Solo Leveling is one of the most popular new anime series right now. While Solo Leveling isn't really an Isekai, it's often compared to shows from the genre. Strictly speaking, Sung Jinwoo is not transported to another world so Solo Leveling cannot be an Isekai.
Solo leveling is over, but these anime will fulfill your cravings
Solo Leveling season 2 ended, but these other anime series will fill the gap for fans.
But the abundance of Isekai tropes cannot be ignored. Because of that, Solo Leveling is often compared to many other Isekai seriesespecially those that also share similar elements, such as video game mechanics. Solo Leveling is definitely fun to watch, but it lacks when it comes to depth and lore. Other Isekai series, on the other hand, actually have it in abundance.
Lord of Mysteries
Lord of Mysteries is a new anime series that just debuted in 2025, and it's easy to see why fans are obsessed with what they've seen so far. Based on a Chinese novel, Lord of Mysteries follows the story of Zhou Mingrui. After committing suicide, he wakes up as Klein Moretti in a world reminiscent of the Victorian era. By becoming a Beyonder, he sets out to uncover the many mysteries surrounding this world and his past life.
Lord of Mysteries has captivating writingand so far it is superior to anything that has been seen in it Solo Leveling. Fans can't wait for the anime to return with season 2, which has already been confirmed.
The time I was reincarnated as a slime
If it's an Isekai series that has taken the world by storm, it is The time I was reincarnated as a slime. This series is Japan's most popular Isekai at the moment, and the story, just like Solo Leveling, has an overwhelmed main character.
The main character dies in the original world and wakes up as a slime in another. That slime quickly begins to grow stronger and eventually takes the name Rimuru Tempest. Rimuru Tempest has become one of the most popular OP main characters, even more than Sung Jinwoo.
Re: Zero — Starting Life In Another World
When it comes to iconic Isekai series, there is absolutely no forgetting Re: Zero, the typical Isekai anime. Re: Zero follows the story of the main character Subaru Natsuki. When he wakes up in another world, he quickly realizes what kind of powers he possesses. Each time he dies, time turns back, giving him the chance to approach situations differently and survive different trials.
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Re:Zero's plot has definitely captivated many, and its lore is so deep that it will have many more anime seasons. Meanwhile, Solo Leveling is short and probably won't exceed four anime seasons in total.
Shangri-La Frontier
Shangri-La Frontier is an Isekai series that fans have come to love over the years. Solo Leveling makes use of many video game elements through its system, but nothing compared to Shangri-La Frontier.
Shangri-La Frontier follows Rakuro Hizutome, who likes “old fashioned” games. These games have come to be called trash games in his current world. Eventually, however, he buys Shangri-La Frontier, which is a full immersion game. In there, he uses the trash game skills he's learned. Fans looking for a more video game focused series would definitely prefer this over Solo Leveling.
The Rising Of The Shield Hero
The Rising of the Shield Hero has risen to become one of the most popular Isekai anime series in recent years, and it definitely reminds many of Solo Leveling.
The Rising of the Shield Hero tells the story of Naofumi Iwatani. After being transported to another world with three other men, he becomes the Shield Hero. This was not something he was particularly excited about at first. After all, the other three men got actual weapons, while he was stuck with a shield. But eventually he learns how overpowered his powers really can be. On his journey, he finds new allies and a goal to protect this newfound world. Like Solo Leveling, this series has interesting video game-like mechanics that fans will love.
Sword Art Online
Some would not consider Sword Art Online a true Isekai. Although the main characters were not taken into a completely different world, they were placed in a virtual one. By all means, Sword Art Online is an Isekai, and it's the anime that really popularized the genre overseas.
Sword Art Online follows Kirito, who is trapped, along with many others, in a virtual video game world known as SAO. Whoever logs in is stuck. At least initially, the main goal is to break out. The early seasons of Sword Art Online are definitely a must-watch, and some would say they're even better than Solo Leveling.
