Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has been one of the best anime shows in 2024 and has quickly garnered fans rooting for their favorite characters.
The fantasy anime takes us into the world of Frieren where we learn and connect with different characters in the show as they go through their adventures.
I’ll share 6 reasons why you should watch Frieren. I’ll avoid sharing any spoilers!
1- Frieren is Well Written
The Fantasy anime isn’t solely fixed on fights, it also showcases the characters’ struggles within the show. Although Frieren is a great mage, she still has to go through fights and struggles that aren’t specifically combat-wise.
With how long elves can live compared to humans, Frieren didn’t have the best concept of time. Fifty years for humans felt like mere months to her, so she often watched those closest to her growing old and eventually passing away. She struggled to express her emotions and how deeply she cared about her friends.
She went on a 10-year adventure with the Party of Heroes, where they beat the Demon King and brought peace to their world. However, the story only starts from there, as we get to see how the world develops from there.
2- Frieren has Character Development
The anime isn’t only centered around Frieren’s adventures as she learns more about the human world. We get to learn more about the Hero Party, how they perceived life, their morals, and how they affected Frieren and the newer generation. We also get to learn about Himmel’s love for Frieren, and although Frieren couldn’t reciprocate those feelings, Himmel never lost hope and continued to love her.
The show also highlights Frieren’s student Fern, as she grows to become a splendid mage. It also shows moments where Fren learns to understand her teacher’s way of showing how much she cares for her.
There’s also a bit of romance in the show between Fern and Stark. The lovely thing about both of them is that it’s not rushed, the relationship slowly blooms as the pair are less awkward around one another with every episode.
3- Frieren Heroes are mortals too
Although the Heroes Party managed to beat the Demon King, they’re still mortals. We get to see the human side of them, what they enjoyed doing the most. Their weak moments, where they put all their experience and hopes on the next generation.
Throughout the show, we get moments of Himmel, Heiter, and Eisen and learn more about them. We get to see Frieren watch her friends grow in age and become weak, while she remains young. It gives us a sense of sorrow and pity, but at the same time, the heroes are grateful they experienced and lived a fruitful life.
4- Frieren Avoids Fan Service
I can’t express how much I dislike fan service in anime. Shows resorting to scandalous appeals to keep viewers engaged. Fire Force is one of those animes that come to the top of my mind. Although it has a unique plot, it ruins serious moments with its random fan service.
The show has a lot of female characters but none of them are objectified. There was only one moment in the show where Frieren tried seducing another mage, but it was more to showcase how innocent and naive Frieren is to the human world. Funnily, her seduction move didn’t work out on the said mage, even though Himmel fainted due to it back in the day. This was more an indirect way to show us how much Himmel was in love with Frieren.
5- Frieren has Great Animation
Throughout the whole show, the animation was top-notch! The fighting scenes were always epic and I never had a moment where I felt anything was lacking at all.
The animation and the colors used feel more like illustrations in a fairy tale book than in an anime. Although Frieren might look like a sweet innocent elf, she often is given a more serious and frightening presence in the show.
6- Frieren isn’t Rushed
With all the 12-episode anime shows going around, Frieren takes its time with the show. It doesn’t rush the plot or characters but gives you time to learn about them and slowly connect with them.
Even those who are going up against Frieren. you might find yourself rooting for them in some moments. They also have their own stories and backgrounds and ultimately have their own desires as they become better mages.