If you’re an anime enthusiast, chances are you’ve relied on Funimation for your fix of Japanese animation. As one of the foremost distributors of anime in the Western market, Funimation has played a pivotal role in popularizing the genre outside of Japan. From iconic series like One Piece and Dragon Ball to modern sensations like Attack on Titan, Funimation has provided fans with access to a vast array of captivating content.
Having been in operation since the 1990s, Funimation has been instrumental in bringing anime to mainstream audiences. Its groundbreaking move to broadcast Dragon Ball Z on Cartoon Network in the ’90s propelled the series to unprecedented heights of popularity. However, as the streaming landscape continues to evolve, Funimation’s days appear to be numbered.
Despite establishing a streaming platform over the past decade to cater to the growing demand for anime, Funimation’s standalone app is set to shut down after April 2. While this news may initially sound disheartening for Funimation subscribers, there’s a silver lining in the form of Crunchyroll.
Funimation and Crunchyroll, both under the umbrella of Sony Pictures Entertainment, have undergone a significant transformation in recent years. With Funimation being acquired by Sony in 2017 and Crunchyroll following suit five years later, the stage was set for a monumental merger. In 2022, Funimation was folded into Crunchyroll, effectively consolidating their content catalogs under one entity.
Despite operating separately for the past two years post-merger, Funimation’s impending shutdown in April marks the end of an era. However, existing Funimation users need not fret, as they can seamlessly transition to Crunchyroll and continue enjoying their favorite shows and movies without interruption. It’s a classic case of “out with the old, in with the new,” albeit with a change in platform.
But with this transition comes a notable change in pricing. Some longtime Funimation subscribers have been taken aback by the substantial increase in subscription fees upon migrating to Crunchyroll. In one instance, a user saw their yearly subscription rate nearly double from $54.95 with Funimation to $99.99 with Crunchyroll. While such drastic price hikes may not be universal, they serve as a reminder of the shifting dynamics in the streaming landscape.
Despite the initial shock of increased subscription costs, anime enthusiasts are hopeful that the benefits of migrating to Crunchyroll will outweigh the financial implications. As the streaming industry continues to evolve, adapting to changes in pricing and platform consolidation has become par for the course for subscribers.
