The 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards have made history by naming the iconic series Attack on Titan as the very first recipient of their new Global Impact Award. This special honor recognizes visionary creators and groundbreaking works that have left a lasting impression on culture, history, and the hearts of fans worldwide.
Attack on Titan, adapted from the manga by Hajime Isayama, has captivated audiences since its debut. The manga, published by Kodansha, boasts sales of over 140 million copies globally, cementing its status as a cultural phenomenon.
The anime first aired in 2014 and spanned four seasons, wrapping up in the fall of 2023. Its critical acclaim is undeniable — three of the four seasons earned perfect 100% scores from critics and maintained audience approval ratings above 90% on Rotten Tomatoes. The saga culminated with a final film, Attack on Titan: The Last Attack, released in late 2024, offering fans a powerful conclusion to the epic story.
Crunchyroll explained that the Global Impact Award may become an annual accolade, designed to honor anime series and visionary creators who have profoundly influenced popular culture. Gita Rebbapragada, Crunchyroll’s Chief Operating Officer, shared insights about the award’s significance and the growing influence of anime worldwide.
“This award celebrates the creative community in Japan and the actors worldwide who fuel anime’s global passion,” Rebbapragada said. “Our recent study with the National Research Group highlights how deeply anime resonates with fans, especially Gen Z. Nearly 40% of teenage anime fans say anime is a meaningful part of their identity, and 30% report that it has shaped their worldview. The Global Impact Award acknowledges those series and films that have made a lasting cultural impact and touched the hearts of fans around the world.”
Representing all the talented artists and creators behind Attack on Titan, a member of the animation studio MAPPA will accept the prestigious Global Impact Award on the team’s behalf.
The 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards ceremony will premiere on Sunday, May 25, at 5 p.m. Japan Standard Time. Fans everywhere can watch the live stream on Crunchyroll’s official YouTube and Twitch channels, as well as on Sony Pictures Core and the Sony Group Corporation’s global and Japan YouTube platforms.
With this landmark recognition, Attack on Titan’s legacy as a trailblazing work of anime history is firmly established, celebrating not just its story but the profound connection it has forged with audiences worldwide.
