Crunchyroll Vs Funimation Is The Merger Finally Complete For Anime Streaming

The anime streaming landscape has undergone one of its most significant transformations in recent years with the long-anticipated consolidation of Crunchyroll and Funimation. What began as a series of strategic moves by Sony — parent company of both platforms — has culminated in a full integration that reshapes how fans access their favorite shows. The question on every anime enthusiast's mind is no longer whether the merger would happen, but whether it’s finally complete — and what that means for content availability, user experience, subscription models, and the future of anime distribution.

This shift didn’t happen overnight. Announced in 2021, the merger was framed as a way to unify fragmented anime rights, streamline production and licensing, and create a single dominant platform for global anime consumption. Now, nearly three years later, the transition appears largely finalized. But understanding the nuances behind this integration requires more than just checking a box — it demands a close look at timelines, regional implications, content migration, and fan reception.

The Road to Merger: A Timeline of Key Events

The journey from two competing platforms to a unified service spanned several pivotal milestones. While both Crunchyroll and Funimation had overlapping audiences and catalogs, they operated independently for over a decade, often bidding against each other for exclusive streaming rights — a dynamic that drove up costs and limited accessibility.

1. April 2021: Sony announces the acquisition of Crunchyroll from AT&T for $1.175 billion, placing both Crunchyroll and Funimation under the same corporate umbrella (Crunchyroll, LLC).
2. March 2022: Official announcement that Funimation content will begin migrating to Crunchyroll, with plans to eventually shut down the Funimation app and website.
3. December 2022 – March 2023: Regional shutdowns of Funimation begin in Latin America, Europe, and Oceania, redirecting users to Crunchyroll.
4. April 2, 2024: The final phase completes — the Funimation website and app officially go offline globally, marking the end of an era.
5. Mid-2024 onward: All former Funimation content is either available on Crunchyroll or scheduled for re-release under new branding.

This timeline reflects a deliberate, phased approach designed to minimize disruption. Unlike abrupt platform closures seen in other industries, Sony opted for gradual integration, allowing subscribers time to migrate accounts, re-download content, and adjust to updated interfaces.

Tip: If you still have a Funimation account, ensure your watch history and favorites were synced before the shutdown — some legacy data may not transfer automatically.

What Changed? Content, Accessibility, and User Experience

The most immediate impact of the merger lies in content unification. For years, fans had to maintain multiple subscriptions to access the full breadth of legally licensed anime. Series like *Attack on Titan* (Funimation) and *Jujutsu Kaisen* (Crunchyroll) were siloed, forcing viewers into a fragmented ecosystem.

Today, Crunchyroll serves as the sole hub for nearly all anime previously split between the two services. This includes:

• Legacy Funimation exclusives such as *Dragon Ball Super*, *My Hero Academia*, and *Black Clover*
• Simulcasts formerly exclusive to Funimation now launching day-and-date with Japanese broadcasts on Crunchyroll
• Dubbed content — once a Funimation stronghold — now produced under the “Crunchyroll Dubs” banner with consistent voice talent retention

From a technical standpoint, the Crunchyroll app and website have been upgraded to handle increased traffic and broader catalog demands. Features like enhanced search filters, improved subtitle accuracy, and expanded language options reflect investments made during the transition period.

Regional Access Disparities Remain

Despite the global rebranding, licensing restrictions persist. Some titles previously available on Funimation in certain regions are not yet accessible on Crunchyroll due to expiring contracts or territorial agreements. For example:

Region	Status	Notes
United States	Fully Migrated	All major titles available; dubs rolling out steadily
United Kingdom & Ireland	Mostly Complete	Minor delays in dub releases; text-based subtitles only for select older titles
Australia & New Zealand	Partial Migration	Some Funimation originals still pending re-licensing
Germany & France	In Progress	Localized dubs delayed; reliance on sub-only versions temporarily

These gaps highlight the complexity of international media rights — even under one corporate roof, local distributors and broadcast partners can delay full harmonization.

“Merging two large-scale streaming libraries isn’t just technical — it’s legal, cultural, and logistical. We’re seeing the industry mature, but legacy deals won’t vanish overnight.” — Hiroshi Tanaka, Media Analyst at StreamWatch Asia

Subscription Models: Simpler, But at What Cost?

One of the clearest benefits of the merger is simplified pricing. Previously, fans paid separately for Crunchyroll ($7.99/month ad-supported, $9.99 ad-free) and Funimation ($7.99/$9.99), often totaling $20 per month for full access. Today, a single Crunchyroll subscription provides access to nearly all combined content.

Pricing tiers remain unchanged post-merger:

• Free Tier: Ad-supported, limited library (no simulcasts)
• Ad-Supported ($7.99): Full catalog, simulcasts, HD streaming
• Ad-Free ($9.99): Includes offline downloads and early access to select dubs
• Premium Plus ($14.99): 4K streaming, group watch features, exclusive merch discounts

However, some long-time Funimation subscribers report losing access to niche dubs or uncensored versions of classic series like *Fist of the North Star*. While Crunchyroll promises eventual restoration of these titles under revised compliance standards, the process has been slow.

Tip: Use Crunchyroll’s “Continue Watching” feed to track migrated series — sometimes old Funimation playlists don’t auto-sync.

Behind the Scenes: Production and Localization Shifts

Beyond the consumer-facing changes, the merger has significantly altered how anime is localized and distributed. Funimation’s Dallas-based dubbing studio — renowned for its prolific output — has been integrated into Crunchyroll’s production pipeline. Voice actors from both rosters are now part of a unified talent pool, though union negotiations and contract renewals have led to selective recasting in ongoing series.

Crunchyroll has committed to maintaining high dub production volume, aiming for 90%+ of simulcast titles receiving English dubs within six months of premiere — a pace previously unmatched in the industry. Early results are promising: *Chainsaw Man*, *Oshi no Ko*, and *Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc* all received dubs faster than any prior season.

Yet challenges remain. Smaller studios that partnered with Funimation for distribution now face tighter approval processes under Crunchyroll’s centralized model. Independent licensors argue that reduced competition could lead to lower royalty payouts and less incentive to license obscure or experimental titles.

Mini Case Study: The Fate of *Tower of God*

*Tower of God*, originally co-produced and exclusively streamed by Crunchyroll in 2020, saw its second season delayed for over two years. Fans speculated that internal restructuring during the merger contributed to the holdup. When Season 2 finally premiered in mid-2024, it launched simultaneously worldwide — a feat enabled by unified scheduling and marketing resources.

Critics praised the improved translation consistency and character voice continuity, attributing gains to shared script databases and coordinated director oversight. However, the lack of physical release announcements raised concerns about declining investment in home media — a trend accelerating across digital-first platforms.

FAQ: Common Questions About the Crunchyroll-Funimation Merger

Is Funimation completely gone?

Yes. As of April 2, 2024, the Funimation website and mobile apps have been permanently deactivated. Users are redirected to Crunchyroll, where their accounts (if linked) should retain subscription status and viewing history.

Can I still watch Funimation-exclusive dubs on Crunchyroll?

Most are available, but not all. Over 95% of popular Funimation dubs — including entire seasons of *My Hero Academia* and *Black Clover* — have been re-uploaded under the Crunchyroll library. A small number of older or region-locked dubs remain unavailable pending re-licensing.

Will there be price increases after the merger?

There have been no official hikes tied directly to the merger. However, annual inflation adjustments (e.g., the $0.50 increase in 2023) suggest gradual cost growth. Industry analysts predict a potential tier restructuring by 2025, possibly bundling manga or music content into higher plans.

Final Verdict: Yes, the Merger Is Functionally Complete

The Crunchyroll-Funimation merger is, for all practical purposes, complete. The brand transition is finished, the content migration is nearly total, and operational control rests entirely under Crunchyroll, LLC. From a business and logistics perspective, this marks a historic consolidation in anime streaming — one that mirrors broader trends in entertainment, where scale and vertical integration dominate.

For viewers, the result is mostly positive: fewer subscriptions, broader content access, and faster localization. Yet the loss of competitive dynamics raises legitimate questions about innovation stagnation, regional equity, and creative diversity in the long term. With no major U.S.-based rivals left (HIDIVE remains niche, Netflix focuses on originals), Crunchyroll now holds unprecedented influence over which anime get promoted, dubbed, or even remembered.

As one fan forum moderator put it: “We got convenience, but we lost choice. Hope they use their power wisely.”

💬 What do you think about the Crunchyroll-Funimation merger? Did the transition go smoothly for you? Are there missing dubs or features you’re still waiting for? Share your experience and help shape the conversation around the future of anime streaming!