Just finished Solo Leveling and craving more of that addictive power fantasy goodness? We get it. Watching Sung Jinwoo evolve from the weakest hunter to an unstoppable shadow monarch is pure anime adrenaline. The combination of video game mechanics, stunning action sequences, and a protagonist who keeps getting stronger scratches an itch that’s hard to satisfy elsewhere.
But don’t worry—we’ve assembled the ultimate list of anime that capture what makes Solo Leveling so addictive. Whether you’re here for the leveling systems, the OP main character, the monster-slaying action, or the dark fantasy vibes, these recommendations will keep you fed.
Our Top Picks
### 1. The Beginning After the End
- Episodes: 24+ (ongoing)
- Genre: Fantasy, Action, Isekai
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
- Why Watch: A king reincarnates into a magical world, retaining his memories and combat genius. Like Solo Leveling, it features a protagonist who steadily grows more powerful while navigating a world of dungeons and magic. The power progression is immensely satisfying, and Arthur is just as compelling as Jinwoo.
### 2. Sword Art Online
- Episodes: 96+ (ongoing)
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Romance
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll / Netflix / Hulu
- Why Watch: The OG video game isekai that pioneered many tropes Solo Leveling uses. Kirito is an overpowered gamer trapped in a death game, and while the tone is different, that same satisfaction of watching someone become the strongest player is absolutely there.
### 3. Overlord
- Episodes: 52 (Season 5 coming)
- Genre: Action, Fantasy, Isekai
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
- Why Watch: If you want a protagonist who’s ALREADY at max level and basically god-tier, Overlord delivers. Ainz is an undead sorcerer commanding an army of loyal monsters—similar vibes to Jinwoo’s shadow army. It’s darker and more strategic, but the power fantasy elements are top-tier.
### 4. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
- Episodes: 72+ (ongoing)
- Genre: Fantasy, Action, Isekai
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
- Why Watch: Rimuru starts as the weakest monster imaginable—a slime—and becomes one of the most powerful beings in existence. The power scaling, monster collecting, and nation-building aspects hit similar notes to Solo Leveling, just with a lighter tone.
### 5. Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest
- Episodes: 37+ (ongoing)
- Genre: Action, Fantasy, Isekai
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll / Hulu
- Why Watch: Betrayed and left for dead, Hajime claws his way from the bottom of a dungeon to become absurdly overpowered. The “zero to hero through sheer survival” journey mirrors Jinwoo’s transformation perfectly. Plus, he’s delightfully ruthless.
### 6. The Eminence in Shadow
- Episodes: 32+ (ongoing)
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Fantasy
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
- Why Watch: Cid wants to be an overpowered shadow mastermind—and accidentally becomes one for real. It’s a parody that’s also genuinely awesome, with incredible fight scenes rivaling Solo Leveling’s best moments. If you want power fantasy with comedy, this is it.
### 7. Jujutsu Kaisen
- Episodes: 48+ (ongoing)
- Genre: Action, Supernatural, Horror
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
- Why Watch: The stunning MAPPA animation and dark supernatural battles will feel familiar to Solo Leveling fans. While Yuji’s journey is different from Jinwoo’s, the spectacular fight choreography and curse-slaying action scratch the same itch.
### 8. Dungeon Meshi (Delicious in Dungeon)
- Episodes: 24 (Complete)
- Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Adventure
- Where to Watch: Netflix
- Why Watch: A different take on dungeon crawling—this one focuses on eating the monsters. It’s lighter and funnier, but the dungeon exploration, monster encounters, and party dynamics offer a cozy alternative to Solo Leveling’s intensity. A palate cleanser with substance.
### 9. Kaiju No. 8
- Episodes: 12+ (ongoing)
- Genre: Action, Sci-Fi
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
- Why Watch: An underdog gains incredible monster powers and rises through the ranks of a defense force. The power-up moments hit just as hard as Solo Leveling, and the animation quality is phenomenal. If you want modern monster-slaying action, this delivers.
### 10. Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
- Episodes: 47+ (ongoing)
- Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Drama
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
- Why Watch: Considered the grandfather of modern isekai, Mushoku Tensei features a protagonist who steadily grows from infant to legendary mage. The world-building is incredible, and watching Rudeus power up over years of training is deeply satisfying.
### 11. Berserk (1997)
- Episodes: 25 (Complete, serves as prologue)
- Genre: Action, Dark Fantasy, Horror
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
- Why Watch: Want the dark, gritty tone of Solo Leveling cranked to eleven? Berserk is the dark fantasy masterpiece. Guts’ journey from mercenary to demon-slayer is brutal and unforgettable. Be warned: it’s MUCH darker, but it’s also legendary.
### 12. Mob Psycho 100
- Episodes: 37 (Complete)
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Supernatural
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
- Why Watch: Mob is stupidly overpowered—possibly the strongest psychic in existence—but uses his powers reluctantly. The action is incredible and creative, and the story has surprising depth. If you want OP protagonist done differently, this is essential.
Quick Comparison Table
| Anime | Episodes | Similarity | Best For |
|——-|———-|————|———-|
| The Beginning After the End | 24+ | Power progression, dungeons | Closest Solo Leveling experience |
| Sword Art Online | 96+ | Game mechanics, OP MC | Classic video game fantasy |
| Overlord | 52 | Shadow army, god-tier MC | Already maxed power fantasy |
| Slime Isekai | 72+ | Monster collecting, growth | Lighter power fantasy |
| Arifureta | 37+ | Zero to hero, dungeons | Edgy revenge power-up |
| Eminence in Shadow | 32+ | Shadow powers, OP MC | Power fantasy + comedy |
| Jujutsu Kaisen | 48+ | Animation, monster battles | Dark supernatural action |
| Dungeon Meshi | 24 | Dungeon crawling | Cozy dungeon exploration |
| Kaiju No. 8 | 12+ | Monster powers, underdog | Modern monster action |
| Mushoku Tensei | 47+ | Long-term power growth | Epic isekai journey |
| Berserk | 25 | Dark tone, struggle | Mature dark fantasy |
| Mob Psycho 100 | 37 | OP psychic powers | Creative action comedy |
How We Chose
When selecting anime similar to Solo Leveling, we focused on these core elements:
Power Progression: That addictive feeling of watching someone get stronger. Level-ups, new abilities, satisfying growth arcs.
Video Game/System Elements: Stats, skills, dungeons, rankings—the gamified world that Solo Leveling popularized.
Overpowered Protagonists: Characters who become dominant forces in their worlds, whether through struggle or natural talent.
Dark Fantasy/Action: Monster battles, supernatural threats, and high-stakes combat with quality animation.
Modern Quality: Mostly recent anime with animation that can stand alongside Solo Leveling’s gorgeous visuals.
Start Your Journey
If you want the closest match: Start with The Beginning After the End or Arifureta—they capture the dungeon-crawling power progression best.
If you want premium animation: Jujutsu Kaisen and Kaiju No. 8 rival Solo Leveling’s visual spectacle.
If you want an established franchise: Sword Art Online or That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime offer tons of content to binge.
If you want something darker: Berserk or Overlord lean into the more brutal side of fantasy.
Solo Leveling may have set a new standard for power fantasy anime, but these series prove the genre has incredible depth. Time to find your next obsession.