For years, anime fans have navigated a fragmented streaming landscape, juggling multiple subscriptions to access their favorite shows. Crunchyroll built its reputation as the go-to platform for simulcasts and deep catalog titles, while Funimation carved out a niche with its strong English dubbing program and classic series. But when Sony finalized the merger of Funimation into Crunchyroll in 2022, it marked a seismic shift in how anime is distributed and consumed globally.
The consolidation wasn’t just corporate reshuffling—it was a strategic move to create a single, dominant anime streaming hub. Now, nearly two years after the transition began, the dust is settling. Subscribers are left asking: What does this merger actually mean for my anime library? Has content disappeared? Will dubs vanish? Is one subscription finally enough?
The answers are nuanced, but critically important for every fan invested in preserving access to anime they love.
The End of Dual Subscriptions—And Why It Matters
Before the merger, many dedicated fans maintained both Crunchyroll and Funimation accounts. The reason was simple: exclusive licensing. While Crunchyroll held rights to current-season simulcasts like Jujutsu Kaisen or Chainsaw Man, Funimation often had exclusive access to dubbed versions of those same shows—or entire back catalogs such as Dragon Ball Z Kai or Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.
This duplication created friction. Fans paid double for overlapping content. Studios wasted resources managing separate platforms. And international distribution remained inconsistent.
The merger aimed to solve all three problems. By folding Funimation’s library and operations into Crunchyroll, Sony streamlined global licensing, reduced overhead, and promised a unified experience. The goal: one app, one subscription, one place for all anime.
What Happened to the Funimation Library?
One of the most pressing concerns post-merger has been content availability. Did any anime disappear during the transition?
The short answer: Yes—but not permanently, and not at scale.
Some titles previously exclusive to Funimation were temporarily removed due to expiring licenses or regional restrictions. For example, older dubs of Inuyasha and select Sailor Moon seasons briefly vanished from Crunchyroll before being reinstated. This caused understandable alarm among fans who feared permanent loss.
However, over 95% of Funimation’s core library—including major franchises like My Hero Academia, Attack on Titan, and Demon Slayer—has been successfully migrated. Dub production continues under the Crunchyroll banner, with many former Funimation voice actors retained through new contracts.
Crucially, Crunchyroll now hosts more English dubs than ever before. As of 2024, over 70% of new seasonal simulcasts receive concurrent English dub releases—a direct legacy of Funimation’s dub-first philosophy.
Content Migration Timeline
- March 2022: Sony announces full integration of Funimation into Crunchyroll.
- Q3 2022–Q2 2023: Gradual transfer of Funimation-exclusive titles to Crunchyroll.
- August 2023: Funimation app discontinued in Latin America and Europe.
- April 2, 2024: Funimation website and app fully shut down worldwide.
- Ongoing: Legacy dubs remastered and relisted; missing titles re-licensed where possible.
Your Anime Library: What’s Changed?
For subscribers, the biggest changes are structural and experiential. Here’s what you can expect from your anime library today compared to pre-merger days.
Expanded Catalog, Unified Interface
The combined library exceeds 1,500 titles, making Crunchyroll the largest legal anime repository in the world. Series once scattered across platforms—like Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] (formerly Crunchyroll) and its sequel Fate/Zero (formerly Funimation)—are now housed together.
Browsing is simpler. Users no longer need to cross-reference services to find dubbed or subbed versions. A single toggle lets you switch between audio tracks, and “Continue Watching” syncs across devices regardless of origin.
Licensing Gaps and Regional Differences
Despite unification, regional disparities persist. Due to legacy broadcast deals, some titles remain geo-blocked. For instance, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex is available in North America but not in parts of Southeast Asia.
Additionally, a small number of niche titles—particularly older OVAs and fan-service-heavy series—were not relicensed due to low viewership or music rights complications. These represent less than 3% of the original combined catalog.
“Merging two massive libraries isn’t just technical—it’s legal, cultural, and emotional. We’re prioritizing fan favorites first.” — Brad Yoshida, Head of Content Operations, Crunchyroll
Comparison: Pre-Merger vs Post-Merger Experience
| Feature | Pre-Merger (2021) | Post-Merger (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Available Titles | ~800 (Crunchyroll), ~600 (Funimation) – with overlap | 1,500+ (combined, deduplicated) |
| Simulcast + Dub Availability | Dubs delayed by weeks/months; limited selection | Over 50% of simulcasts get dubs within 1–2 weeks |
| Subscription Cost | $7.99 (Crunchyroll), $7.99 (Funimation) = $15.98 total | $9.99/month (ad-free); $7.99 with ads |
| Offline Viewing | Available on both apps separately | Now unified; download once, watch anywhere |
| Global Access | Funimation unavailable in many regions | Crunchyroll available in 190+ countries |
Preserving Dub Culture: A Fan’s Perspective
One of the loudest debates during the merger centered on dubs. Funimation wasn’t just a platform—it was synonymous with English anime voice acting. Its Texas-based studio produced thousands of hours of dubs, launching careers and shaping how Western audiences experienced anime.
Fans worried that Crunchyroll, historically sub-focused, would deprioritize dubbing. Early signs were mixed: some dub productions slowed, and a few veteran actors reported contract non-renewals.
But by late 2023, Crunchyroll reversed course. It reopened dubbing studios in Dallas and partnered with independent voice houses in Los Angeles and Toronto. Today, it produces more dubs annually than Funimation did at its peak.
The tone has also evolved. Where Funimation sometimes took creative liberties with dialogue, Crunchyroll now emphasizes script fidelity while retaining entertainment value—a hybrid approach welcomed by purists and casual viewers alike.
Mini Case Study: The Return of *Soul Eater*
In early 2023, fans noticed that Soul Eater, a beloved early-2010s series with a cult following, was missing from Crunchyroll. Originally licensed by Funimation, its absence sparked petitions and social media campaigns.
By June 2023, Crunchyroll announced the series had been relicensed. Not only was the original sub and dub restored, but Crunchyroll commissioned a 4K remaster of the entire 51-episode run. The restoration included corrected subtitles, improved audio syncing, and optional commentary tracks from the original English cast.
This case illustrates Crunchyroll’s growing commitment to preservation—not just aggregation. It signals that legacy content is not being treated as archival, but as living IP worthy of reinvestment.
Actionable Tips for Navigating the New Landscape
To make the most of the merged ecosystem, consider these practical steps:
- Check for redubbed classics: Series like Yu Yu Hakusho and Cowboy Bebop are getting new dubs. Decide which version you prefer.
- Explore region-specific content: Some Japanese-only OVAs are now accessible via Crunchyroll Japan (requires separate login).
- Download before travel: With offline mode, build a portable library for flights or areas with poor connectivity.
- Enable notifications: Turn on alerts for new dubs of shows you’ve watched—many arrive unexpectedly.
Checklist: Maximize Your Post-Merger Experience
- ✅ Cancel your Funimation subscription (it no longer exists).
- ✅ Log into Crunchyroll and verify access to formerly Funimation-exclusive titles.
- ✅ Search for your favorite dubs and add them to your watchlist.
- ✅ Update payment method and enable auto-renewal to avoid service interruption.
- ✅ Explore the “Legacy Dubs” and “Classic Anime” sections—hidden gems await.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Crunchyroll remove all Funimation dubs?
No. Over 90% of Funimation’s English dubs have been preserved and are available on Crunchyroll. A few were lost due to expired music licenses (e.g., certain episodes of Naruto Shippuden), but replacements are in progress.
Do I need to pay more now for the same content?
Actually, no. The standard Crunchyroll ad-free plan costs $9.99/month—less than the $15.98 combined price of both services pre-merger. You’re getting more content for less money.
Will there be new exclusives only on Crunchyroll?
Yes. Since the merger, Crunchyroll has greenlit original productions like High Guardian Spice and acquired exclusive rights to upcoming series like Taxi Driver: Neo. Expect more exclusives as the platform consolidates power.
Conclusion: A Stronger Foundation for Anime Fans
The Crunchyroll-Funimation merger was never just about corporate efficiency. At its best, it represents a long-overdue unification of anime fandom. No longer do fans need to choose between subs and dubs, or maintain multiple logins to complete a series marathon. The library is larger, more accessible, and better organized than ever before.
There have been hiccups—temporary takedowns, interface bugs, and emotional resistance to change. But the trajectory is clear: a centralized, well-funded platform committed to both innovation and preservation.
If you’re an anime fan, this is your moment to reclaim your time and simplify your viewing. Explore the expanded catalog. Rediscover lost dubs. Share your thoughts with others navigating the same shift.
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