When examining the ownership structure of Funimation and Crunchyroll, it is essential to explore the recent changes that have taken place within both companies. In March 2022, an announcement was made regarding the consolidation of Funimation, Wakanim, and VRV SVOD services into Crunchyroll, indicating a significant shift in the dynamics of the anime streaming industry.
Following this consolidation, there have been questions and speculations surrounding the ownership of Funimation and its relationship with Crunchyroll. While it is true that Funimation was acquired by Crunchyroll’s parent company, Sony Pictures Entertainment, in 2017, the recent merger of the streaming services has led to a closer integration of the two entities.
Despite the consolidation of services under the Crunchyroll umbrella, Funimation retains its distinct brand identity and continues to operate as a separate streaming platform. This means that while Funimation is not directly owned by Crunchyroll, the two entities now function more closely together within the broader framework of Sony’s entertainment portfolio.
It is important to note that the consolidation of Funimation, Wakanim, and VRV SVOD services into Crunchyroll was driven by a desire to streamline operations, improve content offerings, and enhance the overall viewing experience for anime fans worldwide. By bringing these services under one roof, Sony aims to leverage the strengths of each platform to create a more robust and comprehensive anime streaming experience.
As of 2024, Funimation continues to operate as a standalone platform, offering a wide range of popular anime titles and simulcasting newer shows acquired by Crunchyroll post-merger. This arrangement allows both Funimation and Crunchyroll to benefit from their shared resources and expertise while maintaining their unique identities and catering to different segments of the anime community.
While Funimation is not owned by Crunchyroll in a traditional sense, the close collaboration between the two brands signifies a strategic alignment aimed at delivering high-quality anime content to viewers around the world. The partnership between Funimation and Crunchyroll reflects a commitment to expanding the anime streaming landscape and providing fans with a diverse selection of titles to enjoy.
In conclusion, the relationship between Funimation and Crunchyroll is characterized by collaboration, partnership, and mutual support within the broader context of Sony Pictures Entertainment’s entertainment portfolio. While Funimation remains a separate entity from Crunchyroll, the consolidation of services and the synergies between the two platforms have resulted in a more cohesive and enriched anime streaming experience for fans.
