Funimation Shuts Down in April, Digital Copies Don’t Transfer to Crunchyroll

by Danica Davidson
February 8, 2024

The Funimation app and website will be no more after April 2, which is being referred to as its “sunset.” This is part of Funimation merging with Crunchyroll, but the fact that digital copy transferring isn’t happening is bothering a lot of anime fans, according to IGN.

Funimation’s website explained:

We understand that you may have concerns about your digital copies from Funimation. These Digital copies available on Funimation were a digital access to the content available on the DVDs or Blu-rays purchased. Please note that Crunchyroll does not currently support Funimation Digital copies, which means that access to previously available digital copies will not be supported. However, we are continuously working to enhance our content offerings and provide you with an exceptional anime streaming experience. We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to explore the extensive anime library available on Crunchyroll.

IGN quoted fans saying they would rather buy physical anime than stream it, or saying they wouldn’t switch over to Crunchyroll.

Funimation has an FAQ page set up about these changes. Asked why Funimation is ending, it said:

At Funimation, our mission has always been to provide our fans with an exceptional streaming experience and access to the largest anime library in the world. The collaboration between Funimation and Crunchyroll allows us to continue delivering on that mission and bring you the best of anime content.

Another question was if Crunchyroll will have Funimation’s full catalogue. An exact Yes or No answer was not given. Here is the official response:

Most of the content has been migrated already! Please keep an eye on our news page and Anime Lineup for further updates. Our team is working daily to bring more content to all of our fans.

As an anime fan, what do you think about these changes being made?

Source: IGN, Funimation

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Danica Davidson is the author of the bestselling Manga Art for Beginners with artist Melanie Westin, plus its sequel, Manga Art for Everyone, and the first-of-its-kind manga chalk book Chalk Art Manga, both illustrated by professional Japanese mangaka Rena Saiya. Check out her other comics and books at www.danicadavidson.com.