Crunchyroll's free subscription tier has long been a favorite among anime fans, offering a solid selection of shows. However, the most sought-after and simulcast series have typically been reserved for Premium members. But there's good news for those who've hit the paywall: as part of Crunchyroll's "Ani-May" celebrations, 20 of their most popular anime titles are now available to watch for free.
Whether you're curious about the buzz surrounding Solo Leveling, eager to catch up on My Hero Academia before its final season, or interested in revisiting a classic like Cowboy Bebop, there's something for everyone this month. Below is the complete list of anime you can stream for free:
20 Anime You Can Watch for Free on Crunchyroll Right Now
---------------------------------------------------------See Everything Streaming on Crunchyroll
Here’s the full list of what’s streaming on Crunchyroll for free in 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)
This selection spans a wide variety of genres, including some of the best shonen anime like Tokyo Ghoul, Soul Eater, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Chainsaw Man. Notably, you can watch every season of My Hero Academia before its eighth and final season later this year, and all of Demon Slayer in anticipation of the concluding movie trilogy.
Solo Leveling has recently captured the anime community's attention. IGN's review of the first season praised it for "bringing gaming mechanics to animation, with a thrilling power fantasy that understands the tediousness of experience farming, the fun of gaining a new level and skill points, and the thrills of facing down a boss."
Solo Leveling Gallery
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While the list leans more towards shonen, fans of shoujo anime aren't left out with the inclusion of Fruits Basket. For a different flavor, I recommend The Apothecary Diaries, a captivating historical drama with romantic elements. IGN's review of the series highlighted the protagonist Maomao as "a delightful protagonist who embodies this balance between matter-of-fact and goofy."
For horror enthusiasts, the Junji Ito Collection is an intriguing addition, though the original manga remains a must-read.
These series are available to stream for free until the end of May, with some potentially staying in the free tier longer. It's the perfect opportunity to indulge in some anime binging.
What Is “Ani-May”?
-----------------------Ani-May is a special event by Crunchyroll, where they not only make some of their Premium catalog free-to-stream but also launch new merchandise and partner with stores worldwide for in-person events. The Anime Awards will also take place on May 15. Crunchyroll's Head of Global Products shared this message about the event:
“Anime isn’t just an entertainment medium; it’s a lifestyle. To celebrate anime’s explosive growth, we’re giving fans a variety of ways to express their anime passion during Ani-May - from all-new products across apparel, collectibles, global activations, game collaborations, and new series streaming for free on Crunchyroll.”
Collector’s Sale on the Crunchyroll Store
Alongside the streaming festivities, the Crunchyroll Store is rolling out a month-long series of new releases and discounts. Here are some highlights of what you can find:
Solo Leveling Season 1 - Blu-ray + DVD [Limited Edition]
$89.98 save 20%$71.98 at Crunchyroll Store
Dragon Ball Super - The Complete Series [Limited Edition Steelbooks]
$199.98 save 20%$159.98 at Crunchyroll Store
JUJUTSU KAISEN 0 - The Movie [Blu-ray Steelbook]
$39.98 save 20%$31.98 at Crunchyroll Store
Out July 8 - Grave of the Fireflies [Limited Edition Steelbook]
$26.98 save 20%$21.58 at Crunchyroll Store
GOBLIN SLAYER - Season 1 [Limited Edition Steelbook]
$59.98 save 20%$47.98 at Crunchyroll Store