Anime titled Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End was released in September 2023 and has quickly gained popularity among viewers with its 11 captivating episodes. Despite still being in its first season, Frieren has already created serious competition with long-established anime titles.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has surpassed Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood to claim the top position in the “Most Popular Anime” rankings on MyAnimeList, boasting a rating of 9.10, while Brotherhood fell to second place with a rating of 8.89. For those unfamiliar, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood has a massive fan base and has maintained the number one ranking on MyAnimeList for several years.
This is not the first time an anime has dethroned Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood from its long-held position. Several other titles have briefly taken its place, but Brotherhood has always managed to reclaim the top spot. This time, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End fiercely challenges the supremacy of Brotherhood, leaving fans eager to see how long this new contender can maintain its lead.
Before Frieren, titles such as Oshi no Ko, Attack on Titan, and My Happy Marriage have previously challenged Brotherhood, but only for a short duration.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End revolves around a mage named Frieren who has lived through many different eras. As she journeys through time, she encounters various characters and situations that lead her to reflect on the essence of life and humanity. As time passes, she observes that everyone around her has grown old and her companions have passed away. After experiencing some poignant moments, she realizes that she has made a mistake by considering everything as transient. Therefore, she decides to make an effort to build new relationships with people and always be present for them.
The deep characterization and the way emotions are conveyed are the standout points of the story since its launch. Notably, the high-quality animation and the faithful adaptation of the manga’s intricate details have earned widespread acclaim for the anime.
The anime has received mixed reactions from fans. While some viewers are delighted to see their beloved series taking the top position, others feel a sense of disappointment. Moreover, a significant portion of the fandom firmly believes that Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood will not take long to reclaim its top rank on MyAnimeList.
As Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how its story resonates with audiences and whether it can maintain its place among the giants of the anime world.
