On May 21, 2025, it was revealed that “Attack on Titan” would be the inaugural recipient of the “Global Impact Award,” a new accolade introduced as part of the Crunchyroll Awards. This award signifies the profound cultural influence “Attack on Titan” has had globally and serves to recognize the remarkable legacy of its creators over the past decade.
Gita Rebbapragada, the Chief Operating Officer of Crunchyroll, elaborated on the significance of the award, stating, “This year, we’re excited to unveil the Global Impact Award. Recently, we collaborated with the National Research Group to investigate anime’s significance to its fans, particularly among Gen Z. The findings were striking: around 40% of teenage anime enthusiasts regard anime as an integral part of their identity, and 30% feel it has shaped their perspectives on life. The Global Impact Award will celebrate series and films that have made a cultural imprint and resonated with fans worldwide.”
Previously, “Attack on Titan” garnered attention from the Global TV Demand Awards by Parrot Analytics, where it was recognized as the most sought-after TV show globally in both 2021 and 2022. Remarkably, it became the first non-English language series to achieve this distinction, a title that was once held solely by popular shows like “The Walking Dead” and “Game of Thrones.”
A representative from Studio MAPPA, the animation powerhouse behind the series’ Final Season, will accept this prestigious award on behalf of all the talented individuals who have contributed to the series since its inception in 2013.
The 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards will be aired on Sunday, May 25, at 5 PM Japan Standard Time (JST), and fans can catch the live stream on Crunchyroll’s YouTube and Twitch channels, in addition to Sony Pictures Core and the Sony Group Corp. Global and Japan YouTube channels.
### Overview of Attack on Titan
“Attack on Titan” is a manga series crafted by Hajime Isayama, published by Kodansha in their monthly Bessatsu Shonen Magazine from September 9, 2009, to April 9, 2021. Spanning 34 volumes, this series has achieved monumental success, becoming the 11th highest-grossing manga series ever, with over 140 million copies sold by November 2023.
The series has received numerous accolades over the years, including multiple Crunchyroll Awards and significant nominations. Notably, it was honored with the Kodansha Award for Best Manga in 2011 and received the Harvey Award in 2014, among other recognitions.
“Attack on Titan” made its debut on April 7, 2014, with a total of four seasons. The first three seasons were produced by WIT Studio, directed by Tetsuro Araki, known for his work on “Death Note.” The directorial helm transitioned to Masashi Koizuka starting from Season 2, with Araki serving as chief director, running from 2014 until 2019.
The final season of “Attack on Titan” was taken over by MAPPA, a studio renowned for its work on series like “Jujutsu Kaisen” and “Chainsaw Man.” This concluding season began airing on December 10, 2020, and wrapped up on November 4, 2023, under the direction of Yuichiro Hayashi, who is also recognized for his work on “Dorohedoro.” The series concluded with two special episodes that adapt the last nine chapters of the manga. These episodes will be compiled into a final film titled “Attack on Titan: The Last Attack,” set for release in November 2024, which will also feature a new post-credits scene connecting the storyline from Seasons 2 to 4.
Critically, “Attack on Titan” has been well-received, with Seasons 2 to 4 earning a 100% critic score and over 90% audience score on various review platforms.
The narrative of “Attack on Titan” centers around Eren Jaeger and his friends, who inhabit a world shielded by massive walls designed to protect them from the terrifying Titans. As they venture beyond their fortified existence, they uncover harrowing secrets that lead them down darker, more treacherous paths.
The series has captivated audiences not just with its intense action sequences and thrilling plot twists, but also with its deep themes of freedom, survival, and the moral complexities of war. Through its characters’ journeys, viewers are invited to ponder the nature of humanity, the cost of freedom, and the intricacies of societal structures.
The character development within “Attack on Titan” is another aspect that has garnered praise. Eren Jaeger, initially depicted as a passionate and impulsive young man, evolves throughout the series, confronting the harsh realities of his world. His transformation reflects the series’ exploration of how trauma and conflict can shape one’s identity and moral compass.
Moreover, the visual storytelling of “Attack on Titan” is nothing short of groundbreaking. The animation quality, particularly in action scenes, has raised the bar for anime production, showcasing the skill and dedication of the animators at MAPPA and WIT Studio. The series has become a benchmark for visual excellence in anime, with its dynamic fight sequences, intricate character designs, and detailed environments contributing to its immersive experience.
The music score, composed by Hiroyuki Sawano, further enhances the emotional depth of the series. His ability to blend orchestral elements with modern sounds creates a powerful auditory experience that complements the high-stakes narrative and the intense emotional arcs of the characters.
As “Attack on Titan” continues to influence the anime landscape, its legacy is solidified not only through awards and sales figures but also through its passionate fanbase, who resonate deeply with its themes and characters. The series has sparked discussions and analyses across various platforms, highlighting its cultural relevance and impact.
In conclusion, “Attack on Titan” stands as a monumental achievement in the world of anime and manga, earning accolades for its storytelling, character development, animation quality, and cultural significance. As it receives the Global Impact Award, it is a testament to the series’ enduring legacy and the indelible mark it has left on fans around the globe.
