Amazon Prime Video anime channels: how Crunchyroll became the lead add-on
Prime Video Channels lets Prime members add third-party subscriptions. Crunchyroll is the most prominent anime channel, but it is not available everywhere.
Published: 2026-08-19. Updated: 2026-08-19.
Short answer: Amazon Prime Video carries anime through its main catalog and through Prime Video Channels, where Crunchyroll is the leading anime add-on. Crunchyroll launched on Prime Video Channels on October 24, 2023 in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Sweden, and later expanded to additional territories including Brazil, Mexico, Germany, France, Australia, and India. Prime members can subscribe to Crunchyroll's Fan or Mega Fan plan through Amazon, starting at USD 7.99 per month in the U.S.
How Prime Video Channels works for anime
Prime Video Channels is Amazon's add-on marketplace for Prime members. It lets subscribers add third-party streaming services to their Prime Video account without downloading separate apps. Billing and account management run through Amazon.
For anime, the most significant channel is Crunchyroll. Other anime-adjacent content is available in Prime Video's base catalog and through channels such as Midnight Pulp, but Crunchyroll is the only major dedicated anime subscription currently offered as a Prime Video Channel.
Crunchyroll's Prime Video Channels launch and expansion
Crunchyroll and Amazon announced a global agreement on October 24, 2023. At launch, Crunchyroll was available via Prime Video Channels in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Sweden, with additional territories to follow in 2024.
Crunchyroll's support documentation lists 15 countries where the Prime Video Channel is available: the United States, United Kingdom, Sweden, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Australia, Italy, Spain, and India.
Pricing and plan tiers
Prime members can choose between two Crunchyroll membership tiers on Prime Video Channels: Fan and Mega Fan. Both allow ad-free streaming of the full Crunchyroll library and access to new episodes shortly after they air in Japan.
In the United States, pricing starts at USD 7.99 per month. Prices vary by country. At launch, Mega Fan subscribers could download titles for offline viewing. Crunchyroll said additional non-video benefits would be added shortly after launch.
What subscribers get and what they do not
Subscribing through Prime Video Channels gives access to Crunchyroll's full anime library, which Amazon's press release described as 24,000 hours, 46,000 episodes, and more than 1,300 series and films. Subscribers can also connect their Amazon-billed Crunchyroll membership to an existing Crunchyroll account to unlock store discounts and the Crunchyroll Game Vault at Mega Fan level.
However, a Crunchyroll subscription purchased directly through Crunchyroll cannot be linked to Amazon Prime Video Channels in the reverse direction. Subscribers must manage payment, cancellation, and email changes through Amazon's system.
Amazon's base anime catalog is separate: Prime Video's included-with-Prime catalog contains some anime, but it is not the same as the Crunchyroll add-on. The Prime Video Channels model is the main way Amazon offers a dedicated anime subscription.
Why Prime Video Channels matters for anime distribution
For Amazon, adding Crunchyroll strengthens Prime Video Channels as a one-stop entertainment hub and reduces churn by bundling anime into a familiar billing flow. For Crunchyroll, the channel lowers customer acquisition friction by reaching Prime members who might not otherwise sign up for a standalone anime service.
The partnership also reflects the broader trend of anime services being distributed through larger platforms rather than relying solely on direct-to-consumer apps.
Crunchyroll Prime Video Channel details from Amazon and Crunchyroll announcements.| Element | Crunchyroll on Prime Video Channels |
|---|
| Launch date | October 24, 2023 |
| Initial markets | US, UK, Canada, Sweden |
| Current markets | 15 countries including Brazil, Mexico, Germany, Australia, India |
| Plans | Fan and Mega Fan |
| US starting price | USD 7.99/month |
| Library size at launch | 1,300+ series and films |
| Offline downloads | Available on Mega Fan at launch |
Frequently asked questions
Is Crunchyroll free with Amazon Prime?
No. Crunchyroll is a paid add-on through Prime Video Channels. Prime members pay an additional monthly fee starting at USD 7.99 in the U.S.
In which countries is Crunchyroll available on Prime Video Channels?
Crunchyroll lists 15 supported countries: the United States, United Kingdom, Sweden, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Australia, Italy, Spain, and India.
Can I use my existing Crunchyroll account with a Prime Video Channel subscription?
Yes. You can connect an Amazon-billed Crunchyroll membership to an existing free or new Crunchyroll account, but a subscription bought directly from Crunchyroll cannot be linked to Amazon.