Crunchyroll Vs Funimation Merger What It Means For Your Streaming Subscription

The anime streaming landscape has undergone a seismic shift with the full integration of Funimation into Crunchyroll. Once fierce competitors offering distinct libraries and fan experiences, the two platforms are now officially merging under Sony’s umbrella. For millions of anime fans worldwide, this consolidation raises urgent questions: What does this mean for your current subscription? Will your favorite shows disappear? Could prices go up? And how will your viewing habits change in the months ahead?

This isn’t just a corporate reshuffle—it’s a transformation that directly affects how you access, enjoy, and pay for anime. Understanding the implications of the Crunchyroll-Funimation merger is essential for anyone who streams anime regularly. From account migration timelines to content consolidation and potential service changes, here’s everything you need to know to navigate this new era of anime streaming.

The Background: How Crunchyroll and Funimation Became One

For years, Crunchyroll and Funimation operated as dominant but separate forces in the Western anime market. Crunchyroll built its reputation on simulcasts—releasing episodes mere hours after they aired in Japan—catering to hardcore fans eager for real-time viewing. Funimation, meanwhile, focused heavily on dubbed content, licensing major franchises like Dragon Ball, My Hero Academia, and Attack on Titan, and investing in high-quality English voice acting.

In 2021, Sony acquired Crunchyroll from AT&T and merged it with Funimation Global Group, signaling the beginning of a long-term consolidation plan. The goal was clear: streamline operations, reduce internal competition, and create a single, unified platform capable of competing globally against rising rivals like Netflix and Hulu in the anime space.

By March 2024, Funimation officially ceased operations in most regions, redirecting users to Crunchyroll. Existing Funimation subscribers were migrated or encouraged to transition their accounts. While the brand name “Funimation” may linger on physical media and dubs, the streaming future belongs entirely to Crunchyroll.

“Consolidation allows us to invest more in localization, faster releases, and better technology—all under one roof.” — Michael Duong, Former Funimation Executive

What Happens to Your Funimation Subscription?

If you’re currently subscribed to Funimation, the platform no longer accepts new sign-ups, and existing subscriptions have been phased out. Depending on your region, you likely received one of several outcomes:

• Automatic Migration: In the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, eligible Funimation subscribers were automatically transferred to Crunchyroll with equivalent subscription tiers and billing cycles.
• Refunds and Cancellations: In some regions where Crunchyroll wasn’t available at the time, users received prorated refunds and instructions to resubscribe once Crunchyroll launched locally.
• Digital Library Transfer: Purchased digital content (such as individual episodes or seasons) was either made available on Crunchyroll or refunded based on availability.

Your login credentials may have changed. If you were auto-migrated, you should’ve received an email from Crunchyroll with instructions to claim your account. Failure to do so within 90 days may result in loss of watch history and profile data.

Tip: Check your email (including spam folder) for messages from \"[e-mail]\" regarding account migration. Act quickly to preserve your viewing history and favorites.

Content Library Changes: What You Gain and Lose

One of the biggest concerns for fans is the fate of beloved titles. With the merger, Crunchyroll inherited Funimation’s extensive catalog—over 1,500 additional series and thousands of dubbed episodes. However, not all content will remain accessible indefinitely due to licensing agreements.

Licensing rights vary by region and title. Some shows exclusive to Funimation may not be immediately available on Crunchyroll, especially if the license is shared with other distributors or expired upon transition. Conversely, Crunchyroll has committed to preserving as much dubbed content as possible—a major win for fans who prefer English voiceovers.

To help users track availability, Crunchyroll introduced a content migration tool on its website, allowing former Funimation subscribers to search for specific titles and see their status on the new platform.

Key Content Shifts Post-Merger

Aspect	Before Merger	After Merger
Dub Availability	Fan-favorite dubs primarily on Funimation	Gradually moving to Crunchyroll; many already available
Simulcasts	Exclusive to Crunchyroll	Still exclusive; enhanced production capacity post-merger
Classic Anime	Split between both services	Unified under Crunchyroll; easier discovery
Simuldubs	Funami pioneered fast-turnaround dubs	Continuing on Crunchyroll, often within weeks of Japanese airings
Original Productions	Separate development pipelines	Now centralized; larger budgets expected

The long-term vision is a comprehensive, searchable library where fans can find any anime—subbed, dubbed, classic, or new—in one place. But the transition hasn’t been flawless. Some users report missing episodes or altered audio tracks, particularly in older series. Crunchyroll support teams are working to resolve discrepancies, but patience is advised during this phase.

Subscription Tiers and Pricing: Is It Worth It Now?

With the merger, Crunchyroll has standardized its subscription model across former Funimation markets. The pricing structure remains tiered, but there are subtle differences depending on your location and previous plan.

As of 2024, Crunchyroll offers three main plans:

1. Free Tier: Ad-supported access to a limited catalog, delayed episode releases, no offline viewing.
2. Crunchyroll Premium ($7.99/month): Ad-free viewing, simulcasts, HD streaming, and mobile downloads.
3. Premium Plus ($9.99/month): Everything in Premium, plus 4K streaming, early access to select content, and family sharing (up to 6 members).

Former Funimation users on comparable plans (like Simulcast or Ultimate) were generally upgraded to matching Crunchyroll tiers without immediate price hikes. However, long-term pricing stability isn’t guaranteed. Industry analysts predict gradual increases over the next few years as Crunchyroll absorbs rising licensing and dubbing costs.

“Streaming consolidation often leads to reduced competition—and that can pressure consumers through higher prices.” — Lina Park, Media Economist at StreamWatch Analytics

On the upside, the merger enables economies of scale. Crunchyroll can now negotiate better licensing deals and invest more in original productions and localization. Subscribers may benefit from improved app performance, expanded language options, and faster dub turnaround times.

Step-by-Step Guide: Migrating from Funimation to Crunchyroll

If you haven’t completed the transition, follow these steps to ensure a smooth migration:

1. Check Your Email: Look for a message from Crunchyroll sent between January and March 2024. It should include instructions to link your old Funimation account.
2. Verify Your Identity: Visit crunchyroll.com/migrate and enter your Funimation email. You’ll receive a verification code.
3. Claim Your Subscription: Confirm your payment method and subscription level. Your billing cycle will carry over.
4. Recover Watch History: If prompted, opt to import your Funimation watchlist, favorites, and viewing progress.
5. Update Your App: Download the latest version of the Crunchyroll app on your devices and log in with your new credentials.
6. Test Playback: Search for a known Funimation-exclusive title (e.g., Black Clover) to confirm access.

If you encounter errors, contact Crunchyroll support with your original Funimation account email and a description of the issue. Include screenshots if possible.

Expert Insight: The Future of Anime Streaming

The Crunchyroll-Funimation merger marks the end of an era—but also the beginning of a more centralized, globalized anime distribution model. Experts suggest this could lead to both opportunities and risks.

On one hand, a unified platform means fewer logins, broader content access, and potentially faster innovation. On the other, reduced competition might stifle consumer choice and slow down improvements driven by market rivalry.

Crucially, the success of the merger hinges on Crunchyroll’s ability to honor the legacy of both brands—particularly Funimation’s strong dubbing tradition.

“The true test isn’t technical integration—it’s cultural integration. Can Crunchyroll respect Funimation’s fanbase while pushing forward?” — Dr. Akiko Tanaka, Media Studies Professor at Kyoto University of the Arts

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Transition Experience

Sarah, a longtime anime fan from Texas, had been with Funimation since 2016. She valued the platform’s consistent dub quality and user-friendly interface. When she heard about the merger, she was skeptical. “I didn’t want to lose my watchlist or my progress on Jujutsu Kaisen,” she said.

She missed the initial migration email and only realized her Funimation app stopped working in February 2024. After visiting the Crunchyroll help center, she used the account recovery tool and successfully linked her subscription. Her favorites were intact, though a few dubs were temporarily unavailable.

“It took some effort, but now I actually prefer Crunchyroll,” she admitted. “The search function is better, and I love having sub and dub options side by side.”

Her advice? “Don’t wait. Migrate as soon as possible. And keep a list of your must-watch shows in case something goes missing.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Funimation ever come back as a separate service?

No. Sony has confirmed that Funimation will not return as a standalone streaming platform. The brand may continue on Blu-rays and merchandise, but all streaming operations are now fully integrated into Crunchyroll.

Can I still watch Funimation dubs on Crunchyroll?

Yes, the majority of Funimation’s dubbed catalog has been transferred. Some titles are still being processed due to licensing delays, but Crunchyroll is actively adding them. Use the “English Dub” filter in the browse menu to find them easily.

Do I need to pay again if I was a Funimation subscriber?

No—if you were auto-migrated, your subscription continued seamlessly. You should not have been charged twice. If you were refunded and asked to resubscribe, that typically applied only to regions where Crunchyroll wasn’t yet available at the time of shutdown.

Action Checklist: What to Do Now

• ✅ Confirm whether you received a migration email from Crunchyroll
• ✅ Log in to Crunchyroll using your Funimation email or migrate manually
• ✅ Verify that your subscription tier and payment method are correct
• ✅ Search for your favorite Funimation-exclusive shows to confirm availability
• ✅ Update the Crunchyroll app on all your devices
• ✅ Export or note down your watchlist in case of data loss
• ✅ Contact support if you encounter access issues or billing errors

Conclusion: Embracing the New Era of Anime Streaming

The Crunchyroll-Funimation merger is more than a corporate decision—it’s a pivotal moment for anime fans everywhere. While the transition has brought uncertainty, it also opens doors to a richer, more unified viewing experience. With a combined library, stronger dubbing efforts, and a single platform to manage your anime journey, the future holds promise.

But it’s up to viewers to stay informed, proactive, and vocal. Monitor your account status, provide feedback to Crunchyroll, and advocate for features that matter—like subtitle accuracy, audio quality, and regional accessibility. The power of the fan community remains the strongest force in shaping what anime streaming becomes next.

💬 Have questions about your migration or thoughts on the merger? Share your experience in the comments—your insights could help another fan navigate this change.