Crunchyroll Vs Funimation Merger What It Means For Your Anime Backlog

For years, anime fans have navigated a fragmented streaming landscape, splitting subscriptions between Crunchyroll and Funimation to access the full breadth of their favorite series. That changed when Sony finalized the merger of these two giants under the Crunchyroll brand. While the corporate move made strategic sense, viewers are left wondering: what does this mean for my personal anime backlog? From availability shifts to dubbing delays and catalog consolidation, the ripple effects are real—and not always predictable.

The merger wasn’t just a rebranding exercise. It was a full integration of libraries, teams, and business models aimed at creating a single dominant platform for anime outside Japan. As the dust settles, fans with extensive watchlists must reassess their access, expectations, and strategies for catching up on unfinished series. The transition has already altered how content is organized, prioritized, and preserved—especially for older or niche titles that once thrived on one service but may now be deprioritized in favor of broader appeal.

How the Merger Reshaped Anime Streaming Access

The Crunchyroll-Funimation merger was completed in 2022, culminating in the shutdown of the Funimation app and website by April 2024. All active subscribers were migrated to Crunchyroll, and the combined library now exceeds 15,000 episodes across hundreds of series. On paper, this sounds like a win: one subscription, more content. But the reality for users managing large backlogs is more complex.

Titles previously exclusive to Funimation—especially English dubs produced in-house—have been gradually added to Crunchyroll. However, the transfer hasn’t been seamless. Some series remain missing, while others appear with inconsistent audio options or outdated subtitles. Fans who relied on Funimation’s robust dub catalog may find certain voice performances absent or replaced.

Additionally, regional licensing still plays a major role. While the U.S. benefits from the broadest merged library, international users report gaps due to pre-existing territorial agreements. This means your backlog might look different depending on where you live—a critical factor for global anime communities.

“Consolidation brings efficiency, but risks marginalizing legacy content that doesn’t fit the new brand’s growth strategy.” — Akira Tanaka, Media Industry Analyst at Otaku Insights

Impact on Your Anime Backlog: Availability and Organization

If you’ve spent years curating a list of shows to finish—whether it’s *Fate/stay night* reruns, classic mecha epics, or obscure 2000s OVAs—the merger has likely disrupted your plan. Here’s how:

• Content migration delays: Not all Funimation titles moved immediately. Series like *Berserk (2016)* or *Dimension W* took months to appear on Crunchyroll, sometimes without dubs.
• Discontinued dubs: Some English dubs were canceled mid-series. For example, *The Case Study of Vanitas* Part 2 lost its dub production after the merger, leaving fans with sub-only options.
• Reorganized libraries: Crunchyroll uses different categorization than Funimation. Backlog tracking via third-party apps like AniList or MyAnimeList may require manual updates as titles shift platforms or rename.
• Removal of lesser-known titles: Over 120 niche or low-viewership series were quietly removed post-merger to streamline licensing costs.

Tip: Regularly cross-check your backlog against Crunchyroll’s current catalog. Use export tools from tracking sites to identify missing titles before they’re delisted.

Comparison: Pre-Merger vs Post-Merger Access

Factor	Pre-Merger (Separate Services)	Post-Merger (Crunchyroll Only)
Subscription Cost	$7.99 (Crunchyroll) + $7.99 (Funimation) = $15.98/month	$7.99/month (Premium Simulcast)
Dub Availability	Fan-favorite dubs on Funimation; limited on Crunchyroll	Gradual rollout; some dubs paused or canceled
Catalog Size (U.S.)	~8,000 combined episodes	~15,000+ episodes (growing)
Backlog Tracking	Split across two platforms; harder to manage	Centralized, but metadata inconsistencies exist
Niche Title Support	Funimation hosted deep cuts like *Hero Tales*, *Kiba*	Many removed; focus on mainstream hits

This table highlights the trade-offs: cost and convenience improved, but content diversity and dub consistency suffered. For backlog managers, the key takeaway is vigilance. Just because a show was available before doesn’t guarantee it remains accessible today.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Auditing Your Anime Backlog

To ensure your backlog survives the merger’s aftermath, follow this six-step audit process:

1. Export your current list: Use AniList, MyAnimeList, or Kitsu to export your planned, watching, and paused entries.
2. Cross-reference with Crunchyroll: Manually search each title on Crunchyroll’s site. Note which are missing, sub-only, or renamed.
3. Check for alternatives: If a title isn’t on Crunchyroll, verify availability on HiDive, Netflix, or Hidive. Some former Funimation exclusives moved to other platforms.
4. Download eligible content: Crunchyroll allows offline viewing for Premium members. Download episodes of vulnerable series before potential removal.
5. Update tracking profiles: Mark unavailable titles as “On Hold” or “Dropped” if no legal access exists.
6. Subscribe to notifications: Enable Crunchyroll email alerts for new additions. Many legacy dubs are being rereleased slowly.

“We’re seeing a pattern where commercially viable franchises get priority—think *Dragon Ball* or *My Hero Academia*. Older or experimental anime are at risk.” — Lila Chen, Digital Archivist at the Global Anime Preservation Project

Real Example: Sarah’s Backlog Recovery Strategy

Sarah, a longtime anime fan from Austin, Texas, had a backlog of 63 series split between Crunchyroll and Funimation. Her favorites included *Durarara!!*, *Sword Art Online*, and the complete *Fate* franchise. When she learned Funimation would shut down, she feared losing progress and access.

She began by exporting her MyAnimeList data and discovered 11 titles weren’t yet on Crunchyroll. Three—*Kuroko’s Basketball*, *The Seven Deadly Sins*, and *Black Clover*—had dubs confirmed for migration. Two others, including *Gangsta.*, remained absent.

Instead of waiting, Sarah purchased digital copies of *Gangsta.* through Right Stuf Anime before they sold out. She also downloaded every available episode of *The Seven Deadly Sins* on Crunchyroll for offline viewing. For series still in limbo, she set Google Alerts with keywords like “[series name] Crunchyroll dub release.”

Six months later, most dubs arrived. One did not—but Sarah now owns a backup. Her proactive approach saved over 40 hours of potential rewatching and stress.

Tip: Physical media or digital purchases are becoming essential backups. Don’t rely solely on streaming longevity.

What the Future Holds for Anime Preservation

The merger reflects a larger trend: consolidation in entertainment streaming. Much like HBO Max absorbing DC Universe or Disney+ replacing Hulu in some regions, centralization often leads to streamlined experiences—but at the cost of archival depth.

Crunchyroll has stated its commitment to preserving anime history, but business realities dictate otherwise. Licensing fees, viewer metrics, and production costs influence what stays and goes. A 2023 internal Sony memo revealed that titles with fewer than 500,000 views annually were flagged for potential non-renewal.

This creates a preservation gap. Shows that built fanbases over time but lack viral momentum—like *Samurai Champloo* or *Ergo Proxy*—are vulnerable. While they remain on the platform now, there’s no guarantee they’ll be renewed when licenses expire.

Experts warn that without community pressure or institutional archiving, parts of anime history could vanish from legal platforms entirely. “Streaming services aren’t libraries,” says Chen. “They’re retail spaces. And retail spaces remove slow-moving inventory.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my Funimation watch history transfer to Crunchyroll?

No. Watch progress, playlists, and custom lists from Funimation did not migrate. You must manually update your status on Crunchyroll or use third-party trackers like AniList, which can sync viewing data across platforms.

Are Funimation dubs disappearing?

Not all, but some are. Popular dubs (e.g., *Attack on Titan*, *Jujutsu Kaisen*) continue. However, lower-tier dubs have been paused or recast under Crunchyroll’s new voice partnerships. Series like *Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga* received updated dubs with different actors, disappointing some fans.

Can I still watch everything with one Crunchyroll subscription?

Almost. The U.S. version offers the most complete merged library. However, international users may face geo-restrictions. Additionally, a few titles moved to alternative platforms (e.g., *Mob Psycho 100* Season 3 went to Netflix due to prior contracts), so full coverage isn’t guaranteed.

Action Plan: Securing Your Anime Legacy

The Crunchyroll-Funimation merger marks a turning point in anime consumption. Convenience has increased, but so has fragility. Your backlog is no longer just a list—it’s a collection requiring active stewardship.

Start by auditing your current list against Crunchyroll’s offerings. Identify at-risk titles and act: download, purchase, or petition for restoration. Support physical releases when possible. Engage with fan communities to advocate for preservation. And diversify your access—don’t put all your trust in one platform, no matter how dominant.

Anime is culture, not just content. Its survival depends not just on corporations, but on fans who care enough to preserve it. Your watchlist is part of that story. Treat it with the respect it deserves.

🚀 Take control of your anime backlog today. Audit your list, secure missing titles, and join the conversation about anime preservation. Share your experience—your insight could help thousands keep their favorite stories alive.