Gege Akutami’s Beloved Anime Is Crunchyroll’s Most-Watched Anime of the Week Again

The winter anime season has brought a surge of viewership to Crunchyroll as fans tune in for both returning hits and brand-new adaptations. From high-stakes dark fantasies to lighthearted administrative isekai, the platform’s current most-watched list reflects a diverse range of genres and storytelling styles. These rankings highlight the shows that are capturing the global audience’s attention through compelling animation and gripping narratives. As the season progresses, these titles continue to dominate discussions across the anime community.

‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ (2023–2024)

‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ follows an elven mage who, after defeating the Demon King with her party, must navigate a world where her human companions have aged and passed away. The story focuses on her quest to understand the value of human life and the impact of the time she spent with her former friends. Produced by Madhouse, the series adapts the manga written by Kanehito Yamada and illustrated by Tsukasa Abe. The production is noted for its emotional depth and high-quality artistic presentation of a post-adventure world.

‘An Adventurer’s Daily Grind at Age 29’ (2026)

This series centers on a protagonist who has spent over a decade working as a low-level adventurer without much recognition or progression. After reaching the age of 29, he decides to reevaluate his career path while continuing to navigate the mundane and dangerous challenges of a fantasy world. The narrative explores themes of perseverance and finding satisfaction in everyday tasks rather than chasing grand heroics. It is based on a light novel series that offers a more mature perspective on the traditional fantasy adventurer archetype.

‘Easygoing Territory Defense by the Optimistic Lord’ (2026)

The story follows Van, a young noble who is exiled to a remote village due to his seemingly useless magic ability. Despite the setback, he uses his unique skills to transform the impoverished area into a thriving and well-defended community. The series blends city-building elements with lighthearted fantasy themes as Van protects his new home from various external threats. It focuses on the protagonist’s optimistic outlook and his ability to turn an unfavorable situation into a success through creativity and leadership.

‘Gachiakuta’ (2025)

‘Gachiakuta’ tells the story of Rudo, a boy living in the slums who is wrongfully accused of a crime and thrown into the Abyss, a wasteland where trash is discarded. In this harsh environment, he discovers he can manifest power through objects he cherishes, effectively turning them into powerful weapons. He joins a group called the Cleaners to fight back against the monsters that inhabit the Abyss and seek revenge on those who betrayed him. The series is recognized for its unique art style and gritty urban fantasy setting.

‘Solo Leveling’ (2024–)

‘Solo Leveling’ is set in a world where Hunters possess magical abilities to battle monsters that emerge from mysterious gates. The story follows Sung Jinwoo, a weak hunter who gains a unique second chance after a near-death experience in a hidden dungeon. He discovers a System that allows him to level up his stats and abilities by completing specific quests and defeating enemies. As he grows stronger, he uncovers the secrets behind the gates and the origins of his new, god-like powers.

‘Hell’s Paradise’ (2023–)

‘Hell’s Paradise’ follows Gabimaru the Hollow, a ninja sentenced to death who is offered a pardon if he can find the Elixir of Life. He must travel to a mysterious and lethal island alongside a group of other death-row convicts and their assigned executioners. The island is filled with supernatural creatures and ancient mysteries that challenge the survivors both physically and mentally. The series explores the psychological toll of their mission and the shifting alliances between the prisoners and the Yamada Asaemon clan.

‘ROLL OVER AND DIE: I Will Fight for an Ordinary Life with My Love and Cursed Sword!’ (2026)

The narrative centers on Flum Apricot, a girl who is kicked out of a hero’s party because her stats are perceived as being entirely useless. After being sold into slavery, she discovers that her unique Cursed ability allows her to survive and thrive in life-threatening situations. She eventually teams up with a swordswoman named Milkit to seek a peaceful life while confronting those who previously discarded her. The series combines dark fantasy elements with the protagonist’s struggle for personal agency and survival.

‘Jack-of-All-Trades, Party of None’ (2026)

This series features a protagonist who possesses a wide variety of skills but lacks mastery in any single area, leading others to underestimate his potential. After being rejected by several high-tier parties, he decides to forge his own path and demonstrate the actual utility of his versatile skill set. The story emphasizes creative problem-solving and the strategic use of multiple minor abilities to overcome seemingly impossible obstacles. It serves as a commentary on the traditional rigid roles found in typical fantasy role-playing scenarios.

‘Sentenced to Be a Hero’ (2026)

In this world, the most dangerous criminals are not executed but are instead sentenced to serve as heroes on the front lines against demonic forces. The protagonist, a former soldier convicted of a crime, must lead a group of fellow penal heroes in a desperate fight for survival and redemption. The series explores the moral ambiguity of forced heroism and the dynamics between individuals who were once seen as society’s villains. It presents a dark, gritty take on the hero archetype within a high-fantasy war setting.

‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ (2020–)

‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ follows Yuji Itadori, a high school student who joins a secret organization of Jujutsu Sorcerers after consuming a powerful cursed object. He becomes the vessel for Ryomen Sukuna, a legendary curse, and must help gather the remaining fingers to eventually eliminate the threat Sukuna poses. The series focuses on the battle between sorcerers and Curses, which are manifestations of negative human emotions that haunt the modern world. The production is noted for its intricate power system, intense fight choreography, and compelling character development.

Share which of these trending anime series you are currently following in the comments.