Key Takeaways
- Solo Leveling won Crunchyroll’s 2025 Anime of the Year, earning praise for its action and animation.
- Season 2 elevated the series with the acclaimed Jeju Island arc and Sung Jinwoo’s evolution.
- Takopi’s Original Sin may lack action but delivers unmatched emotional storytelling and visual brilliance, making it a strong 2026 contender.
Solo Leveling Reigns as 2025’s Anime of the Year
Crunchyroll’s 2025 Anime of the Year went to Solo Leveling, the adaptation of Chugong’s hit web novel and manhwa. While many fans expected Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End to take the crown, Solo Leveling’s explosive rise and strong second season solidified its dominance in the anime landscape.
Sung Jinwoo’s transformation from the world’s weakest hunter to a nearly godlike figure captivated audiences, supported by dynamic animation and crisp direction. Season 2, released earlier this year, built upon the first season’s momentum by adapting the Jeju Island Arc — widely regarded by fans as one of the best segments of the series.
“Every time I get stronger, I feel like I lose a part of myself.” — Sung Jinwoo, Solo Leveling
With its mix of emotional stakes, grand-scale battles, and sleek visuals, Solo Leveling not only justified its win but positioned itself for another possible run at the 2026 title — if Season 3 continues the trend.
Takopi’s Original Sin Challenges the Status Quo
Despite Solo Leveling’s dominance, another anime has captured critics’ and fans’ attention in a very different way. Takopi’s Original Sin, which aired in Summer 2025, has quietly become one of the most talked-about series of the year.
Unlike Solo Leveling, Takopi’s Original Sin is not about power or survival — it’s about grief, trauma, and emotional recovery. Across just six episodes, the series explores how pain and kindness ripple through young lives, offering a deeply introspective look at the human condition.
“I’m on a quest to spread happiness throughout the universe-pi!” — Takopi
Its minimalist approach — no major fights or flashy set pieces — is balanced by stunning animation and an evocative art style. Every frame feels hand-crafted, and the emotional weight of its storytelling has left audiences in awe. Many fans have called it “the most powerful short anime in years.”
A Deeper Kind of Impact
While Solo Leveling excels in action and spectacle, Takopi’s Original Sin delivers something more intimate — a story that lingers long after the credits roll. Its limited reach may prevent it from achieving Solo Leveling’s global influence, but its storytelling depth could make it Anime of the Year for 2026.
If Solo Leveling represents ambition and power, Takopi’s Original Sin embodies vulnerability and meaning. Together, they show two extremes of modern anime: one thriving on high-intensity excitement, the other on emotional truth.
Where to Watch Both Hits
Fans can stream both series on Crunchyroll.
- Solo Leveling currently has 25 episodes across two seasons, with a third on the horizon.
- Takopi’s Original Sin features six emotionally charged episodes, perfect for those seeking something short but unforgettable.
For readers eager to dive deeper, the Solo Leveling manhwa continues Jinwoo’s story beyond Season 2, while Takopi’s Original Sin’s manga offers even more context to its haunting narrative.
Conclusion: Two Paths to Greatness
Solo Leveling may have claimed 2025’s Anime of the Year, but Takopi’s Original Sin is making a compelling case for 2026. One thrills through spectacle and strength; the other moves through pain and humanity.
In the end, both series remind fans why anime continues to evolve — not just as entertainment, but as a medium capable of reflecting both our greatest ambitions and our deepest emotions.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of GameDegen.com. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. GameDegen.com is not responsible for any financial losses.
