Solo Levelinghas taken the anime world by storm, smashing records and dominating the conversation among fans and critics alike. Adapted from Chugong’s beloved web novel and manhwa, the series has quickly climbed to the top of anime rankings, outpacing long-standing giants likeOne PieceandDemon Slayer. With its jaw-dropping animation, high-stakes battles, and an overpowered protagonist,Solo Levelinghas captivated audiences worldwide. But amidst all the praise, the question remains whether the anime truly lives up to the hype, or is it just another fleeting hit?
The numbers certainly make a good case for its success.Solo Levelingseason 2, episode 11, currently boasts an impressive 9.8/10 rating on IMDb according to@otakuinsideron X (formerly Twitter), with nearly 1,000 reviews.On Crunchyroll, the show has become the second most-reviewed anime, surpassingDemon Slayerand even the giantOne Piece’s long-held top spot. With only a few episodes remaining in its second season, its momentum shows no signs of slowing. But beyond the numbers, isSolo Levelingan anime that deserves this level of praise? There are several reasons why it does and why fans love it.
The Record-Breaking Success of Solo Leveling
Solo Leveling is Arguably the Most Successful Anime of All Time
Solo Leveling’smeteoric rise has been nothing short of spectacular. Since its premiere, the anime has consistently outperformed expectations, becoming one of Crunchyroll’s most-watched and reviewed series.The show’s ability to overtakeOne Pieceas Crunchyroll’s most popular title is an absolutely huge milestone, consideringOne Piece’sdecades-long reign in the anime world. The fact thatSolo Levelinghas reached this level in such a short period speaks volumes about its impact on the industry.
Solo Leveling’s New Arc Is One of the Manhwa’s Best: Why You Should Be Excited for Jeju Island
Solo Leveling is one of the greatest new gen anime that is currently releasing and it is about to hit its biggest and best manhwa arc.
Another major indicator of its popularity is its IMDb rating. Season 2, episode 11, has an astonishing 9.8/10 rating, with nearly 1,000 reviews, which is a massive testament to how much fans are enjoying the show’s latest episodes and releases. This level of acclaim is usually reserved for established classics that have been out for many years and have long followings, yetSolo Levelinghas managed to earn its place among the greats in record time. The hype surrounding the anime is undeniable, but what exactly is driving its explosive growth?
A large factor behindSolo Leveling’ssuccess is its built-in fanbase. The original web novel and manhwa were already immensely popular around the world, creating a dedicated audience eager to see their favorite story brought to life in an anime format. Additionally, the anime’s high production quality, stylish animation, and faithful adaptation of the source material have only strengthened its appeal. Combined with strategic marketing and word-of-mouth buzz,Solo Levelinghas become an unstoppable force in the anime communityand with each weekly episode it only continues to grow.
What Makes Solo Leveling Stand Out?
Why Is Solo Leveling Such a Big Hit With Anime Fans?
One ofSolo Leveling’sbiggest strengths is its protagonist, Sung Jinwoo. Unlike many anime heroes who start off weak and gradually grow stronger, Jinwoo is a rare example of a character who undergoes an extraordinary transformation almost immediately. This can, unfortunately,makeSolo Levelingsometimes feel like it has a power fantasy problem, but it is good for the most part. His journey from being the weakest hunter to an unstoppable force is exciting and fun to watch, and his cool, confident demeanor makes him one of the most enjoyable main characters in recent anime history.
The animation quality is another key highlight. A-1 Pictures has gone all out to make sure thatSolo Leveling’sfights are nothing short of breathtaking, bringing some of 2025’s best animation early on in the year. The fluidity of motion, striking color palettes, and dynamic camera angles make every battle feel cinematic and intense.This level of visual art makes the overall experience of watchingSolo Levelingeven better, making the anime feel larger than life. Fans have praised the adaptation for capturing the high-energy action sequences that made the manhwa so beloved.
Additionally,Solo Leveling’spacing sets it apart from other series. While many anime series tend to drag out battles or rely on excessive exposition,Solo Levelingkeeps the action moving at a breakneck pace, with new enemies pretty much every single episode. Each episode delivers a lot of story progression, making sure that viewers remain interested without unnecessary filler. This tight storytelling structure makes the anime particularly appealing to modern audiences who prefer fast-paced, high-stakes narratives with few slow-downs.
Is Solo Leveling Worth the Hype?
Is Solo Leveling Another Over-Hyped Series or Is It Worth the Time to Watch?
With so many records shattered and countless fans singing its praises, isSolo Levelingtruly worth watching? The answer is a resounding yes. While hype can sometimes exaggerate a series’ quality,Solo Levelingmanages to deliver on its promises and its record-breakingtime and time again proves this. It provides a thrilling power fantasy, stunning visuals, and a lovable protagonist that fans want to root for each week, which are all the ingredients of a great anime. Whether anime watchers are a longtime fan of the manhwa or completely new to the series,Solo Levelingoffers an experience that is both satisfying and exciting.
However,it is important to acknowledge thatSolo Levelingis not perfect, no matter what even the most die-hard fans say.While its action-packed storytelling is a major draw, some viewers might find the plot predictable, especially if they are familiar with common power fantasy tropes. Additionally, the supporting cast does not receive as much development as Jinwoo, which may leave some characters feeling underutilized, and the show feeling very bland and repetitive at times. That said, these minor shortcomings do not take away from the overall enjoyment of the series and are merely a small warning for people looking to start the series.
Ultimately,Solo Levelinghas more than earned its place among anime’s biggest titles.
Ultimately,Solo Levelinghas more than earned its place among anime’s biggest titles. The records it continues to break are a reflection of its widespread appeal, and its ability to challenge industry giants likeOne Piecespeaks to its staying power. Whether or not it will maintain this momentum in the long run andgarner an adaptation ofSolo Leveling: Ragnarokremains to be seen, but for now,Solo Levelingstands as one of the most electrifying and fun anime experiences of recent years.
