Since its inception nearly ten years ago, Crunchyroll has transformed the anime landscape through its annual Crunchyroll Anime Awards. Each year, these awards celebrate the finest anime across multiple categories, drawing participation from celebrities both within Japan and globally, shifting the event from a niche gathering to a highly anticipated occasion for anime enthusiasts everywhere.
Crunchyroll Selects the Top Anime for Anime of the Year
Breakdown of Crunchyroll’s Anime of the Year Nominees
The Anime of the Year category in the Crunchyroll Anime Awards is consistently one of the most watched events, and this year’s nominees present a particularly impressive lineup. The contenders for 2025’s Anime of the Year include standout titles such as Solo Leveling, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Dandadan, Delicious in Dungeon, Kaiju No. 8, and The Apothecary Diaries. Each of these series has made a significant impact throughout 2024, establishing themselves as some of the most talked-about anime of the year.
Surprising Outcomes at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards
Unpacking Crunchyroll’s Unexpected Top Contender
As the votes are still being cast for the Crunchyroll Anime Awards, many fans believe that the likely frontrunner might not be the expected choice. Since its release, Solo Leveling has captivated audiences, particularly with its second season, which elevated its action sequences, animation quality, and overall production values. This surge in popularity would seemingly position Solo Leveling as a top contender for accolades at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards.
However, closer analysis suggests that Solo Leveling may not dominate as anticipated. It shares the lowest number of nominations among the Anime of the Year contenders, being nominated in just 13 categories—this is tied with The Apothecary Diaries. In stark contrast, Dandadan leads with 22 nominations, while Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End boasts a remarkable 29. Thus, despite its widespread appeal, Solo Leveling may not emerge as the definitive winner.
The limited nominations for Solo Leveling can be attributed to its genre-specific appeal as a power fantasy anime. While it has garnered praise, it has also faced criticism for its narrative depth compared to titles like Dandadan and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, which are celebrated for their rich storytelling and diverse themes, widening their universal appeal. Consequently, Solo Leveling may struggle to secure a significant win amidst stiff competition from its more versatile counterparts.
Predictions for Big Winners at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards
Who Will Emerge as Anime’s Champion?
The buzz surrounding the Crunchyroll Anime Awards raises an interesting question: which series will emerge victorious? While Solo Leveling has just concluded its action-packed second season, and its popularity remains high, titles like Dandadan and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End have positioned themselves as formidable competitors with a larger number of nominations and broader appeal. It’s reasonable to predict that either Dandadan or Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End may take the spotlight at this year’s awards, whether by winning multiple categories or claiming the coveted Anime of the Year title.