Anime fans should definitely mark their calendars, charge their devices, and prepare their wallets.Crunchyroll’s third annual Ani-May celebration has officially kicked off, and this year’s festivities are turning May into a month-long anime holiday. Whether someone is a longtime otaku or a curious newcomer,Crunchyrollis making it easier than ever to jump into the anime fandom or double down on existing obsessions. From special in-store events to free streaming and exclusive merch, there’s truly something for every kind of fan to enjoy.
If anime fans were looking for a reason to celebrate, May brings the perfect excuse to dive deep into their geekdom. Ani-May 2025 is filled with streaming deals, surprise returns, exclusive games, fashion drops, and global partnerships that provide plenty of reasons to celebrate. The scope of this year’s celebration reaches across continents, connecting fans through shared stories and special events alike. Below, find everything anime fans can expect this Ani-May.
Ani-May Means Free Anime
Starting May 1, Crunchyroll is rolling out 20hit anime seriesto stream for free with ads, making it a perfect time to binge without a subscription. With no paywall in sight, Ani-May 2025 invites everyone to explore anime’s best stories on demand: no strings attached. This lineup includes genre-defining classics and recent standouts. Here’s a full list of titles:
Global Retail Takeover
Ani-May 2025 isn’t limited to screens. Crunchyroll is teaming up with retailers across North America, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Oceania to bring anime to shelves, storefronts, and even wardrobes (and this is definitely notCrunchyroll’s first rodeo with apparel).
Where to Find Exclusive Merch
Retailers like Hot Topic, Barnes & Noble, and Best Buy in the U.S. and Canada are offering exclusive anime merch, home video deals, and even collector’s items like a SPY x FAMILY pin. At UNIQLO’s NYC flagship, fans can also snag a free 30-day Crunchyroll trial (thoughAmazon Prime users don’t have to worry about free Crunchyroll). Additionally, at UNIQLO, limited-edition UTme! designs by manga artist Remi Yamamoto are available, who will also appear for a live drawing event on May 18 at the UNIQLO located on NYC’s 5th Avenue. Even Planet Hollywood is getting in on the action with anime-themed cocktails, menu items, and experiences throughout May.
Meanwhile, in Europe, big-name chains like HMV, Cultura, and FNAC are unveiling special displays, giveaways, and contests. One of these contests includes a chance to win a VIP anime weekend in Paris with VIP access to the Crunchyroll booth at Japan Expo.
Bonus Drops from the Crunchyroll Store
Not to be outdone, the Crunchyroll Store is offering limited-edition home video releases throughout May. For collectors and completionists, these releases are a chance to grab physical editions of fan-favorite series before they disappear. Highlights include:
Crunchyroll Game Vault Is Leveling Up
Events Worth Leaving the House For
Crunchyroll is also rolling out in-person experiences with the help of partnerships across the globe for Ani-May 2025. In addition to Remi Yamamoto’s portrait sessions and UNIQLO promotions, Funko will host an autograph signing with theEnglish voice cast ofJujutsu Kaisenon May 3.
Anime fans outside of the United States don’t need to fret. In Mexico, fans can attend voice actor meet-and-greets at Liverpool and Suburbia, while CCXP Mexico (May 30–June 1) will extend Ani-May’s final days with immersive exhibits and fandom spaces. Across Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania, stores like Thalia, Müller, Little Things, and JB Hi-Fi are celebrating with displays, contests, exclusive products, and subscription giveaways.
Ani-May Is the Perfect Time to Jump Into All Things Anime
Spring 2025 animefans are in for a lot of excitement. Whether watching, shopping, gaming, or heading to live events, Ani-May 2025 is a comprehensive love letter to anime fans, and it’s clear that Crunchyroll is pulling out all the stops. With global activations and free entry points into both old and new fandoms, this May is the perfect time to go all-in. New merch, iconic anime, surprise theater runs (yes,Demon Slayer: Mugen Trainis coming back to theaters), and a jam-packed Game Vault await. Ani-May only comes once a year, and 2025 is shaping up to be the best one yet.
