Top 24 Anime Similar to Solo Leveling

Overview

Underdog stories transcend cultural boundaries, echoing from age-old myths to contemporary anime.
Both Solo Leveling and Blue Lock delve into ambition, identity, and themes of redemption through their riveting narratives.
Similar to Solo Leveling, series like Naruto and My Hero Academia depict characters who defy the odds to attain greatness.

Underdog narratives are prevalent within popular culture, rooted deep within ancient lore and folktales. Characters emerging from challenging backgrounds, fighting against overwhelming odds to reach their ambitious dreams, resonate profoundly with audiences, often leaving a significant impact.

The anime Solo Leveling illustrates this concept beautifully, showcasing the gripping story of Sung Jinwoo, a young adult desperate to alter his fate and rewrite his life’s storyline. It prominently features themes of ambition, redemption, and purpose while telling an exhilarating tale. This series thrills viewers with electrifying battles that provoke an adrenaline rush, similar to the following recommendations.

Updated March 27, 2025 by Mark Sammut: As Solo Leveling enters its second season, excitement builds around its continuation, with hopes for a forthcoming third season. Fans can explore additional captivating anime such as Solo Leveling, though this Spring 2025 lineup may not offer many enticing options, except for the adaptation of The Beginning After The End.

1 Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions

A Captivating Isekai Experience

Hai to Gensou no Grimgar chronicles a diverse group of unlikely warriors thrust into an unfamiliar realm. As new recruits of the Reserve Army, they undertake perilous missions for Grimgar’s survival. The stakes are high in this game-like world, where failure could mean losing their lives if they do not adapt swiftly to harsh survival tactics.

This anime is perfect for those who find thrill in Solo Leveling. With its intricate world-building and profound character arcs, Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions promises a riveting narrative that lingers in the minds of its viewers.

2 Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic

For fans of Solo Leveling eager for adventure, Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic should be next on your watchlist. This action-packed series immerses viewers in a richly crafted world intertwined with dungeon exploration and formidable foes. The narrative centers around Alibaba Saluja, a 17-year-old on a journey to conquer dungeons, forging unbreakable bonds and uncovering transformative truths along the way.

3 Shangri-La Frontier

Mastering the Game

Set mainly within a video game universe, Shangri-La Frontier lacks the life-and-death tension of Solo Leveling, where defeat merely results in a loss of progress. However, it offers exciting action sequences that bear a similarity to Solo Leveling. Rakurou, a former player of less engaging games, dives into the titular MMORPG, facing enormous bosses, forming delightful alliances, and discovering treasure-laden side quests.

The series emphasizes action, blending reflexive combat with strategic elements while maintaining humorous undertones that differ from Solo Leveling. Rakurou begins as an underdog, but his journey allows him to evolve into a robust contender battling foes at his level.

4 Failure Frame: I Became the Strongest and Annihilated Everything With Low-Level Spells

Transforming from Weak to Strong

Although Failure Frame may not achieve the same acclaim as Solo Leveling, particularly regarding animation quality, it shares thematic parallels. Protagonist Touka starts as a bullied weakling who unlocks unexpected powerful skills in a new world summoned by a goddess. Once destined for demise in a dungeon, he discovers that his spells are momentously accurate, leading to remarkable growth and unparalleled strength.

While both characters face divergent circumstances, the arcs of Touka and Sung Jinwoo echo similar sentiments: both must grind through challenges, utilizing their unique abilities to transform into formidable beings that defy expectations.

5 Undead Unluck

A High-Stakes Shounen Adventure

In a riveting blend of action and comedy, Undead Unluck captivates audiences with the escapades of Fuuko and Andy, both cursed with powers that compel them toward death. Before realizing their end goals, they must unite against a deadly organization. The series strikes an excellent balance between thrilling action, humor, and robust character development, consistently delivering high-quality animation.

6 Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

An Epic Shounen Saga

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood delves into themes of sacrifice and self-discovery hardships. Following a grave transgression of human transmutation, brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric embark on a transformative journey filled with heart-wrenching lessons. Similarly, Sung Jin-Woo experiences significant trauma, spurring his evolution along a path of growth.

Both series feature intense battles intertwined with multifaceted philosophical themes, fostering a richer narrative that extends beyond mere action sequences.

7 Demon Slayer

A Gripping Tale of Revenge

After his family is brutally slain and his sister is transformed into a demon, Tanjiro Kamado is driven by vengeance, joining the Demon Slayer Corps to eliminate Muzan Kibutsuji, the progenitor of demons. In his quest, he vows to strike down demons mercilessly, yet he remains compassionate toward those who exhibit remorse.

Both Tanjiro and Sung Jin-Woo represent the quintessential underdog narrative, battling harsh realities on paths of transformation while cultivating their inner strengths. The epic battles prevalent in Demon Slayer will undoubtedly appeal to fans of Solo Leveling.

8 Jujutsu Kaisen

A Unique Tale of Curses

High schooler Yuuji Itadori’s mundane existence shifts dramatically upon discovering a cursed object, plunging him into a realm filled with supernatural threats. As he confronts these menaces and adapts to his extraordinary abilities, Yuuji bears significant responsibilities akin to Sung Jin-Woo, tackling formidable challenges that test his resolve and character.

9 One Piece

The Pirate’s Indomitable Quest

Eiichiro Oda’s epic masterpiece chronicles Monkey D. Luffy’s quest to locate the legendary treasure and claim the title of King of the Pirates. Luffy’s unwavering determination reflects themes of adventure and friendship as he navigates a world rich in exploration and peril. The extensive battles portrayed resonate with the same intensity that Solo Leveling fans admire.

10 One Punch Man

The Ultimate Action Comedy

Once a hopeful hero, Saitama becomes so powerful through rigorous training that he finds battles less thrilling. Yet, he crosses paths with Genos, a young cyborg whose admiration rejuvenates his zest for heroism.One Punch Man depicts Saitama wrestling with his quest for excitement while forging bonds amidst his adventures. The character dynamics, coupled with thrilling encounters, will undoubtedly appeal to Solo Leveling enthusiasts.

11 Kaiju No.8

An Underdog’s Road to Redemption

Kaiju No.8 narrates the tale of Kafka Hibino, who once aspired to join the Defense Force and battle kaiju but finds himself in a mundane cleaning job. A chance event grants him the power to transform into a kaijuu, reigniting his desire to protect humanity alongside his childhood friend Mina Ashiro. This journey mirrors that of Solo Leveling‘s Sung Jin-Woo, illustrating personal growth through extraordinary circumstances and newfound abilities.

12 Tower of God

Ascend Towards Greatness

Tower of God (or Kami no Tou) shares thematic resemblances with Solo Leveling, both featuring a multifaceted hierarchical world and characters who confront adversity driven by sheer will and resolve. The story follows Twenty-Fifth Bam, who, after enduring isolation, decides to chase his friend Rachel up the enigmatic tower, marking the commencement of his extraordinary journey. While it may not match Solo Leveling in animation quality, Tower of God delivers an engaging narrative filled with action and complex social dynamics.

13 Blue Lock

A Dynamic Sports Saga

After a critical misstep at a high school soccer match, Yoichi Isagi’s aspirations of competing for the nationals seem dashed. However, he earns a spot in Blue Lock, a rigorous program designed to cultivate the next superstar striker. Battling fierce rivals equipped with remarkable talents, Yoichi’s journey takes him through emotional and competitive trials similar to those faced by Sung Jinwoo in Solo Leveling. Despite its sports backdrop, Blue Lock captivates with its captivating narrative twists.

14 Attack On Titan

An Unrelenting Shonen Adventure

In a world devastated by giant humanoid Titans, humanity’s fight for survival becomes incomprehensible. Eren Yeager pledges to eradicate these monsters following a heartbreaking tragedy. This narrative, rife with dramatic confrontations, offers parallels to Solo Leveling, striking chords with action-loving audiences as both series showcase gripping battles alongside ongoing character development.

15 Black Clover

A Captivating Shounen Journey

Black Clover follows childhood friends Asta and Yuno, both aspiring to become the Wizard King. Despite Asta’s lack of magical abilities, his relentless training leads him to unexpected discoveries. With Yuno’s prowess demonstrating their contrasting journeys, the series presents an exhilarating array of fights reminiscent of those in Solo Leveling. Both accolades highlight the power of determination and friendship against challenging odds.

16 My Hero Academia

An Underdog Hero’s Journey

In My Hero Academia, Izuku Midoriya lives in a world dominated by individuals with superpowers, known as Quirks. Despite being born without any capabilities, his determination catches the attention of All Might, the legendary hero, leading to extraordinary twists of fate. Like Sung Jinwoo, Izuku transforms from a powerless individual into a beacon of hope through his resolve and aspirations, reflecting the essence of the underdog story.

17 The Rising Of The Shield Hero

An Engaging Isekai Adventure

Aneko Yusagi’s The Rising of the Shield Hero tells a gripping story of overlooked redemption as Naofumi Iwatani is mocked for his perceived weaknesses as the Shield Hero. Facing betrayal and ridicule, he embarks on a quest to reclaim his honor, illustrating the archetypal underdog’s struggle seen in Solo Leveling, where transformation and resilience take center stage.

18 Hunter x Hunter

An Engaging Shounen Epic

Hunter x Hunter is often celebrated as a pinnacle of shounen anime, featuring a captivating blend of an enthralling premise and remarkable character journeys. The storyline navigates through Gon Freecss’s quest to find his long-lost father, showcasing moral dilemmas and personal growth that reflect the trials faced by protagonists in Solo Leveling. The thrill of battle paired with the evolving personal dynamics makes this anime a must-watch.

19 Bleach

A Journey of a Soul Reaper

Bleach captures the adventure of Ichigo Kurosaki as he unwittingly becomes a Soul Reaper amidst supernatural chaos. Ichigo grapples with philosophical quests and ethical dilemmas while battling formidable foes. The series chronicles an underdog’s rise to prominence, much like the transformative journey explored in Solo Leveling, emphasizing personal development against overwhelming odds.

20 Mashle

Combining Humor with Action

Mashle uniquely intertwines humor and action, depicting Mash Burnedead, a boy born without magic in a magical realm. He battles for recognition in a society that shuns him, showcasing his resolve as he competes at Easton Magic Academy. While more comedic in tone, Mashle shares thematic elements with Solo Leveling, focusing on an underdog’s fight against extraordinary circumstances.

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