Over the last few years, anime fans have witnessed the release of some absolutely spectacular shows, and if there's one series that stands out among them, it's the hit anime known as Frieren: Beyond Journey's End. Frieren debuted with a 28-episode first season, and it was immediately clear to the fans that this show was something special. Fans have fallen in love with its story, and now, in 2026, Frieren has made her return with a second season.
Frieren Season 2 only has one episode out at the moment, and yet, it has proven to be quite popular with fans. In fact, Frieren Season 2 has become so popular that it has dethroned its predecessor, Frieren Season 1, and has gone on to become the highest-rated anime of all time on MyAnimeList. Frieren dominates on the platform at the moment, and no other series seems to be able to compete with it. The Frieren series definitely has a bright future ahead of it.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 1 Was The Highest Rated Anime of All Time
- It took the spot from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
- It was the highest-rated anime between 2023 and 2026
When it comes to checking anime ratings, there are quite a few platforms that fans trust, but few are as reliable as MyAnimeList, which is also the biggest of them all. MyAnimeList is exclusively used to rate anime series, and fans often take these ratings very seriously. After all, fans often want their favorite series to make it to the top.
Over the years, there have been a few series that reached the top. Previously, the number one highest rated anime on MyAnimeList was Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. As fans know, this anime dominated as the highest-rated series on MyAnimeList for over a decade, holding the title for the longest time ever.
"There's nothing wrong with being a fake hero. I'll defeat the Demon King and bring peace to the world. Then it won't matter if I'm fake or not." – Himmel
However, in 2023, a new anime rose to the top, and that series is Frieren. Frieren managed to beat Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood with an incredible score of 9.28 out of 10. Since then, Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc has also surpassed Fullmetal Alchemist, but Frieren Season 1 remained the number one on the platform. All that has changed now, and a new number 1 anime has been crowned on MAL.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2 Is The New Highest Rated Anime On MAL
- It boasts a score of 9.34/10 with just one episode
Frieren Season 1 was the highest-rated anime on MyAnimeList for a bit less than three years. It first gained the top spot in 2023, and now, in January 2026, it has lost its title. However, to the shock of many, Frieren Season 1 did not lose its title to another franchise. Instead, this series was beaten by the successor season, Frieren Season 2, which just debuted last week, on January 16th, 2026.
With only one episode out, Frieren Season 2 has done the impossible and managed to secure a score of 9.34/10, something that has never been seen before on MyAnimeList. Of course, at the moment, with just one episode out, it is hard to say how the score will look in a few weeks.
Frieren Season 2 Had A Great Start, But Some Fans Think Ratings Are Undeserved
- One episode isn't enough to make it the greatest anime
Since the end of Frieren Season 1, fans had been waiting for the release of the second season of this beloved melancholic adventure story following Frieren, a powerful Elf Mage. Frieren Season 2 has been a very long-anticipated anime, so it isn't entirely a shock to see it receive high ratings from all the fans.
At the same time, some fans do not believe that Frieren Season 2 deserves the number one spot on MAL. Clearly, one episode is way too early to decide that an anime is the greatest ever, but many fans even believe it botted reviews. Similar criticism arose regarding the first season when it reached the top back in 2023.
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Of course, it's hard to say what the truth is, but more likely than not, it could just be that Frieren fans are that dedicated. Either way, it's undeniable that, at the moment, Frieren remains the highest-rated anime series, and that doesn't seem like it's going to change anytime soon.
“This brings back memories. Traveling together. It transports the soul to a different time. A time when the world was ours to discover. When each mark of life on its surface seemed so brilliant and new. As I brush the dust off each memory, there you all appear. Right behind my eyes. I have lived my life waiting for the day that we would be together once more. I thank you, Frieren. It’s solely because of you that this retired hero could have one final adventure.”
At the moment, it’s still too early to say how great a season it is, but fans know for a fact that it'll be a very enjoyable ride. After all, Studio Madhouse continues to go all out for Frieren, and with just 10 episodes in total for this season, the studio was able to put all its attention on higher-quality episodes. Regardless of whether it deserves the number one spot or not, Frieren Season 2 will go on to make history and will be remembered for years to come.
Frieren Season 2 Has 9 More Amazing Episodes
- Frieren could dominate all anime with its two seasons
Frieren Season 2 has 9 more episodes left to prove itself as the best anime of all time. At the moment, Frieren Season 2 has just started, but the first impression has been nothing short of amazing. Frieren already looks better than ever before, and fans are definitely excited to welcome back their beloved cast of characters including Frieren, Fern, and Stark. Now, their adventure has restarted, and the story will only get more exciting from here on onwards.
Frieren Season 2 will not be the end of the franchise. The series still has quite a few arcs to adapt into the anime, and fans can't forget that the manga of Frieren: Beyond Journeys' End is currently ongoing.
“Someday, you’ll make a terrible mistake and wish you’d gotten to know people better. When that happens, return to this place. Then I, Flamme the legendary mage, will help you.” –Flamme
Sadly, the creators of Frieren suffer from health issues and take constant breaks. At the very least, fans can rest assured that Frieren will get a third season. Hopefully, Frieren Season 3 will feature more incredible episodes for fans to enjoy and will strengthen the legacy of the show even further. Frieren truly is a masterpiece that fully deserves to be the best anime of all time. Frieren could set a new standard for all anime, and its domination has only just begun.