The annual Crunchyroll Anime Awards are almost here, and things are already in motion! Crunchyroll has announced the nominees for all the categories, but a few are generating the most buzz. While there are many exciting categories like Best New Anime and Best Action Anime, certain ones are really stealing the spotlight.
The most important award is Anime of the Year, which celebrates the best anime from the last year. Six shows are nominated, and while they’re all excellent, only one will win. Here’s a look at how likely each nominee is to take home the prize.
6) The Summer Hikaru Died
Each summer, one anime really shines, often showcasing classic Japanese storytelling. In 2025, that anime was The Summer Hikaru Died. It perfectly captures the feeling of summer with its story set in a remote countryside town steeped in local traditions, creating a remarkably genuine and immersive experience.
The story is captivating while it lasts, but it doesn’t quite measure up to the other nominees. Of the six films competing, The Summer Hikaru Died is the least likely to win.
5) The Apothecary Diaries Season 2
Both The Apothecary Diaries—returning for its second season—and another anime are back in this category for the second year in a row. The first season of The Apothecary Diaries, with 24 episodes, offered a refreshing drama, driven by a strong and captivating female lead. The show’s suspenseful moments further enhanced its enjoyment.
The second season maintains the qualities that made the first season good. However, many fans actually prefer the first season, even though the second season has some particularly strong episodes towards the end. While those later episodes are excellent enough to be considered for Anime of the Year, other contenders are ultimately more deserving of the award.
4) Dandadan Season 2
Following up quickly on its first season, Dandadan Season 2 is a continuation of this popular, newer anime. The story picks up right where it left off, with the main characters still trying to help Okarun and facing off against increasingly strange enemies. The new season expands on the original story and adds plenty of current pop culture references.
Science Saru has once again demonstrated anime’s ability to surpass its manga source material. While Season 2 of Dandadan is excellent, it might not win Anime of the Year because it feels like a direct continuation of Season 1, with the biggest story arc finishing halfway through. If Season 1 had ended with the Evil Eye arc, it might have been a stronger contender, but other nominated shows ultimately offer more complete and impactful narratives.
3) Gachiakuta
Lots of new action anime come out every year, but Gachiakuta, which premiered in Fall 2025, is truly exceptional. It’s not just the best shonen anime of its year—it’s potentially one of the best in years, offering a fresh, innovative approach that challenges many of the genre’s typical tropes.
Bones Film’s animation is truly impressive and sets this show apart. While Gachiakuta is a strong contender for the award, a few other anime make equally compelling arguments. Even if it doesn’t win the main award, Gachiakuta is the clear favorite to win Best New Anime.
2) Takopi’s Original Sin
Wow, Summer 2025 really delivered with this incredible anime called Takopi’s Original Sin! It completely blew me away from the very first episode. Even though it was short – just six episodes – it was a seriously powerful watch. It really dives deep into some heavy, thought-provoking stuff you don’t often see, especially when the story focuses on kids. It’s one of those shows that sticks with you long after it’s over, and it proves anime can be so much more than just flashy fights and made-up worlds – it can really make you think.
While there are many reasons why Takopi’s Original Sin is a strong contender for this award, its high IMDb rating – over 9 for every episode – definitely helps, especially since fan votes are a significant factor. However, another anime has generated even more excitement among fans and might ultimately win.
1) My Hero Academia Final Season
The fall of 2025 saw the end of My Hero Academia, a popular anime that had been airing for almost ten years. As one of the few remaining long-running action anime with such a detailed story, its finale was highly anticipated and proved to be very moving. Viewers loved it, giving each of the eleven final episodes a rating of 9 or higher on IMDb.
It looks like fans have already decided which anime they think is the best! Based on early voting, My Hero Academia is currently the frontrunner to win Anime of the Year at the 2026 Crunchyroll Anime Awards – and deservedly so.
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2026-04-03 15:11