Crunchyroll has long provided a generous free tier featuring a solid selection of anime titles. However, many of the platform’s most popular simulcasts and premium series are typically reserved for Premium subscribers. If you’ve ever been stopped in your tracks by that paywall, here's some great news: as part of Crunchyroll's "Ani-May" celebration, 20 of its most-watched anime titles are now available to stream for free.
Whether you're curious about the phenomenon that is *Solo Leveling*, looking to catch up on *My Hero Academia* before its final season drops, or just wanting to revisit a classic like *Cowboy Bebop*, there’s something here for every anime fan this month. Below is the complete list of titles currently accessible without a Premium subscription:
This list includes several major highlights such as all seven seasons of *My Hero Academia*, which will soon be followed by its eighth and final season later this year. Fans can also watch the full run of *Demon Slayer* ahead of the upcoming movie trilogy that concludes the series. The collection leans heavily into the best of shonen anime, from modern hits like *Jujutsu Kaisen* and *Chainsaw Man* to classics like *Tokyo Ghoul* and *Soul Eater*.
*Solo Leveling*, one of the latest breakout anime, continues to draw viewers with its immersive RPG-inspired storytelling. As IGN noted in their review of Season 1, 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.”
While the list is somewhat lighter on shoujo offerings, longtime fans will still find plenty to enjoy—especially with *Fruits Basket*. For those seeking something different, *The Apothecary Diaries* offers an elegant blend of historical drama and romance, anchored by Maomao, a sharp and quirky protagonist praised by IGN for her perfect balance between logic and humor.
The *Junji Ito Collection* rounds out the mix with a taste of horror, though fans of the genre may prefer the original manga for a deeper dive. As of now, these titles remain free to stream through the end of May, though some may continue to be available beyond that date. Either way, it’s the perfect opportunity to discover—or rediscover—some of the best anime around.
Ani-May is Crunchyroll’s annual celebration of anime culture. This year, the event includes not only free streaming access to select Premium content but also exclusive merchandise releases and global in-person events. A highlight of the month-long festivities is the Crunchyroll Anime Awards, scheduled for May 15. Here’s what Crunchyroll’s Head of Global Products had to say about the initiative:
“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.”
In addition to free anime, the Crunchyroll Store is offering special discounts and exclusive physical media releases throughout May. Some notable items include:
If you're an anime collector or simply want to own a piece of your favorite series, now is a great time to browse the Crunchyroll Store for exclusive editions and limited-time deals.