The complete first season of Durarara!!, a foundational work in modern urban fantasy anime, is now available to stream on Crunchyroll and Hulu, complete with both English dub and subtitle options. This 24-episode run, originally airing in Winter 2010, plunges viewers into the vibrant and often dangerous streets of Ikebukuro, Tokyo.
Produced by Brain's Base, Durarara!! masterfully weaves together the lives of a sprawling cast of characters, from ordinary high school students to street gangs, information brokers, and even a headless motorcyclist rumored to be a dullahan. The series is celebrated for its intricate, non-linear narrative structure, which gradually reveals the connections and conflicts between its diverse ensemble. Its success was recognized with multiple BTVA Anime Voice Acting Awards nominations for its English dub cast, including Johnny Yong Bosch and Kari Wahlgren.
The anime adaptation of Ryohgo Narita's light novel series boasts an impressive 8.09 rating on MyAnimeList, based on over 690,000 user reviews. This critical and popular acclaim cemented its status as a must-watch for fans of character-driven narratives and supernatural intrigue. The series laid the groundwork for its sequels, Durarara!! x2 Shou, Ten, and Ketsu, which continued the complex saga.
Viewers can expect a unique blend of grounded urban realism punctuated by supernatural elements and high-octane action. The ensemble cast is a major draw, with characters like Izaya Orihara and Shizuo Heiwajima becoming iconic figures in the anime community. With the entire first season available, it's an ideal time for both returning fans and newcomers to experience the chaotic charm of Ikebukuro.
