Solo Leveling’s Crunchyroll Awards Sweep: Fan Reactions and Comparisons with Other 2025 Nominees
Solo Leveling started as a web novel by Chugong (later a hit manhwa) and has now taken the anime world by storm — culminating in a dominant showing at the 9th Crunchyroll Anime Awards on May 25, 2025. Held in Tokyo with over 50 million fan votes cast, the 2025 awards saw Solo Leveling win nine categories, including the coveted Anime of the Year. Notably, it’s the first adaptation of a Korean manhwa ever to earn Anime of the Year honors. The series (produced by A-1 Pictures) also swept honors like Best New Series, Best Action, Best Main Character, Best Score, and Best Ending Sequence, among others. This clean sweep firmly cemented Solo Leveling as the headline act of the night.
The Appeal of Solo Leveling: Storytelling, Animation, & Characters
So what makes Solo Leveling stand out from the pack? For starters, the story delivers a classic underdog-to-unstoppable-hero journey that many fans find irresistibly satisfying. It follows Sung Jinwoo — once the weakest hunter in a monster-infested world — who gains a mysterious “level-up” ability that lets him grow in power solo (hence the title). This video-game-like progression system fuels a storytelling hook that keeps viewers hooked on Jinwoo’s every power-up and hard-fought victory. The narrative is straightforward action-fantasy with dungeon crawls and boss fights, but it’s executed with stylish flair. As one Quora fan put it, “Solo Leveling is one of the best drawn... manhwa I’ve ever seen, and has an underdog OP MC that just works.” The visual presentation in the anime adaptation takes that to another level, with high-octane fight sequences and slick animation that bring the manhwa’s splashy art to life. Even some skeptics admit the show “has amazing animation” and adrenaline-pumping action scenes. The addition of a rousing soundtrack by Hiroyuki Sawano (which won Best Score) further elevates those hype moments.
Crucially, Solo Leveling also gives fans a charismatic lead in Jinwoo. Across the series, we see him evolve from a timid, self-sacrificing rookie into a confident, fearsomely powerful hero — a transformation that scratches that “power fantasy” itch for many viewers. “It does what it’s supposed to — a male fantasy of just being strong as f**. In that area, it’s definitely 10/10,” one Reddit user noted. Jinwoo’s cool demeanor and unwavering drive to protect his family make him easy to root for, even if he’s undeniably overpowered by mid-story. The character development may not be the most complex (since Jinwoo rarely struggles once he gains top-tier abilities), but fans love how unapologetically badass he becomes. And he’s supported by a colorful cast of summoned shadow soldiers and guild allies that add fun to the mix (some even earned nominations in character categories). In short, Solo Leveling excels at delivering flashy, crowd-pleasing action with a straightforward heroic arc — a formula that resonated with a huge audience in 2024’s anime lineup.
Solo Leveling vs Frieren: Fan Praise and Criticism
Despite Solo Leveling’s big wins, the results stirred up intense fan debate, especially in comparison to one of its chief rivals, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. Before the awards, many critics and fans actually expected Frieren to take Anime of the Year, considering its critical acclaim. When Solo Leveling clinched the title instead, some anime die-hards were shocked — the upset even sparked headlines and heated discussions on social media. On Reddit, fans of Frieren and others voiced that Solo Leveling’s popularity might have overshadowed what they felt were more deserving shows. For example, one user lamented the outcome by contrasting the two series, writing: “Solo Leveling has amazing animation, but... it’s your typical power fantasy OP MC with no plot, whereas Frieren not only has amazing animation but amazing plot as well... not to mention the characters are super lovable.” From this perspective, Frieren offered a deeper story and emotional weight that some felt trumped Solo Leveling’s straightforward thrills – hence the frustration at seeing Frieren “snubbed” for the top prize.
It wasn’t just Frieren. Fans of other 2025 nominees like DanDaDan and The Apothecary Diaries also vented that their favorites were “robbed” after Solo Leveling dominated so many categories. On Quora and forums, common criticisms of Solo Leveling emerged: that beyond the slick visuals and hype fights, the show’s plot is “very generic and nothing special,” and that Jinwoo being so overpowered “makes everything very predictable and boring.” As one commenter put it bluntly, “A lot of people like an OP main character... I’m not the biggest fan of that. The story isn’t the best... there are better shows out there.” In other words, detractors argue Solo Leveling is more style than substance — a fun ride, but not the pinnacle of storytelling that year.
On the flip side, Solo Leveling’s supporters were out in force to defend its wins. Many fans were simply thrilled to see a Korean manhwa adaptation succeed on a global stage and appreciated the series for delivering exactly what it promised. “I totally agree with Anime of the Year... and especially [Best] OST,” one Redditor wrote after the awards, praising the show’s score and overall execution. Others pointed out that popularity matters in fan-voted awards — and Solo Leveling was undeniably one of the most popular anime of 2024, with massive streaming numbers (its Season 2 reportedly broke viewership records). The series brought a lot of new eyes to anime, and its wins reflected that broad fanbase enthusiasm. Meanwhile, some viewers enjoyed both Solo Leveling and its competitors, refusing to take sides. As one fan mused during the debates, “Between Frieren and Apothecary [Diaries], how could anything else be winning any awards? Those two shows were absolutely peak television.” In their view, Frieren and The Apothecary Diaries were masterful — but that doesn’t necessarily diminish Solo Leveling’s entertainment value; it just shows 2024 was an exceptionally strong year.
In the end, the fan reactions highlight a split: Solo Leveling thrilled a huge audience with its bombastic action, but a vocal contingent felt more nuanced storytelling in shows like Frieren deserved the highest recognition. The Crunchyroll Awards, decided partly by fan votes, inevitably favor what’s popular — a fact not lost on observers. “The Crunchyroll awards are usually popularity contests... This year was just a particularly blatant example,” one Reddit user shrugged. Controversy aside, the discourse did succeed in shining a spotlight on all the top nominees, prompting many curious viewers to check out the other series to see what the buzz was about. Let’s take a look at three of those major 2025 contenders and what makes them special in their own right.
Other Major Contenders in 2025 Anime Awards
Several other standout anime were in the running for Crunchyroll’s 2025 Anime of the Year, each with its own strengths and passionate fanbases. Here we’ll profile three of the most notable nominees — DanDaDan, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, and The Apothecary Diaries — including a brief intro to their stories, their unique storytelling qualities, and what fans loved about them.
DanDaDan: Yukinobu Tatsu’s Supernatural Shonen Romp
DanDaDan (by mangaka Yukinobu Tatsu) burst onto the scene as a wild blend of sci-fi, supernatural horror, and comedy — and quickly became a fan-favorite nominee. The series follows two high schoolers with opposing paranormal beliefs: Momo Ayase believes in ghosts but not aliens, while “Okarun” (Ken Takakura) believes in aliens but dismisses ghosts. After a bet leads them to investigate a haunted tunnel and an alleged UFO site, the duo accidentally prove each other wrong — Momo gets abducted by aliens, and Okarun is cursed by an evil ghost! From that crazy start, DanDaDan launches into a rollercoaster of absurd adventures as the pair team up to battle everything from vengeful specters to yokai aliens, all while navigating a quirky budding friendship (with a dash of teen romance). As one reviewer aptly put it, DanDaDan is a “weird, action-packed, well-drawn story with just about everything I want in a manga.” Those qualities carried over into the 2024 anime adaptation (produced by Science SARU), which garnered 22 award nominations — the most of any series that year.
What fans admire: DanDaDan has been praised for its frenetic energy and creative insanity. Viewers love how the story throws together sci-fi and occult tropes in completely unpredictable ways — one minute you’re watching a heartfelt character moment, and the next an old lady ghost is trying to steal someone’s…ahem, family jewels (yes, that happens). Despite the outrageous premise, the series also boasts impressive art and animation quality. The manga’s detailed, expressive artwork gave rise to a beautifully animated adaptation; in fact, the anime won Best Character Design at the awards, and many thought it deserved Best Animation as well (“Dandadan is amazing [visually],” one commenter noted). Fans have also fallen in love with the characters — Momo is a fiery, no-nonsense heroine, Okarun is goofy yet brave, and their chemistry (along with a growing cast of oddball allies) provides a surprising amount of heart amidst the chaos. There’s also a rich layer of humor throughout; the comedy in DanDaDan is often laugh-out-loud absurd, which helps the series feel fresh compared to more formulaic shonen fare. All these strengths — imaginative storytelling, top-notch artwork, humor, and heart — make DanDaDan a standout that many felt could have snagged more awards were it not up against such stiff competition.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End — Kanehito Yamada’s Post-Quest Fantasy
In stark contrast to Solo Leveling’s bombast, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End offers a gentle, poignant meditation on life after the grand adventure. Based on the manga written by Kanehito Yamada (and illustrated by Tsukasa Abe), Frieren begins where most fantasy epics end: the Demon King has been defeated by a band of heroes. The titular Frieren is an elven mage who fought alongside her human comrades for ten years, yet as an elf with a lifespan of millennia, she viewed that decade as but a fleeting moment. After the party’s victory, Frieren watches her friends grow old and eventually pass away, only truly grasping, decades later, the weight of the time she shared with them. The story follows Frieren on a new journey to honor her fallen companions’ memories and fulfill their last wishes, traveling the land and coming to terms with human mortality and friendship. She’s joined by an apprentice (Fern, the daughter of one comrade’s protege) and other new friends as they embark on a slow, reflective quest to the places where souls rest. This unique premise (essentially “what happens after the heroes save the world?”) sets the stage for an emotionally rich tale that captivated critics and audiences alike.
What fans admire: Frieren is often lauded as beautiful and bittersweet, a story that blends fantasy adventure with profound introspection. Fans praise its storytelling for focusing on character moments and feelings over flashy fights. Each episode feels almost meditative, with Frieren learning little by little what her human friends valued in life. Moments like Frieren crying for the first time at her friend Himmel’s grave hit viewers right in the feels. Frieren’s anime adaptation by studio Madhouse was also gorgeously produced, especially in art direction — it won Best Background Art at the awards for its stunning landscapes and meticulously drawn scenery that bring the world to life. The pacing is deliberate, which some might call slow, but many find it immersive. “Absolutely peak television,” one Redditor raved about Frieren, placing it among the very best of recent years. The series also snagged Best Drama and Best Director (for Keiichiro Saitō) in 2025, reflecting industry acclaim for its overall quality. Another aspect fans love is the cast of characters — not just Frieren herself (an aloof elf gradually learning to open her heart), but also Fern, Stark, and others who grow into a sort of new family over the journey. There’s warmth, humor, and heartbreak in equal measure. In essence, Frieren offers emotional storytelling that explores themes of time, grief, and friendship in a way few fantasy anime do. It’s the kind of show that sticks with you, which is why many were so passionate in its defense during the awards debates. Even without the AOTY crown, Frieren earned its place as one of the year’s most beloved series.
The Apothecary Diaries: Natsu Hyuuga’s Historical Mystery Gem
Rounding out the top nominees is The Apothecary Diaries, a refreshing blend of historical drama and mystery adapted from Natsu Hyuuga’s novels. Set in an imperial court inspired by ancient China, the story follows Maomao, a brilliant but eccentric young apothecary (pharmacist). Orphaned and raised in the city’s red-light district, Maomao is content mixing remedies in obscurity — until she’s kidnapped and sold into servitude as a lowly maid at the royal palace. There, she quickly gets entangled in palace intrigues after she uses her medicinal knowledge to solve a poisoning plot that’s afflicting the emperor’s children. Maomao’s sleuthing skills catch the eye of Jinshi, a handsome high-ranking eunuch, who recruits her to investigate further mysteries within the Inner Court secretly. As the series unfolds, Maomao tackles a variety of cases — from illnesses and assassinations to romantic rumors — using her wit, poison expertise, and fearless curiosity. All the while, court life carries on around her, with consorts, courtiers, and eunuchs each playing their political games. The Apothecary Diaries offers an addictive mix of procedural whodunit and historical slice-of-life, with each arc revealing new layers of the palace (and of Maomao’s own past).
What fans admire: In a sea of action-fantasy nominees, The Apothecary Diaries stood out for its intrigue and intelligence. Fans describe the show as “freaking amazing” and unlike typical anime fare. The storytelling shines through its episodic mysteries — each one cleverly plotted and often tied to real herbal lore or historical practices, which gives the series an educational charm. Maomao herself is a huge draw; she’s an unconventional anime heroine — pragmatic, geeky about poisons, blunt in her manner — and absolutely delightful to watch. [She won Best Voice Actress (JP) for Aoi Yuki’s performance, underscoring how well her character was brought to life.] Viewers also love the slow-burn dynamic between Maomao and Jinshi, which adds a touch of rom-com tension amid the mysteries. The show’s atmosphere is another praised aspect — the detailed imperial court setting, from luxurious costumes to cultural customs, immerses you in its world. One Reddit fan wrote, “I fell in love with the characters and story. The atmosphere reminds me of those dynasty China dramas I watched when young, mixed with a dose of Sherlock and Phoenix Wright-esque [mystery].” This blend of period drama and detective vibes, coupled with strong writing, makes The Apothecary Diaries feel both cozy and compelling. While it didn’t snag as many awards (it did earn recognition through Maomao’s voice acting award and multiple nominations), many viewers consider it a sleeper hit of the year. Its storytelling strengths lie in subtlety and wit rather than spectacle, and for those who appreciate that style, The Apothecary Diaries is a must-watch gem.
Kaiju No. 8: Naoya Matsumoto’s Monster-Meets-Salaryman Action
Kaiju No. 8 (also known as Monster #8) reimagines the classic kaiju narrative by focusing on Kafka Hibino, a 32-year-old janitor responsible for cleaning up kaiju corpses. After ingesting a mysterious parasitic creature, Kafka gains the ability to transform into a humanoid kaiju, leading to his recruitment by the Japan Anti-Kaiju Defense Force under strict surveillance. The anime adaptation, produced by Production I.G with kaiju designs by Studio Khara, premiered in April 2024, with a second season confirmed for July 2025.
What fans admire: The series has been praised for its blend of blue-collar humor and intense monster battles. Kafka's relatable struggles as a late bloomer striving to fulfill his childhood dreams resonate with many viewers. The dynamic between Kafka and his comrades, especially prodigy captain Kikoru Shinomiya and childhood friend Mina Ashiro, adds depth to the narrative. The animation quality, particularly during kaiju battles, has been highlighted for its cinematic flair.
Delicious in Dungeon: Ryōko Kui’s Culinary Quest Comedy
Delicious in Dungeon (Dungeon Meshi) offers a unique fusion of fantasy adventure and gourmet cooking. The story follows adventurer Laios and his party as they delve into a monster-infested dungeon to rescue Laios's sister, Falin, who was consumed by a dragon. With limited resources, the group decides to sustain themselves by cooking and eating the monsters they encounter. Studio Trigger's anime adaptation, which premiered in January 2024, brings this tale to life with vivid animation and detailed culinary sequences.
What fans admire: Viewers appreciate the series' innovative approach to combining dungeon-crawling adventures with cooking. The meticulous attention to detail in preparing fantastical dishes adds a layer of realism and charm. Characters like Senshi, the dwarf chef with extensive knowledge of monster cuisine, and the evolving dynamics within the party contribute to the show's depth. The series has been described as "cozy yet clever," offering both humor and heartfelt moments.
Comparing the 2025 Anime of the Year Nominees
To better see how these series stack up, here’s a quick comparison in terms of genre, creators, where they originate from, their adaptation status, and their storytelling highlights:
| Series | Genre | Creator (Original Author) | Platform (Original) | Adaptation Status | Storytelling Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solo Leveling | Action, Fantasy | Chugong (web-novel author) | KakaoPage (Web Novel & Manhwa) | Anime (2024–25) by A-1 Pictures | High-octane action, “level-up” progression, bold visuals, epic power-fantasy moments. |
| DanDaDan | Supernatural, Shōnen Action | Yukinobu Tatsu (mangaka) | Shonen Jump+ (Digital Manga) | Anime (2024) by Science SARU | Genre-blending (aliens + ghosts), frenetic comedy-horror tone, dynamic art / animation. |
| Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End | Fantasy, Drama | Kanehito Yamada (writer) | Weekly Shonen Sunday (Manga) | Anime (2023–24) by Madhouse | Emotional post-adventure narrative, introspective character growth, gorgeous scenery, heartfelt themes. |
| The Apothecary Diaries | Historical, Mystery, Drama | Natsu Hyuuga (novelist) | Shōsetsuka ni Narō (Web Novel) | Anime (2023–25) by Toho/OLM | Clever palace mysteries, rich historical setting, sharp heroine, subtle humour & romance. |
| Delicious in Dungeon | Fantasy, Comedy, Adventure | Ryōko Kui (mangaka) | Harta (Seinen Manga) | Anime (2024–25) by Studio Trigger | Whimsical dungeon-crawl cooking, inventive world-building, lovable party dynamics, food-centric humour. |
| Kaiju No. 8 | Action, Sci-Fi, Kaiju | Naoya Matsumoto (mangaka) | Shonen Jump+ (Digital Manga) | Anime (2025) by Production I.G / Studio Karakara | Relatable mid-thirties protagonist, monster-hunter vs kaiju twist, high-impact battles, workplace camaraderie. |
Where to Watch Each Series
For those inspired to check out these titles, here’s where you can stream them:
Solo Leveling — Available on Crunchyroll worldwide (both sub and dub).
DanDaDan — Streaming on Crunchyroll (released in October 2024) or on Netflix.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End — Stream on Crunchyroll (first aired Fall 2023). Also on Netflix in some regions from March 2025 onward.
The Apothecary Diaries — Stream on Crunchyroll (Season 1 aired late 2023, Season 2 in 2025). Also streaming on Netflix in select Asia regions (Crunchyroll holds the license in most other regions).
Kaiju No. 8 — Crunchyroll simulcasts the series weekly outside Japan. It is available on Netflix.
Delicious in Dungeon — Netflix holds the worldwide streaming license (episodes drop weekly).
All six titles may appear on additional local services (e.g., Muse Asia, Ani-One, Wakanim), depending on licensing in your country. Check the regional catalogues of your preferred platforms or Crunchyroll’s and Netflix’s library pages for the most up-to-date availability.
Conclusion
The Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2025 showcased a diverse array of series, from blockbuster action to introspective drama, and Solo Leveling’s sweeping victory is a testament to how much a popular power fantasy can galvanize the anime community. Love it or loathe it, the series struck a chord, becoming a gateway anime for many new fans and sparking enthusiastic discourse about what qualifies as “Anime of the Year 2025.” At the same time, the passionate reactions to Frieren, DanDaDan, and The Apothecary Diaries getting edged out highlight how awards can ignite debate about the best anime storytelling. In truth, each of these nominees excels in its way: whether it’s Frieren’s soulful exploration of life and loss, DanDaDan’s off-the-wall creative insanity, or Apothecary’s clever slow-burn mysteries, they all bring something unique to the table.
Awards like Crunchyroll’s do influence trends — a big win can boost a show’s visibility, lead to sequel greenlights, and even shape what kind of adaptations get funded (expect more manhwa adaptations following Solo Leveling’s success). However, no award can definitively measure quality for every viewer. Tastes in anime are wonderfully diverse, and one fan’s “overhyped show” is another fan’s absolute favorite. The real takeaway from the 2025 awards isn’t that one series objectively beat the rest, but rather that we’ve been treated to an abundance of great content worth celebrating.
If you haven’t already, consider giving each of these titles a try. Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2025 made Solo Leveling a headline, but as any seasoned fan will tell you, the joy of anime lies in its variety. Whether you’re into explosive fights, heartfelt journeys, supernatural hijinks, or brainy detective work, there’s something in this lineup for you. Rather than argue which is “better,” it’s more fun to appreciate their different strengths. So why not embark on these adventures yourself? From Jinwoo’s solo grind to Frieren’s reflective travels, from Momo and Okarun’s bizarre battles to Maomao’s palace puzzles — each offers a unique experience. In the end, the true “winners” are the fans, who get to explore all these fantastic worlds. Happy watching, and let each of these acclaimed series inspire you in different ways. After all, the world of anime is vast, and there’s room for every kind of story to shine.