Crunchyroll Vs Funimation Merger What It Means For Your Subscription

For years, anime fans have stood at a crossroads: Crunchyroll or Funimation? Each service built a loyal following with distinct strengths—Crunchyroll excelled in simulcasts and global accessibility, while Funimation carved its niche with high-quality dubs and exclusive licensing deals. But in 2021, Sony finalized the acquisition of Crunchyroll from AT&T, merging it under the Funimation Global Group umbrella. By 2024, the integration is no longer theoretical—it’s operational. The full transition has reshaped how fans access anime, and if you’re a subscriber, the changes directly affect your wallet, watchlist, and long-term viewing habits.

This shift isn’t just corporate reshuffling; it’s a strategic consolidation aimed at dominating the global anime market. As the two largest Western anime platforms converge, understanding the implications for your subscription is essential. From account migration to content availability and pricing shifts, here’s everything you need to know about how the Crunchyroll-Funimation merger impacts you as a viewer.

The End of an Era: Why the Merger Happened

Sony’s decision to merge Crunchyroll and Funimation wasn’t spontaneous. It was the culmination of shifting industry dynamics. Anime’s popularity in the West exploded during the pandemic, with streaming platforms reporting record viewership. According to industry analysts, the global anime market surpassed $31 billion in 2023, with streaming subscriptions accounting for a growing share.

Funimation, owned by Sony since 2017, had strong dubbing capabilities and U.S.-centric licensing. Crunchyroll, meanwhile, offered real-time simulcasts from Japan and a broader international reach. By combining them, Sony created a vertically integrated powerhouse: one platform controlling acquisition, translation, distribution, and monetization.

“Consolidation was inevitable. The cost of licensing anime has skyrocketed, and only large players can afford global exclusivity.” — Michael Lim, Media Industry Analyst at StreamWatch Insights

The goal? Reduce internal competition, streamline operations, and present a unified front against rising rivals like Netflix, HIDIVE, and Disney+ (in select regions). For subscribers, this means fewer choices—but potentially better content and features under one roof.

What Happens to Your Funimation Subscription?

If you're still using Funimation, time is running out. As of March 2024, Funimation officially ceased new subscriptions. Existing subscribers were migrated to Crunchyroll automatically, with their billing information, watchlists, and viewing history transferred where possible.

Here’s how the transition works:

1. Account Syncing: Funimation accounts were linked to Crunchyroll via email. Users received migration instructions via email, prompting them to confirm the transfer.
2. Billing Transition: Monthly or annual plans moved to Crunchyroll’s billing system. Subscribers retained their plan tier (e.g., Premium Plus) unless they manually downgraded.
3. Content Access: All previously available Funimation-exclusive titles are now accessible on Crunchyroll—either immediately or after a brief geo-restriction adjustment.

Tip: If you haven’t received a migration email, check your spam folder or contact Crunchyroll support with your Funimation email address.

One major benefit: no double billing occurred during the switch. The final Funimation charge aligned with the first Crunchyroll renewal. However, some users reported temporary glitches in watchlist transfers, particularly for custom lists or partially watched series.

How the Content Library Has Changed

The most immediate impact for fans is the expanded content catalog. Crunchyroll now hosts nearly every title that was once exclusive to Funimation, including legacy dubs of classics like *Dragon Ball Z*, *Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood*, and *My Hero Academia*.

But integration doesn’t mean uniformity. Licensing agreements vary by region, so not all content is available worldwide. For example, certain shows may remain restricted in Europe due to pre-existing broadcast deals.

Key Content Shifts

• Dub Rollouts Accelerated: Crunchyroll has increased its dub production, adopting Funimation’s voice talent and studio partnerships.
• Simulcast Priority: New seasonal anime continues to premiere weekly on Crunchyroll, often with both sub and dub options faster than before.
• Legacy Titles Restored: Previously removed Funimation titles due to expired licenses are being reacquired under Crunchyroll’s stronger negotiation position.

“We’re seeing more dubs released within weeks of the Japanese premiere—a pace unthinkable five years ago.” — Aya Tanaka, Anime Localization Producer

Still, some fans worry about content dilution. With over 15,000 episodes now under one platform, discovery becomes harder. Crunchyroll has responded with improved recommendation algorithms and genre-based hubs like “Classic Anime” and “Mecha Monday.”

Subscription Tiers and Pricing: What You’ll Pay Now

One of the most practical concerns is cost. After the merger, Crunchyroll standardized its pricing structure across regions, eliminating Funimation’s older, sometimes cheaper plans.

Here’s a comparison of current Crunchyroll tiers post-merger:

Tier	Price (USD)	Ad-Free?	Simulcasts?	Offline Viewing?	Dolby Audio?
Free	$0	No	Limited	No	No
Crunchyroll (Basic)	$7.99/month	Yes	Yes	No	No
Crunchyroll (Premium)	$9.99/month	Yes	Yes	Yes (mobile only)	No
Premium Plus (HD + Dolby)	$14.99/month	Yes	Yes	Yes (all devices)	Yes

Note: Former Funimation Premium users were auto-upgraded to Crunchyroll Premium or Premium Plus, depending on their prior plan. While the base price increased slightly for some, the added benefits—like broader device support and enhanced audio—offset the change for many.

Tip: Bundle with other Sony services (e.g., PlayStation Plus) for potential discounts. Crunchyroll occasionally offers annual plans at 20% off.

Real Example: How One Fan Adapted

Meet Jordan Lee, a 28-year-old anime fan from Chicago who subscribed to both Funimation and Crunchyroll for three years. “I used Funimation for dubs and Crunchyroll for subs,” Jordan says. “It felt redundant, but I didn’t want to miss anything.”

When the merger was announced, Jordan was skeptical. “I thought I’d lose my watch history or get charged twice.” Instead, the transition was smooth. His Funimation account synced within hours, and his favorite shows appeared in Crunchyroll’s “Continue Watching” section.

More importantly, he discovered new features: offline downloads on multiple devices, improved subtitle accuracy, and a unified search bar. “Now I only pay one subscription, and I get more content. Honestly, it’s better than before.”

Jordan’s experience reflects a broader trend: initial resistance gave way to acceptance as the platform stabilized and improved.

Step-by-Step: Migrating and Optimizing Your Account

If you’re still completing the transition or want to make the most of the new system, follow this timeline:

1. Week 1: Verify Migration Status
   Check your email for a Crunchyroll migration notice. If missing, log in to Funimation and look for a banner announcement.
2. Week 2: Rebuild Watchlists
   Manually add any missing series to your Crunchyroll list. Use the “Import from Funimation” tool if available.
3. Week 3: Explore New Features
   Test offline downloads, adjust subtitle preferences, and enable HDR/Dolby if your device supports it.
4. Month 2: Cancel Old Subscriptions
   Ensure no lingering Funimation charges appear. Contact billing support if needed.
5. Ongoing: Monitor Content Updates
   Follow Crunchyroll’s blog for announcements on returning Funimation exclusives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Funimation ever come back as a separate service?

No. Sony has confirmed that Funimation will be fully retired. All future development focuses on Crunchyroll as the sole platform for anime streaming under its ownership.

Can I keep my Funimation profile and username?

Not directly. During migration, usernames were converted based on email. You can customize your profile name on Crunchyroll, but legacy Funimation handles aren’t preserved.

Are there still region-specific restrictions?

Yes. Due to licensing, some titles remain unavailable outside certain countries. However, Crunchyroll is actively expanding global access, especially in Latin America and Southeast Asia.

Action Plan: Making the Most of the New Crunchyroll

The Crunchyroll-Funimation merger marks a turning point for Western anime consumption. For subscribers, it means adapting to a single, more powerful platform—one that offers greater content variety, improved technical features, and streamlined billing.

To thrive in this new era, take these steps:

• Confirm your account has been successfully migrated.
• Explore the updated interface and new categories.
• Take advantage of bundled savings with annual plans.
• Provide feedback through Crunchyroll’s user surveys to shape future updates.
• Support official releases to ensure studios continue producing high-quality dubs and subs.

“The strongest fan communities don’t resist change—they adapt and grow louder.” — Reina Lopez, Editor, *Anime Frontline*

Final Thoughts: One Platform, One Future

The end of the Crunchyroll vs Funimation rivalry isn’t a loss—it’s evolution. While nostalgia for standalone services remains, the reality is that consolidation enables better investments in localization, faster releases, and higher production values.

Your subscription now supports a more sustainable ecosystem. Fewer fragmented licenses mean studios can focus on quality over quantity. Voice actors gain steady work. Fans gain convenience.

Yes, there are trade-offs: less competition could eventually lead to higher prices or slower innovation. But for now, the merged platform delivers more value than either service did alone.

🚀 Ready to embrace the future of anime streaming? Log in to Crunchyroll today, explore the expanded library, and join the conversation. Share your thoughts on the merger—what you’ve gained, what you miss, and what you hope comes next.