The Anime of the Year Controversy: Why Solo Leveling and Frieren Both Deserved the Crown

Anime fans are at it again — and this time, the war is over who truly earned the title of Anime of the Year. Was it the explosive juggernaut Solo Leveling or the introspective masterpiece Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End?

Let’s settle this once and for all.

Earlier this year, Crunchyroll crowned Solo Leveling as its Anime of the Year. Not long after, IGN handed the same honor to Frieren. That split decision sent the fandom into overdrive. Twitter threads, Reddit debates, TikToks with hot takes — the community had thoughts.

But here’s the truth: both shows absolutely deserved it.

Solo Leveling — Shonen Perfection

There’s a reason Solo Leveling took Crunchyroll’s top spot. It’s the essence of what makes shonen anime beloved. The story may be simple, but it’s executed flawlessly. The action? S-tier. The pacing? Impeccable. And watching Jin-Woo climb from weakest to world-destroyer? Every episode feels like a boss battle you just have to win.

It’s not deep. It’s not trying to be. It’s a power fantasy done right — and that’s exactly what makes it so rewarding.

Frieren — Still Waters Run Deep

On the other side, Frieren is the kind of anime that sneaks up on you.

It starts slow, almost meditative, luring you into its quiet reflections on time, mortality, and grief. But don’t be fooled — Frieren isn’t just a gentle ride through emotions. When it decides to fight, it fights hard. The animation goes toe-to-toe with any action series out, and the emotional weight behind each battle? That’s what hits hardest. IGN saw this and gave it its flowers. Rightfully so.

Why This Isn’t a Debate — It’s a Win

So who really should’ve won? Trick question.

This isn’t a competition between two similar shows — it’s a celebration of how different anime can be, and how rewarding those differences are. Solo Leveling and Frieren weren’t playing the same game. One aimed to thrill. The other, to make you think — and then thrill you anyway.

The real headline isn’t controversy. It’s this: Anime is evolving. Award shows are expanding. And our fandom is richer because of it.

Let’s enjoy both. Let’s root for more.

What do you think? Which one was your Anime of the Year? Let us know in the comments — also, join our email list and stay tapped in to The Blerd Blog for more takes that celebrate anime through a Blerd lens.