Crunchyroll fans might recall that the rather famous anime streaming service started life as a platform that offered anime for free if you don’t mind a few ads here and there. Alas, when Sony acquired the service back in August 2021, one of the first things they did with it soon after said acquisition was deleting the free with ads option entirely. At first, it was just all the new incoming anime series. Then slowly over time, they locked the entire anime library behind the premium paywall. They ended up only leaving the first 3 episodes of a select few new anime series per season as free with ads, and even then, it was a temporary thing. As soon as a set time elapsed, they would go behind the paywall.

It seemed that Sony was allergic to the idea that made Crunchyroll into the hit anime streaming service it is now. Now though, it seems like Sony has changed their minds. What else do you call it when Crunchyroll is now offering some anime series free with ads once more?

Crunchyroll: Free at Last Details

There’s a reason why this anime is the most prominent one on the list.

Crunchyroll is proud to announce that they have returned the free with ads option for anime fans. Not just for a handful of sample episodes either. No, they’re actually making entire anime seasons free to watch for free users, so long as they don’t mind a bunch of ads mixed in. They have have made a grand total of 19 anime series available to free users. All you have to do is sign up for a free Crunchyroll account, and you can access these specific anime series. Note though that for a few anime series, users in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand won’t be able to access them for some reason. Crunchyroll offers no explanation why. We at THS will keep you posted if this changes later.

Another thing Crunchyroll doesn’t mention is how long these anime series will be free for. They don’t mention if this is permanent, or just a temporary thing. Until they do, treat this as the latter, so if you have any interest in watching any of these anime series for free, then you might want to hurry up.

For now though, you might be curious as to which Crunchyroll anime series are free at last again? Well, you can check out the full list (which includes which specific episodes are available) below:

Free with Ads Anime List

Beast Tamer

  • Sub Episodes 1-13
  • Dub Episodes 1-3

BLUELOCK

  • Sub Episodes 1-24
  • Dub Episodes 1-3

BOCCHI THE ROCK!

  • Sub Episodes 1-12

Bungo Stray Dogs

  • Sub Episodes 1-12
  • Dub Episodes 1-3

Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill

  • Sub Episodes 1-12
  • Dub Episodes 1-3

Chainsaw Man (Writer’s Choice)

Chainsaw Man horizontal key visual.
When you want the bloodiest, goriest action combined with the most ridiculous humor.
  • Sub Episodes 1-12
  • Dub Episodes 1-3

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion

  • Sub Episodes 1-25
  • Dub Episodes 1-3
  • Note: Not available in the UK/Ireland/Australia/New Zealand

The Daily Life of the Immortal King

  • Sub Episodes 1-15
  • Dub Episodes 1-3

DON’T TOY WITH ME, MISS NAGATORO

  • Sub Episodes 1-12
  • Dub Episodes 1-3

Golden Kamuy

  • Sub Episodes 1-25
  • Dub Episodes 1-3

Lycoris Recoil (Writer’s Choice)

Lycoris Recoil horizontal key visual.
When you want girls with guns, and a strong dose of yuri to go with it.
  • Sub Episodes 1-12
  • Dub Episodes 1-3

Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch of Mercury (Writer’s Choice)

Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch of Mercury cours 2 horizontal key visual.
This is definitely a yuri anime, no matter what Bandai Namco tries to say.
  • Sub Episodes 0-12
  • Dub Episodes 0-2

My Dress-up Darling (Writer’s Choice)

My Dress-up Darling horizontal key visual.
For when you want romcon and cosplay colliding.
  • Sub Episodes 1-12
  • Dub Episodes 1-3

Ranking of Kings

  • Sub Episodes 1-23
  • Dub Episodes 1-3

The Reincarnation Of The Strongest Exorcist In Another World

  • Sub Episodes 1-23
  • Dub Episodes 1-3

Soul Eater (Writer’s Choice)

Soul Eater horizontal key visual.
This is definitely a golden oldie in terms of anime.
  • Sub Episodes 1-25
  • Dub Episodes 1-3
  • Note: Not available in the United Kingdom and Ireland

SPY x FAMILY (Writer’s Choice)

SPY x FAMILY cours 1 horizontal key visual.
When you want watch both James Bond and slice of life family comedy at the same time.
  • Sub Episodes 1-25
  • Dub Episodes 1-3

VINLAND SAGA

  • Sub Episodes 1-24

Yona of the Dawn (Writer’s Choice)

Yona of the Dawn horizontal key visual.
When you want your shojo style reverse harem anime with a lot more epic fantasy and political intrigue.
  • Sub Episodes 1-24
  • Dub Episodes 1-3