Crunchyroll has introduced its first-ever streaming bundle for U.S. subscribers, a collaboration with Starz that is exclusively available through Amazon's Prime Video Channels. This bundled service costs $16.99 per month and represents a savings of approximately 23% compared to subscribing to each service individually at their standard rates. The bundle appears to be based on Crunchyroll's Fan tier, which typically costs $9.99 per month, and Starz's standalone plan, priced at $11.99 per month.
Matt Huntley, Prime Video's Director of U.S. Channels, highlighted the integration, stating that Prime Video aims to streamline access to diverse entertainment options for its users. This partnership allows customers to access anime, premium dramas, and films within a single platform.
Both services are currently running separate promotions. Starz is offering new customers three months at a reduced rate of $5.99 per month, while Crunchyroll has a promotion offering 17% off annual plans until the end of July. These deals suggest an increased effort by both platforms to expand their subscriber bases.
Crunchyroll, North America's largest anime streaming service with over 21 million subscribers, has undergone significant changes since its merger with Funimation in 2021. Now a joint venture between Sony Pictures Entertainment and Aniplex Inc. (both subsidiaries of Sony Group), Crunchyroll has broadened its offerings to include Crunchyroll Manga and the Crunchyroll Game Vault. However, access to the Crunchyroll Store is now restricted to higher subscription tiers. It is likely that subscribers to the new Prime Video bundle will not gain access to these additional services, given the bundle's inclusion of the Fan tier and its exclusivity to Prime Video.
In recent months, Crunchyroll has also phased out its free ad-supported streaming tier and implemented a price increase in March. The service still offers a seven-day free trial. While this is Crunchyroll's debut bundle in the U.S., Starz has existing bundle partnerships with services such as Hallmark+, HBO Max, and MGM+. Starz, which reported over 17.6 million subscribers, features original series like 'Outlander' and distributes films from Lionsgate and Universal Pictures.