Forum Settings
Forums

Forget Frieren the anime YOU think should be on top of MAL

New
Pages (4) « 1 2 [3] 4 »
Mar 29, 5:57 AM

Offline
May 2014
1507
That's very hard to say.
There are only 12 entries including Frieren averaging at 9+, that's impressive for all of them.
Right now, Frieren is not even in the top 100 in terms of popularity despite its GOLD MEDAL rating.

If I didn't give at least 9 to anime, it might be hard to recommend it, right... ?

Shadows House: interesting Mystery anime. I don't watch this genre often but this one was really well made.

Made in Abyss : unique world building (but GORE will put off too many people)

Oda Nobuna no Yabou / Amagami no Enmusubi: historical / cutural immersive in a "harem" setting (again works against it)

Hanasakeru Seishounen: incredible shoujo but it's a reverse harem and a shoujo ...

Mahoutsukai no Yome / Akatsuki no Yona: Shoujos ...

Katanagatari: unique traditional style feel

Usagi Drop: father daughter universal theme (filial love)

...

I could go on. I have a lot of entries at 9+. But a lot are too niche genres (like idols) or off-puting (harem, gore, ecchi tags)


Kusuriya no Hitorigoto (season 1) is probably my best bet right now. It's recent and it's ranked #23 in ratings right now, and season 2 is still ongoing (ranked #34).
- There was very little fan service in season 1.
- The setting is historical with the detective/court setting, which is not unseen in general media, but quite rare in anime
- It ticks off the basic quality requirement
There is only one truth in this world
かわいいは正義

Also, robots are your friends
✿❀(*ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ꕤ*.゚⋆˚✿˖°

Check our anime affinity, Senpai!
Fellow cute girl lovers FR accepted.
Watch NGNL, ฅ^•ﻌ•^ฅ you bastard~~desu
Yuri is life. Now, break a sweat.
★May the stars shine upon you.★
Mar 29, 5:59 AM

Offline
Apr 2020
3719
I think whatever is voted best should be number one. That's how ratings work.
Happens to be Frieren.


But I get it. You just wanted to tell us, again, that you like half naked girls.
Cool. More power to you.


Best I've ever seen is Bebop.
Mar 29, 10:29 AM

Offline
Aug 2016
158
I loved Frieren but my fav would be 3Gatsu no Lion

Mar 29, 10:52 AM

Offline
May 2022
58
I'd say Claymore or the original Spice & Wolf.
Mar 29, 10:56 AM

Offline
Jun 2017
610
If I'm going off my emotional attachmenent to the vibe and aesthetic, 100% biased, Samurai Champloo.

Objectively speaking it should be High School DxD.
Mar 29, 5:32 PM

Offline
Aug 2019
245
Jewelpet. In addition to great, adorable, and multidimensional characters, it has something for everyone whether you like action, romance, or slice-of-life.
Mar 29, 5:42 PM
Kii_Ibarra

Offline
Dec 2020
2491
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable is my favorite. But I get that it mightn't be accessible to people who didn't watch the previous seasons, so...

I'd have to go with DEATH NOTE. Back in the day, it was the highest-rated anime on a lot of sites, and having watched it for the first time back in 2021, I'd say it still holds up incredibly well. It has that reputation as an anime that "even non-otaku love", and I can see why.
My greatest contribution to this website:
Mar 31, 8:55 AM
Offline
Mar 2019
75
Obvious: Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood
Mar 31, 9:53 AM
Offline
Oct 2020
3
This is a difficult question, because it really comes down personal taste.
Mar 31, 10:36 AM
Offline
Sep 2021
564
It would be attack on titan and it aint even a debate . My personal favourite is Steins;Gate and one Piece but i still think AOT deserves no1 spot, without any doubt. (One Piece is also a candidate for the no1 but it still aint finished, so...)

i can't believe people here saying animes that aint even in top20.
Apr 2, 4:24 AM

Offline
May 2014
1507
Reply to Komitoza
If I'm going off my emotional attachmenent to the vibe and aesthetic, 100% biased, Samurai Champloo.

Objectively speaking it should be High School DxD.
@Komitoza Legit. DxD is the only anime I know who ever had a 55 page essay written about "Why it is the best anime of all time."

Find it there High School DxD Essay

The original light novel is even getting a spin-off light novel as we speak xD
There is only one truth in this world
かわいいは正義

Also, robots are your friends
✿❀(*ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ꕤ*.゚⋆˚✿˖°

Check our anime affinity, Senpai!
Fellow cute girl lovers FR accepted.
Watch NGNL, ฅ^•ﻌ•^ฅ you bastard~~desu
Yuri is life. Now, break a sweat.
★May the stars shine upon you.★
Apr 2, 8:05 AM

Offline
Apr 2024
132
Steins;Gate, Evangelion, Kill La Kill, Lain, FLCL, Mushoku Tensei, or even Vinland Saga would be a better top anime.
Apr 2, 9:07 AM

Offline
Jun 2017
610
Reply to Eldinis
@Komitoza Legit. DxD is the only anime I know who ever had a 55 page essay written about "Why it is the best anime of all time."

Find it there High School DxD Essay

The original light novel is even getting a spin-off light novel as we speak xD
@Eldinis I swear to god I need to build u a monument for giving me this link.
Apr 2, 2:09 PM

Offline
Aug 2010
2149
I think fullmetal alchemist brotherhood should be above frieren.
I like both of these shows a lot, but I think its slightly criminal that people think within the 28 eps that we saw, that frieren is better than FMA brotherhoods in completion.

Especially when I feel like weve already seen the best frieren has to offer. I could be wrong since i dont read the manga, and id love for it to get better and better. Id even be happy if it stayed consistently as decent as it is, I just get the feeling it already peaked.
https://combosmooth.itch.io/ - I make free-to-play browser games for PC and I sell pixel art animation here
Apr 4, 3:52 AM

Offline
Jul 2017
572
Easily FMAB. It’s one of the most well-rounded anime ever made and it’s easily appealing to every kind of watcher, and with a big enough legacy to be fitting for the spot. No matter how much people review-bomb it or how its own fans review-bomb other shows, it doesn’t erase the fact of it being one of the best anime in the industry.
Apr 7, 12:59 PM

Offline
Sep 2017
3302
I'm really okay with Frieren being 1st since I loved it

But if I had to pick another one, I'd say Legend of the Galactic Heroes
Apr 10, 7:13 AM

Offline
Feb 2025
188
I think Steins Gate,Hxh, Serial Experiments Lain, Puella Magi Madoka Magica,Made in Abby's should be top
Apr 10, 9:16 AM

Offline
Oct 2015
292
Nichijou should be the first approach anyone new to anime should have. It has EVERYTHING:

- Great animation
- Great comedy
- Great action scenes
- Memorable characters
- Unique visual language
- Wholesome moments

And most importantly: NO FANSERVICE

As feathers fell
And we shed our wings

It chains to hell
And a mortal sings


Cast out of heaven


Apr 14, 6:01 AM

Offline
Apr 2013
37773
Frieren is my favorite anime and also the anime I'd pick for objectively best anime.
Apr 17, 12:43 AM

Offline
Jan 2017
51
Kingdom (given they remake Season 1) or World Trigger. Objectively speaking, it's either Fullmetal Alchemist, Monster or Hunter x Hunter.
_MazinoApr 20, 4:39 PM
Apr 21, 4:18 AM
Offline
Sep 2024
27
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Steins;Gate, Hunter x Hunter (2011)
Apr 23, 3:18 AM
Offline
Sep 2022
316
I'm not sure why Frieren shouldn't be, but it isn't completed so perhaps that's the thinking?

So if we're only allowing completed work, I would pick Cowboy Bebop, Neon Genesis Evangelion (plus "the movie"), or AoT. Silent Voice is a contender too. I'm part way through Death Note and it seems like it might be a candidate at the moment.

Edit: I assumed series. Movie-wise I guess I'd pick Paprika.
therealnagoraApr 23, 3:23 AM
Apr 23, 8:41 AM

Offline
Jul 2015
13290
I think Frieren is a perfectly fitting #1 anime for MAL tbh. This place never had an actually good #1 anime as far as I'm aware 👀

On a more serious note, if you go outside and ask real people of all ages what is their favorite japanese cartoon, you'll probably end up with Totoro or another big Ghibli, just because most folks aren't nerds and only know the big movies (Akira/Gits/Ghiblis/Satoshi Kon's) + Pokemon and DBZ. My vote goes to Totoro.

Prophetess of the Golden Era
Apr 23, 8:51 AM

Offline
Dec 2018
1301
Sailor Moon, Steins Gate, or Major.

Apr 23, 10:31 AM

Offline
Feb 2024
2637
Reply to Deathko
I think Frieren is a perfectly fitting #1 anime for MAL tbh. This place never had an actually good #1 anime as far as I'm aware 👀

On a more serious note, if you go outside and ask real people of all ages what is their favorite japanese cartoon, you'll probably end up with Totoro or another big Ghibli, just because most folks aren't nerds and only know the big movies (Akira/Gits/Ghiblis/Satoshi Kon's) + Pokemon and DBZ. My vote goes to Totoro.

@Deathko

Totoro is hardly among the popular Ghibli films in the West. "Real people" answering Spirited Away or Grave of the Fireflies as their favorite Ghibli/anime film is much more likely.
Apr 23, 10:51 AM
Onimai? Read it!

Offline
Sep 2024
76
After what felt like an endless battle between Frieren and That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime for my #1 spot, I can finally say: Onimai: I'm Now Your Sister! deserves first place

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎Onimai: I'm Now Your Sister!
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Not watched yet = peak/cntn missing ❗❗

Apr 23, 11:06 AM

Offline
Jul 2015
13290
Reply to JoeChip
@Deathko

Totoro is hardly among the popular Ghibli films in the West. "Real people" answering Spirited Away or Grave of the Fireflies as their favorite Ghibli/anime film is much more likely.
@JoeChip Funny, Totoro is extremely popular here in France, but apparently it's not even making the top 15 globally...
Prophetess of the Golden Era
Apr 23, 3:12 PM

Offline
Jul 2013
9696
I think Hyperdimension Neptunia, Kantai Collection and Date a Live should on the top of that list imo.
Apr 23, 8:59 PM

Offline
Aug 2010
2149
Baccano errry day.

I like frieren, but its definitely not better than the finished product that is FMA.
I also feel like frieren peaked already and it will only stay at its current level (which is good) or go down hill.
But i hope im wrong, and it gets better and better as more comes out
https://combosmooth.itch.io/ - I make free-to-play browser games for PC and I sell pixel art animation here
Apr 25, 7:26 AM

Offline
Jul 2023
4978
https://myanimelist.net/anime/5680/K-On



𝓕𝓸𝓻𝔀𝓪𝓻𝓭 𝓲𝓼
𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓪𝔂.....

Apr 30, 6:00 AM

Offline
Apr 2022
659
Every single donghua should be above all the anime tbh.

Anime sucks. None of it is good. It’s all just trash for degenerates. Worth fucking animation medium of all time and I don’t understand how people here tolerate it.

Donghua is on the rise and should be above all these garbage ass anime.

On a serious note: No, there’s plenty of anime id rate above Frieren
RunasiusApr 30, 9:55 PM
Apr 30, 12:30 PM

Offline
Oct 2024
79
Hunter x Hunter for the time being, need to find something better
May 8, 8:11 AM

Offline
May 2015
1374
Reply to krautnelson
FMA: Brotherhood.

not because I think it's the best anime ever, nor because it's my favorite or anything.

but I think it is the one anime that everybody can agree on is pretty damn good. that's why it was the No1 for such a long time.


second place should obviously go to Yotsuga no Sora. such a wholesome show.
@krautnelson It set on top for TOO LONG, I'm glad an unexpected anime out of nowhere knocked it down.
May 8, 8:15 AM

Offline
May 2015
1374
If not Freiren then maybe Dr. Stone, Spy X Family, The Apothecary Diaries or Slam Dunk, any of them out of the top of my head deserve the top spot, so does One Piece or Space Brothers or Gintama but if I had to choose I think I would go with Spy X Family, the anime have a great purpose unlike others.
May 12, 11:32 AM

Offline
Aug 2018
8517
Code Geass is the undisputed king of anime and that's not an opinion. It is fact.
May 14, 7:45 AM

Offline
Oct 2008
8611
Hmm so subjectively you "love" Space Cobra, but objectively you like very much and greatly appreciated Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex.

I understand and will comment that, you should consider which show is more important and why.

As for me I don't believe a single person is capable of objective opinions, a group maybe, but a lone person, not a chance.
May 14, 9:56 AM

Offline
Jul 2015
13290
Reply to SofiaBulga
Hmm so subjectively you "love" Space Cobra, but objectively you like very much and greatly appreciated Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex.

I understand and will comment that, you should consider which show is more important and why.

As for me I don't believe a single person is capable of objective opinions, a group maybe, but a lone person, not a chance.
SofiaBulga said:
As for me I don't believe a single person is capable of objective opinions, a group maybe, but a lone person, not a chance.

There have been studies proving that peer pressure can very easily push people to give objectively, obviously wrong answers, so I have my doubts. One person who's knowledgeable on a subject is more likely to give you an objective answer than a hundred people who are talking out of their asses.
Obviously this (mostly) doesn't apply to art (including anime)
Prophetess of the Golden Era
May 14, 10:08 AM

Offline
Jul 2013
9696
I say Date a Live and Puella Magi Madoka Magica are the best anime series on MAL. I'm probably not the only person to have this opinion.
May 14, 10:45 AM

Offline
Apr 2016
2316
HxH 2011 or Steins;Gate. I’d choose one of them.
May 14, 11:08 AM

Offline
Feb 2024
2637
For some reason a troll keeps resurrecting this thread.
May 14, 2:24 PM

Offline
Feb 2020
1718
Monogatari writing, character wise, waifu wise and comedy wise is insanely good, that or The Legend of the Galactic hero is just peak, but it only has one husbando so it's just a pure work of art and not a work of every facet of what a show can be good at

May 14, 2:28 PM

Offline
Nov 2021
72
MAL ratings haven't mattered in at least five years, probably closer to ten. Why do you care?
Taiga best girl forever.
May 15, 2:29 AM

Offline
Jul 2014
7172
Neon Genesis Evangelion's my favourite, but I honestly think Legend of the Galactic Heroes is the most deserving. It's a staggering achievement in storytelling.
Take care of yourself

May 15, 12:05 PM

Offline
Feb 2024
2637
Reply to Subarctic-Forest
MAL ratings haven't mattered in at least five years, probably closer to ten. Why do you care?
@Subarctic-Forest

To make edgy zoomers like yourself post here.
May 15, 5:30 PM

Offline
Nov 2021
72
Reply to JoeChip
@Subarctic-Forest

To make edgy zoomers like yourself post here.
@JoeChip I'm much older than you lmao.
Taiga best girl forever.
May 16, 11:45 AM

Offline
Feb 2024
2637
Reply to Subarctic-Forest
@JoeChip I'm much older than you lmao.
@Subarctic-Forest

You wish, unless you are over 45, my boy. That "lmao" tells me what I need to know about you.

You have my thanks for making me smile, my boy.
May 21, 7:32 AM

Offline
Jun 2012
139
Steins Gate
Made in Abyss
Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica
Odd Taxi
Monster

Those are my favorite anime, but I think Frieren is a very charming show that has the kind of mass-appeal where most people will at least find it pretty good that I don't mind it having the top spot.
May 23, 3:40 AM

Offline
Dec 2015
476
if i could choose it would be hunter x hunter
May 24, 12:23 AM
Offline
Apr 2024
13
nge, lain, angel's egg, kill la kill, or kizu movie 3
if i had 2 pick just 1 probably lain

I'm level on MAL-Badges. View my badges.
Pages (4) « 1 2 [3] 4 »

More topics from this board

» Controversies that overshadowed the anime itself

TheBlockernator - Jun 7

49 by thewiru »»
4 minutes ago

» Were the 20s able to create a new anime classic so far?

RobertBobert - 11 hours ago

23 by RudeRedis »»
31 minutes ago

» Mahou Shoujo Battle Royale (Round of 16) ( 1 2 3 4 )

TheMinkalex - Jun 4

196 by Lucifrost »»
39 minutes ago

» Good anime that just weren't given a fair shot because of their artstyle or other design choices? ( 1 2 )

TheBlockernator - Jun 11

52 by Deathko »»
50 minutes ago

» your opinions on english DUBS ( 1 2 )

FERASO - Jun 11

94 by KatanaCast »»
50 minutes ago
It’s time to ditch the text file.
Keep track of your anime easily by creating your own list.
Sign Up Login