Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a legend of a work. Not only is FMAB a standing fan-favorite after close to 15 years. The anime is of Adventure, Dark Fantasy, and Steampunk genres, leading to an all-round audience base.
With its interesting story that spans a plethora of themes, the story of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood enthralls viewers of all ages and preferences. From action lovers to science fiction geeks and all the otakus in between, Brotherhood has something for each of them.
For close to ten years, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood has stood at the peak of all anime works, old and new, on MyAnimeList as well as Anime News Network. Both of these are reliable sources of information for millions of anime lovers all over the world.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood has been standing on a very high pedestal with barely any signs of being replaced. Yet surprisingly, after almost a decade, FMAB has been dethroned as the top-rated anime- when a certain Fall 2023 anime known as Frieren took the anime world by storm.
1. Has Frieren dethroned Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood forever?
Frieren is a Fall 2023 anime with 28 episodes released. Frieren has tropes similar to that of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and is rated highly. However, since the current rating is only for the first season, it is likely to change with the release of upcoming seasons.
The rapid rise of Frieren is indeed commendable. But history teaches us valuable lessons. The legend of FMAB has faced its own share of competitors through the years. Anime like Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War and Attack on Titan had hordes of viewers rating them highly, ranking them at No.1.
These rankings have been proven to be fleeting, as FMAB rises to the top again and again with ease. Each time Brotherhood’s ranking is threatened, the loyal fans emerge and push it back to the top. So, it is likely that this time too, Frieren will have to return the top spot to FMAB.
2. How did FMAB hold the top position for so long?
The reason FMA Brotherhood is always rated so high isn’t because it is the best anime of all time but because it has such a broad appeal. You may be a viewer of any age, any gender, with an interest in any genre and you will be able to enjoy it.
Also, don’t underestimate the fact that it has a great English dub and a lot of air time on stream sites like Toonami. This made it very accessible for a lot of casual anime fans (and initiated many to anime). Along with the fact that the setting is not restricted to ‘Japan’, making it is easy to get into.
3. How did Frieren take over?
Frieren is a meticulously crafted tale that leaves little space for complaints. With an amazing storyline, depth of characters, and thought-provoking interactions, Frieren takes narration and melds it with our reality.
The tale of Frieren takes us to a fantastical world with elves, demons, and magic. Through the story, we see an elven mage who defeats the Demon King along with the Hero Party. After the battle, she realizes the power and importance of genuine human relationships.
The emotional undertones are perfectly displayed under the brilliant orchestration of the director, Keiichiro Saito. The enthralling musical score by Evan Call only furthers the quality of the work. With each and every episode being at the pinnacle of anime- Frieren has not unjustly claimed its spot at the top.
4. Will Frieren stay at the top?
Frieren will likely not continue to be number 1 (and it’s not because of FMAB fans alt-account hating it). Frieren has a wonderfully crafted story, but not in the conventional sense. An average viewer (like Shounen fans) will find it difficult to continue watching it.
The slow-paced story and the lack of action might be seen as merits in the eyes of veterans, but for the uninitiated and casual anime fan- it equals boring. Madhouse is a great production house, and the second season might cement Frieren’s spot in the Top 10.
But staying in the number 1 spot is very unlikely. The best anime ever- is actually the anime that no one really dislikes. Like Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Of course, the other possible outcome is that the keyboard warrior fans of FMAB emerge to drown Frieren (wouldn’t be the first time).
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