You know that feeling. That specific, chest-tightening ache of high school nostalgia that only a really good shoujo anime can trigger. Ao Haru Ride—or Blue Spring Ride if you're going by the English translation—is the king of that feeling. It’s been years since Io Sakisaka’s masterpiece first hit the screen, yet people are still scouring the internet trying to figure out ao haru ride where to watch without landing on a site that’ll give their laptop a digital cold.
Honestly, it’s harder than it should be.
License agreements are a nightmare. One day a show is on Netflix, the next it’s vanished into the ether because some contract in a boardroom expired. If you’re trying to find Futaba and Kou’s messy, beautiful journey, you’ve basically got a few solid options depending on where you live and how much you’re willing to tolerate ads.
The Best Streaming Platforms for Ao Haru Ride Right Now
If you want the easiest, most high-def experience, Crunchyroll is your primary destination. They’ve held the rights for the 12-episode anime series in most major territories, including the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe. It’s the subbed version, featuring the incredible voice work of Maaya Uchida and Yuki Kaji. You can usually watch it for free with ads, but if you’re like me and can't stand a commercial breaking the tension during a rain-shelter scene, the premium sub is the way to go.
What about Hulu? Well, it’s hit or miss. At various points, Hulu has carried the series through its partnership with Funimation (which has now mostly merged into Crunchyroll), but availability fluctuates. As of early 2026, the licensing has tightened up.
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Then there’s the Netflix factor. Netflix is weird. They often have the rights to Ao Haru Ride in Southeast Asian territories like the Philippines, Malaysia, or Singapore, but if you’re logging in from New York or London, you’ll probably see a big fat "Remind Me" button or nothing at all. This is where a lot of people get frustrated. They see a TikTok edit saying it's on Netflix, log in, and find nothing. It’s not a lie; it’s just geography.
What About the OVAs and the Live Action?
This is where things get genuinely annoying for fans. The main 12-episode run doesn't actually finish the story. Not even close. There are two OVAs (Original Video Animations) titled Unwritten and Page.13.
Finding the OVAs is a slog. Most "official" western streaming platforms skip the OVAs entirely. Often, these were bundled with special edition manga releases in Japan. If you’re looking for these, you’re usually looking at physical media imports or—let’s be real—the unofficial "grey area" sites that we don't mention in polite company but everyone knows exist.
And we have to talk about the live-action adaptations. There is the 2014 film starring Tsubasa Honda and Masahiro Higashide, and more recently, the 2023-2024 Japanese drama series. The drama series is actually fantastic because it covers much more of the manga than the anime ever did. For the 2023 live-action drama, WOWOW is the original broadcaster in Japan, but international fans have had luck finding it on Viki (Rakuten Viki) in certain regions.
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Why Finding the Right Version Matters
Don't just settle for a low-res rip. The art style of Ao Haru Ride is its soul. Production I.G—the same studio behind Haikyu!! and Kimi ni Todoke—used this soft, watercolor aesthetic that mimics the manga’s covers. If you watch a compressed, 480p version on a pirate site, you’re losing half the experience. The way the light hits the classroom windows or the specific shade of blue used in the opening sequence matters.
It's about the atmosphere.
Also, be wary of "free" sites. A lot of people searching for ao haru ride where to watch end up on sites that are essentially malware delivery systems. If you aren't using a reputable service like Crunchyroll, HIDIVE (which occasionally gets legacy shoujo titles), or a localized Netflix library, make sure your ad-blocker is working overtime.
Regional Availability Cheat Sheet
- USA/Canada: Crunchyroll is your best bet for the anime.
- UK/Ireland: Primarily Crunchyroll; occasionally available on Amazon Prime Video for digital purchase.
- Australia: AnimeLab used to be the spot, but that’s been swallowed by Crunchyroll.
- Southeast Asia: Netflix is still the heavy hitter here for both the anime and sometimes the 2014 movie.
The Manga Alternative: When Streaming Fails
If you finish the 12 episodes and feel like your heart has been left hanging off a cliff—which it will be—you need to move to the manga. The anime ends around Chapter 14 or 15. The manga goes to Chapter 49.
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You’ve only seen about 30% of the story.
If you can't find a place to watch the continuation (because it doesn't exist in anime form), the Viz Media app is the most "legal" and high-quality way to read the rest. It’s a few bucks a month, and you get the full, completed story. Honestly, the ending of the manga is one of the most satisfying "full circle" moments in shoujo history. Don't skip it.
Is a Season 2 Coming?
Probably not. I know, it sucks. Usually, anime like this are produced to boost manga sales. Since the manga finished years ago, the "commercial" reason to make a second season has mostly evaporated. This is why the 2023 live-action drama was such a big deal; it was the industry's way of finally giving the full story a screen adaptation, just not in cartoon form.
Practical Steps to Watch Ao Haru Ride Today
Stop bouncing between sketchy search results and follow this order of operations:
- Check Crunchyroll first. It is the most stable home for the 2014 anime. If it says "not available in your region," don't give up yet.
- Verify your Netflix region. If you happen to have a way to browse other regions (some people use specific network tools for this), check the Japan or Philippines libraries.
- Search Rakuten Viki for the Live Action. If you want the full story on screen, the 2023 drama is superior in terms of plot coverage, even if you prefer the animated character designs.
- Buy the Blu-ray if you're a die-hard. Sentai Filmworks handled the North American release. Having the physical disc means you never have to worry about "where to watch" ever again when a streaming service loses its license.
- Pivot to the Manga. Once the 12th episode ends, go to the Viz Manga site or app. Start at Volume 4 to pick up right where the anime leaves off, or better yet, start from Volume 1 to see the gorgeous art and small scenes the anime trimmed for time.
The story of Futaba and Kou is a slow burn. It's frustrating. It's full of miscommunications that will make you want to scream into a pillow. But it's also one of the most honest portrayals of grief and "first love" ever written. Finding a high-quality stream is worth the ten minutes of searching.