Crunchyroll Has A New Anime King, And It’s Not Solo Leveling

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I’ve been watching the incredible rise of Solo Leveling since its anime came out in 2024. The first season really put it on the map, and the second season solidified its place as one of the biggest anime hits we’ve seen recently. For a while, Solo Leveling was being called Crunchyroll’s top anime, but with so many new shows coming out in 2025, I think another series has actually earned that title now.

With its final season currently airing, My Hero Academia has solidified its place as a top anime series. The adaptation of the Final War arc has been particularly impressive, delivering some of the most exciting and emotionally resonant battles fans have ever seen. Many believe My Hero Academia deserves to be named Anime of the Year in 2026, even considering other strong contenders like Solo Leveling Season 2.

My Hero Academia Is The True King of Anime On Crunchyroll

For a long time, My Hero Academia has been a hugely popular anime series in the shonen genre. While the anime has always been well-regarded as a faithful adaptation of the manga, fans were still blown away by the quality of the final season. Studio Bones exceeded even the highest expectations.

The final season of My Hero Academia is currently being released, and the animation studio is putting a lot of effort into it. Each new episode is impressing viewers. The series is a huge hit on Crunchyroll, right up there with Gachiakuta, and it’s easy to see why people are so captivated.

Season 8 of My Hero Academia wraps up the epic Final War and shows what happens afterward. So far, the fights in this season have been incredibly well-animated and exciting, and viewers are eager to see how the story ends. As the finale approaches, many expect My Hero Academia to become the most popular show on Crunchyroll.

Solo Leveling Is Great, But It Doesn’t Come Close To MHA Season 8

Image by Studio Bones

The second season of Solo Leveling, which aired in early 2025, was a huge hit with fans. It quickly became the most highly-rated series on Crunchyroll thanks to its impressive animation and direction. However, many fans feel that the current storyline in My Hero Academia is more compelling.

Although Solo Leveling features exciting action, it lacks significant emotional depth. In contrast, My Hero Academia’s final arc, and the story leading up to it, provided a truly impressive experience with strong writing and thrilling battles. During the Final War, Deku and Bakugo bravely confronted Shigaraki and All For One, fighting to save both the world and All Might.

My Hero Academia Season 8 Deserves The Title of Anime of the Year 2026

Image by Studio Bones

Both season 8 of My Hero Academia and season 2 of Solo Leveling will premiere in 2025, making them both potential contenders for Crunchyroll’s Anime of the Year award in 2026. Solo Leveling actually won the award in 2025 with its first season, but it might be harder for the series to win again in 2026.

As a huge anime fan, I’m really excited for the 2026 Awards! Last year, Solo Leveling benefited from its second season being fresh in everyone’s minds during the voting. But this year, it’s a level playing field, and honestly, I think My Hero Academia deserves the win more than any other series from 2025. It’s going to be a great competition!

The My Hero Academia manga finished its run after 431 chapters, all of which are available to read on Manga Plus. The anime’s final season is also currently airing, with a total of 11 episodes, and can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

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2025-12-02 23:34