In a surprising turn of events, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, brought to life by Madhouse late last year, has captured the hearts of anime fans worldwide and is now considered a strong contender for Anime of the Year.

As the series approaches its finale, the buzz surrounding Frieren continues to grow, leading to its remarkable achievement of dethroning Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood from its long-standing position of dominance.

For those unfamiliar with Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, it holds an esteemed place in the anime community and is regarded as one of the most beloved series of all time. For over a decade, it has consistently topped must-watch lists, earning praise from fans and critics alike.

Both My Anime List and Anime News Network have consistently ranked Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood at the pinnacle of their charts since around 2016. However, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has now taken its place, marking a significant milestone for the fantasy anime.

Indeed, Frieren’s success is evident as it surpasses Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood on two major platforms, fueled by an outpouring of love from fans.

With its finale approaching, the series has reached new heights, particularly in terms of animation quality, earning its rightful spot at the top.

While Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood has faced challenges from other series in the past, such as Vinland Saga and Attack on Titan, the Elric Brothers have always made a strong comeback.

It remains to be seen whether Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood will reclaim its throne from Frieren. However, if Frieren maintains its position for even a brief period, it will underscore the remarkable impact of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End on the anime industry.

For those unfamiliar with Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, the hit series is available for streaming on Crunchyroll. For those interested in delving deeper into the series, the official synopsis provides insight into its good narrative:

“Elf mage Frieren and her courageous fellow adventurers have defeated the Demon King and brought peace to the land. But Frieren will long outlive the rest of her former party. How will she come to understand what life means to the people around her?

Decades after their victory, the funeral of one her friends confronts Frieren with her own near immortality. Frieren sets out to fulfill the last wishes of her comrades and finds herself beginning a new adventure..”