Crunchyroll Merging With Funimation To Become Biggest Anime Streaming Service In World

Do you like watching anime? Would you like to watch more anime? I hope so, because that’s exactly what you’re getting - if you’re willing to pay for it, that is. It’s been announced that as of right now, anime streaming service Funimation and all its content is being merged into Crunchyroll, reportedly creating the biggest anime library in the world.

This move not only consolidates the two platforms, but their subsidiaries too - it’ll bring Funimation’s French subsidiary, Wakanim, and the Crunchyroll-owned streaming service VRV all under one roof. 

While you're here, be sure to check out this amazing compilation of anime-inspired rugs being made (it's so satisfying).

“Starting today, tons of shows and movies from Funimation and Wakanim will begin arriving on Crunchyroll—so you’ll get more dubs, more subs, more everything,” Crunchyroll wrote in a statement on their website. “That includes titles available now like My Hero Academia, Tokyo Ghoul and Yu Yu Hakusho alongside favourites like Cowboy Bebop and Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation, all under one subscription!

“This also means new series in the upcoming Spring season (the biggest on record—stay tuned!) and beyond will only stream on Crunchyroll. Moving forward, Funimation will only add new episodes of continuing series, which means Funimation users will want to move to a Crunchyroll account as soon as possible.”

Now, whether this is good news or not probably depends entirely on quite how much of an anime nerd you are. On paper, merging the two services into one means a whole lot more content for a smaller price - if you were already subscribed to both, this can only be a bonus, both for the sake of convenience and your wallet. 

For anyone who was originally only subscribed to Funimation though, your bank account might not be very happy - while Funimation’s basic subscription costs £4.99 per month, Crunchyroll’s is £7.99, which is going to add up. Obviously, you’re getting a whole lot more anime to watch for that price, but it’s not ideal to be forced into it. 

It was also announced that anyone currently subscribed to Funimation, Wakanim or VRV will be offered 60 days of Crunchyroll Premium for free - emails will apparently be sent out over the next few days to those eligible, so be sure to keep an eye out for that.

Topics: Anime, TV And Film