IGN has the exclusive first look at Crunchyroll’s third annual Ani-May, a month-long global celebration that promises to be an unforgettable event for anime fans around the world. This year’s festivities will feature a wide array of exciting elements including limited-time merchandise inspired by beloved anime series, exclusive deals, strategic partnerships, in-store and online experiences, free-to-stream anime titles, new additions to the Crunchyroll Game Vault, and much more.
Ani-May 2025 is packed with incredible opportunities to dive deeper into your favorite anime worlds. Below, we break down all the major announcements so you can make the most of this epic celebration.
Cowboy Bebop, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, and Chainsaw Man Lead the Lineup of Free-to-Stream Anime
Starting May 1, Crunchyroll will offer a selection of its most popular anime titles available for free streaming with ads throughout the entire month. Whether you're looking to catch up on a series you've missed or revisit some of your all-time favorites, this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy top-tier anime without a premium subscription.
All you need is a free Crunchyroll account to access these titles. Here's the full list of anime available during Ani-May:
- 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 Merchandise, Collaborations, and Real-World Experiences
Anime lovers can show off their passion through officially licensed merchandise from hit series such as Solo Leveling, Kaiju No. 8, Bananya, Toilet-bound Hanako-kun, My Hero Academia, Overlord, and more. The Crunchyroll Store will unveil new and exclusive items, weekly product themes, and special offers tied to Ani-May. Qualifying purchases will even include a limited-edition Crunchyroll Ani-May pin.
In addition to merchandise, fans can expect immersive real-world activations across retail stores, online shops, gaming platforms, restaurants, and theaters. Here are some highlights:
- UNIQLO will distribute Crunchyroll 30-day free trial codes with eligible UT purchases. Manga artist Remi Yamamoto will design exclusive UTme! Collection pieces available at UNIQLO’s NYC flagship locations. A special signing event will take place on May 18th at UNIQLO 5th Avenue.
- Hot Topic will offer exclusive anime-themed merchandise across U.S. and Canada locations and online throughout May.
- Best Buy will carry select Ani-May products, including an exclusive SPY x FAMILY pin with qualifying purchases.
- Planet Hollywood will launch themed cocktails, dishes, and merchandise inspired by Ani-May IPs.
- Funko Pop will host an autograph session with the English voice cast of JUJUTSU KAISEN on May 3rd, alongside exclusive bundles.
- Bananya returns to Fall Guys with playable skins available from May 1–8.
- Demon Slayer fans can enjoy a theatrical re-release of Mugen Train ahead of the Infinity Castle trilogy arriving this September.
New Games Added to the Crunchyroll Game Vault
The Crunchyroll Game Vault continues to grow with several new titles being added throughout May and early June. Highlights include:
- Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth – Available starting April 30
- Corpse Party
- Grisaia Phantom Trigger Vol. 1
- Shin Chan: Shiro and the Coal Town
- Shogun Showdown
- White Day
Launched in November 2023, the Crunchyroll Game Vault now features over 50 titles accessible to Mega and Ultimate Fan tier members in more than 200 countries worldwide.
Own Your Favorite Anime with Special Home Entertainment Releases
For collectors and physical media enthusiasts, Ani-May brings a range of exclusive home entertainment releases via the Crunchyroll Store:
- Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Season 1 Part 2 – Limited Edition Blu-ray Box Set (Pre-orders start May 15)
- Paranoia Agent & Goblin Slayer Season 1 – Available on SteelBook Blu-ray beginning April 30
- SteelNook – A custom display case made from SteelBook material designed to hold four standard SteelBooks (Available May 30)
Ani-May Is a Global Celebration
This year’s Ani-May expands further than ever before, with events happening across Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. Some of the notable international partners and activities include:
- Mexico: Liverpool and Suburbia stores will host meet-and-greets with voice actors and offer exclusive merchandise and promotions.
- Italy, UK, Ireland, Belgium: Funside/Games Academy, HMV, and Cultura will activate nationwide with exclusive merchandise, themed store windows, and a chance to win a VIP trip to Japan Expo in Paris.
- Spain: FNAC launches an e-commerce campaign and offers free Crunchyroll subscriptions with qualifying purchases.
- Baltic States & Nordics: ANVOL hosts social media campaigns and in-store giveaways.
- Middle East: Little Things activates stores in UAE and Saudi Arabia with Virgin Mega Store and ToysRUs.
- Australia & New Zealand: JB Hi-Fi and EB Games will run exclusive in-store displays, digital signage, and promotional memberships.
With so many ways to celebrate, Ani-May 2025 is shaping up to be the biggest and most inclusive anime
