Voting for the Anime Awards 2025 closes on April 14th, and fans around the world are already choosing their favorites. Among the most anticipated categories is the hotly contested title of Anime of the Year —the title that represents the best of Japanese (and Asian, as we'll see) animation in recent months. And this year, the competition is fiercer than ever.
- Dandadan 190: What to expect from the next chapter
- Spy x Family 115: Release Date and What to Expect from the New Chapter
With nominees ranging from epic fantasy sagas to intimate and sensitive stories, the awards show reflects a diverse and high-quality 2024. However, amidst this brilliant landscape, one title stands out: Solo Leveling—a true explosion in the anime universe and a huge fan favorite.
Below is an overview of the main contenders for the award and why Solo Leveling deserves to take home the trophy.
Frieren and the Journey to the Beyond: Poetry and Emotional Depth
Considered by many to be a masterpiece, Frieren captivated audiences with its melancholic approach to time, memory, and loss. The story begins where adventures usually end: after the defeat of the great villain. Thus, the protagonist, an immortal elf, begins to revisit the places and people that shaped her journey.
Produced by Madhouse, with exquisite direction and a sensitive soundtrack, the anime delivers dense, emotional, and visually stunning episodes. It's a strong contender, especially for its mature artistic approach, which strays from the norm.
The Apothecary Diaries: Mystery, Poisons, and Historical Charm
Set in imperial China, The Apothecary Diaries features a unique protagonist: Maomao, a clever, sarcastic, and poison-obsessed young apothecary. The work stands out for its refined world-building, focusing on the court, power struggles, and the investigation of discreet crimes within the palace.
With a slower pace and a careful aesthetic, the anime doesn't rely on action or explosive fantasy, but rather on the subtlety of relationships and the charisma of the main character. While not a mass phenomenon, it has won over a loyal audience—and its nomination is a victory for the diversity of styles.
Kaiju No. 8: Adult Action with Soul
Kaiju No. 8's premise stands out for featuring a protagonist in his early 30s, a contrast to the young heroes who typically dominate the shounen genre. Kafka Hibino, an ordinary man who works cleaning up giant monsters, ends up becoming a kaiju himself.
The anime balances action scenes with comedic moments and messages about failure, persistence, and growth. It's a work that speaks directly to an older audience, yet still appeals to younger generations. An exciting and accessible anime with great potential for growth in future seasons.
Delicious in Dungeon: A Tasty and Creative Adventure
Blending fantasy, cooking, and comedy seems unlikely—but Delicious in Dungeon managed to make it its own. The series follows a group of adventurers who, to survive in dungeons, resort to cooking the monsters they defeat.
Beyond its originality, the anime delivers a journey of maturity and acceptance, with well-developed characters and a world rich in detail. Although less talked about than the season's giants, it has a charm all its own that earned it a well-deserved nomination.
Dan Da Dan: chaos, supernatural and nostalgia
With its vibrant aesthetic and unstoppable energy, Dan Da Dan won over fans seeking something different. The story blends aliens, ghosts, action, romance, and comedy, all wrapped up in a frenetic narrative reminiscent of 2000s anime.
Even with all the madness, the anime also touches on themes like loneliness, friendship, and acceptance. Its impact was so strong that many consider it one of the most innovative titles of the year. Thus, its nomination is a celebration of creativity and boldness.
Solo Leveling: the favorite that combined popular impact and technical excellence
Adapted from the South Korean manhwa by Chugong, Solo Leveling arrived with high expectations—and did not disappoint. Produced by A-1 Pictures, the anime delivered fluid animation, spectacular fights, a striking soundtrack, and a protagonist who quickly became a season icon.
The story revolves around Sung Jinwoo , an E-rank hunter who, after nearly dying on a mission, receives a second chance through a mysterious system that allows him to become stronger. The narrative is straightforward but powerful: the rise of someone discredited, growing in silence while the world still underestimates him. It's a journey that resonates with audiences almost universally.
Beyond its captivating plot, Solo Leveling was a phenomenon in terms of viewership and repercussion. It established itself as one of the most talked-about works of 2024, attracting both seasoned and new anime fans. What's more, its adaptation helped open up even more space for manhwa-based productions, marking a new chapter in the global animation market.
Anime Awards 2025
The Anime of the Year at the 2025 Anime Awards demonstrate how much the genre has expanded, embracing mature, experimental, funny, and emotional stories. Each of the contenders contributed something unique to the year.
But if the award seeks to represent the anime that most impacted the public, that delivered quality, emotion and accessibility in a complete package — then Solo Leveling is, without a doubt, the name to be celebrated.
To ensure your favorite anime wins the trophy, visit the official Anime Awards website or vote directly through the Crunchyroll app on your phone. Voting is open until April 15th at 3:59 AM (Brasília time), and you can vote once per day. The winners will be revealed at the official Anime Awards 2025 ceremony, scheduled for May 25th, with a live broadcast.
