Quick update for streaming subscribers: Crunchyroll and Starz launched a joint bundle through Amazon Prime Video in the U.S. on July 29, 2026, priced at $16.99/month — more than 23% cheaper than subscribing to both services separately.
What changed
Crunchyroll and Starz announced the new bundle on Wednesday, July 29, available immediately through Prime Video for U.S. customers. It’s the first-ever streaming bundle for Crunchyroll, the anime service Sony acquired from AT&T in 2021 and grew from roughly 5 million to more than 21 million subscribers since. Starz’s standalone Prime Video add-on regularly runs $11.99/month, and Crunchyroll’s cheapest tier starts around $10/month — buying both separately costs noticeably more than the new combined $16.99 rate.
In statements accompanying the launch, Starz Networks president Alison Hoffman framed it as broadening Starz’s reach to anime audiences, while Crunchyroll’s chief product officer Terry Li called it “a meaningful step in expanding how fans can discover and connect with the series they love.”
How to get it
Existing Amazon Prime Video customers in the U.S. can sign up by opening Prime Video, selecting the Starz + Crunchyroll bundle, and following the checkout prompts — no separate app downloads or account setup required for either service beyond the Prime Video interface.
Where this fits in the streaming landscape
Bundling has become the default growth strategy across streaming in 2026, and this is Crunchyroll’s first move into that space in the U.S. after years of operating as a standalone anime-only subscription. Pairing with Starz — known for premium action, thrillers, and female-driven dramas rather than anime — is a genre-diversification play more than a content crossover; the two libraries stay separate, but the discount rewards households already juggling both types of programming.
It also fits a broader pattern of anime services testing where they sit relative to general-entertainment platforms. Crunchyroll has spent years growing almost entirely on the strength of its own catalog and price tiers; a bundle partnership signals Sony is comfortable using Prime Video’s checkout flow to reach subscribers who might not otherwise browse directly to Crunchyroll’s app or site. For Starz, the appeal is the reverse — tapping into Crunchyroll’s younger, anime-first audience that skews toward a demographic Starz’s traditional drama and thriller slate doesn’t always reach on its own.
Should you switch?
If you already pay for both Crunchyroll and Starz through Prime Video (or are considering picking up Starz for its non-anime slate), switching to the bundle is a straightforward savings move — same content, lower combined price. If you only want Crunchyroll and have no interest in Starz’s library, there’s no reason to change anything; the standalone Crunchyroll tiers are unaffected by this announcement.
Quick FAQ
How much does the Crunchyroll + Starz bundle cost?
$16.99 per month through Amazon Prime Video in the U.S.
When did it launch?
July 29, 2026.
How much do I save versus paying separately?
More than 23% compared to subscribing to Crunchyroll and Starz individually.
Is this available outside the U.S.?
The announcement covers the U.S. market via Prime Video; no international rollout has been announced.
Do I need a separate app for Crunchyroll content?
No — the bundle is managed and accessed through Prime Video.
Sources: Anime News Network (bundle announcement — Jul 29, 2026); Amazon Prime Video official press release.
