You can watch the Chinese animated series To Be Hero X (Chinese title: 凸变英雄X) on the streaming platform bilibili, which is the primary broadcaster for the Chinese version. For international audiences, the series is also available on Crunchyroll in select regions, though availability may vary by country. The show, produced by Studio Lan (澜映画) and directed by Li Haoling, is a sequel to the 2016 series To Be Hero and blends Chinese animation with a satirical take on superhero tropes.
Background of To Be Hero X
To Be Hero X is a 2025 Chinese animated series (donghua) that continues the story of the original To Be Hero, which aired in 2016. The original series was a comedic, adult-oriented take on the superhero genre, following a middle-aged man who becomes a hero through bizarre circumstances. The sequel, To Be Hero X, expands the universe with new characters and a more complex plot, while retaining the irreverent humor and social commentary of its predecessor. The series is directed by Li Haoling, who also directed the original, and is produced by Studio Lan, known for its high-quality animation. The show has been praised for its unique art style and its willingness to parody both Chinese and Western superhero conventions.
Where to Watch in China
In mainland China, To Be Hero X is exclusively available on bilibili, a major Chinese video-sharing platform that specializes in anime, comics, and games (ACG) content. Bilibili offers both a free version with ads and a premium subscription (called “Bilibili Membership” or “大会员”) that provides early access to episodes and higher video quality. To watch on bilibili, you will need to create an account, and while the platform has an international version (bilibili.tv), the Chinese version (bilibili.com) hosts the series with Chinese subtitles. If you are outside China, you may need to use a VPN to access the Chinese version, but note that bilibili’s terms of service may restrict such usage.
Where to Watch Internationally
For international viewers, To Be Hero X is available on Crunchyroll, a leading streaming service for anime and Asian content. Crunchyroll has licensed the series for distribution in North America, Europe, and other regions, with English subtitles and, in some cases, an English dub. However, Crunchyroll’s catalog varies by region, so you should check your local Crunchyroll library to see if the series is available. As of early 2025, the series has been announced for Crunchyroll, but exact release dates and regional availability may change. Additionally, some regions may have the series on other platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime, but these are not confirmed for all territories.
How to Choose a Streaming Platform
When deciding where to watch To Be Hero X, consider the following factors:
- Language: If you prefer Chinese audio with Chinese subtitles, bilibili is the best choice. If you need English subtitles or a dub, Crunchyroll is more suitable.
- Region: Your geographic location will determine which platform is legally accessible. Bilibili is primarily for China, while Crunchyroll covers many international regions.
- Cost: Bilibili offers free episodes with ads, while Crunchyroll has a free tier with ads and a premium tier without ads. Premium tiers also offer higher video quality and offline viewing.
- Availability: Check the platform’s catalog before subscribing. Some regions may not have the series on Crunchyroll, so you might need to rely on bilibili or other local services.
Common Problems and Solutions
Viewers often encounter issues when trying to watch To Be Hero X:
- Geo-restrictions: Bilibili’s Chinese version is geo-blocked outside China. A VPN can help, but it may violate the platform’s terms. Crunchyroll also has regional restrictions, so use a VPN only if you are comfortable with potential account suspension.
- Subtitles: The bilibili version may only have Chinese subtitles, which can be a barrier for non-Chinese speakers. Crunchyroll provides English subtitles, but if you are using a free trial, make sure the series is included.
- Quality: Free tiers on both platforms may limit video quality to 720p or lower. Premium subscriptions typically unlock 1080p or 4K.
- Account issues: Creating a bilibili account requires a Chinese phone number for verification. If you do not have one, you may use the international bilibili.tv, but the series may not be available there.
Comparison with Other Platforms
Compared to other streaming services, To Be Hero X is not widely available on mainstream platforms like Netflix or Hulu. While Netflix has a growing library of Chinese animation, this series has not been added there as of early 2025. Amazon Prime Video also does not list it in most regions. Crunchyroll is the most accessible international option, but it is not free. Bilibili offers a free tier, but it is China-centric. If you are a fan of Chinese animation, you might also check dedicated donghua platforms like iQIYI or Tencent Video, but To Be Hero X is not confirmed to be on those services.
Costs and Subscription Details
Bilibili’s premium membership costs approximately 25 CNY (about $3.50 USD) per month, with discounts for longer subscriptions. The free tier includes ads and limited episode access. Crunchyroll’s premium plans start at $7.99 per month for the Fan tier, which includes ads, and $11.99 per month for the Mega Fan tier, which is ad-free and allows offline viewing. Both platforms offer free trials, but you should verify that To Be Hero X is included in the trial. There are no additional costs for watching the series beyond the subscription fees.
Safety and Legality
To watch To Be Hero X legally, use the official platforms mentioned above. Unofficial streaming sites or torrents may violate copyright laws and can expose you to malware. Always ensure that your streaming source is legitimate. When using a VPN, be aware that it may violate the platform’s terms of service, potentially leading to account termination. Also, be cautious of phishing sites that claim to offer the series for free; they may steal your personal information. Stick to well-known platforms to ensure a safe viewing experience.
Alternatives to Streaming
If you cannot access the series through streaming, consider purchasing the Blu-ray or DVD release. However, as of early 2025, no physical release has been announced. Another option is to wait for the series to be added to other platforms, as licensing deals can change. You can also follow the official social media accounts of Studio Lan or the director Li Haoling for updates on distribution. Additionally, some fans create fan-subbed versions, but these are often of lower quality and may be taken down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is To Be Hero X available on Netflix?
As of early 2025, To Be Hero X is not available on Netflix in any region. Netflix has not announced plans to add it, so you should check other platforms like Crunchyroll or bilibili.
Can I watch To Be Hero X for free?
Yes, you can watch it for free on bilibili’s free tier, but you will have to watch ads and may not have access to the latest episodes immediately. Crunchyroll also offers a free trial, but after the trial, you need a subscription.
Does To Be Hero X have an English dub?
Crunchyroll has announced an English dub for the series, but the release date for the dub may be later than the subtitled version. Check Crunchyroll’s website for the latest information.
Why is To Be Hero X not available in my country?
Licensing agreements often restrict content to specific regions. If the series is not available in your country, it may be due to a lack of a distribution deal. You can try using a VPN, but this may violate the platform’s terms of service.
Is To Be Hero X a sequel to To Be Hero?
Yes, To Be Hero X is a sequel to the original To Be Hero series from 2016. It continues the story with new characters and a new plot, but it is set in the same universe.
What is the release schedule for To Be Hero X?
The series premiered in January 2025 on bilibili, with new episodes released weekly. The exact schedule may vary by platform, so check the official sources for the latest episode times.
Related
- Drake London Contract: Salary, Cap Hit & Future
- Mythical Labyrinth Island: Crete’s Real Maze
- Maya Gods: What They Ruled and Represented
How pages are sourced and corrected: Sources and editorial policy.