Crunchyroll drops ‘chainsaw man’ movie – but the price just went up
Crunchyroll is unleashing ‘Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc’ onto its streaming platform on April 30th, a move that comes after a significant six-month delay since its initial North American theatrical release. The announcement signals the start of Crunchyroll’s annual ‘Ani-May’ celebration – a month typically packed with exclusive deals and free anime offerings.
A bloody good box office run
The film, directed by Tatsuya Yoshihara and brought to life by MAPPA, has already grossed over a staggering $160 million globally, cementing its place as one of the highest-grossing Japanese animated films of all time. Despite a digital release last December and continued availability for rent and purchase on platforms like Prime Video, home video releases remain conspicuously absent – a detail Crunchyroll hasn’t addressed.
Beyond the bloodbath: critical reception
Initial reviews were surprisingly positive, despite a rather abrupt conclusion to the manga series. Raphael Motamayer, who reviewed the film prior to its North American debut, lauded the visuals, describing the fight sequences as ‘bonkers,’ and ultimately praised the movie for being ‘a compelling and hauntingly beautiful romance accompanied by one of the best movie soundtracks of the year.’
A manga finale – with a catch
The news follows the manga’s conclusion, published just weeks ago. While the narrative’s ending hasn’t directly impacted the anime’s development – Season 2 is already in the works, slated to continue the Assassins Arc – the abrupt announcement itself sparked considerable debate online. The film is even nominated for ‘Film of the Year’ at the upcoming 2026 Anime Awards in Tokyo.
Price hike shadows the release
Adding another layer to this already complex situation, Crunchyroll simultaneously announced a price increase across all of its streaming plans. This comes as audiences grapple with a rising cost of entertainment, a trend that’s becoming increasingly prevalent across the industry. Blythe, an Audience Development Coordinator at IGN, noted she’s “way too much time in character customization screens and tracking down collectibles,” highlighting the ever-growing demands of digital engagement.