IGN brings you exclusive insights into Crunchyroll's third annual Ani-May celebration—a global month-long festival featuring anime-inspired merchandise, special promotions, retail collaborations, free streaming events, new Crunchyroll Game Vault additions, and unforgettable fan experiences.
This year’s Ani-May promises countless highlights—here’s everything you need to know.
Cowboy Bebop, Demon Slayer, and Chainsaw Man Headline Ani-May’s Free Streaming Lineup
Starting May 1, Crunchyroll will offer ad-supported free streaming of major anime titles throughout the month. Fans can revisit classics like Cowboy Bebop or catch up on hits like Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba—all accessible with a free account.
The full list of free ad-supported titles includes:
Black Clover (Seasons 1-4)Chainsaw ManCowboy BebopDemon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (Complete Series)Fruits Basket (Seasons 1-3)Haikyu!! (Seasons 1-4)Heaven Official's Blessing (Seasons 1-2)Hell's ParadiseJujutsu Kaisen (Seasons 1-2)Junji Ito CollectionKaiju No. 8My Hero Academia (Seasons 1-7)Overlord (Seasons 1-4)Shangri-La Frontier (Seasons 1-2)Solo Leveling (Season 1)Soul EaterSPY x FAMILY (Seasons 1-2)The Apothecary Diaries (Season 1)Toilet-bound Hanako-kun (Seasons 1-2)Tokyo Ghoul (Seasons 1-3)Exclusive Merch, Collaborations, and Fan Experiences Featuring Solo Leveling, My Hero Academia, and More
Crunchyroll Store launches limited-edition collectibles, including Solo Leveling and Kaiju No. 8 merchandise, plus an Ani-May commemorative pin with select purchases. Weekly themes spotlight genres like shonen and fantasy, culminating in Anime Awards celebrations on May 25.
Global retail activations include:
UNIQLO: Free 30-day Crunchyroll trials* with UT purchases, plus exclusive NYC manga portrait sessions.Hot Topic: Anime-themed promotions across North America.Best Buy: SPY x FAMILY collector’s pin with eligible purchases.Planet Hollywood: Anime-inspired dining and merchandise.Funko: JUJUTSU KAISEN voice cast signings and Hollywood bundles.Bananya x Fall Guys: Limited-time in-game skins.Demon Slayer: Theatrical re-release of Mugen Train ahead of the Infinity Castle trilogy.
Crunchyroll Game Vault Expands With Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth and More
The Game Vault debuts Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth on April 30, followed by Corpse Party, Shogun Showdown, and others through May. Subscribers in 200+ countries can access over 50 titles.
Ani-May Home Entertainment: Limited Editions and SteelBook Releases
Ani-May 2025 Physical Releases
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Highlights include:
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Limited Edition Blu-ray (pre-orders open May 15)
Paranoia Agent and Goblin Slayer SteelBooks (available April 30)
SteelNook display cases for collectors (launching May 30)
Ani-May Goes Global: Worldwide Events and Retail Partnerships
International celebrations include:
Latin America: Voice actor meetups in Mexico, CCXP activations.
Europe: Store takeovers by HMV (UK), Cultura (France), and Thalia (Germany), with Japan Expo VIP packages.
Middle East: First-ever Ani-May pop-ups in UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Australia/NZ: JB Hi-Fi collectibles and EB Games membership perks.
Top 25 Best Anime Series of All Time
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