10 Best Anime Every Fan of Solo Leveling Needs to Watch

Summary Jujutsu Kaisen attracts with intense action and deep storytelling akin to Solo Leveling, topping many must-watch anime lists.

Black Summoner is a hidden gem, providing a fast and satisfying power fantasy journey similar to Solo Leveling.

Hunter x Hunter features dynamic characters and thrilling adventures, appealing to fans seeking a captivating, well-rounded story like Solo Leveling.

With the conclusion of the first season of Chugong's Solo Leveling, fans of the hit anime adaptation by A-1 Pictures are now stuck in limbo waiting for season 2. With no release date in sight for the next installment of the anime, those who have been waiting for the adaptation of the popular Korean manhwa to hit the screen could be waiting quite some time for more Solo Leveling.

Though viewers will have to wait for the continued adventures of Solo Leveling's protagonist Sung Jin-Woo, there are plenty of other anime that combine the same blend of ever-expanding mystery, thrilling adventure, and beautiful combat that Solo Leveling has already become known for. Anime is filled to the brim with action-oriented adventures with daring protagonists who have discovered a greater power within themselves, and Solo Leveling is only the latest in a long line of exciting adaptations that have allowed well-regarded stories to make their way to the screen.

10 Jujutsu Kaisen (2020)

Animated By Studio MAPPA, Based on the Manga By Gege Akutami

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buy Not available Not available Not available Cast Junya Enoki , Yuma Uchida , Yuichi Nakamura , Adam McArthur , Asami Seto Release Date October 2, 2020 Seasons 3 Streaming Service(s) Crunchyroll Franchise(s) Jujutsu Kaisen Writers Hiroshi Seko Directors Sunghoo Park , Shōta Goshozono Main Genre Animation Expand

One of the most popular modern shōnen in the last decade, Jujutsu Kaisen, combines unparalleled moment-to-moment action with a story that pulls at heart strings. Following the journey of Yuji Itadori as he enters the world of Jujutsu sorcerers and begins his own journey of self-discovery, Jujutsu Kaisen draws visible influences from other popular battle shōnen, like Hunter x Hunter and Yu Yu Hakusho. While Jujutsu Kaisen may feel like a traditional shōnen during its early arcs, the angst that the series puts its characters through brings it to heights that other battle shōnen struggle to reach.

Jujutsu Kaisen creator Gege Akutami cites Bleach as a big influence on the series.

One of Studio MAPPA's best anime, Jujutsu Kaisen took the anime community by storm in 2020 and has shown no sign of letting up through two seasons and a prequel film. With a body count that most shows pale in comparison to, pulse-pounding battles, and a cast of characters who seemingly can't catch a break, Jujutsu Kaisen is a constant roller coaster of exhilarating highs and traumatizing lows.

9 Black Summoner (2022)

Animated By Satelight, Based on the Light Novel Series By Doufu Mayoi

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As the isekai genre has risen to prominence in the anime world in recent years, Black Summoner may not have claimed the crown for major critical or commercial success, but there's a lot to love during it's relatively short 12-episode run and is one of the most underrated isekai anime. Fans of Solo Leveling's Sung Jin-Woo will find similarities in the journey of self-improvement that Black Summoner's Kelvin explores to achieve his goals.

While it may not be genre-defining, Black Summoner doesn't overstay its welcome; it's a power fantasy in the purest form, but much like in Solo Leveling, sacrifice is a fundamental part of this power fantasy. The series gives viewers more than just overpowered protagonists and empty dilemmas to look forward to. Black Summoner may not reinvent the wheel, but it's still a fun time that any fan of Solo Leveling should watch.

8 Sword Art Online (2012)

Animated By A-1 Pictures, Based on the Lightnovel Series By Reki Kawahara

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buy Not available Not available Not available Cast Yoshitsugu Matsuoka , Haruka Tomatsu , Ayana Taketatsu , Miyuki Sawashiro , Ai Kayano Release Date July 8, 2012 Seasons 4 Main Genre Animation Creator(s) Reki Kawahara

One of the earliest and most popular isekai ever released, Sword Art Online has been an absolute force in the anime industry for more than two decades and has been lampooned, imitated, and critiqued for much of that time. The impact of Sword Art Online on the anime industry can't be understated, and while it may come across as generic and cliché for long-time anime fans, it helped establish many of the tropes that viewers take for granted in modern anime.

Related Sword Art Online "Successor" Justifies Hero's Unique Overpowered Status The almost cliche power of The New Gate's hero draws more from In The Land of Leadale as opposed to finding inspiration from Sword Art Online.

With its first season centered around the release of the fictional VRMMO by the same name of the show, Sword Art Online follows the adventures of Kirito as he navigates loneliness, young love, and his very real mortality within a world where gamers are quite literally playing for keeps. As noted, it may be a cliché idea at this point that if you die in the game, you die in real life, but Sword Art Online was one of the first isekai to take that idea and turn it into a long-form work that explored just what effect that would have on both the players within the game and the real world surrounding the game.

7 Hunter x Hunter (2011)

Animated By Madhouse, Based on the Manga By Yoshihiro Togashi

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buy Not available Not available Not available Cast Megumi Han , Mariya Ise , Issei Futamata Release Date October 2, 2011 Seasons 6 Streaming Service(s) Netflix , Crunchyroll , Hulu Franchise(s) Hunter X Hunter Writers Atsushi Maekawa , Tsutomu Kamishiro Directors Hiroshi Kôjina Main Genre Action Creator(s) Yoshihiro Togashi Expand

Running from 2011 to 2014, the most recent anime adaptation of Hunter x Hunter is the second attempt at adapting Yoshihiro Tagashi's wildly popular manga. Produced by Madhouse, the series is renowned for its eclectic cast of characters, expansive world-building, and a power system that requires more thought than many battle shōnen. Hunter x Hunter follows Gon Freecss, a prospective "Hunter", as he establishes friendships, develops his strengths and abilities, and seeks to recreate the steps his father took to become a world-renowned Hunter.

While Hunter x Hunter may be more lighthearted than many of its contemporaries at first glance, the darkness of the show increases as it goes on, and more moral quandaries are presented to the series' protagonists. One of the most popular shows within the genre, Hunter x Hunter is a must-watch for anyone looking for a far-ranging adventure with a cast of lovable (but troubled) heroes and antagonists who are as terrifying as they are truly bizarre.

6 Arifureta: From Commonplace to World's Strongest (2019)

Animated By Asread, White Fox, & Studio Mother, Based on the Light Novel By Ryo Shirakome & Takayaki

With an anime adaptation that began in 2019 and is set to release its third season in 2024, Arifureta is a more underrated franchise with a long-running light novel series and manga adaptation. Following a protagonist who goes from zero to hero far quicker than the average power fantasy anime, Arifureta actually shares quite a bit with Solo Leveling in that its protagonist is an unlikely one from the start.

Despite being heavily focused on the story's revenge plot rather than being a typical power fantasy, Arifureta – thankfully – doesn't take itself too seriously. While it may not be the perfect isekai, it's an entertaining one that provides a respite from some of the more overly gritty entries in the genre. Given all this, Arifureta may be a good series to watch for fans of Solo Lveling who want something a little less intense.

5 Overlord (2015)

Animated By Madhouse, Based on the Novel Series By Kugane Maruyama & so-bi

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buy Not available Not available Not available Cast Satoshi Hino , Chris Guerrero , Yumi Hara Release Date July 7, 2015 Seasons 4

Kugane Maruyama's Overlord began its anime run in 2015 and concluded in 2022, with a feature film set to follow. Based on the popular manga and light novel of the same name, Overlord flips the standard anime script somewhat by making its primary protagonist, Ainz Oaal Gown, into someone who is truly an antagonist within the world in which he lives.

Related New Isekai Anime Delivers Everything Shonen Fans Want With a Pair of Epic Fights I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince so I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability is almost like an isekai version of Dragon Ball Z.

While it does follow some staple isekai tropes, especially in its early episodes, Overlord sets itself apart by being unafraid to follow an unlikable and unkind protagonist, one who viewers may not be able to help root for as they wait to see what he does next. Though Ainz's adventures might be self-serving and built around his own desire for entertainment, Overlord shows in how he implements those ideas and how he confronts the increasingly ineffective challenges to his dominion. Overlord recently debuted on Netflix, meaning it's more accessible than ever for anime fans.

4 Berserk of Gluttony (2023)

Animated By A.C.G.T, Based on a Light Novel By Ichika Isshiki & fame

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Airing in late 2023, A.C.G.T's dark fantasy anime Berserk of Gluttony follows Fate Graphite, a protagonist cursed to be hated by those around him due to his own perceived uselessness. However, much like Solo Leveling's Sung Jin-Woo, Fate contains a power that he wasn't fully aware of or capable of comprehending until faced with his own mortality. Much like Sung Jin-Woo, Fate's power puts him in a position to be far stronger than those around him despite his early struggles.

With a fast-paced plot and beautiful animation, Berserk of Gluttony may be relatively standard fare within the power fantasy genre, but what it tries to do, it does well. Coming in at only 12-episodes, Berserk of Gluttony is a quick watch and one that doesn't require much from a viewer other than sitting back and enjoying the ride.

3 The Rising of the Shield Hero (2019)

Animated By Kinema Citrus & DR Movie, Based on the Light Novel By Aneko Yusagi

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The Rising of the Shield Hero (2019) Cast Kaito Ishikawa , Asami Seto , Rina Hidaka Release Date January 9, 2019 Seasons 4 IMDb ID tt9529546 TMDB User Rating 8 .559

One of the most divisive popular anime in recent years, The Rising of the Shield Hero is adapted from the manga and light novel of the same name and produced by Kinema Citrus. Focusing on the series' main protagonist, Naofumi Iwatani, viewers are treated to the trials and tribulations of a "hero" who was initially shunned and shamed by the world that summoned him. A fun twist on the standard isekai plot, The Rising of the Shield Hero develops Naofumi and his chosen companions – as well as his enemies – over the course of three seasons, with a fourth on the way.

Despite its divisive nature and perceived decrease in quality as the show has continued, The Rising of the Shield Hero will keep viewers coming back for each episode to continue to watch Naofumi as he gets his comeuppance on those who treated him poorly. With a superb score by the inimitable Kevin Penkin, The Rising of the Shield Hero is an easy watch that might not change the genre at its core, but is one that successfully avoids some of the major clichés of most isekai.

2 Gate (2015)

Animated By A-1 Pictures, Based on the Novel Series By Takumi Yanai, Daisuke Izuka, & Kurojishi

GATE (2015) Cast David Wald , Jessica Boone , Juliet Simmons , Brittney Karbowski , Molly Searcy , Rachel Landon Release Date July 4, 2015 Seasons 1 Streaming Service(s) Hulu Franchise(s) GATE Writers Tatsuhiko Urahata Directors Takahiko Kyōgoku , Ryō Andō Main Genre Action Creator(s) Takumi Yanai Expand

Perhaps the anime most like Solo Leveling in its initial story, Gate aired from 2015 to 2016 and, also like Solo Leveling, was produced by A-1 Pictures. After a portal opens in Tokyo, the cast of Gate, led by Yoji Itami, seek to better understand the portal and the medieval soldiers and monsters that were transported through it to Earth. Though its scope is different from that of Solo Leveling, it follows many of the same concepts, namely the idea of a portal to another world opening on Earth that includes creatures and individuals from an entirely different world.

Though Solo Leveling focuses more on the growth and ascendance of its main character, Gate is more focused on the political machinations and impact on the world that a portal in the middle of Japan would have. By taking the same starting idea and going in a very different direction with it, Gate is a perfect companion piece for a fan of Solo Leveling looking for a show with similar ideas.

1 Tower of God (2020)

Animated By Telecom Animation Film & The Answer Studio, Based on the Manhwa By S.I.U.

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buy Not available Not available Not available Cast Johnny Yong Bosch , Matthew David Rudd , Cherami Leigh , Scott Whyte , Valerie Rose Lohman , Chris Hackney , Trent Mills Release Date April 1, 2020 Seasons 1 Streaming Service(s) Crunchyroll Franchise(s) Tower of God Writers Erika Yoshida Directors Takashi Sano Main Genre Action Creator(s) Lee Jong Hui Expand

Produced by Telecom Animation Film, Tower of God, much like Solo Leveling, is an adaptation of a Korean webtoon that has gained increasing popularity since it's initial release in 2010. Focusing on the adventures of Bam and the companions he gains during his journey as he attempts to climb the mysteriously constructed "Tower", Tower of God thrives through its character interactions and beautiful animation. Much like in Solo Leveling, the mystery of the universe that the protagonist inhabits is one of the most appealing features of the series.

With a second season of Tower of God on the way after a four-year wait, now is the perfect time for viewers missing Solo Leveling to jump into Tower of God. Through mysteries both big and small within its story, Tower of God keeps viewers guessing each week and is the perfect anime for fans to sink their teeth into if they loved Solo Leveling.