Anime of the Year 2025: Solo Leveling was expected to "storm" all the charts, but this year's anime scene turned in an unexpected way. Will Solo Leveling still maintain its top position, or will it have to give way to a small but powerful name - Takopi's Original Sin?
2025 can be considered one of the “craziest” years in the anime world. Audiences have not yet recovered from the brilliant winter before entering the unexpected summer. In the race to the title of Anime of the Year 2025, all eyes were on Solo Leveling – the name that had dominated the beginning of the year, causing controversy when winning 9 awards at the Crunchyroll Awards. But then, when the rookie Takopi appeared, everyone had to exclaim: Everything has just changed.
Solo Leveling – From the “throne” to the race of life and death
When it was first released, Solo Leveling quickly captured the hearts of viewers thanks to the eye-catching graphics from Studio A-1 Pictures, along with the story of the weakest hunter becoming the strongest. The elaborate investment and huge appeal of the original webtoon helped this anime almost race alone and win in the surprise of everyone.
2025 is a historic year for anime. Besides Solo Leveling, we also have the continuation of the "giants". Jujutsu Kaisen ( JJK Season 3 ) with its climaxes, Chainsaw Man: The Movie - Reze Arc with its unique filmmaking style, Dandadan, Fire Force or The Summer Hikaru Died, Spy x Family, My Hero Academia started to break out, Solo Leveling gradually fell into a difficult position. Still loved, still has a large community, but the initial overwhelming emotions have gradually given way to saturation.
Takopi's Original Sin – The “Earthquake” That Upset All Predictions
If I had to pick a real phenomenon of the year, it would definitely be Takopi's Original Sin! The mini-series was only 6 episodes long, not promoted much, but it shocked the anime community. Right from the first episode, the tragic twist - the girl Shizuka died, and the alien mascot Takopi fell into a spiral of guilt and despair left viewers speechless.
Behind the seemingly cute drawings lies a deep tragedy, where characters struggle with bullying, depression, and misguided attempts at salvation. It is this contrast that makes Takopi a rare “headwind” of the year, bringing anime back to its rightful place as an art form that dares to touch human pain.
It's no wonder Takopi is being touted as a strong contender for the Anime of the Year 2025 title. In any other year, it would probably have won convincingly.
Why is Solo Leveling hard to keep the throne?
First reason, Solo Leveling season 3 was postponed , the audience has no chance to watch and vote for this anime!
And the unfortunate thing is that Solo Leveling, while still beautiful, still powerful and satisfying, lacks what its rivals and Takopi bring, which is original emotion and psychological depth. Viewers love Solo Leveling for its visual satisfaction, but are held back by Takopi for the pain and naked truth in every frame.
When anime becomes a place where audiences find themselves, Takopi rises above it with empathy, something that the winter anime of the Year 2025: Solo Leveling did, but while still hot at the end of the year, it may be difficult to maintain.
2025 – A pivotal year for modern anime
Looking back, Anime of the Year 2025: Solo Leveling may not have reached the top, but its journey is still a testament to the power of seriously invested commercial anime. At the same time, Takopi's Original Sin opened a new door where darker, more subtle, and more human stories were warmly received.
Maybe 2025 is the year of Takopi, but 2026 will definitely be the year that audiences will watch to see if a "big guy" like Solo Leveling can come back stronger or not.
If you're a fan of Anime of the Year 2025: Solo Leveling , don't miss the chance to relive Sung Jin-Woo's "leveling up" journey - and get ready for a world of anime that's changing every day. The road to the title of Anime of the Year 2025 will be a tough marathon, where it will have to face the toughest opponents of the new generation.
