Before I begin this post, I want to make sure I point out that not all anime watchers are involved in piracy. However, many do, and, incidentally, many Christians are too. In this post, I want to look at piracy from a biblical worldview.
Piracy is the "unauthorized reproduction or use of a
copyrighted book, recording, television program, patented invention,
trademarked product, etc."¹ For example, accessing a pirated copy of a book (e.g., a PDF photo scan of a copyrighted book) is piracy, thus making you a biblioklept (book thief).
On the topic of anime, it is piracy to use sites that host the shows illegally. As it's piracy, it is illegal in most countries. The Bible tells us to obey the government. Peter says for us to "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man" (1 Peter 2:13) and mentions specifically kings (2:13) and governors (2:14). We're to submit to the rulers of this world.
"[1] Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. [2] Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. [3] For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: [4] For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. [5] Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. [6] For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. [7] Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour." (Romans 13:1-7, emphasis and underline mine)
Paul, here, makes it very clear that Christians are supposed to humble themselves and be obedient to the government. Obviously, their reach ends where the Bible starts, but many laws don't conflict with Scripture, such as piracy laws.
On the topic of Scripture, one may be surprised that the Bible talks about this topic. To obtain something that belongs to someone else from an illegitimate source is thievery. Someone created (or paid someone to create) that book, video, picture, etc., and thus it belongs to them. It would be stealing from that person/company.
"Thou shalt not steal." (Exodus 20:15)
If we aren't to steal, then we aren't to participate in keeping the laborer from their due reward. In 1 Timothy 5:18, Paul quotes Christ, saying, "The labourer is worthy of his reward." For this reason, watching shows (such as anime) from websites without permission from the creators is wrong—it's thievery.
Sources:
1. "Piracy." Dictionary.com, Dictionary.com, dictionary.com/browse/piracy. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.