Where can I watch Initial D in the US?
If you’re a fan of high-octane racing, drifting, and the nostalgic vibes of the 90s and early 2000s, then you’ve probably heard of Initial D. For many anime fans, Initial D isn’t just another racing series it’s a cultural icon that shaped how people saw street racing, drifting, and even car culture in general. But if you’re in the United States and wondering, Where can I watch Initial D today?, the answer is not as straightforward as opening Netflix or Hulu. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about streaming and watching this legendary series.
Why Initial D is still so popular
Before we get into the streaming options, it’s important to understand why people are still looking for Initial D years after it ended. The story of Takumi Fujiwara, the unassuming tofu delivery boy who becomes a drifting prodigy, is timeless. It’s not just about racing—it’s about growth, discipline, and finding your place in a world that constantly challenges you.
For car enthusiasts, Initial D was a gateway into the world of Japanese tuner culture. The AE86 Toyota Trueno became a legendary car thanks to this series. For anime fans, it was one of the rare shows that mixed technical car talk with emotional storytelling. That’s why even now, fans are searching for ways to rewatch it, and newcomers are discovering it for the first time.
Where to watch Initial D in the US
Unfortunately, Initial D doesn’t have the same wide distribution that newer anime enjoy. You won’t easily find all seasons neatly packaged on one big streaming service. Instead, you have to do a little digging.
1. Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll, being one of the biggest anime streaming platforms, hosts parts of the Initial D franchise. Depending on licensing updates, you may find certain stages of Initial D available there. If you’re already a subscriber, it’s worth checking their catalog.
2. Funimation
Funimation previously had rights to certain stages of Initial D, particularly the later ones like Fourth Stage and Fifth Stage. Since Funimation has merged into Crunchyroll, some of this content may also migrate over. Still, if you already have an older Funimation account, it’s worth seeing if the library still has Initial D listed.
3. Amazon Prime Video
Amazon sometimes offers Initial D through digital purchase or rental. This means you won’t necessarily get it as part of a subscription, but you can buy seasons or episodes individually to watch anytime. While it can get pricey, it’s one of the more straightforward legal ways to access the series.
4. Physical media (DVD/Blu-ray)
For collectors or those who don’t want to rely on changing streaming licenses, DVDs and Blu-rays of Initial D are available online. These box sets can be pricey due to their limited releases, but they guarantee that you’ll always have access. Fans who want the best picture quality often prefer this route.
5. Unofficial streaming sites
Of course, Initial D is also found on smaller fan-driven platforms. While these aren’t always official, they’re often the only way some fans can watch the complete series without chasing down different services. One good option for fans who want to revisit both the anime and manga is Initial D manga online, which provides access for those who want the full experience.
The problem with streaming rights
The reason why it’s hard to find Initial D on mainstream streaming services comes down to licensing. Unlike modern anime, where platforms compete for simulcast rights, Initial D was produced in the late 90s, when distribution agreements were fragmented. Different companies picked up different parts of the series, which is why First Stage might be licensed to one distributor and Final Stage to another.
This split distribution makes it harder for fans today to binge the entire series in one place. Add to that the fact that Initial D’s soundtrack had many Eurobeat tracks that complicate international rights, and you start to see why streaming services hesitate to carry it in full.
What about the Initial D movies?
If you’re looking for a quicker way to experience the story, there are also Initial D movies. The New Initial D the Movie trilogy, released in the 2010s, is a retelling of Takumi’s story with updated animation. These films are easier to find on streaming platforms and even on Blu-ray. While they don’t replace the full anime series, they’re a solid entry point for new fans.
Is it worth watching Initial D in 2025?
Absolutely. Even though it first aired decades ago, Initial D holds up incredibly well. Sure, the animation looks dated compared to today’s polished digital anime, but the raw energy and style give it charm. The races are still gripping, the characters are relatable, and the Eurobeat soundtrack remains iconic.
For anyone who loves car culture, Initial D is essential viewing. It’s not just an anime about cars—it’s an anime about passion, rivalry, and pushing limits. And if you’re new to anime, it’s one of those series that can hook you even if you don’t normally watch the genre.
What to do if you can’t find it on streaming
If you’re frustrated that Initial D isn’t widely available, you’re not alone. Many fans in the US face the same problem. The best solution is to keep an eye on Crunchyroll and Amazon Prime, check the availability of the movies, and consider physical collections if you’re serious about owning the series.
On the manga side, fans can dive deeper into the world of Initial D through the original story. The manga goes into more detail than the anime at times, and it’s perfect for those who want to experience the series in its rawest form.
So, where can I watch Initial D in the US? The short answer is: Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime, and possibly some Blu-ray collections are your best bets. It’s not as simple as clicking play on Netflix, but that’s part of the charm of chasing a classic like Initial D. Whether you’re revisiting it for nostalgia or experiencing it for the first time, the series is worth the effort to track down.
At the end of the day, Initial D isn’t just an anime—it’s a rite of passage for car lovers and anime fans alike. If you’ve got the patience to hunt it down, you’re in for one of the most rewarding viewing experiences out there.