The Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2025 crowned Solo Leveling as Anime of the Year, but the decision sparked debate among fan groups. While many celebrated the victory, pointing to the technical quality and global impact of the work, others questioned whether it truly surpassed competitors like Sousou no Frieren and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba .
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The discussion took over social media, with detailed comparisons between the nominees and even accusations that the choice was more a reflection of international popularity than artistic merit.
Points considered by those who watched Solo Leveling
- High-level animation : Sung Jin-Woo's combat scenes were praised for their fluidity and intensity.
- A memorable soundtrack : music and sound effects that enhanced the atmosphere of the battles.
- Faithfulness to the original manhwa: iconic moments from the web novel were faithfully adapted, pleasing long-time fans.
Criticisms and weaknesses of the anime
- Inconsistent pacing : some episodes featured fast-paced storytelling or abrupt transitions.
- Little room for supporting characters : secondary characters were overshadowed by the protagonist.
- Less emotional depth : compared to Frieren , the series invested more in action than in drama.
Other important competing anime:
- Sousou no Frieren : captivated audiences with a sensitive narrative, exploring themes such as loss, friendship, and the passage of time, along with a delicate soundtrack.
- Demon Slayer maintained a high standard of technical quality, with impeccable art direction and precisely choreographed fight sequences.
In addition to Anime of the Year , Solo Leveling also won in categories such as Best Action Scene and Best Soundtrack . These awards reinforce that, despite the controversy, the production made its mark and garnered significant votes.
What does this reveal about the audience?
Solo Leveling 's victory shows how global appeal and presence on streaming platforms directly influence award results. Productions with international reach end up receiving more votes, regardless of specialized critics.
Meanwhile, the third season of the anime has not yet had any official announcement. The series' enormous success, however, earned Solo Leveling the Anime of the Year .
Source: Reddit