I’m a huge anime fan – here’s why you should ditch Netflix for Crunchyroll in 2025
For many, the holidays are a season of change, to refresh the soul by reversing old thought patterns, adopting new perspectives and a chance to try something completely different.
No, we don’t necessarily mean eating Kentucky Fried Chicken on Christmas Day, as millions have done in Japan for decades, but perhaps expanding your streaming horizons by turning off a behemoth homogenized platform like Netflix and fueling your imagination by signing up for a colorful whirlwind tour of Japanese anime programming showcased on Crunchyroll.
The best Netflix anime might have been your go-to destination for cutting-edge, popular series Blood of Zeus, Castlevania, Arcane (make sure you check Ny Breaking’s Arcane season 2 review), Blue-eyed samuraiAnd Terminator zeroa ‘faithful adaptation’ of the science fiction franchise, but now it’s time to level up for a deeper dive into the anime universe and explore the wealth of critically acclaimed series and global titles from Crunchyroll’s vast selection of evocative entertainment.
Why sip from a tiny teacup when you can slurp from the river?
A purpose-built streaming service for anime fans
Originally founded in 2006 by anime-loving UC Berkeley students to later become an entertainment division of AT&T’s Warner Media, Crunchyroll was acquired by Sony in 2021 and eventually merged with the Funimation brand before the Funimation app closed in April 2024.
“Crunchyroll is the ultimate destination for anime fans, combining the world’s largest dedicated anime library with exciting theatrical releases, immersive games, must-have merchandise at the Crunchyroll Store, breaking news via Crunchyroll News, deep dives into anime via The anime effect podcast and much more,” Sheila Green, Crunchyroll’s VP of curation and programming, told Ny Breaking.
“Every season, fans can watch 40 to 50 new series, so there really is a new adventure waiting for every kind of fan. In total, our anime library contains more than 25,000 hours, 50,000 episodes of series and films, along with more than 3,500 Japanese music videos and concert series.”
There are currently three pricing tiers for ad-free subscribers to consider after Crunchyroll increased its prices in the US and select countries in May 2024: ‘Fan’ tier ($7.99 / £4.99 / AU$10, 99 per month), ‘Mega Fan’ level ($11.99). / £5.99 / AU$13.99 per month) and ‘Ultimate Fan’ level ($15.99 per month), which is only available in the US.
Each level comes with several benefits, including discounts on merchandise in the online store, gaming options, and the ability to watch content offline on multiple devices. For penny-pinchers, potential customers can also stream a limited library of over 1,000 hours of anime goodness for free with some commercial interruptions.
To unlock the full range of Crunchyroll’s epic anime range, one of the premium subscriptions is required, but you can also take advantage of a Crunchyroll free trial, which was shortened from two weeks to just one earlier this year.
“The Crunchyroll platform itself is built specifically for anime fans,” Green adds. “While the experience is personalized, we also have a team of curators based in six countries who are anime fans themselves, ensuring an experience that feels authentic and fan-led. Frequently mentioned on social media, these collections have something for everyone.
“Our goal is to make the experience feel like it was curated for you by a friend or a trusted guide to the world of anime. Since we are fans, it will feel different than any other app that only has anime and a lot of other content. It’s all about anime and we love it too.”
Crunchyroll’s list of returning fan favorites for 2025
The main menu hub also provides fans with the latest anime news, announcements, exclusive creator interviews, industry essays, quizzes, music, anime guides, informative explainers, and editor’s picks, making it one of the best anime streaming services.
Crunchyroll even has an official mascot named ‘Hime’. This cool corporate spokesperson is known as a ‘Kitsune’, a traditional Japanese trickster fox spirit who oversees the Crunchyroll website along with her team of lesser spirits. Green reminds avid anime acolytes that Crunchyroll has a lot to offer in 2025 as the best anime shows return.
“First, fans can head to Crunchyroll in January to watch the new winter season, including the highly anticipated return of Solo leveling season 2 – Rise from the shadowsAnd Dr. Stone Science Futurethe fourth and final season of Dr. Stone. For fans eager to see their favorite series on the big screen, Crunchyroll has North American and select international theatrical rights to the dark, epic fantasy omnibus film. Attack on Titan: The Final Strike And Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castlethe first film in an epic trilogy connecting the beloved series, both hitting theaters in 2025.
“Fans can also expect the return of the Anime Awards, our annual awards program that honors creators, voice actors and musicians, and fuels the global love for this dynamic medium. Fans can vote every day starting in April and cheer their favorites to first place. 3, with the winners announced at a live ceremony in Tokyo on May 25.”