The Shonen fantasy anime series Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has surpassed the ratings of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood on MyAnimeList, becoming the highest-rated series. Its anime adaptation premiered in September 2023 and has already captivated viewers with eleven extraordinary episodes. Despite being in its first season, Frieren has gained enough popularity to rival Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (FMAB).
FMAB has a large fanbase and has held the top spot on MAL for several years. However, it has been pushed to the second spot before by other anime series. Despite this, FMAB has always managed to reclaim the first position. Now, Frieren poses a new challenge to Brotherhood, and fans are excited to see how long the new anime can hold its position.
Frieren takes the first spot on MyAnimeList
On MAL Top anime’s page, it’s Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, which has taken the first spot with a rating of 9.10, pushing FMAB to the second position.
Before Frieren, there were other noteworthy shows like Oshi No Ko, Attack on Titan, and My Happy Marriage that temporarily dethroned the popular series. It's important to note that despite Frieren taking the top spot on the platform, FMAB continues to hold the second spot with an equal rating of 9.10.
Frieren: Beyond the Journey’s End follows the story of Frieren, an elven mage who once accompanied the hero on their quest. Together, they successfully defeated the demon king. However, Frieren chose to embark on a new path, leaving her former comrades behind.
Upon her return many years later, she discovers that time has taken its toll on the group, with two of her former companions having passed away. Faced with this unfortunate reality, Frieren realizes that she had underestimated the value of her comrades and regrets taking them for granted. Determined to make amends, she resolves to forge new relationships with humans and offer them unwavering support.
The reception of the anime among fans has been diverse. While certain enthusiasts are delighted to see it at the top, others have expressed their disappointment. Additionally, a significant portion of the fanbase firmly believes that FMAB will reclaim its first position on MAL in no time.
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Editor's P/S
1. Frieren Surpasses Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood on the All-Time Anime Chart
As an anime enthusiast, I'm thrilled to see Frieren: Beyond Journey's End surpass Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood on MyAnimeList as the highest-rated series. This development marks a significant moment in the anime landscape, as FMAB has long been considered one of the greatest anime of all time. Frieren's rise to the top speaks to the strength of its storytelling, character development, and overall execution.
The fact that Frieren has achieved this milestone in just eleven episodes is a testament to its exceptional quality. The anime has captivated audiences with its heartwarming and emotional narrative, exploring themes of friendship, loss, and the passage of time. The characters are complex and relatable, and the world-building is rich and immersive. It's no wonder that Frieren has resonated so strongly with fans and critics alike.
2. While some may argue that FMAB deserves its place at the top, I believe that Frieren's success is a sign of the evolving anime landscape. The anime industry is constantly producing new and exciting content, and Frieren's rise to prominence shows that audiences are open to new stories and experiences. It's also worth noting that Frieren is not the first anime to dethrone FMAB on MAL. In recent years, shows like Attack on Titan and Oshi No Ko have briefly held the top spot. This suggests that the anime community is constantly evolving and that there is no one definitive "best" anime.
In conclusion, I believe that Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is a well-deserved addition to the pantheon of great anime. Its success is a testament to the strength of its storytelling and its ability to connect with audiences on a deep level. While it remains to be seen whether Frieren can maintain its top spot on MAL, I'm excited to see what the future holds for this exceptional series.