Crunchyroll Unveils First Slate of 'Crunchyroll Originals'

Despite major players like Netflix and Amazon encroaching on their territory, Crunchyroll is probably still the biggest name in streaming anime. The site boasts the biggest catalogue of Japanese animation you'll find online. As competition started to heat up, the company began to dabble in co-production, investing in over 60 series such as The Rising Of the Shield Hero and The Junji Ito Collection.

Now the company is preparing to launch its first full slate of original programming, with Crunchyroll Originals.  The line-up will launch with eight titles releasing in 2020 (the first In/Spectre is already airing). The titles are a mix of co-productions with established anime studios such as Production IG and MAPPA and shows produced in-house by the new Crunchyroll Studios. It's a truly international selection too, with creators and talent hailing from Japan, South Korea, The US, the UK and more. It's a mix of original projects and series adapted from webcomics or graphic novels.

Highlights include Onyx Equinox, a series inspired by Mesoamerican cultures, FreakAngels, based on a graphic novel written by Castlevania's Warren Ellis and Tower Of God based on the popular WEBTOON comic of the same name. You can see some of the shows in action in the trailer below.




The full line up of titles are below. Crunchyroll has also launched a new Crunchyroll Originals site.


In/Spectre - In this Crunchyroll Original, supernatural romance mixes with an enthralling, fantastical mystery, as a duo sets out to solve a series of dark incidents plaguing their world. Airing now on Crunchyroll.


Tower of God - A Crunchyroll and WEBTOON Production, based on the comic series “Tower of God” created by SIU and published by WEBTOON, this dark fantasy action series centers on the journey of a young man as he battles his way through the mysterious Tower, building friendships, discovering the rules that govern this tower, and facing unimaginable terrors, as he strives to find the only friend he's ever known. Animation produced by TELECOM ANIMATION FILM. Production Management provided by SOLA ENTERTAINMENT. Coming to Crunchyroll spring 2020.


Onyx Equinox - In this Crunchyroll Studios Production created by Sofia Alexander, a young Aztec boy is saved from death by the gods and chosen to act as ‘humanity’s champion,’ forced to discard his apathy toward his fellow man and prove humanity’s potential in a fight that spans across fantastical-yet-authentic Mesoamerican cultures. Premieres summer 2020 on Crunchyroll.


The God of High School - A Crunchyroll Original, based on the comic series “The God of High School” created by Yongje Park and published by WEBTOON, this action-packed series follows a high schooler and his friends as they compete in an epic tournament, borrowing power directly from the gods and uncovering a mysterious organization along the way… With the promise of their heart’s deepest desires, motivating their tournament victory. Animation produced by MAPPA. Production Management provided by SOLA ENTERTAINMENT. Coming soon on Crunchyroll.


Noblesse - A Crunchyroll and WEBTOON Production, based on the comic series “Noblesse” from Jeho Son and Kwangsu Lee and published by WEBTOON, this fantasy follows a powerful vampire noble who is thrown into modern civilization after 820 years of slumber. Dangerous adventures with his new friends await as they combat a secret organization and uncover his past. Animation produced by Production I.G. Coming soon on Crunchyroll.


Meiji Gekken: Sword & Gun (Working title) - Japan, 1870. We follow an ensemble of characters - a former samurai, a yakuza bodyguard, a devious spy and a geisha assassin - as they try to find their place in the rapidly evolving Meiji-era while escaping the sins of their pasts…Inspired by historical events. A Crunchyroll Studios Production. Coming soon on Crunchyroll.


FreakAngels - After civilization comes to a sudden and crashing end, twelve 23-year-old psychics living in the rubble of London must check their wild impulses and discover their better angels in order to rebuild society. A Crunchyroll Studios Production based on the graphic novels by Warren Ellis & Paul Duffield. Coming soon on Crunchyroll.


High Guardian Spice - In this Crunchyroll Studios production created by Raye Rodriguez, four fierce girls train to become great heroes at High Guardian Academy, where they form allegiances, uncover betrayals, and discover their true identities, while preparing to protect the world from an ominous unknown threat. Coming soon on Crunchyroll.