Ani-May 2025: Free Anime, Games, and New Merch at Crunchyroll

IGN has the exclusive scoop on Crunchyroll's third annual Ani-May, set to kick off a month-long celebration of anime across the globe. From May 1, fans can dive into a world of exclusive merchandise, enticing deals, dynamic partnerships, and immersive experiences both in stores and online. Plus, there's a lineup of free-to-stream anime and exciting new additions to the Crunchyroll Game Vault. Buckle up, because Ani-May is packed with excitement from start to finish!

Cowboy Bebop, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, and Chainsaw Man Lead the Selection of Free-to-Stream Anime During Ani-May

Starting May 1, Crunchyroll is rolling out the red carpet for fans by offering some of the most beloved anime series for free with ads throughout the month. Whether you're looking to catch up on missed episodes or relive your favorite moments, titles like Cowboy Bebop, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, and many more are up for grabs. All you need is a free account to dive into this treasure trove of anime.

Here's the complete list of free-to-stream anime available on Crunchyroll 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)

Merch, Partnerships, Food, Autographs, and Other Partnerships Based on Solo Leveling, My Hero Academia, and More of Your Favorite Anime

Ani-May is the perfect time to showcase your love for anime with a plethora of new, officially licensed merchandise. From Solo Leveling to Kaiju No. 8, Bananya, Toilet-bound Hanako-kun, My Hero Academia, Overlord, The Apothecary Diaries, and beyond, fans worldwide can grab these exciting items.

The Crunchyroll Store is joining the party with exclusive product launches, special deals, and a Crunchyroll-exclusive Ani-May pin available with qualifying purchases. Each week of May will spotlight different product categories, including collectors' items, action/adventure titles, shonen shows, and fantasy favorites. Don't miss out on celebrating the Anime of the Year nominees the day after the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards on May 25.

Ani-May isn't just about merchandise. Fans can immerse themselves in real-world experiences, from retail and online stores to video games, restaurants, and movie theaters. Here's what you can look forward to, courtesy of Crunchyroll:

• UNIQLO will offer Crunchyroll codes for a 30-day free trial with eligible UT purchases online. They've also teamed up with Manga artist Remi Yamamoto for exclusive UTme! Collection designs at their NYC flagship locations, UNIQLO Soho and UNIQLO 5th Avenue. NYC fans, mark your calendars for a special event on May 18th from 1pm-5pm at UNIQLO's 5th Avenue flagship, where Remi will offer live Manga portraits.
• Hot Topic will celebrate Ani-May across the US and Canada, both in stores and online at hottopic.com, with special promotions and exclusive anime merchandise.
• Best Buy is joining the fun with select products available online and in-store, including an exclusive SPY x FAMILY pin with eligible purchases at select stores.
• Planet Hollywood is partnering with Crunchyroll for exclusive experiences, cocktails, dishes, and merchandise inspired by Ani-May's select IPs.
• Funko Pop celebrates a new JUJUTSU KAISEN x Funko Pop collection with an autograph signing featuring the English voice cast on May 3rd. Special event bundles will be available; check @originalfunko and @funko_funime on Instagram for details.
• Bananya is back with Fall Guys, offering a collection of skins featuring Bananya and Droopy Eared Bananya from May 1 to May 8.
• Demon Slayer fans, get ready for the first film of the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle trilogy in theaters this September. Catch a special re-release of Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train in theaters this May!

The Crunchyroll Game Vault Is Celebrating Anime With the Addition of Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth and More

Ani-May is also bringing the fun to the Crunchyroll Game Vault, with new games added throughout May and early June. The celebration kicks off with Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth on April 30, followed by Corpse Party, Grisaia Phantom Trigger Vol. 1, Shin Chan: Shiro and the Coal Town, Shogun Showdown, and White Day.

Launched in November 2023, the Crunchyroll Game Vault now boasts over 50 titles, accessible to Crunchyroll members at the Mega and Ultimate Fan tiers in over 200 countries.

Own Your Favorites With Ani-May Home Entertainment Releases

Ani-May 2025 Home Entertainment Releases

View 3 ImagesFor those who love owning physical copies of their favorite anime, Ani-May has you covered. The Crunchyroll Store is releasing a Limited Edition Blu-ray box of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Season 1 Part 2 (pre-orders start on May 15!) and Blu-ray in SteelBook cases of Paranoia Agent and Goblin Slayer Season 1 (on sale April 30!).

Additionally, Crunchyroll introduces the SteelNook, a stylish open display case made from SteelBook metal that can hold four standard SteelBooks. It'll be available for purchase on the Crunchyroll store starting May 30.

Ani-May Is a Global Party and Everyone's Invited

Crunchyroll's Ani-May celebrations extend around the world, ensuring fans everywhere can enjoy unique experiences based on their favorite anime.

Here's a glimpse of the global festivities:

In Latin America:

• Liverpool in Mexico will host a special meet-and-greet with voice actors and offer products from fan-favorite titles with in-store signage.
• Suburbia in Mexico will feature in-store signage and offer 20,000 free trial subscriptions with eligible purchases*.
• Ani-May celebrations continue at CCXP Mexico!

In EMEA:

• Funside/Games Academy in Italy, HMV in the UK, Ireland, and Belgium, and Cultura in France will participate, offering exclusive merchandise and a chance to win a VIP weekend in Paris with access to the Crunchyroll booth at Japan Expo*.
• FNAC in Spain will launch a nationwide e-commerce campaign with special Ani-May products and free Crunchyroll subscriptions for purchases over 20€*.
• ANVOL will celebrate in the Baltic states and Nordics for the first time, offering free Crunchyroll subscriptions with any Ani-May purchase*.
• Little Things will bring Ani-May to the Middle East, activating their stores in the UAE, Virgin Mega Store in Dubai, and ToysRUs locations in Dubai and Saudi Arabia.
• Yatta in Poland will surprise fans with Ani-May branded corners and an e-commerce takeover, offering free Crunchyroll subscriptions*.
• Thalia in Germany and Austria will showcase exclusive merchandising and manga across 200 stores.
• Müller in Germany and Austria will offer anime fans across 150 stores a range of manga, merchandising, and home entertainment.

In Australia and New Zealand:

• JB Hi-Fi will feature dedicated Ani-May end caps in stores, showcasing anime home video and collectibles, with unique in-store signage. The May edition of STACK Magazine will include an editorial on anime, available in stores and online.
• EB Games & Zing Pop Culture will offer a 30-day Crunchyroll Premium trial membership* to EB WORLD PLUS sign-ups, along with digital signage, ceiling banners, and exclusive products from JUJUTSU KAISEN, SPY x FAMILY, Chainsaw Man, and My Hero Academia.

Top 25 Best Anime Series of All Time

View 26 Images