Solo Leveling Isn’t the Top Anime of 2025, The Apothecary Diaries Is

For much of the last two years, Solo Leveling has felt like the face of modern anime. Its rise overseas was meteoric, dominating conversations and winning big at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards. Fans rallied behind its intense action and stylish animation, even crowning season 1 as Anime of the Year. But as 2025 has unfolded, it has become clear that another series has quietly stolen the spotlight.

That series is none other than The Apothecary Diaries. While Solo Leveling still enjoys a devoted following, especially among international fans, the numbers do not lie. The Apothecary Diaries season 2 is not only the highest-rated anime of 2025 on MyAnimeList but also one of the best-reviewed series in recent memory. Its success in Japan and abroad has cemented its place as the year’s true standout.

Solo Leveling May Have Been a Mega Hit, But The Apothecary Diaries Was Just Better

At first glance, it might seem shocking that Solo Leveling is not leading the charts. After all, season 2 drew a huge global audience and inspired endless hype on social media. However, while fans cheered its fights and flashy animation, the anime still divides opinion on storytelling and depth. That divide shows in its MyAnimeList rating of 8.65, which is respectable but far from groundbreaking.

By contrast, The Apothecary Diaries season 2 has surged to an 8.91 rating, not only topping 2025’s list but also landing in the top 20 highest-rated anime of all time. This leap proves how Maomao’s clever investigations and the layered storytelling of the show resonate with audiences craving something more grounded than fantasy dungeon battles. The series delivers intrigue, romance, and history in a way that’s hard to match.

It is also worth noting the cultural difference in each anime’s reach. Solo Leveling is a global hit but lacks the same level of recognition in Japan, the world’s largest anime market. The Apothecary Diaries, on the other hand, thrives both domestically and internationally. That dual success makes it not just a hit, but a phenomenon that reflects broader fan tastes.

Will The Apothecary Diaries Be 2026’s Anime of the Year?

Looking ahead, the big question is whether The Apothecary Diaries can carry its momentum into next year’s awards. With its critical acclaim and growing popularity, the series has every reason to be a frontrunner for 2026’s Anime of the Year. Its characters, particularly Maomao and Jinshi, continue to deepen in complexity, giving fans both emotional investment and narrative payoff.

That said, competition remains fierce. Titles like Takopi’s Original Sin are already close behind, earning an 8.84 rating and generating significant buzz. Other series could also shake things up as the year progresses, like The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity and Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle. Unlike Solo Leveling, which benefitted from airing alongside its awards campaign, The Apothecary Diaries will face a much more crowded field next year.

Still, the numbers suggest it has staying power. Where Solo Leveling has carved out a niche with flashy fights, The Apothecary Diaries thrives on universal appeal and storytelling sophistication. If momentum holds, it could easily walk away with the crown at Crunchyroll’s 2026 awards, firmly establishing itself as the defining anime of this era.