Did you enjoy ‘Solo Leveling’? This is the best anime of the year, and it has 25 episodes available
Solo Leveling may have won Anime of the Year, but fans and critics agree: the real standout is a quiet, emotional fantasy that’s finally back.
‘Solo Leveling’ has dominated headlines in 2025. With its explosive action, sleek animation, and global fanbase, it swept major awards, including Anime of the Year at the Crunchyroll Awards. But not everyone agrees with the verdict.
According to many fans, the anime that truly deserves the title is Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, and with Season 2 now airing, it’s the perfect time to catch up on what many are calling the real anime of the year.
What makes Frieren so special?
Unlike Solo Leveling’s power-scaling spectacle, Frieren is a quiet, introspective fantasy about grief, memory, and the passage of time. It follows an elven mage who outlives her adventuring companions and sets out to understand what their lives—and her own—really meant.
The show’s strength lies in its emotional depth, subtle worldbuilding, and breathtaking animation. It’s a slow burn, but one that resonates deeply with viewers looking for something more than just flashy fights.
Where to watch it, and how much to catch up on
- Episodes available: 25 (Season 1 complete)
- Season 2: Currently airing weekly
- Streaming: Available on Crunchyroll
Whether you’re new to the series or returning for Season 2, now’s the perfect time to dive in.
Solo Leveling is a hit for good reason, but Frieren offers something rarer: a story that lingers. It’s not just about what happens next, but what’s already been lost. And in a year packed with high-octane anime, that quiet power is what’s made Frieren the true standout for many fans.
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