If you are a big anime fan, you must have heard of the popular anime streaming platform Funimation. And since you are such a big anime fan, I assume you must have heard of the Funimation and Crunchyroll merge. So, what does the merger mean for the shows on Funimation? Well, don’t worry because we are here with all the important anime updates for you.
With over 10,000 anime episodes to enjoy, Funimation was everyone’s go-to platform when it came to streaming animes. The platform instantly rose to fame because of its low-cost subscription plans and a huge library of subs, dubs, all-time classics, etc. Recently, the American entertainment company merged with a fellow brand Crunchyroll to bring all of the anime under one roof.
So. let’s see how the merger keeps up with the anime trends in the future and what new it will bring to the plate!
Table of Contents
4 Popular Shows On Funimation | Let’s Keep Going With The Trend!
While there can never be a small number when it comes to the popularity of anime series but there will always be a few that become the highlight of a particular streaming service. Same is the case with Funimation. Amongst so many anime series, only a few have been able to steal the limelight.
1# Attack On Titan
Attack On Titan can easily be counted as one of the most popular anime series on any streaming platform, including Funimation itself. The anime series Attack On Titan is about the time when humanity found its haven within the walls. The massive walls protected the humans against the giant titans. However, their joy is short-lived when a massive Titan smashes the wall and breaks the barrier. Now it’s up to Eren Jeager and his group of friends to become the protectors of humanity.
No. Of Seasons: 4
IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
2# My Hero Academia
The anime series My Hero Academia is based on the manga series of the same name written and illustrated by Kohei Horikoshi. The anime series follows the story of Izuku Midoriya, a young boy born in a world where superpowers are a common thing. However, the dilemma of Izuku is that he isn’t born with any powers. Izuku’s lack of powers only makes him crave them even more as he keeps wishing to be a superhero one day.
No. Of Seasons: 5
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
3# Dragon Ball Z
Bow down because here come the leading popular anime shows of all time, Dragon Ball Z. If you are a 90s kid, you must be familiar with the name Goku. Funimation’s popular anime series Dragon Ball Z follows the adventures of Goku and his friends as he puts all on the stake to protect humanity along with his fellow Z warriors. It’s not only about the entertainment, as Dragon Ball Z teaches you the importance of loyalty, trust, and teamwork as well.
No. Of Seasons: 4
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
4# Code Geass: Lelouch Of The Rebellion
The Holy Empire of Britannia has finally conquered a then-small country Japan and now calls it Area 11. Released in the early 2000s, the popular anime series Code Geass follows the story of The Empire and the ruthless Black Prince, who is doing everything in his power to create a world based on his ideals. The only hope for Britanians is the White Knight, Suzaku Kururugi.
No. Of Seasons: 2
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Canceled Shows On Funimation | What The Merger Means For The Canceled Shows?
The merger between the gigantic anime companies came after Sony Pictures acquired Crunchyroll. Back in 2020, the entertainment marvel brought the rights to the popular streaming platform from AT&T network and WarnerMedia. The deal was signed at a whopping sum of $1.75 billion, but we are sure the acquisition will bring more dollars to the media company than what it has invested.
Are We Going To See The Canceled Animes Come Back To Life? Crunchyroll X Funimation!
We believe 2022 will be a good year for entertainment companies as a lot of interesting mergers are already happening. First comiXology X Amazon and now Crunchyroll X Funimation. The company may have announced the merger some time back, but it wasn’t until the fans saw it happen. With the recent update, we will soon see all of Funimation Library move to its new home, Crunchyroll. Now, there are both pros and cons to this merger as well.
Many fans think that the merger will prove beneficial for the canceled anime on Funimation. If and when the library moves to a new place, there is a good chance that the previous animes that have been long canceled may attract the viewers’ attention. If so, Crunchyroll can think about giving these canceled animes another chance.
Canceled Show Interspecies Reviewers On Funimation Can Get Another Chance | Crunchyroll Can Think About Its Future!
Released in 2021, Funimation’s fantasy show Interspecies Reviewers was taken down and canceled shortly after its release. But why you may ask? Especially when the series was a big hit amongst the masses. Interspecies Reviewers is a Japanese Hentai anime comedy series written by Amahara, whereas Masha illustrates. Because of the series’ adult content and portrayal of several mature issues, Funimation removed the series from its library.
After the cancelation news by Funimation came out, the platform released a statement, “After a genuine consideration, we at Funimation have determined that the series falls outside of our guidelines. We have the utmost respect for our creators’ efforts in making a series. So, rather than altering the content, we feel taking it down is a respectful decision.”
Now, all the fans can do is keep their fingers crossed and pray that the show falls within the new libraries’ guidelines. If it does, there is no way Crunchyroll will let go of a hit series so easily. So, my dear anime admirers, keep praying for the good news to come your way soon.
Upcoming Shows On Funimation | Funimation Is Getting A Brand New Catalog!
Since Funimation is no more a standalone platform, all the latest series initially planned for Crunchyroll now come under Funimation as well. While no new dates have been announced for the move yet, Crunchyroll has opted to give the Funimation users 60-day free access to the premium services so they can migrate from the former platform easily. The only issue we see creating a damper in the fans’ mood can be a slight increase in the pricing.
Whereas Funimation offered its premium subscription at a low cost of $5.99, Crunchyroll offers the same pack at an increased rate of $9.99. If you are on a tight budget, switching platforms may come as a tough decision for you. But hey, at least you will get two-month free access if you choose to migrate.
Upcoming Shows On Funimation | Courtesy Of The Crunchyroll!
Although Crunchyroll and Funimation are busy with the ongoing merger, that does not mean they haven’t planned any new projects for the platform. Most of the series mentioned below have already been released in January or back in 2021, but they are still rolling out new episodes weekly. If it makes you sleep better at night, let me share one more good news with you. Many of these series have already begun preparing for the production of a new season. It’s a lucky day for anime fans, I guess!
| S.No. | Name Of The Anime Series | Seasons | Status |
| 1 | The Irregular At Magic High School | TBA | TBA |
| 2 | Sorairo Utility | TBA | TBA |
| 3 | Tokyo 24th Ward | 1 | Released – January 2022 |
| 4 | Ranking Of Kings | 1 | Released – October 2021 |
| 5 | Akebi’s Sailor Uniform | 1 | Released – January 2022 |
| 6 | My Dress-Up Darling | 1 | Released – January 2022 |
| 7 | Miss KUROITSU From The Monster Development Department | 1 | Released – January 2022 |
| 8 | Rusted Armors | 1 | Released – January 2022 |
| 9 | I’M KODAMA KAWASHIRI | 1 | Released – January 2022 |
| 10 | Tales Of Luminaria The Fateful Crossroad | 1 | Released – January 2022 |
| 11 | FreakAngels | 1 | Released – January 2022 |
| 12 | Salaryman’s Club | 1 | Released – January 2022 |
| 13 | Shenmue The Animation | 1 | Released – February 2022 |
Final Words
While Funimation was always a budget-friendly option for the fans, it lacked interesting things like access to the manga and the source material. With Crunchyroll, fans can enjoy reading the manga of their favorite anime series. Now, if you are waiting for the new episodes of your favorite anime to release, you can pass the time by reading its manga.