Crunchyroll ends free streaming at the end of the year and asks for subscriptions

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An anime fan receives news that changes everything. He discovers that Crunchyroll will shut down streaming free of charge by the end of the year the layer with ads ends at December 31, 2025; from January 1st, 2026 access will require paid subscription. Now it's time to decide whether to upgrade to keep watching titles like Demon Slayer e Jujutsu Kaisen. This article explains what changes and how to choose a plan. (Initial report available at https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/anime-shows/crunchyroll-is-ending-its-free-anime-streaming-in-just-a-few-weeks-so-upgrade-while-you-still-can/)

Crunchyroll announces end of free streaming as of January 1, 2026

Crunchyroll has confirmed that its streaming layer free with ads will be closed on December 31, 2025. From January 1, 2026, the platform's anime library will only be available to paid subscribers.

Moving details

Users report messages when trying to watch without a subscription, warning about the end of the free service and suggesting migration to paid plans. The migration of the catalog to restricted areas had already been taking place gradually in recent months, with recent episodes and part of the collection already blocked for non-subscribers.

Current plans and prices

• Fan Ad-free access to the library (monthly fee provided by the platform).

• Mega Fan Extra benefits such as viewing on multiple devices and downloads.

• Ultimate Fan Adds store discounts, exclusive items and previews.

Check prices and promotional offers directly on the official website before deciding.

Attention

Users without a subscription will lose access to several titles that currently appear on the free tier. The change already affects recent episodes and part of the catalog.

Context and impact

The decision follows previous measures: in 2022, Crunchyroll restricted new simulcast episodes to free users; in 2024, part of the collection was moved to the paid tier. The platform is looking to increase revenues as the popularity of anime grows globally.

Series that already required subscriptions in several markets and that reports point to as being restricted in more regions include Chainsaw Man, Spy x Family, Blue Lock e Bocchi the Rock!. Among the releases that keep the public interested are the next seasons of Jujutsu Kaisen, Fire Force e Frieren, as well as the streaming premiere of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castlescheduled for 2026.

Conclusion

The news changes the game: the Crunchyroll stop streaming free of charge in December 31, 2025 and from January 1st, 2026access will require paid subscription. The fan has two main options: to migrate to one of the plans Fan, Mega Fan or Ultimate Fan or agree to lose access to part of the catalog. For those who follow series such as Demon Slayer e Jujutsu KaisenThe subscription may be necessary to continue the marathon; those who watch sporadically can compare prices, benefits and tests before committing.

For more information and context on the announcement, please also consult the original report at https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/anime-shows/crunchyroll-is-ending-its-free-anime-streaming-in-just-a-few-weeks-so-upgrade-while-you-still-can/ and other guides and comparisons at https://redeblox.com.br.