The Issue of Top Anime on My Anime List

When it comes to comparing the top anime on MyAnimeList, it's important to look beyond just the overall rating on a 10-point scale. While this rating can be a good indicator of a show's popularity and quality, it does not provide a complete picture. It's important to consider the number of reviews and the perspective of those who have watched the show to get a better understanding of its overall reception.

For example, Oshi no Ko is currently ranked as the number one anime on MyAnimeList with a 9.15/10 rating. However, this rating is based on only 358,473 reviews, which is a relatively small sample size compared to other popular shows. In comparison, Full Metal Alchemist, which has a 9.10/10 rating, has over 3 million reviews. This means that the rating for Full Metal Alchemist is based on a much larger sample size, giving a more accurate representation of the overall opinion of those who have watched the show.

Perspectives can shift when comparisons are not made while addressing the statistics. When a show has a small sample size of reviews, the opinions of a few individuals can heavily influence the overall rating. This can result in a show being overrated or underrated, depending on the demographics of those who have watched it. For instance, a show that appeals more to a younger audience may have a higher rating on MyAnimeList than a show that appeals to an older audience, even if the latter is objectively better.

Moreover, when a show has a large number of reviews, it can provide more nuanced insights into its strengths and weaknesses. This is because a larger sample size can lead to a more diverse range of opinions, allowing for a more balanced representation of the overall reception of the show. For instance, Full Metal Alchemist has a large number of reviews from a variety of demographics, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the show's appeal.

Additionally, it's important to consider the demographic breakdown of those who have watched a show when comparing its ratings. For example, a show that primarily appeals to a male audience may have a higher rating among male viewers than female viewers, and vice versa. Therefore, when comparing the ratings of top anime, it's important to look at the demographic breakdown of the reviewers to get a better understanding of how the show is viewed by different groups.

In conclusion, when comparing the ratings of top anime, it's important to look beyond just the overall rating on a 10-point scale. It's important to consider the number of reviews and the demographic breakdown of those who have watched the show to get a better understanding of its overall reception. A small sample size of reviews can lead to biased or inaccurate ratings, while a large sample size can provide more nuanced insights into the show's strengths and weaknesses. By considering these factors, you can make a more informed decision when it comes to choosing which anime to watch next.

Edit Added May 10* - After some time there has been some fluctuation in the rankings of Oshi no Ko however the point remains the same. Be sure to look and evaluate shows not only by the ranking but also by what is important to you as a viewer.