Parasyte anime rights and licensing: who owns and distributes it
Parasyte's English-language release illustrates how an independent licensor, Sentai Filmworks, can place the same title on multiple streaming services.
Published: 2026-08-19. Updated: 2026-08-19.
Short answer: Sentai Filmworks holds the North American home video license for Parasyte -the maxim-, releasing the complete 24-episode collection on Blu-ray on February 19, 2019. The series streams in the United States on HIDIVE, which Sentai owns, and has also appeared on Crunchyroll and through Amazon channels. The underlying anime rights belong to the production committee, while Hitoshi Iwaaki retains the manga copyright through Kodansha.
Who owns the anime rights to Parasyte
Parasyte -the maxim- is an adaptation of Hitoshi Iwaaki's manga, originally serialized by Kodansha. The anime was produced by Madhouse and broadcast on Nippon TV in 2014 and 2015.
As with most adapted anime, ownership is split. Kodansha and Iwaaki hold the manga rights, while the Parasyte production committee controls the anime adaptation rights, including international licensing. Madhouse animated the series but does not own the underlying rights.
North American licensing and home video
Sentai Filmworks licensed Parasyte -the maxim- for North America. The company's product page lists a complete collection Blu-ray release dated February 19, 2019, containing all 24 episodes with English and Japanese audio and English subtitles.
Sentai's parent company, Sentai Holdings, was acquired by AMC Networks in January 2022. The acquisition included HIDIVE, the Anime Network, and Sentai's licensing business, so Parasyte now sits within AMC's anime portfolio.
Documented North American releases of Parasyte -the maxim-.| Release | Format | Episodes | Release date | Licensor |
|---|
| Parasyte -the maxim- Complete Collection | Blu-ray | 1-24 | February 19, 2019 | Sentai Filmworks |
| Parasyte -the maxim- | Streaming | 1-24 | Ongoing | Sentai Filmworks / HIDIVE |
Streaming rights today
In the United States, Parasyte -the maxim- is listed as streaming on HIDIVE, Crunchyroll Amazon Channel, and for digital purchase on Amazon Video and Fandango At Home, according to JustWatch's aggregation as of August 2026.
HIDIVE is Sentai's proprietary streaming service, so its presence there is direct. The Crunchyroll Amazon Channel listing reflects a broader distribution arrangement, not a change in licensor.
Why Crunchyroll once removed Sentai titles
In 2020, Crunchyroll removed 77 titles that had been licensed by Sentai Filmworks. Parasyte was not on the published removal list, but the episode shows that a title's presence on a platform is tied to specific license terms, not permanent ownership.
When Sentai's titles leave Crunchyroll, they typically move to HIDIVE or other Sentai-controlled windows. This is why the same licensor can appear on competing platforms at different times.
Ownership uncertainty note: Sentai Filmworks' North American license is confirmed by its home video release. However, sublicenses for individual streaming territories, dub languages, and digital purchase windows are not fully public. A platform listing does not prove ownership of all rights in all regions.
What this means for rights researchers
If you are tracking who licenses Parasyte, Sentai Filmworks is the documented North American licensor and HIDIVE is its primary streaming window. For the rest of the world, local distributors hold sublicenses from the production committee, and those deals are rarely disclosed.
The manga remains with Kodansha and Iwaaki, so any future remake, live-action adaptation, or sequel would need approvals from both the manga rights holder and the anime production committee.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns the anime rights to Parasyte?
The Parasyte production committee controls the anime adaptation rights. Hitoshi Iwaaki and Kodansha hold the manga copyright. Madhouse produced the animation under license.
Who licenses Parasyte in North America?
Sentai Filmworks licensed Parasyte -the maxim- for North America and released the complete 24-episode Blu-ray collection in February 2019.
Where can I stream Parasyte?
In the United States, Parasyte -the maxim- streams on HIDIVE and has appeared on Crunchyroll Amazon Channel. Digital purchase options include Amazon Video and Fandango At Home.
Is Parasyte on Crunchyroll?
Parasyte has been available through Crunchyroll's Amazon Channel and may appear in the main catalog depending on current license terms, which can change.