IGN is thrilled to unveil exclusive details about Crunchyroll's third annual Ani-May, a global, month-long celebration that promises an array of exciting experiences for anime fans. From May 1, Ani-May will feature a diverse lineup of merchandise, special deals, partnerships, in-store and online events, free-to-stream anime, and new additions to the Crunchyroll Game Vault. Dive into the details below to ensure you don't miss out on any of the festivities.

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 will offer a selection of popular anime titles for free streaming with ads throughout the month. This is the perfect opportunity for fans to catch up on missed episodes or relive favorite series. The following titles will be available with just a free account:

• 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 offers fans a chance to celebrate their love for anime through a variety of officially licensed merchandise. From Solo Leveling to My Hero Academia, the Crunchyroll Store will launch new and exclusive products, deals, and even a special Ani-May pin with qualifying purchases. Each week in May will highlight different product categories, including collectors' items, action/adventure titles, shonen shows, and fantasy favorites. Additionally, fans can celebrate the Anime of the Year nominees the day after the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards on May 25.

Ani-May extends beyond merchandise, featuring numerous real-world experiences in retail stores, online, video games, restaurants, movie theaters, and more. Here's a glimpse of what fans can expect, as shared by Crunchyroll:

• UNIQLO will offer Crunchyroll codes with eligible UT purchases for a 30-day free trial of Crunchyroll. They've also partnered with Manga artist Remi Yamamoto for exclusive UTme! Collection designs at their NYC flagship stores. On May 18th, from 1pm-5pm, fans can meet Remi at UNIQLO’s 5th Avenue location for complimentary live Manga portraits.
• Hot Topic will celebrate Ani-May across its US and Canada locations, and online, with exclusive anime merchandise and special promotions.
• Best Buy will join the festivities with select products available both online and in-store, including an exclusive SPY x FAMILY pin with eligible purchases at select stores.
• Planet Hollywood will offer exclusive experiences, cocktails, dishes, and merchandise inspired by Ani-May’s featured IPs.
• Funko Pop will host an autograph signing with the English voice cast of JUJUTSU KAISEN on May 3rd, alongside special event bundles.
• Bananya is partnering with Fall Guys for a collection of skins available from May 1 to May 8.
• Demon Slayer fans can prepare for the upcoming Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle trilogy with 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 also brings new games to the Crunchyroll Game Vault, starting with Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth on April 30. Throughout May and early June, the vault will expand with titles such as 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 offers over 50 titles 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 prefer physical copies, Ani-May will see the release of a Limited Edition Blu-ray box of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Season 1 Part 2 (pre-orders start May 15), and Blu-ray in SteelBook cases of Paranoia Agent and Goblin Slayer Season 1 (available April 30). Additionally, Crunchyroll introduces the SteelNook, an open display case made from SteelBook metal that can hold four standard SteelBooks, available for purchase on May 30.

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

Crunchyroll has planned even more Ani-May celebrations around the world, ensuring fans everywhere can participate in unique experiences. Here's a detailed list of global events:

• In Latin America:

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

• In Europe (EMEA):

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

• In Australia and New Zealand:

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

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