A Certain Magical Index (2008)
A Certain Magical Index is streaming in Japan on U-NEXT, HBO Max on U-Next, Anime Times Amazon Channel.
The verdict
A Certain Magical Index landed among the stronger Japanese series of its release window. It carries a 7.5/10 on TMDB across 200 ratings — comfortably clear of the pack. Episodes clock in around 25 minutes. In Japan you can stream it on U-NEXT, HBO Max on U-Next, Anime Times Amazon Channel.
Is it worth starting?
This is 3 seasons deep — Japanese animation with a sci-fi & fantasy streak. Several seasons in, so it's a commitment to start rather than a one-night sampler.
- Why
- It rates 7.5/10 on 200 ratings so far — a strong early showing.
- Skip if
- you don't want to start something several seasons deep
- Best for
- A long run rather than a single sitting
Story
Touma Kamijou is a student living in Academy City, a highly advanced place in terms of technology. Despite being gauged as a level zero esper (no powers), he possesses on his right hand the Imagine Breaker, an ability that negates any power whatsoever. Touma finds a young girl named Index who is trying to run away from Necessarius, a powerful magic organization that she is member of. Blessed with the skill of memorizing any sort of information, she holds 103,000 forbidden magical books within her head.
Good to know
| Runtime | ~25 min per episode |
| Genre | Animation / Sci-Fi & Fantasy |
| Language | Japanese |
| Best screen | Stream at home |
Cast
Where to watch in Japan
Included with a subscription — no extra charge on these platforms.
Availability as of 24 Sept 2026 — platforms may change over time.
Trailer
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