5 Reasons Why Gachiakuta And Clevatess Are Fighting For The #1 Spot On Crunchyroll's Anime Chart

The landscape of the Crunchyroll streaming charts has been in constant turmoil this Summer 2025 season, dominated by an unexpected and intense rivalry between two brand-new dark fantasy titans: Gachiakuta and Clevatess. This chart-topping war is not just about bragging rights; it signals a major shift in the anime fandom’s appetite, moving away from established franchises to embrace fresh, gritty, and visually arresting new series. The battle for the coveted #1 spot has seen these two shows—one a dystopian action-shonen, the other a psychological fantasy—trading places almost weekly, creating a must-watch spectacle for subscribers globally.

As of this current date in December 2025, the competition remains fierce, with both anime proving to be the breakout hits of the season. Gachiakuta, from the legendary Studio BONES, has surged back to the top multiple times, yet the dark, hero-centric narrative of Clevatess continues to mount a serious challenge. Understanding the core strengths of each series—from their unique manga origins to their powerhouse production teams—is key to grasping why this specific chart change is the most exciting development of the year.

The Dueling Dark Fantasy Titans: Gachiakuta and Clevatess Profile

The intense competition stems from the similar-but-distinct dark fantasy genres of both series, each appealing to a slightly different segment of the anime community. While both are action-packed, their thematic focus and visual execution set the stage for a spectacular streaming war.

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Gachiakuta: The Dystopian Punk-Rock Shonen

• Original Manga Creator: Kei Urana
• Graffiti Designer: Hideyoshi Andou (The manga is co-illustrated by the artist)
• Anime Studio: Bones Film (Known for high-quality action like My Hero Academia)
• Genre: Action, Dark Fantasy, Dystopian, Shonen
• Plot Summary: The story follows Rudo Surebrec, a boy living in the slums of a floating city called 'The Sphere.' When he is framed for a murder he didn't commit, Rudo is cast down into 'The Pit,' a massive, garbage-filled abyss where the city’s waste is dumped. There, he discovers a unique power to bring inanimate objects to life, using his ability to fight the monstrous creatures of the Pit and seek revenge on the corrupt society above. The series is heavily praised for its punk-rock aesthetics and graffiti-inspired visuals.
• Crunchyroll Schedule: New episodes release on Sundays (Sub and Dub launched July 6, 2025).

Clevatess: The Psychological Hero's Journey

• Original Manga Creator: Yuji Iwahara (Also known for Dimension W and King of Thorn)
• Director: Kiyotaka Taguchi
• Series Composition: Keigo Koyanagi
• Genre: Action, Drama, Fantasy, Psychological
• Plot Summary: Clevatess—full title Clevatess -Majū no Ō to Akago to Shikabane no Yūsha-—centers on Alicia, a young girl who dreams of being a hero. She is chosen by the King to join a quest alongside 12 other heroes. The narrative quickly delves into a darker, more psychological fantasy realm, exploring themes of sacrifice and the true cost of heroism. The series has already been confirmed for a second season, a testament to its early success.
• Crunchyroll Schedule: New episodes release on Wednesdays (Same-day Sub and Dub launched July 2, 2025).

The 5 Key Factors Driving the Crunchyroll Chart Rivalry

The neck-and-neck race for the top spot is unprecedented for two new series premiering in the same season. This "streaming war" is fueled by a perfect storm of production quality, genre timing, and strategic release schedules.

1. Studio BONES vs. Director Kiyotaka Taguchi's Vision

The pedigree of the creative teams is a major draw. Gachiakuta benefits from the reputation of Studio BONES, a name synonymous with consistently high-quality animation and dynamic action sequences. Fans of their previous work, such as My Hero Academia, flocked to the new title immediately, giving it a massive initial boost.

Conversely, Clevatess is directed by Kiyotaka Taguchi, a veteran known for his work on the Ultraman franchise. His distinct directorial style, combined with the series composition by Keigo Koyanagi, has given Clevatess a heavier, more dramatic, and often psychological tone, appealing to viewers looking for a mature fantasy story. This subtle difference in target audience keeps both shows highly relevant.

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2. The "Next Big Shonen" Hype vs. Established Creator Pedigree

Gachiakuta arrived with the massive pre-release buzz of being labeled "the next big shonen series," a powerful marketing hook that drives a huge volume of weekly viewers. The manga by Kei Urana, with its unique graffiti-inspired aesthetic from Hideyoshi Andou, promises a new era of action anime, which is a powerful incentive for the shonen fanbase.

Clevatess, however, draws its strength from the established reputation of its creator, Yuji Iwahara. Fans of his previous works like Dimension W and King of Thorn trust his ability to craft compelling dark fantasy and psychological drama. This pedigree often translates to a more dedicated, critically engaged audience that helps maintain chart positions over time.

3. Dystopian Action vs. High-Fantasy Drama

The thematic differences are crucial to the chart fluctuations. Gachiakuta offers a visceral, dystopian action experience centered on Rudo Surebrec's journey through The Pit, a world of literal trash and societal decay. Its themes of class warfare and materialism resonate with a young, socially conscious audience.

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Clevatess, or Clevatess -Majū no Ō to Akago to Shikabane no Yūsha-, leans into a more traditional yet darker high-fantasy setting with a focus on Alicia's quest and the psychological toll of being a hero. This appeal to classic fantasy tropes, mixed with a modern, grim narrative, creates a strong counter-pull on the charts. The immediate announcement of a Season 2 also solidified fan commitment early on.

The Impact of the Summer 2025 Lineup and Future Outlook

The success of both Gachiakuta and Clevatess has defined the Summer 2025 Anime Season. While other highly anticipated titles were part of the lineup—including sequels and new entries like TOUGEN ANKI and Mr. Osomatsu 4th Season—it is the battle between these two new dark fantasy originals that has captured the global imagination and dominated Crunchyroll’s metrics.

This rivalry is excellent news for the anime industry as a whole. It demonstrates that new, original intellectual property (IP) can still successfully challenge long-running franchises. The constant shift on the Crunchyroll charts—where one show briefly overthrows the other before the original contender surges back—is a testament to the passionate, engaged viewership each series has cultivated. This competitive environment ensures high-quality production, as both studios and creators are motivated to deliver their best work to maintain their position.

Ultimately, whether you prefer the punk-rock aesthetic and BONES-level action of Gachiakuta or the psychological depth and director Kiyotaka Taguchi's vision in Clevatess, the real winner is the anime fan. Both shows are guaranteed to be discussed for years to come, and their ongoing chart battle is the perfect symbol of a thriving, dynamic new era for dark fantasy anime on Crunchyroll.