How Frieren Surpassed Fullmetal Alchemist

Sousou no Frieren, also known as Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, is currently one of the most beloved anime globally—and for good reason. Within just a few months of airing, it climbed to the very top of MyAnimeList’s all-time rankings, dethroning Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, a title that held the #1 spot for more than a decade.

So, what is Frieren about, and why has it struck such a powerful chord with fans?

🌸 What Is Frieren About?

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End follows the story of an elven mage named Frieren, who was once part of a legendary hero’s party that defeated the Demon King. But the story begins after the hero’s journey ends.

As an elf who lives for centuries, Frieren watches her human companions age and pass away. The real journey is an introspective one—reflecting on memory, connection, and the quiet, bittersweet weight of time.

It’s not your typical action-packed shounen. Instead, it explores:

• What comes after glory
• How relationships evolve over time
• Regret over unspoken emotions

This post-heroic concept is rare, subtle, and deeply human—delivered through serene visuals and powerful emotional storytelling.

📈 Why Did It Become So Popular?

1. Subtle, Poetic Storytelling
   • Fans describe it as “a calm after the storm,” with emotional depth that rewards patience.
2. Emotional Maturity
   • Viewers connect with themes of grief, legacy, and self-discovery. Unlike fast-paced battle-centric series, Frieren is meditative and thoughtful.
3. Outstanding Production
   • Animated by Madhouse, known for masterpieces like Death Note and One Punch Man, the visual quality is top-tier.
   • The soundtrack, background art, and pacing all complement its reflective nature.
4. Manga Fanbase Already Loved It
   • The original manga was already award-winning, and the anime adaptation stayed faithful to its tone and vision.
5. Wide Demographic Appeal
   • While teenagers love its fantasy setting, older viewers are especially drawn to its mature themes.

🏆 Frieren vs. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood has been the fan-favorite anime for years—known for its deep plot, powerful character arcs, and perfect mix of action, emotion, and world-building.

But Frieren beat it by doing something FMA never did:
telling a story not about action, but aftermath—about healing, introspection, and time itself.

On MyAnimeList:

• Frieren currently holds a rating over 9.18 with hundreds of thousands of votes.
• Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood dropped to second place—not because it got worse, but because Frieren brought in a wave of fresh emotion and storytelling at a time when anime fans are craving depth.

🎯 Other Important Points

• Timing matters: Released during a quieter anime season, Frieren had room to shine without clashing with giant mainstream releases.
• No filler, no fluff: Every episode feels intentional—no wasted time, no dragged arcs.
• International Reach: With strong subtitles and global streaming, even non-Japanese audiences have embraced it quickly.

📌 Final Thoughts

Sousou no Frieren proves that anime doesn’t always need explosive battles or intricate power systems to leave an impact. Sometimes, a slow walk through memory and quiet grief is all it takes to become a classic.

For longtime anime watchers and newcomers alike, this is a story that lingers—long after the credits roll.