3 Anime That Deserved Crunchyroll’s 2024 Anime of the Year More Than Solo Leveling

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Crunchyroll hosted its anime awards in May, celebrating the best anime from the previous year with awards in various categories. The anime adaptation of the popular webcomic, *Solo Leveling*, was a major winner, taking home six awards out of its nine nominations, including the top prize, Anime of the Year. While *Solo Leveling* is a well-made anime, some felt it didn’t quite deserve the highest honor, as the story primarily focuses on fighting monsters and the main character’s power progression.

The show’s huge success can likely be attributed to this. Because the awards relied on fan votes, it’s possible that Solo Leveling won more because of its popularity than its quality. This is especially true since voting took place after Season 2 – which was a significant improvement and broke many records – had already finished. This means fans were probably voting based on Season 2, not the first season. If critics had chosen the winners, it’s clear Solo Leveling wouldn’t have won Anime of the Year, and the other nominees would have been more deserving.

3) Kaiju No. 8

Based on a popular manga, Kaiju No. 8, produced by Production I.G, quickly became one of last year’s most talked-about anime. What set it apart was its main character, Kafka Hibino, who was unusually old for a shonen hero – in his late 30s. This realistic approach became the series’ biggest strength, resonating with many viewers around the world.

The creator of *Kaiju No. 8*, Naoya Matsumoto, experienced a life situation mirroring his main character’s, making the series particularly impactful. It powerfully teaches the importance of perseverance and pursuing your dreams, ultimately leading to success. Because of this inspiring message, *Kaiju No. 8* was more deserving of the Anime of the Year award than *Solo Leveling*.

2) Frieren: Beyond Journey‘s End

Some viewers believe *Solo Leveling* won Anime of the Year due to its incredibly powerful main character defeating monsters. *Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End* shares a similar premise, but handles it with much greater skill and artistry. The show follows Frieren’s travels with Fern and Stark through a fantasy world, and it’s emotionally impactful because of its thoughtful attention to small, meaningful moments.

Both *Kaiju No. 8* and *Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End* offer valuable lessons, but *Frieren* goes deeper, suggesting that what truly matters is the time and dedication we invest in things. Though Frieren is incredibly powerful, the story focuses more on her memories and the meaningful relationships she’s built, resonating particularly with older audiences. The show is also beautifully made, thanks to Madhouse’s incredible animation, music, and attention to detail.

1) Dandadan

If the Anime of the Year award truly aims to celebrate originality, excitement, and consistent engagement, then *Dandadan* was the clear winner. The anime adaptation, produced by Science SARU from Yukinobu Tatsu’s manga, is a perfect example of how to improve upon a great story. It adds unique elements that even those familiar with the manga will appreciate, showcasing a truly masterful adaptation.

Science SARU’s *Dandadan* captivated viewers with its dynamic animation, clever use of contrasting yokai and alien themes, and fantastic soundtrack. The story itself delivers a complete package – action, romance, comedy, and heartfelt moments. Many believe it was more deserving of Crunchyroll’s 2024 Anime of the Year award than any other series, including *Solo Leveling*.

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2025-10-20 02:14