Can’t get enough of Sung Jinwoo’s epic rise to power? If Solo Leveling left you craving more adrenaline-pumping action, underdog stories, and satisfying power-ups, then consider this your next quest!
Stories of underdogs battling against all odds for ambitious goals resonate deeply, leaving lasting impressions. A-1 Pictures’ Solo Leveling captivated us with Sung Jinwoo’s journey, exploring ambition, redemption, identity, and purpose amidst thrilling fight sequences. If you’re chasing that same rush, we’ve curated the best anime that hit all the right notes.
But first, a quick rundown on the series that started it all:
Quick Info Card: Solo Leveling
| Japanese Title (Romaji) | Studio | Streaming Platform | Release Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo Leveling (ソロレベルング) | A-1 Pictures | Crunchyroll | Winter 2024 (Season 1) |
Sentenced To Be A Hero
A New Hero’s Unjust Sentence & Extraordinary Power
Winter 2026’s breakout hit, Sentenced to Be a Hero, is already taking the anime world by storm with Studio Kai’s phenomenal animation. Imagine a world where heroes are convicts, sentenced to endless battle. Xylo, framed and forced into this grim reality, forms a bond with the goddess Teoritta, unlocking incredible powers. Much like Sung Jinwoo, Xylo is thrust into dire circumstances, gradually mastering his abilities while battling relentless threats. He’s powerful, but not invincible, making every clash a true fight for survival.
Chainsaw Man
Denji’s Devilish Deal for a Second Chance
If you loved Solo Leveling‘s gritty action, then Chainsaw Man is your next fix, but prepare for an even darker ride. Denji, an impoverished teenager, finds himself at rock bottom—literally dead—before making a pact with the Chainsaw Devil, Pochita. He gains insane power, but at a cost to his humanity. Like Sung, Denji claws his way up from society’s lowest rung, using his newfound, terrifying abilities to carve out a new destiny against a world filled with monstrous Devils. The animation from MAPPA is legendary, making every brutal encounter a visual feast.
Is It Wrong To Try To Pick Up Girls In A Dungeon? (AKA, DanMachi)
Bell Cranel’s Ascent in the Labyrinth City
Don’t let the ridiculously long title fool you; DanMachi is a fantastic journey, especially its later seasons. Follow Bell Cranel, a seemingly weak adventurer in the dungeon city of Orario, the sole member of Goddess Hestia’s Familia. Sound familiar? Like Sung Jinwoo, Bell receives a mysterious boost in power, allowing him to grow stronger with each dive into the treacherous dungeon. He constantly pushes his limits, confronting increasingly formidable foes, evolving in both strength and character as he navigates the city’s complex politics and forges crucial alliances. J.C.Staff brings this dynamic fantasy world to life with compelling action and a protagonist you can’t help but root for.
My Gift Lvl 9999 Unlimited Gacha: Backstabbed in a Backwater Dungeon, I’m Out for Revenge!
Light’s Betrayal and the Ultimate Gacha Summons
For a series that screams ‘Solo Leveling’ from its very first episode, check out My Gift Lvl 9999 Unlimited Gacha. Light, discriminated against for his ‘worthless’ Unlimited Gacha ability, is betrayed and left for dead in a perilous dungeon. Sound familiar? On the brink of collapse, he desperately uses his gacha, summoning the Level 9999 warrior, Mei, and soon, an entire army of powerful allies. Now, Light is on a quest for revenge, mirroring Sung’s desperate power-up and subsequent shadow army. While the animation might not hit A-1 Pictures’ heights, the core narrative of a weakling unlocking immense summoning power for retribution is pure Solo Leveling gold.
Gachiakuta
Rudo’s Gritty Journey to Master a Dirty Power
Gachiakuta stands out as one of 2025’s best action anime, drawing clear parallels to Sung Jinwoo’s story. Rudo, a slum-dweller framed for murder, is thrown into the perilous ‘dump’ below the sky city, expected to die. Instead, he survives and discovers a society of ‘cleaners’ with special powers. Like Sung, Rudo is forced to master his unique abilities to survive and seek vengeance in a fascinating, yet dangerous, new world. Studio BONES delivers incredible world-building and raw, powerful action sequences as Rudo, fueled by anger and a thirst for justice, gradually learns to control his formidable power.
Overlord
Ainz Ooal Gown: The OP Evil Summoner Ascends
While Solo Leveling isn’t an isekai, it shares plenty of tropes with Overlord. Dive into the dark fantasy world of Ainz Ooal Gown, a player who finds himself trapped in his powerful lich avatar from a beloved MMORPG. Much like Sung, Ainz is an overwhelmingly powerful protagonist who leverages magic and a massive army of summoned beings to conquer his foes. He aims to protect his newfound kingdom and allies, initially seeking to keep a low profile. As his humanity slowly erodes, Ainz becomes more like the terrifying entity he created, embarking on an arc that, while distinct, echoes Sung’s dramatic transformation and mastery of summoning.
Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest
Hajime Is So, So Similar To Jinwoo
For perhaps the closest structural match to Solo Leveling, look no further than Arifureta. Hajime is the weakest among his classmates, all of whom are summoned to another world. He’s betrayed and left for dead in a dungeon, mirroring Jinwoo’s most harrowing moments. But like Sung, Hajime refuses to break. He rapidly adapts, undergoes an extreme power transformation, and emerges with overwhelming strength, a pragmatic ruthlessness, and an intimidating aura. His early arcs are pure dungeon survival, monster hunting, and resourcefulness, often alongside his vampiric companion, Yue. Hajime’s cold, calculating demeanor is strikingly similar to late-era Jinwoo, making this a must-watch for fans of extreme power progression.
To Be Hero X
Lin Ling: From Zero to Donghua Superhero
While Solo Leveling opened the door for many to manhwa, don’t overlook Chinese donghua! To Be Hero X is a fantastic entry point and shares surprising DNA with Sung Jinwoo’s saga. Lin Ling, an ordinary guy, is suddenly thrust into the role of a superhero, gaining overwhelming power because the public believes in him. He transforms from a nobody to a somebody special in an instant. Though not quite as OP as Sung, Lin’s journey features jaw-dropping animation and dynamic action sequences from Haoliners Animation League. Every episode brings a fresh, big fight against a new villain, complete with a superhero ranking system that feels akin to Solo Leveling‘s Hunter classifications. The art style is unique, but the visual spectacle is undeniable.
Wistoria: Wand And Sword
Will’s Unyielding Sword Against a World of Magic
From the brilliant mind behind DanMachi comes Wistoria: Wand and Sword. In a world where mages rule and warriors are scorned, Will, despite lacking magical talent, is determined to become a Magia Vander. Shunned by his peers, he tirelessly hones his physical combat skills in a dungeon, mirroring Sung Jinwoo’s relentless training. While Will isn’t as overwhelmingly powerful as Sung, his battles are intense, life-or-death struggles that evoke the high stakes of Solo Leveling‘s early seasons. Actas delivers top-notch action choreography, ensuring every swing of Will’s sword is as impactful as Sung’s shadow strikes.
Shangri-La Frontier
Rakurou’s Journey to Master the Ultimate VRMMO
Set primarily within a VRMMO, Shangri-La Frontier trades real-world stakes for pure gaming exhilaration, making it a fantastic recommendation for Solo Leveling fans. Rakurou, a seasoned ‘trash game’ player, dives into the acclaimed Shangri-La Frontier, quickly finding himself challenging colossal bosses, recruiting adorable allies, and constantly leveling up. Much like Sung Jinwoo, Rakurou starts relatively weak but grows exponentially with every encounter, mastering new skills and gear. C2C’s anime excels in dynamic action, blending reflex-based combat with strategic thinking. While Rakurou’s power doesn’t reach Sung’s overpowered heights, his battles are thrilling, back-and-forth struggles reminiscent of Solo Leveling‘s early, tension-filled dungeon crawls.
Visual Vibes
From the gritty realism of a post-apocalyptic world to the vibrant hues of high fantasy, the anime on this list showcase a breathtaking range of animation studios pushing boundaries. Expect fluid, impactful fight choreography, stunning visual effects, and dynamic character designs that capture every punch, spell, and transformation with an intensity that will keep you glued to your screen.
Why We’re Hyped
If Solo Leveling ignited a fire for epic power fantasies, relentless underdog journeys, and jaw-dropping action, then consider this your ultimate guide. Dive into these worlds where protagonists like Sung Jinwoo rise against all odds, rewrite their destinies, and leave a trail of awe-inspired viewers. Your next binge-worthy adventure awaits!
