Frieren: Season 2 Becomes the Highest-Rated Anime of All Time

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has just achieved a historic feat in the anime world in January 2026. The series’ second season, which premiered on Crunchyroll on January 16, reached a score of 9.33 on MyAnimeList (MAL), surpassing its own first season to become the highest-rated animated production of all time. This record therefore places the work of creators Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe at the absolute top of the ranking, ahead of established giants such as Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and Steins;Gate. The achievement is a direct reflection of the immediate impact of the new season’s first episode, which captivated the global fan community.

The story, already acclaimed, continues to follow Frieren, the elven mage with more than a thousand years of life. After the defeat of the Demon King alongside the hero Himmel, she embarks on an introspective journey to better understand humanity and the bonds she formed. The new season promises to deepen this melancholic, philosophical narrative, which resonates strongly with audiences by exploring themes such as time, memory, and regret. Thus, the overwhelming success in its first hours on air confirms the anime’s status not only as a commercial hit, but as a cultural and critical phenomenon.

A Record That Redefines the Top

The feat is even more impressive when looking at the historic ranking. With its 9.33 score, Frieren‘s second season dethroned productions considered pillars of the industry. Just below it on the MAL ranking are Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc (9.11), Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (9.10), and Attack on Titan (9.05). This leap in quality — improving on its own first season’s score (9.28) — shows the production team managed not only to maintain but to elevate the narrative and technical quality that had already won over fans. The positive reception appears unanimous, cementing the series as a landmark of the 2020s.

The season premiered globally on Crunchyroll, with new episodes released every Friday. This weekly release model, common in streaming, has kept fan discussion and engagement high, fueling the series’ standout position. Meanwhile, the Brazilian otaku community is following the news with enthusiasm, actively joining discussions on social media. The question remains: will Frieren hold onto its leading position throughout 2026? The answer, for now, seems to be a resounding yes, thanks to a profound narrative that continues to delight and move viewers around the world.