The Final Emperor: How Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Dethroned One Piece as Anime’s Top-Rated Series

For years, a small handful of anime titans have sat atop the global rankings. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood has long been the gold standard, but a more recent, historical contender has been making waves. As of late 2025, One Piece, the long-running shonen epic, has been officially dethroned from its peak position as the highest-rated anime on MyAnimeList’s prestigious all-time chart. The series that accomplished this monumental feat is none other than the critically acclaimed fantasy drama, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End.

A New King: The Quiet Rise of Frieren

While One Piece has been a consistent force in the ratings, with landmark episodes like Luffy’s Gear 5 transformation reaching record-breaking scores, it could never maintain the a consistently high average across its more than 1,000 episodes. Frieren, by contrast, achieved its top spot with a quiet, contemplative narrative that stood in stark contrast to the high-octane action of its peers. The series, which follows an elven mage as she reflects on her past adventures and bonds with new companions, garnered universal praise for its stunning animation, mature storytelling, and profound emotional depth.

The reception has been nothing short of a phenomenon. Its premiere in late 2024 received an overwhelming amount of praise from critics and fans alike, and its rating steadily climbed, eventually surpassing even the likes of Attack on Titan and Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2. The show’s ability to tackle themes of time, grief, and legacy with such grace and beauty resonated deeply with a wide audience, solidifying its place as a modern masterpiece.

The Numbers Don’t Lie: A Look at the Ratings War

MyAnimeList’s all-time rankings are a direct reflection of a series’ average score from its user base. For years, the top of the chart has been a battle between a select few series, with Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and Gintama often holding the highest spots. One Piece, with its massive fanbase, has always been a top contender, with its rating buoyed by some of the most highly-rated individual episodes in anime history. However, its immense length has also been its biggest weakness. Filler arcs, slow pacing, and inconsistent animation in the past have held its overall average down, making it impossible to compete with a meticulously crafted, single-season series like Frieren.

As of late 2025, the rankings have shifted dramatically. While the specific numbers are constantly in flux, the consensus is clear: Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has ascended to the number one spot, finally moving Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood to second place. This is a monumental moment, as it shows a shift in what a modern audience considers “perfect.” It’s no longer just about epic battles or grand-scale plots. It’s about a series’ ability to deliver a consistent, emotionally resonant experience from start to finish.

A Golden Age for Anime: The Rise of Quality Over Quantity

The success of Frieren is emblematic of a broader trend in the anime industry. While long-running series like One Piece, Dragon Ball, and Naruto continue to dominate the commercial space, recent years have seen a surge in a new kind of anime. These are often shorter, single-season shows that are defined by their incredible animation quality, tight narratives, and unique concepts. The successes of shows like Chainsaw Man, Bocchi the Rock!, and Oshi no Ko paved the way, proving that a high-quality, contained story could generate just as much hype and acclaim as a never-ending saga.

The anime industry is now in a fascinating period of competition, where a new show can arrive and completely redefine the conversation. While One Piece‘s legacy is secure and its ongoing run remains a cultural pillar, its reign as the undisputed king of ratings has come to an end. The new monarch is a quiet, contemplative elf who reminds us that the journey, and the bonds we forge along the way, are the most important part of any story.