The Crunchyroll Anime Awards have long been regarded as the “Oscars of the anime world,” an annual event celebrating the best works of the year. Among the categories, Anime of the Year stands as the highest honor, featuring fierce competition between top titles.
Winners are decided through a combined voting system involving a panel of expert judges and the global fan community. Let’s take a look back and rank these nine champions based on MyAnimeList (MAL) user scores to see which anime truly stands out with fans.
9. Devilman: Crybaby, 7.74/10 (Winner in 2019)
Ranking ninth is Devilman: Crybaby, which shocked audiences at the 2019 awards. Its victory was largely due to the unique production style of acclaimed director Masaaki Yuasa. Studio Science SARU employed a bold, unconventional art style that broke away from typical anime standards at the time.
The story follows Akira Fudou, a fragile young man who merges with a demon to protect his friend. However, this fusion grants power at the cost of corrupting his soul. Tackling some of the darkest themes about human nature, Devilman: Crybaby triumphed over strong contenders like Violet Evergarden (Kyoto Animation) and Zombie Land Saga (MAPPA).
8. Yuri!!! on Ice, 7.90/10 (Winner in 2017)
As the inaugural winner in 2017, Yuri!!! on Ice sparked a genuine craze. Its success came from incredibly precise figure skating performances choreographed by real skater Kenji Miyamoto.
The anime tells the story of Yuri Katsuki’s comeback after a crushing defeat, alongside his blossoming relationship with coach Victor. It’s not only an outstanding sports anime but also one of the most refined Boys’ Love series ever produced.
7. Solo Leveling, 8.18/10 (Winner in 2025)
The new champion of 2025 is Solo Leveling. Its win is hardly surprising given the massive fanbase from the original manhwa. The combination of top-tier animation and a soundtrack crafted by the legendary Hiroyuki Sawano delivers an explosive experience.
Following Sung Jinwoo’s journey from the weakest hunter to the ultimate being, Solo Leveling has captivated millions. Its success highlights the power of “system”-style stories and the rise of webtoon adaptations.
6. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, 8.41/10 (Winner in 2020)
2020 belonged to Demon Slayer. Experts credited its win to the stunning visuals from studio Ufotable. The seamless blend of traditional 2D animation and 3D CGI created breathtaking battle scenes unlike anything before.
The heartfelt story of Tanjiro’s quest to turn his sister Nezuko back into a human moved many viewers and set unprecedented box office records for the anime industry.
5. Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1, 8.51/10 (Winner in 2021)
Continuing the success of action anime, Jujutsu Kaisen took the crown in 2021. Studio MAPPA raised the bar for fight scenes to new heights. The story follows high schooler Yuji Itadori, who swallows a cursed finger of the King of Curses, Sukuna, and enters the perilous world of sorcerers. The presence of teacher Gojo also played a huge role in the show’s global explosion.
4. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, 8.62/10 (Winner in 2023)
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners’ 2023 win resulted from the perfect fusion of CD Projekt Red’s world and Studio Trigger’s vibrant, wild visual style. Set in the chaotic Night City, it follows David Martinez and his painful downfall as a mercenary. Though brief, the series leaves a lasting, bleak impression.
3. Made in Abyss, 8.63/10 (Winner in 2018)
Coming in third is Made in Abyss, which shocked audiences by beating My Hero Academia at the 2018 awards. Its appeal lies in the brutal contrast between its soft, childlike art style and its heavy psychological horror story. Exploring the Abyss is not just a quest for wonders but a journey of pain and sacrifice for young Riko and the robot Reg.
2. Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2, 8.71/10 (Winner in 2024)
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 made history as the first franchise to win Anime of the Year twice. Featuring the massive Shibuya Incident arc, it dominated rankings in 2024. The brutal storyline combined with MAPPA’s meticulous production of epic battles helped it surpass tough competitors like Oshi no Ko and Chainsaw Man.
1. Attack on Titan: Final Season Part 1, 8.78/10 (Winner in 2022)
The undisputed champion is Attack on Titan. The first part of the final season won in 2022 thanks to decades of world-building. MAPPA took over production from Wit Studio, delivering darker tones and smoother CGI for the colossal Titan battles.
Shifting the perspective to Marley and Eren Yeager’s descent into darkness pushed the drama to its peak. Attack on Titan is more than an anime, it’s an epic saga about freedom and hatred, fully deserving its top spot on this list.