The library is divided into anime and live-action drama sections, with the former comprising the majority of the content. Shows are distributed across various genres, including action, adventure, comedy, drama, fantasy, music, mystery, romance, and sci-fi. Top shows include Attack on Titan, Death Note, FLCL, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Hunter X Hunter, One-Punch Man, several Naruto series, and Yuri!!! on Ice. Crunchyroll also produces original anime series, including A Place Further Than the Universe, In/Spectre, and The Rising of the Shield Hero. There are too many shows on Crunchyroll to list them all, but you can find the complete list here.
Other anime streaming sites fill some of Crunchyroll’s coverage gaps while offering many of the same shows. For instance, Hulu has most of the shows mentioned above, as well as classics like Cowboy Bebop, some Dragon Ball series, and Trigun. Netflix also offers many of the same popular titles, in addition to acclaimed platform-exclusive programs, such as Beastars, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, Castlevania: Nocturne, and Dan Da Dan. Netflix is also the exclusive home of the smash-hit K-Pop Demon Hunters.
(Credit: Crunchyroll/PCMag)
Crunchyroll, like most other dedicated anime streaming services, maintains a library of simulcast shows. Simulcast episodes are available approximately one hour after they originally air (it’s not live TV streaming like YouTube TV). Currently, Crunchyroll has about 40 simulcast shows in its library, including Ace of the Diamond, Black Clover, In/Spectre, My Hero Academia, and One Piece. You can keep track of all the episode releases with Crunchyroll’s simulcast calendar. Hulu also offers simulcast series, like Bleach and Chainsaw Man.
Crunchyroll’s dramas include a live-action stage adaptation of Demon Slayer and some of Bruce Lee’s catalog. These are certainly not the service’s main draw, but some audiences may appreciate their inclusion.
The library has grown even more impressive now that it has absorbed Funimation. Before, Crunchyroll and Funimation stood on opposite sides of the “subs versus dubs” debate. However, with Crunchyroll bolstered by Funimation’s extensive dubbed library, subscribers no longer need to make a choice. Crunchyroll also acquired content from the defunct streaming services Wakanim and VRV, which bundled Crunchyroll alongside other streaming channels. Having a few non-anime cartoon options makes Crunchyroll even more irresistible.
A dedicated anime streaming service, such as Crunchyroll, should work well for you if that’s the only thing you care about. However, if you or someone else in your household wants to watch other shows and movies (or even other animated series), then you’re better off choosing a streaming service, such as Hulu or Netflix, that also includes mainstream content. For instance, Netflix’s top originals include Bojack Horseman and Stranger Things. Hulu also offers popular exclusives, including The Bear and The Handmaid’s Tale. Disney+ is a great option for family-friendly programming, featuring shows like Andor and Marvel’s X-Men ’97.
