Brotherhood Loses No. 1 Spot as Highest-Ranked Action Anime

October 26, 2025

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood has fallen. The critically acclaimed 2009 remake of Fullmetal Alchemist has once again lost one of its coveted crowns to a brand-new anime currently dominating the U.S.

FMA: Brotherhood was once considered the highest-rated anime of all time, as voted by fans in the early aughts. However, the die-hard Brotherhood stans who protected FMA’s #1 spot in the early 2000s have lost their edge to today’s younger generation of anime fans. This was evident when Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (2023) dethroned Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood as the highest-ranking anime of all time on My Anime List in 2024. Now, it has happened again. FMA is no longer the highest-rated action anime of all time. That crown now belongs to another dark fantasy anime currently enjoying critical acclaim in the U.S.

As of Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, the #1 action anime is Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc. The 2025 theatrical anime comeback for Chainsaw Man is currently at the top spot, with an average MAL review score of 9.17. FMA: Brotherhood, the former champion, is sitting at #2 with a respectable score of 9.10. The 2021 anime movie Gintama: The Very Final is ranked #3 on the list, with a MAL score of 9.05.

This may only be the beginning for Chainsaw Man: The Movie. On the list of top anime of all time, The Reze Arc (9.17) is a nose hair away from taking the crown from Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (9.29). The difference between the two is a few measly points. Interestingly, Frieren used to rank much higher after defeating FMA: Brotherhood back in March 2024.

The melancholy fantasy anime previously had an average review score of 9.39. Now, it’s down to 9.29. While the loss is minimal, all it takes is a slight difference in digits for one series to reign supreme over another. For example, the 90-minute anime debut of Oshi no Ko surpassed Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood in May 2023. However, as the hype for Oshi no Ko‘s shocking premiere cooled down, FMA: Brotherhood eventually reclaimed its #1 spot.

It’s too early to tell whether Chainsaw Man‘s current dominance stems from evergreen appeal or front-loaded hype for the film and the series’ long-awaited return after three years. However, anime fans aren’t the only ones being blown away by The Reze Arc. Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc is officially “Fresh” on RottenTomatoes.com with a highly favorable 96% critical score. It also has a high “Popcornmeter” score of 99%, demonstrating the strong love users have for the new anime movie.

Image via MAPPA

Chainsaw Man dominated day one of its opening weekend box office in the U.S. with a haul nearing $9 million. It’s another box office win for Sony’s Crunchyroll, which only recently enjoyed unfathomable success with the U.S. theatrical screening of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle.

Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc is now playing in North American theaters. “Denji worked as a Devil Hunter for the yakuza, trying to pay off the debt he inherited from his parents, until the yakuza betrayed him and had him killed,” the film’s official description reads. “As he was losing consciousness, Denji’s beloved chainsaw-powered devil-dog, Pochita, made a deal with Denji and saved his life. This fused the two together, creating the unstoppable Chainsaw Man. Now, in a brutal war between devils, hunters, and secret enemies, a mysterious girl named Reze has stepped into his world, and Denji faces his deadliest battle yet, fueled by love in a world where survival knows no rules.”