Crunchyroll has long provided a free subscription tier that includes a solid selection of anime, but the most coveted and simulcast series are often behind a Premium paywall. However, there's exciting news for anime fans: Crunchyroll is celebrating "Ani-May" by making 20 of its most popular anime series available to watch for free throughout May.
This month's free offerings cater to a wide range of tastes. Whether you're eager to dive into the buzz around Solo Leveling, need to catch up on My Hero Academia before its final season, or want to revisit a timeless classic like Cowboy Bebop, there's something for everyone. Below is the complete list of anime you can stream for free on Crunchyroll this May:
20 Anime You Can Watch for Free on Crunchyroll Right Now
See Everything Streaming on Crunchyroll
Here's the full lineup of anime available for free streaming 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)
The selection boasts a variety of series, including all seasons of My Hero Academia, which is set to conclude with its eighth season later this year, and the complete run of Demon Slayer before its upcoming movie trilogy. Fans of shonen anime will find plenty to enjoy, from Tokyo Ghoul and Soul Eater to Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man.
Solo Leveling has recently captivated the anime community. As noted in IGN's review of the first season, it "brings 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 heavily towards shonen, Fruits Basket offers a strong shoujo option. Another standout is The Apothecary Diaries, a historical drama with romantic elements. IGN's review praises the series, stating that "the titular apothecary, Maomao, is a delightful protagonist who embodies this balance between matter-of-fact and goofy."
For horror enthusiasts, the Junji Ito Collection provides a chilling addition to the lineup, though I recommend the original manga for an even more immersive experience.
These series will be available to stream for free until the end of May, with some potentially staying in the free tier longer. This is a fantastic opportunity to indulge in some top-tier anime.
What Is "Ani-May"?
"Ani-May" is a special event hosted by Crunchyroll. In addition to offering a selection of Premium content for free, Crunchyroll is rolling out new merchandise, collaborating with stores worldwide for in-person events, and hosting the Anime Awards on May 15. The Head of Global Products at Crunchyroll 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
In addition to the streaming festivities, the Crunchyroll Store is launching a month-long sale featuring new releases and discounts. Here are some highlights:
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
