Voting for the 2025 Anime Awards closes on April 14th, and fans around the world are already choosing their favorites. Among the most anticipated categories is the hotly contested Anime of the Year —representing the best of Japanese (and Asian, as we'll see) animation in recent months. And this year, the competition is fiercer than ever.
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With nominees ranging from epic fantasy sagas to intimate and sensitive stories, the awards reflect a diverse and high-quality 2024. However, amidst this brilliant landscape, one title stands out strongly: Solo Leveling — a true explosion in the anime universe and a big favorite among many fans.
Next, 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 marked her journey.
Produced by Madhouse studio, with masterful 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 avoids clichés.
Diaries of an Apothecary: mystery, poisons, and historical charm
Set in imperial China, Diaries of an Apothecary features a unique protagonist: Maomao, a young, intelligent, sarcastic apothecary obsessed with poisons. The work stands out for its refined world-building, focusing on the court, power games, and the investigation of discreet crimes within the palace.
With a slower pace and careful aesthetics, the anime doesn't rely on explosive action or fantasy, but on the subtlety of relationships and the charisma of the main character. Although not a mass phenomenon, it has won a loyal audience—and its nomination is a victory for the diversity of styles.
Kaiju No. 8: mature action with soul
Kaiju No. 8's premise is noteworthy for featuring a protagonist in his early 30s, in 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 growing up. It's a work that speaks directly to an older audience, yet without losing its appeal to new 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 unique selling point. The game follows a group of adventurers who, in order to survive in dungeons, resort to cooking the monsters they defeat.
Beyond its originality, the anime delivers a journey of maturation and acceptance, with well-developed characters and a world rich in detail. Although it's less talked about than the season's giants, it has its own charm that earned it a well-deserved nomination.
Dan Da Dan: chaos, supernatural and nostalgia
With its vibrant aesthetic and boundless energy, Dan Da Dan has won over fans looking for something different. The story blends aliens, ghosts, action, romance, and comedy, all wrapped in a frenetic narrative reminiscent of 2000s anime.
Despite all the craziness, 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 appeal and technical excellence
Adapted from the South Korean manhwa by Chugong, Solo Leveling arrived with high expectations—and it didn't disappoint. Produced by A-1 Pictures studio, the anime delivered fluid animation, spectacular fights, a memorable soundtrack, and a protagonist who quickly became an icon of the season.
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 yet powerful: the rise of someone who was discredited, who grows in silence while the world still underestimates him. A type of journey that resonates with audiences in an almost universal way.
Beyond its captivating plot, Solo Leveling was a phenomenon in terms of viewership and impact. It established itself as one of the most talked-about works of 2024, attracting both experienced fans and newcomers to the world of anime. Furthermore, its adaptation helped to further open up space for productions based on manhwas, marking a new chapter in the global animation market.
Anime Awards 2025
The nominees for Anime of the Year at the 2025 Anime Awards demonstrate just how much the genre has expanded, embracing mature, experimental, funny, and moving stories. Each of the nominees contributed something unique to the year.
But if the award seeks to represent the anime that most impacted the audience, delivering quality, emotion, and accessibility in a complete package — then Solo Leveling is undoubtedly the name to be celebrated.
To ensure your favorite anime takes home the trophy, visit the official Anime Awards website or vote directly through the Crunchyroll mobile app. Voting is open until April 15th at 3:59 AM (Brasilia time), and you can vote once a day. The winners will be revealed at the official Anime Awards 2025 ceremony, scheduled for May 25th, with a live broadcast.