In March 2022, Sony finalized the acquisition of Crunchyroll from AT&T, merging it with Funimation Global Group—its long-standing anime streaming subsidiary. This consolidation marked a pivotal shift in how anime fans access content, subscribe to services, and manage their entertainment budgets. For years, Crunchyroll and Funimation operated as fierce competitors, each offering exclusive titles, simulcasts, dubs, and fan communities. Now, under one corporate umbrella, the two platforms are integrating into a single, unified anime hub: Crunchyroll.
The merger wasn’t just a corporate reshuffle—it triggered real-world consequences for subscribers. From account migrations and content removals to pricing adjustments and feature rollouts, the transition has left many fans questioning how this affects their wallets and viewing habits. This article breaks down exactly what the Crunchyroll-Funimation merger means for your subscription costs, content access, and long-term value.
The End of Dual Subscriptions: One Platform, One Price
Before the merger, many anime enthusiasts maintained both Crunchyroll and Funimation subscriptions. Each service offered unique content libraries: Crunchyroll led in simulcasts (same-day releases from Japan), while Funimation dominated English dubs and classic anime. Maintaining both meant paying up to $15–$20 per month—a significant expense for dedicated viewers.
With the integration, dual subscriptions are no longer necessary. Sony’s strategy is clear: consolidate all anime content under Crunchyroll, making it the sole destination for legal anime streaming in North America and beyond. As of late 2023, Funimation began redirecting users to Crunchyroll, and by April 2024, the Funimation app and website were officially shut down.
This consolidation eliminates redundancy. Fans who once paid for both services can now access nearly all previously available content through a single Crunchyroll subscription. The base Premium plan starts at $7.99/month, with an ad-free option at $9.99/month and a Simulcast Premium tier at $11.99/month. Compared to the combined $14.98/month cost of both services at standard rates, the savings are immediate and substantial.
Content Migration and Availability: What Made It, What Didn’t
A major concern during the merger was content retention. Would beloved Funimation exclusives disappear? Would dubs be lost in translation?
The answer is mixed. Most of Funimation’s catalog—including popular dubs of *Attack on Titan*, *My Hero Academia*, *Black Clover*, and *Sword Art Online*—has been transferred to Crunchyroll. However, licensing agreements mean some titles did not survive the transition. Notably, certain older or region-locked series were removed due to expiring contracts or conflicts with other distributors like Hulu or Netflix.
Crunchyroll has also inherited Funimation’s dubbing studio operations, ensuring that future English dubs will continue to be produced and released on the platform. In fact, the merged entity has increased dub production volume, releasing more simultaneous dub episodes than ever before—a win for fans who prefer watching anime in English.
Still, some niche titles and legacy content remain inaccessible. For example, select Sentai Filmworks-licensed series previously hosted on Funimation have not reappeared on Crunchyroll, likely due to separate licensing structures. While most mainstream anime fans won’t notice gaps, collectors and completists may find missing pieces in their watchlists.
“By unifying our global anime footprint under Crunchyroll, we’re creating a more seamless experience for fans, with broader content access and consistent pricing.” — Rahul Purini, CEO of Crunchyroll, LLC
Pricing Comparison: Crunchyroll vs. Pre-Merger Plans
To understand the financial impact, let’s compare subscription models before and after the merger.
| Service | Tier | Monthly Cost | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crunchyroll (Pre-Merger) | Premium | $7.99 | Simulcasts, HD, offline viewing |
| Premium+, Simulcast | $9.99 | Early access to select episodes, no ads | |
| Funimation (Pre-Merger) | Premium | $7.99 | Dubs, HD, offline viewing |
| Premium Plus | $9.99 | No ads, early access | |
| Crunchyroll (Post-Merger) | Free | $0 | Ads, limited library |
| Premium | $7.99 | Simulcasts, dubs, HD | |
| Simulcast Premium | $11.99 | No ads, early access to new episodes |
As shown, the post-merger structure simplifies choices. While the top-tier Crunchyroll plan is slightly more expensive than either standalone service, it combines the best of both worlds: same-day simulcasts *and* high-quality dubs. For fans who previously paid $15+ monthly across two platforms, switching to a single $11.99 plan results in a net saving of around $3–$5 per month.
What the Merger Means for Your Wallet: A Real Example
Consider Sarah, a college student and avid anime fan. Before the merger, she subscribed to both Crunchyroll Premium ($7.99) and Funimation Premium ($7.99) to ensure she never missed a new episode or dub release. Her total monthly cost: $15.98.
After the merger announcement, Sarah waited to see how content would migrate. By early 2024, she confirmed that all her favorite shows—*Jujutsu Kaisen*, *Demon Slayer*, and *Chainsaw Man*—were available on Crunchyroll with both subs and dubs. She canceled her Funimation subscription and upgraded to Crunchyroll’s Simulcast Premium tier for $11.99.
Result: Sarah now pays $11.99 instead of $15.98—saving $47.56 annually. She enjoys the same content, fewer apps to manage, and a more streamlined interface. The merger directly improved her viewing experience while reducing her monthly expenses.
Step-by-Step: How to Transition Smoothly from Funimation to Crunchyroll
If you’re still using Funimation or haven’t optimized your Crunchyroll setup, follow this timeline to make the switch efficiently:
- Check Content Availability (Week 1): Visit Crunchyroll’s library and search for your favorite Funimation-exclusive titles. Confirm they’ve been migrated.
- Migrate Your Account (Week 2): Use the official Funimation-to-Crunchyroll migration tool to transfer your watch history, favorites, and purchase history (if applicable).
- Cancel Funimation (Week 3): Log into your Funimation account and cancel your subscription. Ensure no auto-renewal is scheduled.
- Upgrade Crunchyroll (Week 4): Choose between the $7.99 Premium or $11.99 Simulcast Premium plan based on your need for early access and ad-free viewing.
- Download Offline Content (Ongoing): Take advantage of Crunchyroll’s offline download feature to save data and watch on the go.
This five-week process ensures you don’t lose access, avoid duplicate charges, and fully leverage the new unified platform.
Expert Insight: Industry Implications of the Merger
The Crunchyroll-Funimation merger isn’t just about consumer pricing—it reflects broader trends in media consolidation. With Sony aiming to compete against global giants like Netflix and Disney+, owning the largest legal anime catalog gives them strategic leverage.
“The anime market is growing rapidly, especially in the West. Consolidating distribution under one brand allows for better monetization, marketing control, and international expansion.” — Dr. Rebecca Moore, Media Economist at USC Annenberg School
While centralization improves efficiency, it also reduces competition. Fewer players in the space could eventually lead to higher prices or less incentive to improve service quality. Currently, Crunchyroll remains competitively priced, but long-term subscribers should monitor for rate hikes or reduced free-tier access.
FAQ: Common Questions About the Merge
Will I lose my Funimation watchlist and history?
Not if you migrate. Crunchyroll provided a direct migration tool that transfers your watchlist, favorites, and viewing progress. However, the window for full migration has closed as of mid-2024. If you didn’t migrate in time, you’ll need to manually rebuild your lists on Crunchyroll.
Are all Funimation dubs available on Crunchyroll?
Most are, but not all. Due to licensing restrictions, a small number of dubs—particularly older or co-produced titles—may be unavailable. However, Crunchyroll continues to re-dub and re-release many of these series under its own production banner.
Is the Crunchyroll free tier still worth using?
The free tier includes ads and delays new episodes by one week. While usable, it lacks simulcasts and dubs for many current-season shows. For serious fans, the $7.99 Premium tier is strongly recommended. Casual viewers might find the free version sufficient for catching up on older series.
Final Checklist: Optimizing Your Post-Merger Anime Experience
- ✅ Cancel any active Funimation subscription
- ✅ Verify your favorite shows are on Crunchyroll
- ✅ Migrate your account (if migration is still supported)
- ✅ Choose the right Crunchyroll tier for your needs
- ✅ Enable notifications for new episode alerts
- ✅ Download episodes for offline viewing to save data
- ✅ Review billing settings to prevent accidental renewals
Conclusion: Smarter Spending, Better Access
The Crunchyroll-Funimation merger marks the end of an era—but for most fans, it’s a net positive. What began as a corporate power move has evolved into a more affordable, centralized anime experience. By eliminating the need for multiple subscriptions, streamlining content access, and maintaining competitive pricing, the new Crunchyroll delivers greater value for your money.
Your wallet benefits not just from lower costs, but from reduced complexity. No more juggling apps, remembering login details, or worrying about which service has the dub. Everything is in one place. As long as Crunchyroll continues investing in dubs, simulcasts, and user experience, subscribers stand to gain.
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