Despite getting released all the way back in 2009, this movie is still an absolute must-watch! Ever heard of “Summer Wars”? If not, you’re missing out on some serious animated goodness. Directed by the legendary Mamoru Hosoda, this flick has got fans everywhere buzzing. And if you’re one of the many who’ve been frantically searching “Watch Summer Wars Online,” then you’re in for a treat. We’ve scoured the web and rounded up the top 5 platforms to catch this epic movie. But before we spill the beans on where to watch, let’s chat a bit about the amazing plot that makes Summer Wars so special.
Summer Wars Plot
In the not-so-distant future, the virtual world of OZ has become a global phenomenon. Connecting to the internet, OZ offers a space for people worldwide to engage in various activities, from sports to shopping, using avatars they create and customize. Its robust security and encryption ensure that users’ personal data remains safe, making OZ an integral part of society. So much so, that even critical tasks, like controlling an unmanned asteroid explorer named Arawashi, are entrusted to it.
Enter Kenji Koiso, a 17-year-old math prodigy and part-time OZ moderator. When his crush, Natsuki Shinohara, invites him on a summer trip, he’s thrilled. However, he soon discovers that he’s expected to pose as her fiancé during the visit. As they arrive at Natsuki’s family estate, which is bustling with preparations for her great-grandmother’s 90th birthday, Kenji receives a mysterious coded message on his cell phone. Challenged by an unknown sender to solve it, Kenji cracks the code. But he’s unaware that by doing so, he’s just put the entire Earth in grave danger.
Where to Watch Summer Wars Online
1. Netflix
2. Funimation
3. Prime Video
4. Vudu
5. Blu-Ray
PLEASE NOTE: All the platforms mentioned in this article are legal, so you might have to pay for a better experience.
1. Netflix:
Ah, Netflix! A name that’s become synonymous with streaming and binge-watching. Most of us are already familiar with this global streaming giant. If you’re looking to watch Summer Wars on Netflix, there’s a catch. The anime is available, but only in Taiwan. So, if you’re not in Taiwan, you might need to use a VPN to access it. Remember, always use VPNs responsibly and be aware of the terms of service.
How to Watch Summer Wars on Netflix Anywhere in the World
This method works on both desktop PCs and mobile phones or tablets.
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- Purchase (or start a free trial) of a VPN. I can confirm that Surfshark works for this purpose.
- In the settings, choose Taiwan as your location.
- Fire up the VPN and wait for it to do its magic.
- Once you’re connected, navigate to Netflix (browser or app).
- Search “Summer Wars” in the Netflix search bar and you should see the anime pop up.
Enjoy! Please note that if your Netflix library doesn’t update to reflect the country you selected in your VPN, you may have to clear the Netflix cache first and try again.
To do this on mobile, go to settings -> apps -> Netflix -> clear cache. To do this on PC, you have to clear the cache in your web browser.
I’ve had no trouble using this method and I still use Surfshark to watch anime from various Netflix country libraries daily.
Pros:
- You get access to tons of other anime and TV shows.
- There is a free trial.
Cons:
- You will need a VPN.
Price:
Standard package with ads costs 6.99 USD per month, the same package without ads costs 15.49 USD per month and the Premium package costs 22.99 USD per month.
2. Funimation:
For the dedicated anime enthusiasts, Funimation is no stranger. The platform offers a vast collection of anime titles, and yes, Summer Wars is one of them. However, it’s available only via digital purchase. This means you won’t be streaming it as part of your regular subscription. Instead, you’ll need to purchase a digital copy of “Summer Wars” separately on the site.
Pros:
- Fast streaming.
Cons:
- You can’t watch the show by simply buying the Funimation subscription.
Price:
You will have to check the price in your region for the particular product.
3. Prime Video:
Amazon’s Prime Video is another major player in the streaming world. The good news? Summer Wars is available on Prime Video. Even better, it’s offered in multiple languages. But, as with many titles on Prime, it’s available only in select regions. So, you might want to check if it’s accessible in your area.
Pros:
- You get access to tons of other TV shows and anime!
Cons:
- You will probably need a VPN.
Price:
Prime video costs 8.99 USD per month or 14.99 USD if you buy it bundled with Amazon Prime.
4. Vudu:
For those unfamiliar, Vudu is a digital video-on-demand service. Unlike subscription-based streaming platforms, Vudu lets you buy or rent individual movies and TV shows. If you’re keen on adding Summer Wars to your digital collection, Vudu has got you covered. You can purchase a digital copy of the movie directly from the platform. It’s a great option for those who prefer owning their favorite titles.
Pros:
- You get to keep the movie forever.
Cons:
- You won’t get access to any other anime or TV shows.
Price:
You will have to check the price in your particular region.
5. Blu-Ray:
If the digital realm isn’t quite cutting it for you, there’s always the old-school, high-quality option: Blu-Ray. For the ultimate viewing experience, consider purchasing the Blu-Ray disk of Summer Wars. Not only will you get to enjoy the movie in the best quality possible, but buying the Blu-Ray version also directly supports the original creators. It’s a win-win for both quality and supporting the arts!
Pros:
- You get to experience Summer Wars in the best quality possible.
- You get to keep the movie forever.
Cons:
- Can be expensive.
Price:
Prices change for different platforms. you can find a used copy for around 48 USD.
Want to watch another shounen anime with a nice art style? Watch Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead!
