7 Key Differences Between Crunchylist and Watchlist on Crunchyroll
Ever found yourself lost in Crunchyroll’s massive anime library, unsure how to keep track of your favorite shows? You’re not alone. The platform offers two powerful tools; Crunchylist and Watchlist to help you organize your anime journey. But what exactly sets them apart?
While both features help you manage anime, they serve different purposes. One is perfect for seasonal simulcasts, while the other is ideal for long-term planning. Let’s break down their differences, strengths, and best use cases so you can streamline your anime experience.
Why Crunchyroll Offers Both Features
Crunchyroll understands that anime fans have different watching habits. Some binge entire series, while others follow weekly releases. The Watchlist caters to those who love manually curating their queue, whereas Crunchylist is designed for fans who track ongoing shows effortlessly.
Who Uses Crunchylist vs. Watchlist?
- Casual viewers might prefer Crunchylist for its auto-updating convenience.
- Hardcore collectors lean toward Watchlist to organize both old and new titles.
- Hybrid users (like most power watchers) combine both for maximum efficiency.
Now, let’s dive deeper into each feature.
What is a Crunchyroll Watchlist?
Purpose: Your Personal “To-Watch” Anime Queue
The Watchlist is Crunchyroll’s classic bookmarking tool. Think of it as a personalized anime checklist where you manually add shows you plan to watch later.
Key Features:
- Add any anime – Whether it’s a new simulcast or a completed classic, everything fits here.
- Manual sorting – Arrange titles in your preferred order.
- Syncs across devices – Start on your phone, continue on your TV.
Limitations:
- No auto-updates – New episodes won’t appear unless you add them.
- Basic organization – No smart categorization beyond your manual input.
If you love curating your own anime library, the Watchlist is your go-to.
What is Crunchylist?
Purpose: Smart, Auto-Updating Tracking for Airing Shows
Crunchylist is Crunchyroll’s newer, smarter tracking system. Unlike the Watchlist, it automatically updates for ongoing series, making it perfect for seasonal anime fans.
Key Features:
- Auto-adds airing shows – Start watching a simulcast? It’s instantly tracked.
- Episode notifications – Never miss a new release.
- Marks watched episodes – No manual updates needed.
Limitations:
- Only works for simulcasts – Completed or older anime won’t appear.
- Less manual control – You can’t reorder or customize as freely.
If you follow weekly releases, Crunchylist saves you time.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Here’s a clear breakdown of both tools to help you choose:
| Feature | Watchlist | Crunchylist |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-Updates | Manual | Yes (new episodes) |
| Anime Types | All (old/new) | Only airing shows |
| Organization | Custom order | Auto-sorted by date |
| Notifications | No | New episode alerts |
| Control Level | Full manual | Automatic |
| Sync Across Devices | Yes | Yes |
This streaming list comparison helps you figure out which tool fits your anime lifestyle.
When to Use Each Feature
Both tools serve different purposes depending on your viewing habits.
Use Watchlist If:
- You plan long-term anime binges.
- You want to track completed or older shows.
- You like having full control over anime catalog sorting.
Use Crunchylist If:
- You’re a seasonal anime follower.
- You prefer hands-off tracking.
- You enjoy receiving release alerts.
Pro Tips for Managing Both
Here are some actionable tips to get the most from Crunchyroll’s list features:
1. Combine Both Lists
Use Crunchylist for your simulcast anime and Watchlist for your backlog or completed shows.
2. Enable/Disable Crunchylist
To manage Crunchylist settings:
- Go to Account Settings
- Click on Preferences
- Toggle the Crunchylist option on or off
3. Sort Watchlist Frequently
Don’t let your Watchlist get messy. Make use of manual sorting to keep things clean.
4. Create Categories Using Tags
Though not officially supported, many users create pseudo-categories by naming conventions in Watchlist.
5. Use External Tracking Tools
For more advanced options, connect Crunchyroll with MyAnimeList for better sync and data management.
Common User Questions
Yes! You can turn it off from your Account Settings > Preferences.
Because Crunchylist only supports simulcasts. If your anime isn’t currently airing, it won’t show up.
No, both tools are here to stay. They serve different functions and appeal to different users.
Absolutely. Just like the Watchlist, Crunchylist is synced to your profile and accessible anywhere.
Try using MyAnimeList or AniList as backup options.
Conclusion – Which One Wins?
Verdict: They Serve Different Needs! Power Users Need Both
If you’re serious about anime, you’ll want both features in your arsenal. The Watchlist gives you total control over what to watch, while the Crunchylist does the work for you when it comes to ongoing series.
So, instead of choosing one over the other, embrace both! Smart anime fans combine anime bookmarking tools to create the ultimate tracking experience.
And if you’re looking to explore even more, check out this Crunchyroll help article for updates and official documentation.
Power Tip: Mastering both lists will improve your Crunchyroll user interface experience, reduce decision fatigue, and make your anime journey smoother.
Use the right list for the right job, and you’ll never lose track of a good anime again!
