The table has been turned for one of the most popular anime series, Fullmetal Alchemist. For a long time, it has been sitting on top of MyAnimeList (MAL) rankings, but after a sudden turn of events it has toppled from its top place. The one that took the number one ranking is none other than the new ongoing series Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. The achievement is huge for this new fantasy anime series which was just released in September 2023.
Anime enthusiasts are astonished by the success of Frieren in obtaining the champion’s rank just a year after its release. Fullmetal Alchemist has dominated the peak of the popular anime ranking list for over a decade and it has been thought that it was unconquerable from its position.
However, the arrival of Frieren has disapproved of all that was assumed. The new series has now created the notion of what makes a top-notch anime in the eyes of the global audience.
Fullmetal Alchemist Fans Struggle to Accept the New Reality
For over a decade, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood held the coveted top spot on MyAnimeList, the internet’s go-to source for anime ranking. Fans of this alchemical adventure have long defended their favorite show’s position ferociously. Now, they find themselves grasping at straws, insisting that there’s definitely others better out there than Frieren.
It has been a fan favorite for many and to see it get dethroned by a newcomer, especially one that’s on hiatus, feels almost unreal. The shift has also sparked discussion about the nature of anime rankings and what truly defines a “masterpiece” in the medium. Some argue that Fullmetal Alchemist‘s complete status should give it an edge over Frieren, which is yet to conclude the story.
The comments make things clear that the anime world is always evolving, and even the most popular classics aren’t immune to change.
The Curious Case of Frieren’s Success
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End follows an elven mage’s journey after defeating the Demon King, capturing audiences with a mix of fantasy, slice-of-life, and philosophical musings. The elven mage, who is near-immortal, searches for a new life on her own and then reunites with her human companions after 50 years.
The anime has managed to get its grip on viewers’ hearts and MAL’s top spot. It has been speculated that the show’s indefinite break might actually be contributing to its popularity. Its popularity puzzled and fueled the speculation and anticipation in the whole anime industry.
The anime community continues to debate this unexpected turn of events. Whether Frieren will maintain its reign or Fullmetal Alchemist will reclaim its crown remains to be seen. In the meantime, fans on both sides can agree on one thing, there’s never been a more exciting time to be an anime enthusiast.
You can watch both Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End on Crunchyroll.
