2026's Anime Of The Year Winner Has Already Been Decided

2025 gave the fans an absolutely incredible lineup of anime, and there is more to come later this year. At the same time, fans also know that 2025’s Anime of the Year at the Crunchyroll Awards was won by none other than Solo Leveling. To claim this title, Solo Leveling had to beat Frieren and even The Apothecary Diaries, both of which were deserving winners in their own rights. But, of course, not all series can take home the title of the best anime, and that's why Solo Leveling reigns supreme at the moment.

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Now, fans are heading into 2026, and all the anime that aired in 2025 are going to be in the running for 2026 Anime of the Year. Fans are eagerly waiting to see which series comes out on top, but most avid watchers already know that there is one series that has a much greater chance of claiming this title for itself, and that's Solo Leveling, once again. Having delivered an absolutely spectacular season, fans know that its chances of winning Anime of the Year 2026 are greater than ever before, and that's what makes it the m ost likely winner at the big stage next year.

Solo Leveling Will Likely Win Anime Of the Year 2026

Solo Leveling Delivered Its Best Season Yet

• Season 2 surpassed Season 1
• Solo Leveling broke all kinds of records

First things first, Solo Leveling winning Anime of the Year in 2025 wasn't based on its second season. The first season of Solo Leveling, which aired in 2024, was nominated for the Anime of the Year 2025 awards by Crunchyroll, and that also means Solo Leveling Season 2 will be in the running for the Anime of the Year 2026 Award. At the same time, it also puts into perspective how strong Solo Leveling so chances are of claiming the Anime of the Year award in 2026.

For one, fans need to keep in mind that Solo Leveling Season 2 was far better than Season 1. While the first season was indeed a great start to the journey of Sung Jiwnoo, fans know that Solo Leveling Season 2 focused on a much stronger and better version of him, centered around some fan favorite arcs, such as the Jeju Island. That, when taking into consideration the fact that Solo Leveling Season 2 was a step up in production overall, means that it was a much better product overall.

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Fans also need to keep in mind that Solo Leveling Season 1 managed to beat Frieren and The Apothecary Diaries. This year, there is no Frieren for Solo Leveling to compete with. That said, there are some other series, such as The Apothecary Diaries, and some other hits. But, based on the fact that a weaker season managed to beat Frieren, it looks like the Anime of the Year for 2026 is well decided already.

There Are Other Deserving Winners Of Anime of the Year 2026

Takopi's Original Sin And My Hero Academia Will Be Fan Favorites

Of course, Solo Leveling being the favorite for the Anime of the Year Award for 2026 doesn't necessarily mean that it is the deserved winner. To be absolutely fair, Solo Leveling wasn't generally considered by the fans to be the best anime from 2024, and it most certainly isn't the best anime of 2025 either. But, the hype around it is unbeatable. Series like Takopi's Original Sin, and especially My Hero Academia Final Season, which is coming out in a week's time, would be much better options. There is also The Apothecary Diaries to consider, which was the winner in Japan for 2025, but if Solo Leveling beat it once, it can do so again.

Solo Leveling has two seasons out right now, one with 12 episodes, and the other with 13, for a combined episode count of 25 episodes available to watch right now. The series can be streamed on Crunchyroll for fans to enjoy while awaiting any more news concerning the third season. For fans who can’t wait for season 3 to come out, checking out the Manhwa might be a great option.