Crunchyroll Surpasses 21 Million Paid Subscribers as Anime Becomes a Global Mainstream Culture, First Industry Summit to Be Held in New York

Crunchyroll announced on May 8 that its monthly paid subscribers have surpassed 21 million.

Crunchyroll Expands as a Global Anime Brand

Crunchyroll, one of the world’s largest anime streaming services, is operated by a joint venture between Sony Pictures Entertainment in the United States and Aniplex, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment.

As anime continues to grow in popularity worldwide, Crunchyroll now streams more than 50,000 episodes. Beyond streaming, the company is expanding its presence as a global anime brand through theatrical anime releases, games, music, events, and merchandise.

Crunchyroll President Rahul Purini emphasized, “The figure of 21 million shows that there is a passionate community around the world that has embraced anime as a form of entertainment.”

He added, “We place great importance on serving this community by supporting creators and production companies. We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank anime fans, and we will continue to deliver 360 degree anime experiences.”

Global Partnerships and Theatrical Expansion

In recent years, Crunchyroll has expanded its anime distribution business around the world. Last year, it partnered with Delta Air Lines in the United States and Fetch TV in Australia. This year, it has announced partnerships with Times Prime in India, Apple TV in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, and Galaxy Play in Vietnam.

The company is also strengthening its theatrical business. For That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Tears of the Blue Sea, Crunchyroll has acquired overseas distribution rights, with screenings scheduled to begin in May across North America, Europe, Latin America, Oceania, and other regions.

In North America, Crunchyroll Anime Night is held on the third Monday of each month. In April, the previous film That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Scarlet Bond was screened. Attack on Titan: THE LAST ATTACK is scheduled for May 18, while Crunchyroll Anime Nights SNEAK PEEK, a special event featuring early screenings of summer 2026 titles, is planned for June 15.

Crunchyroll Anime Future Forum to Debut in New York

Crunchyroll also announced that it will hold the Crunchyroll Anime Future Forum, described as the anime industry’s first global summit, in New York for the first time. The invitation only event will take place on October 7 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, one day before New York Comic Con.

The forum will bring together leaders and creators from anime, games, music, film, and technology. Under the theme “Designing for Anime’s Future,” participants will discuss fandom, technology, storytelling, and content protection.

Purini said, “Anime has become a central presence in the global entertainment industry.”

He added, “This is the first time such a forum will be held outside Japan, and we expect the participants to raise global awareness of anime and further drive its success.”
Crunchyroll will also continue holding the Crunchyroll Anime Awards, which honors anime creators and cast members. The 10th awards ceremony will take place in Tokyo on May 23.

Source : ORICON NEWS