IGN has the exclusive first look at Crunchyroll’s highly anticipated *Ani-May 2025*, a global, month-long celebration that promises to bring together anime fans from around the world through exclusive merchandise, streaming deals, retail partnerships, immersive experiences, and much more. Whether you're a longtime otaku or just diving into the anime scene, this year's event is shaping up to be the biggest yet.
There’s a lot to unpack with Ani-May, so we’ve broken down all the exciting details below to ensure you don’t miss out on any of the action!
Cowboy Bebop, Demon Slayer, and Chainsaw Man Highlight Free-to-Stream Anime Lineup
Starting May 1, Crunchyroll will offer a selection of fan-favorite anime for free with ads throughout the entire month. This is a perfect opportunity for newcomers to catch up on popular series or for seasoned viewers to revisit beloved classics. All you need is a free Crunchyroll account to access these titles.
The complete list of free-to-stream anime includes:
- Black Clover (Seasons 1–4)
- Chainsaw Man
- Cowboy Bebop
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (The Complete Series)
- Fruits Basket (Seasons 1–3)
- Haikyu!! (Seasons 1–4)
- Heaven Official's Blessing (Seasons 1–2)
- Hell's Paradise
- Jujutsu Kaisen (Seasons 1–2)
- Junji Ito Collection
- Kaiju No. 8
- My Hero Academia (Seasons 1–7)
- Overlord (Seasons 1–4)
- Shangri-La Frontier (Seasons 1–2)
- Solo Leveling (Season 1)
- Soul Eater
- SPY x FAMILY (Seasons 1–2)
- The Apothecary Diaries (Season 1)
- Toilet-bound Hanako-kun (Seasons 1–2)
- Tokyo Ghoul (Seasons 1–3)
Exclusive Merch, Food Collaborations, and Real-World Experiences
Anime lovers can show off their passion with officially licensed merchandise inspired by hit series like Solo Leveling, My Hero Academia, Kaiju No. 8, Overlord, and more. The Crunchyroll Store will feature exclusive drops, weekly product themes, and a limited-edition Ani-May pin available with qualifying purchases.
Beyond digital content, Ani-May expands into real-world activations across retail, food, gaming, and entertainment spaces. Here are some of the key highlights:
- UNIQLO will distribute Crunchyroll promo codes with eligible online UT purchases, offering a 30-day free trial. Manga artist Remi Yamamoto has also designed exclusive UTme! Collection shirts available at UNIQLO Soho and UNIQLO 5th Avenue in NYC. A special signing event with live manga portraits will take place on May 18.
- Hot Topic will celebrate across U.S. and Canada locations and online with exclusive merchandise and promotions all month long.
- Best Buy joins in-store and online with select products, including an exclusive SPY x FAMILY pin.
- Planet Hollywood will offer themed dishes, cocktails, and merchandise tied to Ani-May IPs.
- Funko Pop will host an autograph signing with the English voice cast of JUJUTSU KAISEN on May 3, alongside exclusive bundles.
- Fall Guys x Bananya collab brings limited-time skins from May 1–8.
- Demon Slayer fans can enjoy a theatrical re-release of Mugen Train in May ahead of the upcoming Infinity Castle trilogy.
Crunchyroll Game Vault Expands With New Titles
Gamers can dive into new titles joining the Crunchyroll Game Vault this May and early June. Leading the charge is Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth, launching April 30, followed by Corpse Party, Grisaia Phantom Trigger Vol. 1, Shin Chan: Shiro and the Coal Town, Shogun Showdown, and White Day.
Since its launch in November 2023, the Crunchyroll Game Vault has expanded to over 50 titles available to Mega and Ultimate Fan members in more than 200 countries worldwide.
Own Your Favorite Anime With Special Home Entertainment Releases
For collectors, Ani-May brings several physical media releases. Pre-orders for the Limited Edition Blu-ray box set of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Season 1 Part 2 begin May 15. Meanwhile, Paranoia Agent and Goblin Slayer Season 1 arrive in premium SteelBook packaging starting April 30. Additionally, the new SteelNook display case—crafted from actual SteelBook metal—will be available May 30 to help organize your collection.
A Truly Global Celebration
Ani-May isn't just a regional event—it’s a worldwide phenomenon. Fans across Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and beyond will have access to exclusive in-store and online experiences.
- Liverpool & Suburbia (Mexico) – Voice actor meet-and-greets, exclusive merchandise, and free trials
- Funside/Games Academy (Italy), HMV (UK, Ireland, Belgium), Cultura (France) – In-store activations, exclusive merchandise, and a chance to win a VIP weekend in Paris at Japan Expo
- FNAC (Spain) – Exclusive merchandise and free Crunchyroll subscriptions for qualifying purchases
- ANVOL (Baltics & Nordics) – In-store branding and free subscriptions for shoppers
- Little Things (Middle East) – In-store activations in UAE and Saudi Arabia
- Yatta (Poland) – Themed store corners and e-commerce takeover
- Thalia & Müller (Germany & Austria) – Exclusive manga and merchandise
- JB Hi-Fi & EB Games (Australia & New Zealand) – In-store displays, exclusive merchandise, and Crunchyroll Premium trials
Celebrate the Best of Anime With the Top 25 Greatest Series Ever
