Anime fans have witnessed the rise of several groundbreaking series, but few have achieved the meteoric success of Solo Leveling. The anime adaptation of Chugong’s hit manhwa has taken the anime world by storm, shattering records and surpassing legendary titles like One Piece and Demon Slayer on Crunchyroll.
As of March 2025, Solo Leveling has officially become the highest-rated anime on Crunchyroll, with nearly 600,000 user ratings—a milestone that even long-running classics have struggled to reach. With its unique storytelling, breathtaking animation, and the power of its source material, Solo Leveling has solidified itself as one of the greatest anime of all time.
Breaking Records: How Solo Leveling Became No.1 on Crunchyroll
The numbers speak for themselves:
- Solo Leveling – 599,647 ratings
- One Piece – 595,478 ratings
- Demon Slayer – 587,381 ratings
Crunchyroll, the leading anime streaming platform, has never seen such a rapid rise in ratings for a new anime. Solo Leveling’s dominance proves that the demand for high-quality manhwa adaptations is stronger than ever.
One of the biggest factors behind this success is the record-breaking reception of its first and second seasons:
- Solo Leveling Season 1 (January–March 2024) debuted with over 10 million viewers in its first week, making it one of Crunchyroll’s most-watched premieres.
- Solo Leveling Season 2 (March 2025) broke Crunchyroll’s record for the most-liked premiere, gaining 129,000 likes in 24 hours, surpassing the previous record of 114,000 likes set by its own first season.
What Makes Solo Leveling So Popular?
The overwhelming success of Solo Leveling isn’t just about the numbers. There are several key reasons why this anime has become a global phenomenon.
1. A Fresh Take on the Power Fantasy Genre
The anime industry has long been dominated by shonen battle series like Naruto, Dragon Ball, and One Piece. Solo Leveling, however, brings something new to the table. It blends the power fantasy genre with RPG elements, making it an instant favorite among gamers and anime fans alike.
Jinwoo’s transformation from the weakest hunter to an all-powerful Shadow Monarch is executed with perfect pacing, high-stakes action, and emotional depth, making every moment feel earned.
2. High-Quality Animation by A-1 Pictures
Animation plays a crucial role in an anime’s success, and Solo Leveling delivers some of the best visuals in recent years. A-1 Pictures (the studio behind Sword Art Online and 86) has outdone itself with:
- Smooth and fluid fight sequences that elevate the intensity of every battle.
- Cinematic lighting and shading that enhance the dark and mysterious tone of the series.
- Stunning monster and dungeon designs that make every episode visually captivating.
3. A Powerful Soundtrack by Hiroyuki Sawano
No anime is complete without a great soundtrack, and Solo Leveling was lucky enough to have Hiroyuki Sawano (composer for Attack on Titan and Blue Exorcist) create its music.
From the epic orchestral battle themes to the emotional melodies during Jinwoo’s lowest moments, Sawano’s soundtrack adds another layer of depth to the anime’s storytelling.
4. The Strength of the Source Material
The Solo Leveling anime was bound to be a hit because of the sheer popularity of its source material. The original web novel and manhwa had already amassed millions of fans worldwide.
- The Solo Leveling manhwa had over 14.2 billion views globally before the anime aired.
- The novel was translated into multiple languages, increasing its international appeal.
The anime stayed faithful to the source material, pleasing existing fans while also attracting a new audience unfamiliar with the story.
5. The Hype and Marketing Strategy
Solo Leveling’s marketing campaign played a huge role in its massive success. Crunchyroll and Aniplex made sure the anime was constantly in the spotlight with:
- Multiple trailers showcasing its high-quality animation
- Early access screenings in select theaters, building anticipation
- Social media engagement, keeping fans excited with behind-the-scenes content
The hype paid off, turning Solo Leveling into a must-watch event rather than just another seasonal anime.
Solo Leveling’s Impact on the Anime Industry
The Rise of Manhwa Adaptations
The success of Solo Leveling has paved the way for more Korean webtoon and manhwa adaptations. Studios are now looking beyond traditional manga to find new and exciting stories.
Following Solo Leveling, anime adaptations of other hit manhwa titles like Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint, Tower of God Season 2, and The Return of the Disaster-Class Hero have gained momentum.
A New Standard for Animation
The stunning animation quality of Solo Leveling has set a new benchmark for action anime. Fans now expect similar levels of fluidity and detail in future anime, pushing studios to invest more in high-quality production.
Reviving the Power Fantasy Genre
While isekai and power fantasy stories have been popular for years, Solo Leveling has reinvented the genre by focusing on character growth and intense action rather than overused clichés.
This success signals a shift in audience preferences, showing that fans crave well-written protagonists with clear progression arcs.
What’s Next for Solo Leveling?
Solo Leveling Season 2 (Arise from the Shadow Arc)
With Season 1 covering the Job Change Arc and Red Gate Arc, Season 2 will take things to the next level. Fans can expect:
- Jinwoo’s rise to international fame as he takes on S-Rank quests
- The introduction of stronger enemies, including the Monarchs
- Even more intense battles, with animation quality likely surpassing Season 1
A Potential Solo Leveling Movie?
With the anime’s insane popularity, a Solo Leveling movie adaptation of the later arcs could become a reality. Movies for hit series like Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen have been box-office smashes, and Solo Leveling could follow suit.
Spin-offs and Expanded Universe?
Rumors suggest that Side Stories focusing on other hunters and the Solo Leveling: Ragnarok sequel (following Jinwoo’s son) might also be adapted in the future.
Conclusion
Solo Leveling has redefined the anime landscape, proving that a manhwa adaptation can dominate the industry just as much as traditional manga-based series. Its record-breaking ratings on Crunchyroll, stunning animation, and gripping storyline have set a new benchmark for action anime.
With Season 2 on the horizon, the anime is only going to get bigger, and the potential for spin-offs, movies, or even a Solo Leveling: Ragnarok adaptation keeps fans excited for the future. This isn’t just another hit anime—it’s a cultural phenomenon that will be remembered for years to come.
Want to read the full Solo Leveling manga arc-wise? 👉 Read here
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