Crunchyroll expands anime business into theatrical and physical markets

Sony-owned Crunchyroll is transitioning from a digital streaming service to an integrated anime ecosystem. The company is expanding its business model to include theatrical releases, live events, and consumer products to increase fan engagement and maximize the value of its library, which contains over 50,000 episodes.

While the platform expands its physical and commercial footprint, it has also faced criticism regarding content availability. Some critically acclaimed series, including 'Black Lagoon', 'Barakamon', and 'Death Parade', have been removed from the platform without prior warning. Despite the removal of 'Black Lagoon' from the service, the franchise remains commercially successful, with its manga volumes surpassing 10 million copies sold worldwide.