Crunchyroll Vs Funimation Merger Impact On Classic Show Availability

When Crunchyroll and Funimation officially merged under the umbrella of Sony’s Funimation Global Group in 2022, the anime community watched closely. The consolidation of two of the largest Western anime distributors reshaped streaming landscapes, subscription models, and content libraries. But for long-time fans, one question loomed larger than most: what happened to the classic shows?

Classic anime—titles from the 1980s through the early 2000s—hold a special place in the hearts of many. Series like *Cowboy Bebop*, *Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex*, *Rurouni Kenshin*, and *Trigun* defined generations of viewers. These titles were once scattered across platforms, with Funimation holding strong rights to many dubs and Crunchyroll leading in simulcasts. The merger promised streamlining, but it also introduced uncertainty about legacy content.

The Merger Timeline: Key Moments That Shaped Access

The path to consolidation was neither instant nor seamless. Understanding the timeline helps clarify why certain classic shows disappeared or reappeared when they did.

1. April 2021: Sony acquires Crunchyroll from AT&T for $1.175 billion, merging it with its existing Funimation Global Group.
2. August 2021: Funimation begins migrating select content to Crunchyroll, including exclusive English dubs.
3. March 2022: Official announcement that Funimation will eventually shut down as a standalone platform, redirecting users to Crunchyroll.
4. December 2023: Funimation app and website go offline; all remaining active subscribers are transitioned to Crunchyroll.
5. 2024–Present: Full integration of libraries, backend systems, and licensing agreements underway.

This phased approach meant that during the transition, some classic titles became temporarily unavailable as rights were renegotiated or migrated. For example, *Outlaw Star* and *Banner of the Stars* vanished for months before quietly returning with updated subtitles and remastered audio.

Tip: If a classic show you remember from Funimation isn’t on Crunchyroll now, check back every few months—licensing lags mean content often returns after delays.

Content Consolidation: Gains and Losses

One of the primary goals of the merger was to unify fragmented anime libraries into a single, comprehensive hub. In theory, this should have expanded access. In practice, the results have been mixed—especially for older series.

Crunchyroll historically focused on newer, ongoing series and simulcasts, while Funimation held extensive dubbing rights and physical media catalogs. As a result, many classic dubbed anime—such as *Dragon Ball Z Kai*, *Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood*, and *Black Lagoon*—were originally exclusive to Funimation. Their migration to Crunchyroll was expected, but not guaranteed, due to expiring licenses.

Some rights were not renewed. For instance, *Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works]* briefly disappeared before being restored under a new Aniplex partnership. Others, like *Samurai Champloo*, remained available throughout thanks to Sony’s ownership of the title through Aniplex and Adult Swim co-rights.

Licensing Challenges Behind the Scenes

Not all anime rights are owned outright by distributors. Many are licensed from Japanese studios on fixed-term contracts. When the merger began, dozens of legacy licenses were up for renewal. Some expired because:

• The original Japanese licensor chose not to renew with a consolidated entity.
• Royalty terms were renegotiated, delaying re-release.
• Digital-only rights weren’t automatically transferred from physical media-focused deals.

As industry analyst Hiro Tanaka noted,

“Western mergers don’t override Japanese copyright structures. Each title must be re-licensed, and studios now have more leverage to demand higher fees or regional restrictions.” — Hiro Tanaka, Anime Industry Consultant

Impact on Dubbed Versions of Classic Anime

One of the most controversial aspects of the merger has been the fate of English dubs—particularly those produced by Funimation, which built its reputation on high-quality localization.

Many fans feared that Crunchyroll’s historically lighter investment in dubbing would lead to a decline in English voiceovers for older series. While Crunchyroll has since expanded its dubbing operations (even opening dedicated recording studios), the focus remains on current hits rather than retroactive dub production.

As a result:

• Existing dubs from Funimation’s library were preserved and migrated where possible.
• New dubs for classics are rare unless tied to remasters or anniversaries (e.g., *Cowboy Bebop* 25th anniversary 4K release).
• Some older dubs remain locked behind region restrictions due to legacy broadcast agreements.

Fans in regions like Latin America and Europe have reported reduced access to dubs that were previously available on Funimation’s regional platforms.

Table: Classic Show Availability Before and After the Merger

Series	Pre-Merger (Funimation)	Post-Merger (Crunchyroll)	Status Note
Cowboy Bebop	Dub + Sub (HD)	Dub + Sub (4K Remaster)	Improved quality, full availability
Rurouni Kenshin	Dub + Sub (SD)	Sub only (HD remaster pending)	Dub removed during transition
Trigun	Dub + Sub	Dub + Sub	Migrated successfully
Outlaw Star	Dub + Sub	Sub only (as of mid-2024)	Dub license lapsed; may return
Ghost in the Shell: SAC	Dub + Sub	Dub + Sub	Available via Paramount+ tie-in
Samurai Champloo	Dub + Sub	Dub + Sub	Never left platform
Fate/Zero	Dub + Sub	Sub only	Dub geo-blocked outside North America

The table illustrates a pattern: while core titles remain accessible, the consistency of dub availability has declined, especially outside major markets.

Real-World Example: The Case of *Rurouni Kenshin*

In 2022, longtime fan Maria Lopez noticed that the English dub of *Rurouni Kenshin* had disappeared from her Crunchyroll watchlist. She had grown up watching the series on FunimationNow and assumed the merger would preserve access. Instead, she found only the subtitled version available, and even that was in standard definition.

After contacting customer support and researching online forums, she learned that the dub license had expired during the transition period. The music rights—particularly for the original Japanese theme songs—were entangled in separate negotiations between Sony Music Japan and the production committee.

By late 2023, a remastered HD version launched, but without the original dub. A petition signed by over 12,000 fans urged Crunchyroll to restore the 1990s voice cast. As of 2024, the company has not committed to rerecording or relicensing the dub, citing cost and complexity.

Maria’s experience reflects a broader issue: fan loyalty to specific voice actors and localized versions often clashes with corporate decisions driven by cost-efficiency and licensing logistics.

How Fans Can Advocate for Classic Content Restoration

While corporate strategy drives content decisions, audience demand still plays a role. Platforms monitor viewing metrics, social engagement, and direct feedback when prioritizing restorations and relicensing.

Checklist: Actions to Help Restore Classic Anime

• ✅ Upvote or request missing titles on Crunchyroll’s official suggestion portal.
• ✅ Engage with classic anime posts on Crunchyroll’s social media—visibility matters.
• ✅ Support physical releases (Blu-rays, box sets) of classic series to demonstrate market demand.
• ✅ Join fan campaigns or petitions targeting specific dubs or remasters.
• ✅ Watch available episodes consistently—even partial views contribute to retention metrics.

Platforms use internal algorithms to identify “culturally significant” titles. High engagement can elevate a classic show’s priority status for restoration or relicensing.

Tip: Use official channels to request content. Social media complaints rarely help, but structured feedback through Crunchyroll’s “Missing Title” form is tracked by curation teams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did some classic anime disappear after the merger?

Many titles were bound by time-limited licensing agreements that expired during the transition. The merger required renegotiating each contract, and some licensors chose not to renew or demanded higher fees. Additionally, music and voice actor rights sometimes complicate re-releases.

Will Funimation dubs ever return to Crunchyroll?

Most dubs have already migrated. However, some remain absent due to lapsed licenses or regional restrictions. There is no guarantee all will return, but Crunchyroll has stated it is actively working to restore key legacy dubs, especially for anniversary editions.

Is Crunchyroll still the best place to watch classic anime?

For now, yes—but with caveats. Crunchyroll holds the largest consolidated catalog, but gaps exist. Complementary services like RetroCrush (free, ad-supported), Hulu (for older Sentai Filmworks titles), and HiDive may offer alternatives for specific classics not on Crunchyroll.

Looking Ahead: Preservation in the Streaming Age

The Crunchyroll-Funimation merger marks a turning point in how anime is archived and accessed. Unlike physical media, where a DVD collection could last decades, digital availability is fragile and subject to licensing cycles.

There is growing concern among archivists and fans that classic anime could enter a “digital dark age”—where beloved series vanish not due to lack of interest, but because corporations deprioritize low-viewership titles.

Some experts advocate for nonprofit-backed anime preservation initiatives, similar to the Criterion Collection for film. Until then, fans must remain vigilant.

“We’re not just consumers—we’re stewards of anime history. Every view, every request, every shared memory helps keep these stories alive.” — Dr. Lena Park, Media Archivist at UC Berkeley

Conclusion: Stay Engaged, Keep Watching

The merger of Crunchyroll and Funimation was inevitable in an industry moving toward consolidation. While it has streamlined access for many, it has also exposed the vulnerabilities of digital-only anime preservation—especially for classic series that don’t generate blockbuster metrics.

The good news? Many beloved titles have not only survived but been enhanced with remasters, better translations, and improved accessibility. The bad news? Some dubs and niche classics remain in licensing limbo, with uncertain futures.

Your viewing habits matter. Your requests count. And your passion keeps these stories relevant.

🚀 Take action today: Check your watchlist, request missing classics, and support official releases. The future of anime preservation starts with fans like you.