In a saturated anime market filled with shōnen juggernauts and seasonal hits, Solo Leveling has quickly risen to become one of the most talked-about new franchises. The anime adaptation of the Korean web novel and webtoon has not only drawn attention for its high-stakes battles and striking animation but also for the sheer volume of buzz it has generated globally. But recent data suggests the hype may not just be noise, it is a reflection of real, worldwide impact.

Kakao Entertainment, which oversees much of the franchise’s global licensing, announced that Solo Leveling season 2 was the most-watched anime on Crunchyroll during the first quarter of 2025, according to Anime Corner. The news follows its Anime of the Year win at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards. From record-breaking streams to high rankings in Japan, Hong Kong, and across English-speaking regions, it seems Solo Leveling might not just be “popular”, it may be dominating.

Solo Leveling is a Genuine Global Powerhouse

Solo Leveling is Conquering the World, One Stream at a Time

The success of Solo Leveling is not limited to Western audiences. According to Kakao Entertainment, the series topped streaming charts in multiple territories, including Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Japan. It ranked number one on Japan’s Amazon and ABEMA platforms, indicating strong domestic interest even in a market typically dominated by native titles. That is no small feat for a Korean-origin story competing on anime’s home turf.

What is more telling is how both seasons managed to maintain momentum. Season 1, released in early 2024, was already Crunchyroll’s most popular title that year. Season 2 replicated that success, proving that the show was not just a one-season wonder. Its continued visibility across continents suggests a level of mainstream crossover that most anime, even big-name ones, rarely achieve.

Solo Leveling is Way More Than Just Hype

Solo Leveling is Breaking Records, Winning Awards, and Teasing Season 3

Solo Leveling is not just winning on streaming charts, it is breaking engagement records, too. Demon Slayer as the most-rated series on Crunchyroll, an impressive stat given the long-standing dominance of those franchises. Additionally, the sequel webtoon Solo Leveling: Ragnarok sured 100 million views on KakaoPage, further showing fan interest is deep and ongoing across multiple formats.

Behind the scenes, the momentum has sparked serious optimism for future content. While season 3 of Solo Leveling has not been officially announced, Crunchyroll’s SVP Mitchel Berger recently hinted that more episodes are likely. The production team’s tone suggests confidence rather than uncertainty, which is a sign that Solo Leveling is being positioned not just as a seasonal success but as a long-term franchise.

With growing accolades, multi-platform dominance, and an eager global fanbase, it is fair to say Solo Leveling is not just popular, it is a cultural force. If these trends continue, it might not just the anime hall of fame; it could redefine what international success looks like for the genre.