Crunchyroll is now part of Amazon’s Prime Video channel selection in the US, Canada, Sweden, and the UK, allowing Prime Video subscribers in those countries to gain access to its catalogue of over 1,300 anime. Rollouts in “additional territories” will take place in 2024.
Two tiers of memberships are offered by Crunchyroll to Prime Video subscribers: Fan ($7.99 per month) and Mega Fan ($9.99 per month). Both provide ad-free viewing and seasonal anime, while Mega Fan allows for episodes to be downloaded at launch. Further “non-video benefits” perks will be added to the membership tier post-launch. Some of the Fall 2023 anime streaming on Crunchyroll include Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2, and The Apothecary Diaries.
The Prime Video Channels are add-on subscriptions that allow Prime Video members access to channels like Paramount+, Max, and STARZ without additional sign-ups. Prime Video has its own catalogue of anime, but the addition of Crunchyroll to the Prime Video Channels options, as well as the recent launch of a 24/7 Crunchyroll linear channel on Amazon Freevee, noticeably expands the range of anime available to Prime Video members.
“Prime Video already offers an unparalleled collection of premium entertainment, including third-party channels so customers can enjoy their favorite movies and series directly on Prime Video,” said Matt Cohen, Prime Video Channels’ head of content acquisition and partnerships. “With the addition of Crunchyroll to Prime Video Channels, Prime members can now easily stream anime content on Prime Video.”
For Crunchyroll, the Prime Video partnership offers the chance to further expand its subscriber pool. “Crunchyroll offers an anime adventure for every kind of fan. From sports to romantic comedy, horror and action to slice-of-life, even the anime-curious can get immersed in our library,” said Terry Li, Crunchyroll’s EVP of emerging business. “We look forward to welcoming new fans into the anime community through our launch on Prime Video Channels.”
Crunchyroll is currently available in over 200 countries and territories (with the catalogue size varying across regions) and has an app that is available on nearly 15 platforms, including gaming consoles like PS4 and Nintendo Switch. It was notably sold to Sony’s Funimation group in 2020 and merged with Funimation, its former major rival, in 2022.
Update: We originally reported that Crunchyroll would come to Prime Video Channels in Canada, Sweden, and the UK later in the week. However, it was later brought to our attention that the launches in those countries had managed to be expedited and took place on the 24th, the same date as the US launch.
Source: Press release
