‘Frieren’ Dethrones ‘Fullmetal Alchemist’ And Takes the No. 1 Anime Spot 

Summary

• ‘Frieren’ anime has surpassed Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood on ANN and MyAnimeList rankings.
• Future voting will determine whether Frieren will maintain its top-ranking spot in the anime community or be overtaken by a new anime later.

The debate on the greatest anime of all time is an age-old topic that’s more intense than the final form of a Super Saiyan! The question can turn a friendly chat into a full-blown fandom war, unleashing everyone’s inner otaku. 

When you think the dust has settled, someone busts out the ANN Encyclopedia’s Top 10 or MyAnimeList’s Top Anime Series, brandishing those rankings like Excalibur to crown the king of anime. 

But let’s face it: Relying on these lists is like leaving a cat to guard a fishbowl. Sure, they’ve got the backing of millions of fan votes, but can we truly determine a champion when every season ushers in a new challenger to the arena?

‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’ has been replaced by ‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ as the number one anime on ANN and MyAnimeList.

‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ premiered in Fall 2023 with four full-length episodes back to back. Its cozy fantasy premise, the ageless main character, and a deep underlying message about mortality hooked viewers. 

The anime benefited from strong source material from Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe’s popular manga, but Studio Madhouse’s adaptation brought its charms to life in full color.

On the other hand, ‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’ first aired in April 2009, 15 years ago. The 64-episode Studio Bones series rebooted the anime, this time faithfully adhering to the entire manga. For this reason, the Brotherhood has more clearly withstood the test of time.

Brotherhood became #1 on Anime News Network in May 2016 with a score of 9.10, and on MyAnimeList by July 2010. It has remained the top anime in the ANN database for the past eight years. 

Although MyAnimeList has experienced more fluctuation, Brotherhood has consistently returned to the top position after being temporarily unseated by titles like ‘Fruits Basket: The Final,’ ‘Attack on Titan’s Final Season,’ and ‘Oshi no Ko.’

Frieren scored 9.14 in the Anime News Network database, slightly edging out Brotherhood’s overall score of 9.07. It has a higher weighted ranking of 9.181 and overtook ‘Brotherhood’ more quickly on MAL on November 22, 2023.

The series ‘Fullmetal Alchemist’ has always been a favorite among viewers due to its timeless appeal and emotive storytelling. It begins with thrilling action and progresses to thought-provoking reflections on life. 

On the other hand, ‘Frieren’ is a more recent series, but it has gained a lot of attention because of its modern animation style and social media buzz. The narrative approach is unique, delving into the characters’ past and present. Both series have captivating protagonists, lively supporting characters, impressive world-building, and unforgettable music. 

As ‘Frieren’ wraps up its First-Class Mage Exam Arc, it demonstrates its narrative depth and challenges the legacy of ‘Brotherhood,’ treating the latter’s existence as a fleeting moment in a vast continuum.

About Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is a manga by Yamada and Tsukasa Abe. It was launched in April 2020, and went on to win several prizes.

The story starts when a group of heroes come back home after defeating a demon. Frieren, an elf mage, has hundreds of years ahead of her due to her long lifespan.

She is destined to lose all her friends and comrades eventually. However, at the funeral of one of her past comrades, she realizes that she has a new adventure ahead of her.

Source: Animenewsnetwork