Crunchyroll Is Pulling the Plug on Free Anime in Weeks — Here’s How to Keep Watching

Crunchyroll looks like it is finally pulling the plug on its free, ad-supported streaming. If you are on the no-cost plan, you may have already seen the heads-up that the countdown has started.

"Ad-supported streaming ends December 31, 2025. Upgrade now to ensure your viewing is 100% ad-free and uninterrupted."

So what is actually changing?

Based on the message showing up for free users (spotted by folks on Reddit), Crunchyroll plans to end ad-supported streaming entirely on December 31, 2025. Translation: once that date hits, you will need a paid membership to stream the library.

It sounds like a big pivot, but here is the context: the heavy hitters have already been paywalled for a while. If you wanted to watch Demon Slayer or Jujutsu Kaisen, you have needed a premium plan for years. This formal sunset just extends that logic to everything else.

Your membership options

Crunchyroll currently breaks its paid plans into three tiers. Here is what each one gets you:

• Fan: Complete access to the Crunchyroll library.
• Mega Fan: Everything in Fan, plus streaming on up to four devices, downloads, and access to the Crunchyroll Game Vault.
• Ultimate Fan: Everything in Mega Fan, plus a 15% discount in the Crunchyroll store, annual goodies, and access to early screenings — like the Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle early showing back in September.

Why now?

The timing is interesting. Anime keeps getting bigger, and this winter is packed. January is slated to bring Jujutsu Kaisen season 3, Fire Force season 3, and Frieren: Beyond Journey's End season 2. And for everyone waiting on Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle to hit streaming, that is currently targeted for 2026. In other words, there is a lot of demand coming — and Crunchyroll seems ready to nudge free users into paid seats.

Bottom line: if you have been coasting on the free tier, you have until December 31, 2025. After that, it is membership or bust.