Crunchyroll Vs Funimation Is The Merger Actually Good For Fans

When Crunchyroll and Funimation announced their merger in 2021, the anime community reacted with cautious optimism. After years of fierce competition, fans hoped a unified platform would mean better content, improved streaming quality, and fewer subscription splits. But nearly three years later, it’s time to ask: did the merger deliver on its promises, or did it sacrifice fan interests for corporate efficiency?

The consolidation of two major anime distributors under Sony’s umbrella was never just about convenience—it was a strategic move to dominate global anime distribution. While the integration promised streamlined access and broader libraries, the reality has been more complex. For many fans, the transition brought confusion, regional disparities, and unexpected changes in content availability and pricing.

This article examines the post-merger landscape from multiple angles: library depth, simulcast schedules, dubbing practices, regional access, user interface, and long-term sustainability. By analyzing both the benefits and drawbacks, we aim to answer whether the Crunchyroll-Funimation merger was truly a win for anime fans—or a missed opportunity masked by branding synergy.

The Merger: What Actually Changed?

In August 2021, Sony acquired Crunchyroll from AT&T for $1.175 billion and merged it with Funimation Global Group, which it already owned. The goal was clear: create a single, centralized hub for anime streaming that could rival Netflix and Disney+ in scale and influence. The plan involved migrating all Funimation content and subscribers to Crunchyroll, retiring the Funimation brand by April 2024.

The migration process took over two years. During this time, users experienced overlapping subscriptions, inconsistent subtitle translations, and temporary loss of watch history. Some long-time Funimation subscribers reported losing access to purchased digital content or exclusive merchandise perks without adequate compensation.

From a business perspective, the merger reduced operational redundancies. Licensing negotiations, dubbing studios, and marketing teams were consolidated. However, fans began to notice subtle shifts—fewer dubs, delayed releases, and an increasing focus on simulcasts at the expense of legacy content.

“Mergers like this often prioritize scalability over niche appeal. The risk is alienating core fans while chasing mainstream growth.” — Akira Tanaka, Industry Analyst at Anime Business Insights

Content Library: Broader Access or Hidden Gaps?

One of the most anticipated benefits of the merger was a unified content library. Fans once split between platforms could finally access both catalogs under one subscription. In theory, this meant thousands of additional titles—from classic OVAs to rare theatrical releases.

In practice, the integration revealed licensing complications. Not all Funimation-exclusive titles made it to Crunchyroll. Some older series, particularly those with expiring music rights or co-licensing agreements, were quietly removed. Examples include select Detective Conan movies and certain Dragon Ball specials, which disappeared during the transition.

On the positive side, Crunchyroll now hosts nearly every major Funimation dub, including beloved series like My Hero Academia, Black Clover, and Fairy Tail. Simulcast dubs—where English versions premiere shortly after Japanese broadcasts—are more frequent than ever, especially for flagship titles.

Tip: Use Crunchyroll’s “Continue Watching” and “Download” features before traveling or during internet outages to avoid disruptions.

Library Comparison: Pre-Merger vs. Post-Merger

Category	Pre-Merger (Funimation)	Pre-Merger (Crunchyroll)	Post-Merger (Crunchyroll)
Simulcasts per Season	15–20	30+	50+
English Dubs Available	~600 titles	~400 titles	~900 titles
Classic/Retrospective Titles	Strong (e.g., Samurai Champloo)	Moderate	Reduced; some gaps
Exclusive Originals	Few	High Guardian Spice, Shadow Star	Trailers Park Brawl, Super Crooks
Global Availability	US, UK, Canada, AU	Over 200 countries	Expanded, but region-locked content varies

While the total number of available titles increased, the quality and consistency of archival content remain uneven. Longtime collectors lament the lack of remastered versions or director’s cuts that Funimation once offered through its premium Blu-ray partnerships.

User Experience: Interface and Accessibility

The technical overhaul following the merger included a redesigned app interface, faster load times, and improved search functionality. Crunchyroll adopted several UI elements fans loved from Funimation, such as episode filter toggles (sub/dub), clearer season navigation, and customizable profiles.

However, mobile users reported bugs during peak release hours, especially when high-demand episodes dropped simultaneously across regions. Buffering issues persisted on lower-tier internet connections, despite claims of enhanced CDN infrastructure.

Another point of contention: the removal of Funimation’s community forums. These spaces were hubs for fan theories, translation debates, and voice actor appreciation. Their absence left a void that Crunchyroll’s comment section hasn’t filled, largely due to moderation limitations and algorithmic suppression of non-English comments.

Key UX Improvements and Shortcomings

• Improved: Unified watchlists across devices
• Improved: Offline downloads now support up to 1080p resolution
• Improved: Parental controls and kid-friendly profiles
• Lacking: No advanced subtitle editor (e.g., font size, position)
• Lacking: Limited audio track options (no commentary or alternate dubs)
• Lacking: No dark mode on web version (as of mid-2024)

“I used to switch between apps depending on what I wanted to watch. Now I’m stuck with one ecosystem—but it doesn’t always feel like mine anymore.” — Jamie L., longtime anime subscriber since 2013

Pricing and Subscription Models

The merger allowed Crunchyroll to standardize pricing tiers globally. Previously, Funimation offered a cheaper “Premium” tier without ads; Crunchyroll phased this out in favor of its own structure: Simulcast ($7.99/month), Premium ($9.99), and Premium Plus ($14.99).

Premium Plus includes offline viewing, 1080p streaming, and exclusive merch discounts—features previously scattered across both platforms. For heavy users, this tier offers real value. But casual viewers found the entry-level Simulcast plan less appealing due to mandatory ads, even during critical story arcs.

A hidden cost emerged in bundled offerings. The Crunchyroll-Anime Expo partnership and limited-edition collectibles are now accessible only through annual plans or contests, reducing accessibility for international fans who can’t attend events.

Checklist: Maximizing Your Post-Merger Subscription

1. Review your current plan and upgrade only if you use 1080p or offline downloads regularly.
2. Enable download backups for seasonal shows before they rotate out.
3. Use ad-block notifications to skip non-skippable ads during key scenes (if using browser).
4. Check regional availability lists monthly—some titles return under new licenses.
5. Participate in Crunchyroll surveys to influence future dub selections.

Regional Disparities and Global Fan Impact

One of the merger’s biggest failures has been inconsistent global rollout. While U.S. and U.K. users gained immediate access to the full catalog, fans in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa still face geo-restrictions on popular titles.

For example, Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 was delayed by weeks in Brazil due to local licensing renegotiations. Similarly, Arabic subtitles—a feature Funimation tested in 2020—were discontinued without explanation, limiting access for Middle Eastern audiences.

Crunchyroll cites legal and copyright frameworks as barriers, but critics argue that centralized ownership should have simplified international distribution, not complicated it. Smaller competitors like Wakanim (now part of Crunchyroll) lost localized customer support teams, leading to slower response times for billing disputes.

Mini Case Study: A Filipino Fan’s Frustration

Rafael M., a university student in Manila, relied on Funimation’s affordable regional pricing and consistent Tagalog-subtitled simulcasts. After the migration, he discovered that 40% of his favorite series were unavailable. When he contacted support, he was told the content might arrive “in late 2024”—over a year after the global premiere.

He switched to piracy sites temporarily but returned to Crunchyroll after joining a group subscription with friends. “It feels unfair,” he said. “We pay the same price as Americans but get half the content. If the merger was supposed to unite fans, why do I feel more excluded?”

Long-Term Implications: Monopoly Concerns and Creative Control

With over 12 million paid subscribers, Crunchyroll is now the dominant player in legal anime streaming. This market concentration raises concerns about monopolistic behavior. Independent studios may find it harder to negotiate fair licensing terms, potentially pushing them toward self-distribution or piracy-prone platforms.

There are also signs of homogenized content strategy. Crunchyroll Originals increasingly mirror shonen battle tropes popularized by hits like Chainsaw Man and Blue Lock. Niche genres—such as iyashikei (healing anime) or experimental art films—receive minimal promotion or investment.

Voice actors have voiced concerns too. Union representatives note a decline in per-episode rates since the dubbing departments merged. Some speculate that automation and AI-assisted translation tools may further reduce human involvement in localization.

“When one company controls distribution, production, and dubbing, creative diversity suffers. Fans don’t just want more anime—they want different kinds of anime.” — Lena Park, Voice Director and Localization Consultant

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Funimation completely shut down?

Yes. As of April 2, 2024, Funimation’s website and apps were fully decommissioned. All active subscribers were migrated to Crunchyroll, and existing libraries were integrated. Users must now log in via Crunchyroll accounts.

Can I still watch Funimation dubs on Crunchyroll?

Most Funimation dubs are available on Crunchyroll, including complete series like Naruto Shippuden and Attack on Titan. However, a small number of older dubs with expired rights are unavailable. Check individual show pages for language options.

Is the merger making anime more expensive?

Not directly, but indirectly yes. While base prices haven’t risen sharply, the elimination of budget-friendly tiers (like Funimation’s former $5.99 plan) means fans now pay more for comparable service. Bundled perks like merch or early access often require higher-tier plans.

Conclusion: Was the Merger Good for Fans?

The Crunchyroll-Funimation merger delivered on some promises: a larger library, more simultaneous dubs, and a cleaner interface. For casual viewers in major markets, the change has been mostly positive. But for dedicated fans, especially those outside North America and Europe, the consolidation has introduced new frustrations—content gaps, reduced accessibility, and diminished community engagement.

True fan-centric progress would have included transparent communication during the transition, better preservation of legacy content, and equitable global access. Instead, the merger prioritized operational efficiency and brand unification, treating fans more as data points than stakeholders.

The ultimate test of any streaming platform is whether it deepens the connection between creators and audiences. Right now, Crunchyroll excels at delivery but falls short on inclusivity and innovation. If it listens to feedback, restores trust, and invests in diverse storytelling, it can still become the unified home anime fans deserve.

🚀 What do YOU think? Has the merger improved your anime experience, or did we lose something irreplaceable? Share your thoughts in the comments and help shape the future of anime streaming.