Anime of the Year awards are often driven as much by momentum as merit and in 2024,Solo Levelingswept the top honor with fanfare, energy, and plenty of action-packed flash. Its victory was not exactly unexpected because it was the buzziest show of the year, riding the hype train of a beloved webtoon and an avalanche of fan support. But beneath all the applause, a quieter, more masterful series stood in its shadow inFrieren: Beyond Journey’s End. WhileSolo Levelingwas good,Frierenwas transcendent.
And that is the problem. These awards, determined largely by votes and popularity, sometimes crown the loudest voice rather than the strongest contender.Solo Levelingdominated conversations, especially as fans eagerly anticipated its second season, which many voters erroneously factored into their decision-making. But the Anime of the Year title was meant for works released in 2024, which wasSolo Leveling’sfirst season only. On that criterion alone, it falters. Meanwhile,Frieren: Beyond Journey’s Enddelivered an exquisite, complete experience in every episode. It did not just entertain; it moved people. And that should have made it the true champion.
Solo Leveling Was Flashy, But Fundamentally Incomplete
Solo Leveling’s Shiny but Shallow First Season Was All Visuals and Little Plot
There is no denying thatSolo Levelingturned heads with its explosive visuals and fast-paced battles. It was, without question, one of the most talked-about anime of 2024.Adapted from a hugely popular manhwa, the anime brought Sung Jinwoo’s ascension to godhood to life with slick direction and blockbuster-style fight choreography.For many fans, the power fantasy and stylish animation were enough to earn their vote. But that is exactly where the issue lies, because it was all surface-level appeal.
What many overlooked was thatSolo Leveling’sfirst season was essentially an extended prologue. While visually stunning, it lacked the emotional and narrative depth to stand on its own.Character development was minimal, stakes were thin, and the story had not yet evolved into the high-stakes epic fans of the webtoon knew.The real meat ofSolo Levelinglies in its later arcs with the Monarchs and even a little bit in season 2, which did not air in 2024 and therefore should not have influenced its Anime of the Year candidacy.
If voters had judgedSolo Levelingsolely on its 2024 content, its victory would look far less secure. The narrative pacing was uneven, and much of the season was spent on repetitive dungeon crawls with little introspection.Compared to other contenders that offered complete, emotional arcs,Solo Levelingfelt like a flashy appetizer rather than a full-course meal.The hype was earned, but the accolade was not.
Frieren Delivered a Masterclass in Storytelling and Emotion
The Soul of Anime in 2024 Lived in Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
On the other hand,Frieren: Beyond Journey’s Endwas an absolute triumph in storytelling, execution, and emotional resonance. It told a complete and deeply moving story, one that transcended the fantasy genre with its contemplative tone and subtle character work. WhereSolo Levelingwas all adrenaline,Frierenwas poetry in motion that was quiet, graceful, and profound. It did not need high-octane battles to leave an impression; its strength came from its humanism and emotional maturity.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s Endfollows the elf mage Frieren after the defeat of the Demon King, as she sets out to understand the humanity of her fallen comrades and of herself. That simple premise allowed for profound exploration of grief, memory, and time. Each episode was carefully constructed to draw viewers into the world’s rich emotional landscape, giving space for reflection rather than spectacle. And in doing so,Frierenmanaged to touch hearts in a way few fantasy anime ever have.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s Endwas a cohesive, emotional experience and the kind of anime that lingers with viewers long after the credits roll.
Not only did it succeed narratively, but it also excelled technically. The animation by Madhouse was nothing short of spectacular. Every landscape was lovingly drawn, every magical battle beautifully rendered with subtlety and finesse. The soundtrack was poignant and atmospheric. The voice performances were nuanced and powerful. Altogether,Frieren: Beyond Journey’s Endwas a cohesive, emotional experience and the kind of anime that lingers with viewers long after the credits roll. It was not just good. It was art.
A Flawed System Crowned the Wrong Winner for Anime of the Year
How the Voting System Failed Frieren and Award Systems Cannot Keep Up with Artistic Greatness
Ultimately,the fact thatSolo Levelingwon Anime of the Yearis more a reflection of the system’s flaws than the relative quality of the contenders. Fan-voted awards have always been a double-edged sword because they democratize recognition, but they also open the door for popularity to trump excellence. In this case,Solo Levelingrode the wave of its massive preexisting fanbase, many of whom conflated season 1 with what they knew was coming later. That skewed the results unfairly.
This is not to saySolo Levelingwas a bad anime. It was a well-made action series with promise. ButAnime of the Year should recognize the show that delivered the most complete, emotionally powerful, and well-crafted experience within the eligible year.Frieren: Beyond Journey’s Endchecked every box. It had widespread critical acclaim, unmatched animation quality, and the highest user ratings across major platforms like MyAnimeList and AniList. The fact that it lost to a technically incomplete story speaks volumes about how hype can distort judgment.
The fact thatFrieren: Beyond Journey’s Endwas overlooked despite being widely considered one of the best anime of all time is a disservice not only to the show itself but to the medium as a whole.
If award shows truly want to reflect the best of what anime can be, they need to look beyond buzz. Popularity is important, but it should not be the only metric. The industry needs to value artistry, depth, and innovation. In that regard,Frierendid not just deserve a nomination, it deserved the crown. The fact thatFrieren: Beyond Journey’s Endwas overlooked despite being widely considered one of the best anime of all time is a disservice not only to the show itself but to the medium as a whole.
Frieren Was the Anime of the Year, Whether the Awards Say So or Not
Frieren Will Be Remembered Long After Solo Leveling’s Hype Fades
At the end of the day, awards are symbols, not absolutes. And whileSolo Levelingmay wear the official badge of Anime of the Year,Frieren: Beyond Journey’s Endwill be remembered by many as the true masterpiece of 2024. Its emotional resonance, masterful storytelling, and artistic elegance gave viewers something lasting. It was not the flashiest, and it did not dominate social media trends, but it moved people. It made them think. It made them feel. That is the kind of impact that defines great anime.
As the years pass, the hype aroundSolo Levelingseason 1 may fade, especially as stronger seasons arrive. ButFrieren: Beyond Journey’s Endwill likely remain a benchmark and a title remembered for its quiet brilliance and lasting impression. It did not need hype to earn its place in anime history. It carved that place with depth, grace, and soul. And that, more than any award, is the highest honor an anime can achieve.
Solo Leveling
Cast
Solo Leveling follows Sung Jin-woo, the world’s weakest hunter, who gains extraordinary powers through a mysterious program after surviving a brutal monster attack. As he navigates his newfound abilities, Jinwoo embarks on a quest to uncover the secrets of his powers and the dungeon that altered his fate.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End follows the elven mage Frieren after the defeat of the Demon King. As generations pass, she confronts humanity’s mortality, taking on a new apprentice and striving to fulfill her late friends' final wishes, embarking on a journey to reconcile with life and death.
