate streaming features or dynamic content, OceanWP provides extensive plugin support and page layouts tailored for a modern, clean interface perfect for anime viewing.
- Fully responsive and retina-ready
- eCommerce-ready
- Compatible with Elementor and other page builders
3. Neve
Neve is built to deliver speed and performance. This theme supports a wide array of content types, making it suitable for anime episode guides, character bios, and comprehensive reviews. With mobile responsiveness and AMP support, it’s perfect for reaching audiences on the go.
- Superfast load times
- SEO-optimized
- Header and footer customization
4. Ashe
For anime bloggers and casual reviewers, Ashe offers a minimalist design that puts your content front and center. It’s ideal for showcasing reviews, top 10 lists, or personal reflections on series like Naruto or Attack on Titan. Social sharing tools are built-in, increasing the chances of going viral among fan communities.
- Clean design with a personal touch
- Mobile-friendly
- Instagram and social media integrations
5. ColorMag
ColorMag is built for magazine-style content, which fits perfectly with an anime news or fan site. Whether you’re covering industry developments, promoting upcoming releases, or posting new episodes from legitimate free sources, ColorMag has the structure needed for a professional content layout.
- Widgetized homepage and footer
- Multiple color options
- Very popular in the blogging community
6. Tracks
Tracks is a bold and visually-stimulating theme with a touch of noir, perfect for anime reviews or dark fantasy content like Tokyo Ghoul or Death Note. Its minimalist, grid-based layout enhances the readability of long-form writing.
- Dark, unique post arrangement
- Custom logo support
- SEO-friendly code
7. Hestia
Hestia is modern and sleek, ideal for video content and live streaming pages. If your focus is hosting or aggregating streams (legally), this theme will help you display it all in a professional and engaging layout. It also adapts seamlessly across devices.
- Material Design philosophy
- One-page layout support
- Works well with WooCommerce plugins for anime merch
8. Zillah
Zillah is geared toward bloggers and solo content creators. With its elegant typography and smooth scrolling, it provides a polished experience perfect for episode breakdowns, fan theories, or manga to anime comparisons.
- Live Customizer support
- Content-focused layout
- Sticky header and author bio integrated
9. Writee
Anime bloggers will appreciate the clean and elegant design of Writee. This theme is particularly good for personal blogs centered around reviews, news, and fan art discussions. It supports multiple post formats, which is great for diversifying your content presentation.
- Responsive across desktop and mobile
- Translation-ready
- Social media widget included
10. Videoblog
If your anime website is more video-oriented, Videoblog provides a layout optimized for video thumbnails and player integration. It’s a solid free option for creating a categorized video gallery for reviews or streamed content.
- Grid-based video layout
- Post format flexibility
- Built-in sidebar and header sections
11. Popularis
Popularis is user-friendly and lightning fast, making it an excellent choice for an anime wiki or informational site. It integrates with many third-party plugins and is optimized for performance and user engagement.
- Minimalist, clean design
- Unlimited color choices
- Mobile-first design principles
12. Bento
Bento offers a rich feature set not often seen in a free theme. Suitable for all types of anime websites—from blogs to streaming resources—it comes with in-depth customization options and supports retina-ready graphics, making your site visually crisp and vibrant.
- Drag-and-drop content builder
- Retina and high-res image support
- Multilingual ready
Final Thoughts
Creating an anime-focused WordPress site doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. With these 12 free WordPress themes, creators can build websites tailored to various formats: whether for streaming episodes, writing in-depth reviews, or crafting personal anime blogs. Each of these themes offers tools and aesthetics that reflect the passionate and dynamic world of anime fandom. Best of all, they leave plenty of room for customization as your content grows.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a free WordPress theme for commercial purposes?
Yes, most free WordPress themes listed on the official WordPress repository are licensed under the GNU General Public License, allowing you to use them for commercial or personal sites. Always check the individual theme license to be sure.
2. Are free themes safe to use?
Free themes from the WordPress.org repository are reviewed by WordPress volunteers and are generally safe. Avoid downloading free themes from unreliable third-party websites to reduce the risk of malware.
3. Can I use free plugins with these themes to add streaming functionality?
Absolutely. You can use plugins like Embed Plus for YouTube or FV Player to embed video content. However, always ensure compliance with content copyright laws when streaming anime.
4. Are these themes compatible with Elementor or other page builders?
Most of the themes listed, like Astra, Neve, and OceanWP, are fully compatible with Elementor and other page builders like Beaver Builder and Brizy, giving you design freedom.
5. How do I choose the right theme for my anime website?
Think about the primary goal of your site—whether it’s reviewing, blogging, streaming, or combining all three. Then select a theme that supports your content format and provides easy customization options.
By starting with one of these free themes, you can create a visually striking and highly functional anime website that brings your passion to a global audience.