Ani-May 2026: Crunchyroll Expands Anime Celebration Across Streaming, Gaming, and Live Events

Crunchyroll has officially announced the return of Ani-May, a month-long global celebration dedicated to anime fans across streaming, gaming, retail, and live experiences. This year’s edition expands significantly in scale, offering a combination of digital events, in-game collaborations, real-world activations, and exclusive content designed to immerse audiences throughout May.

The celebration begins early, with Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc streaming on April 30 exclusively on Crunchyroll. This early release sets the tone for a month focused not just on watching anime, but actively engaging with it across multiple platforms.

A Multi-Platform Anime Experience

Ani-May 2026 positions itself as more than a viewing event. It integrates streaming, gaming, social media, and community participation into a unified campaign. Fans can participate in weekly global YouTube watch parties, creator-led streams, and fan-driven content initiatives that extend anime culture across the internet.

A major highlight is the inclusion of discounted Fan and Mega Fan memberships, which now include access to the Crunchyroll Game Vault. These limited-time offers aim to bring new and returning users into the ecosystem during the campaign window.

In gaming, Crunchyroll has partnered with the upcoming Forza Horizon 6, launching May 19. Subscribers will receive exclusive in-game rewards, including a Car Voucher redeemable for any vehicle in the Autoshow. This marks the first collaboration between Crunchyroll and the Forza franchise, reinforcing anime’s growing crossover into mainstream gaming culture.

Global Talent and Community Integration

Ani-May introduces a new ambassador program featuring personalities such as REI AMI, Big Sean, and Noah Lyles. These ambassadors will contribute curated playlists, cosplay showcases, and exclusive behind-the-scenes anime content, helping bridge anime with broader entertainment audiences.

Crunchyroll is also emphasizing community storytelling. In India, the campaign will spotlight influencers, creators, and voice artists through social media initiatives that highlight how local audiences engage with anime culture.

“Anime is something we celebrate every day, but Ani-May is our chance to deepen that connection with fans even further. It’s a moment to come together, revisit old favorites, discover something new, and shop, play, and watch in ways that feel meaningful,” said Gita Rebbapragada, Chief Operating Officer, Crunchyroll.

Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc

“It’s been incredible to see how many partners around the world are leaning into Ani-May and wanting to celebrate anime alongside us,” added Scott Donaton, SVP, Global Brand and Community. “They recognize anime as a powerful cultural connector, and together we’re creating moments that bring fans and communities closer across every touchpoint.”

A key physical activation will take place at Mumbai Comic Con on May 9–10. Crunchyroll plans its largest-ever booth at the event, featuring appearances by Taito Ban, voice actor of Sung Jinwoo, and producer Atsushi Kaneko from Solo Leveling. Attendees can also expect a live performance by Hiroshi Kitadani, known for the One Piece theme “We Are!”, along with interactive dubbing experiences and exclusive merchandise.

Globally, Ani-May will build toward the Crunchyroll Anime Awards, featuring appearances from high-profile names including The Weeknd, Rashmika Mandanna, Winston Duke, and RZA.

This year’s Ani-May emphasizes anime as an everyday cultural force rather than a niche interest. The campaign includes franchise-driven moments tied to titles such as Jujutsu Kaisen, My Hero Academia, Black Clover, Solo Leveling, and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End.

Through Ani-May Central, users can explore localized events and activities worldwide, making the campaign accessible regardless of geography.

Ani-May 2026 reflects Crunchyroll’s broader strategy to position anime as a global cultural connector, integrating entertainment, commerce, and community into a single cohesive experience.