The Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2025 They made history with more than 51 million votes. The event in Tokyo was visually spectacular, with presentations of smooth, , Creepy Nuts and flow, and moments that will leave us with hype for weeks. But no matter how much you want to celebrate, there are things that simply cannot be ignored: Animes that they gave it all this year and that, even so, they were quite underrated. Some series did not even win a single relevant category, and others barely played podium when they should have swept. Today we will talk about those series that deserved more recognition than they unfortunately received.
The return of the long-awaited anime “Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War – Part 2”
After a decade on pause, bleach He returned not only with nostalgia, but with an amazing animation, film direction and fights so well choreographed and full of action that they moved his fans since they saw them. And yet, he barely made noise at the prizes.
The most painful thing is that, while other series with decent animation took technical categories, bleach, with his meticulous work of camera, lighting and combat sequences, he did not appear in better animation or in better direction. Not even a solid nomination Ichigo as protagonist. For many fans, this was a very hard blow, because the series showed that not only had it returned… it had returned better than ever.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
Yes, he won anime of the year. But that’s not enough for everything he gave. Frier It’s one of those animes that don’t need to scream to hit. With a slow, emotional and deeply introspective narrative, he managed to make the audience fall in love with his silences, his memories and his melancholy. It was an experience that touched something very intimate in many, and that does not happen every day.
So why was Frieren not in categories like Best Direction, Best Protagonist or Best Narrative? the production of Madhouse It was impeccable, and the way the manga was adapted deserves study. But it was noted that, not being a noisy series or constant explosions, it was left on the sidelines. Sad, considering that it was the most special of the year.
Our favorite apothecary in the anime “The Apothecary Diaries”
In between Isekai and generic action, The Apothecary Diaries It appeared like a breath of fresh air. A rational, intelligent and zero protagonist interested in the typical romantic dramas of the palace. The series mixes the historical drama with medical mysteries and a very rich world construction, all wrapped in a beautiful visual aesthetic.
And yet, how many major prizes did he win? zero. Neither better female protagonist, nor better original story (even if it is an adaptation), nor better artistic direction. A series that was global success, which dominated discussions on networks and TikTok, and that revitalized interest in the period drama. He literally deserved to be in all the strong triplets.
My Hero Academia – Season 6
It may not be the series of the moment, but this season was the best that this franchise has given us. We all know that My Hero Academia It has had its ups and downs, but the sixth season was an emotional bomb. From the war against the league of villains to the emotional collapse of Deku And its transformation into the “Dark Deku”, each episode was loaded with intensity, growth and a narrative that finally led all its characters to the limit.
the arc of Shigaraki It was impressive, and the scenes between endeavor and Hawks They were one of the most powerful of the year. And what did you receive this season? Just attention. as if people already took for granted that Boku no Hero It’s another Shonen. So it seems unfair to us that it has not been recognized as such.
The anime of the moment “Dandadan”
Crunchyroll He had no problem nominating Just leveling As the most anticipated anime of the year before it came out. So why wasn’t I DANDATE? His manga has been a phenomenon for some time: absurd humor, supernatural action, weird waifus, fights with psychedelic visuals and a narrative rhythm that does not let go. Its anime adaptation is on its way and is already one of the most anticipated titles by the Otaku community.
The simple fact that he didn’t show up even in “Most Anticipated Anime” doesn’t make sense. We do not say that he should have won, but at least being nominated was something that was expected.
The prizes will always have controversy, but that does not mean that we have to accept everything in silence. These series gave everything in their respective areas, broke expectations and kept the conversation alive throughout the year. We are not talking about “win by fanbase”, but about recognizing quality, innovation and narrative with a heart.
Hopefully the next edition of the Anime Awards be fairer. But in the meantime, we are here to remind you that sometimes the real winners are not the ones who take the statuette, but the ones who stay with us long after the season ends.
