Solo Leveling is one of the greatest anime of modern times, thanks to the incredible action it contains and a protagonist whose charm keeps fans glued to their seats as he levels up with each passing episode. Over time, the anime has risen to great heights, thanks to an amazing adaptation. A lot of Solo Leveling's success depends on its fast-paced action and eye-catching battles. It goes without saying Solo Leveling is interesting, but it's far from the best anime out there. These other series definitely have Solo Leveling beat, whether in action or in battles.
Jujutsu Kaisen
While Solo Leveling has definitely been a popular fighting focused anime, it doesn't hold a candle to Jujutsu Kaisen in that regard. Ever since its debut in 2021, Jujutsu Kaisen has simply been one of the most popular series ever. Jujutsu Kaisen has become one of the most successful franchises of the 2020s, and its story and intense battles revolving around wizards and curses have blown the competition out of the water. Jujutsu Kaisen is making a comeback soon with its Culling Game arc in January 2026.
The Suitor: Beyond Journey's End
Solo Leveling has always had a great rival i The Suitor: Beyond Journey's End. Both Solo Leveling and Frieren started around the same time, and both have been hugely successful. The suitor's anime, like Solo Leveling, features flashy battles with incredible animation. But while Solo Leveling lacks story, the Frier is molded by it. The Suitor follows the story of an elven mage with a very long lifespan. Although she never used to care deeply about other people's lives, she eventually changes and tries to meet her friend Himmel again.
One Piece
One Piece is quite different Solo Leveling in almost every way. The anime features some great fighting, just like Solo Leveling, but it's never been the sole focus of the story. One Piece is action-heavy and follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his crew through various arcs as he chases his ultimate goal – becoming the Pirate King. The One Piece anime has improved significantly in quality over the past few years, and it definitely stands out even among seasonal series.
Dragon Ball
Dragon Ball is the father of Shonen anime and manga. It might just be the most revolutionary series in the medium and without Dragon Ball the industry simply wouldn't be what it is today. Solo Leveling's Sung Jinwoo has had his fair share of struggles, though none have surpassed the pinnacle of Dragon Ball's fighting.
Initially, Dragon Ball was about a kid named Goku who was searching for Dragon Balls. But over time, the series evolved greatly, with powerful enemies and universe-shaking battles unfolding. Even 40 years later, the series is still going.
Naruto
Naruto is what some would call the pinnacle of Shonen, and worldwide it may be the single most recognizable anime series. Naruto's story has captivated millions and the main character's growth from a child to an adult where he becomes the Hokage of the village, unfolds over a few hundred episodes of pure entertainment.
Naruto's battles are some of the best in animefar surpasses anything Solo Leveling have posted so far. Naruto vs Pain or Sasuke vs Itachi, for example, are still some of the most iconic anime battles of all time.
If there's one anime series that fans would describe as perfection, it's none other than that Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. For a while, this anime was the highest rated anime of all time, and the reason why is clear. The characters are great, the story is borderline flawless, and the anime itself is one of the best of its time.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood follows the story of Edward Elric and his brother, Alphonse Elric. After a forbidden transformation in hopes of reviving his mother, everything goes wrong, and Alphonse loses his body. The two then set out to find the Philosopher's Stone in hopes of fixing what they had caused.
Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan has become an anime that has opened up the medium to millions who previously never thought anime was for them. The series has definitely become iconic in that regard, and that's largely thanks to its gruesome history.
In Attack on Titan, humans live within one of three walls, but one day one of the walls falls and the Titans, man-eating giants, make it through. After seeing his mother devoured in front of him, Eren, the protagonist, vows to kill all the Titans. Attack on Titan's story and characters are definitely something far above the level of Solo Leveling.
