2026 has just begun, and it's already clearly a fantastic year for all anime fans. Fans always knew this year would be big for anime, but not many expected it to be as stacked as the winter season. Just in January, fans have seen the release of Fire Force, Jujutsu Kaisen, and of course, the likes. Frieren: Beyond the end of the journey. With exciting series coming out one after the other, new series have risen to the top on MyAnimeList.
Frieren Manga announces indefinite retirement
The Frieren manga isn't coming back anytime soon.
The previous number 1 anime series on the platform was until recently Frieren: Beyond the end of the journey Season 1. This series reigned supreme for almost three years, but now, its era has come to an end. amazing, It has become clear that the only chain that can surpass Frieren is Frieren himself. Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Season 2 beat the first season to become MAL's new number one series.Cementing itself as one of the biggest hit animations of the last few years.
Frieren: Beyond the end of the journey Its first episode premiered three years ago, in 2023. Before its anime adaptation became a hit, Freeren wasn't the most famous series out there. After all, its manga was relatively unnoticed at the time, and while it still had fans, its popularity was nothing compared to now. That all changed when the anime came out.
“I'll tell you the secret to fighting strong enemies. It's easy, just stay up and attack them constantly with your moves.” – Eisen
Despite the new series, Frieren managed to achieve the impossible. It became MAL's highest rated anime series of all timeWhich is very impressive. After all, the previous holder of that title was an iconic anime that was pretty universally known, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood held the title of highest-rated anime on MyAnimeList for over a decade, and only Freren was able to take it down. Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Season 1, at the moment, has a score of 9.28 out of 10, which was the highest till date on that platform..
Frieren: Journey's End Season 1 was just superseded by Season 2
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Frieren rises to the top in Season 2
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Frieren Season 1 may reclaim its throne if subsequent episodes are underrated
Frieren: Beyond the end of the journey Season 1 was phenomenal, and with 28 episodes, the series delivered incredible content. Fans immediately recognized Frieren Season 1 as amazing in terms of animation, production, direction, and story. But, of course, the reign of every series eventually comes to an end, and now is the time Frieren: Beyond the end of the journey Season 1 will also be replaced. quite clearly, The series is no longer MyAnimeList's highest rated anime of all time.
Frieren Season 1 was not surpassed by another franchise. Instead, the show's first season was eclipsed by its own sequel, Freren: Beyond Journey's End Season 2.And that's certainly impressive. Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Season 2 has already debuted on the platform with an impressive score of 9.34 out of 10.. It is now the highest score of all time on MyAnimeList.
Of course, it should be noted that it's still too early to say for sure if Freiren Season 2 will cement itself as the highest-rated anime season on the platform. After all, there are still 9 episodes, and while the anime is expected to continue and deliver an amazing story, there might be a dip somewhere that affects the overall score.
If so, Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Season 1 could go on to reclaim its number one spot on MyAnimeList.. The final score for Frieren Season 2 should be revealed in the next few months, once the anime ends its short run.
Fans believe that Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 and Chainsaw Man can surpass Freren
It's been three years since Freeren rose through the ranks, and now, The series dominates both the number one and number two spots on the My Anime list. It seems that no anime series can surpass it. That said, there are definitely plenty of contenders, and one 2026 anime even has a chance, and that's Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3.
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 has been an incredible ride so far. At the moment, it only has three episodes, but fans are definitely impressed with what they've seen. Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 offers an exciting story and engaging action with a calling game.
After Frieren Madhouse's next big project has been revealed
After Frieren, Madhouse will release another amazing anime.
The story of Calling Game has just started and it is only getting more intense with each passing episode. Fans have yet to see much of the hyped parts, and many believe that this anime may trump Frieren. Of course, that remains to be seen, but the franchise certainly has a chance.
Aside from Jujutsu Kaisen, there is another series that came close to surpassing Frieren in 2025, and that is Chainsaw Man. Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc became a generational movie, and it was very close to losing Frieren's first season. With a score of 9.11/10 on the My Anime list, it rose to second place but never managed to surpass it. If Chainsaw Man gets another big project, it's not impossible to take the throne someday. perhaps, Chainsaw Man Season 2, whenever it's released, may beat Frieren on MyAnimeList.
Freire can hit new heights with Season 2
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It only has 10 episodes, but fans have plenty to watch
Frieren: Beyond the Journey's End Season 1 was a fan favorite, and if the first season is anything to go by, this second season will be. It looks like this season is going to adapt the Northern Travels and Divine Revolt arcsAnd fans are very excited to see what Studio Mad House has in store for them.
sadly, Frieren season 2 is only 10 episodes longWhich is pretty short, especially compared to the first season, which had 28 episodes. This means that the series will not explore much material, but many fans already expected this. On the flip side, shorter customization means less pressure on employees, which can result in higher quality products.
“Someday, you will make a terrible mistake and wish you knew people better. When that happens, return to this place. Then I, the legendary wizard Flame, will help you.” – flame
That should also be kept in mind Manufacturers of Frieren are dealing with health problems. Due to the manga being on a long hiatus, the studio must preserve the content if fans want to see a third season.. It is unknown when Frieren's manga series will resume, but fans hope it will be soon.
