Solo Leveling has taken the anime world by storm, smashing records and dominating the conversation among fans and critics alike. Adapted from Chugong’s beloved web novel and manhwa, the series has quickly climbed to the top of anime rankings, outpacing long-standing giants like One Piece and Demon Slayer. With its jaw-dropping animation, high-stakes battles, and an overpowered protagonist, Solo Leveling has captivated audiences worldwide. But amidst all the praise, the question remains whether the anime truly lives up to the hype, or is it just another fleeting hit?

The numbers certainly make a good case for its success. Solo Leveling season 2, episode 11, currently boasts an impressive 9.8/10 rating on IMDb according to @otakuinsider on X (formerly Twitter), with nearly 1,000 reviews. On Crunchyroll, the show has become the second most-reviewed anime, suring Demon Slayer and even the giant One Piece’s long-held top spot. With only a few episodes remaining in its second season, its momentum shows no signs of slowing. But beyond the numbers, is Solo Leveling an anime that deserves this level of praise? There are several reasons why it does and why fans love it.

The Record-Breaking Success of Solo Leveling

Solo Leveling is Arguably the Most Successful Anime of All Time

Solo Leveling's meteoric rise has been nothing short of spectacular. Since its premiere, the anime has consistently outperformed expectations, becoming one of Crunchyroll’s most-watched and reviewed series. The show’s ability to overtake One Piece as Crunchyroll’s most popular title is an absolutely huge milestone, considering One Piece’s decades-long reign in the anime world. The fact that Solo Leveling has reached this level in such a short period speaks volumes about its impact on the industry.

Another major indicator of its popularity is its IMDb rating. Season 2, episode 11, has an astonishing 9.8/10 rating, with nearly 1,000 reviews, which is a massive testament to how much fans are enjoying the show’s latest episodes and releases. This level of acclaim is usually reserved for established classics that have been out for many years and have long followings, yet Solo Leveling has managed to earn its place among the greats in record time. The hype surrounding the anime is undeniable, but what exactly is driving its explosive growth?

A large factor behind Solo Leveling’s success is its built-in fanbase. The original web novel and manhwa were already immensely popular around the world, creating a dedicated audience eager to see their favorite story brought to life in an anime format. Additionally, the anime’s high production quality, stylish animation, and faithful adaptation of the source material have only strengthened its appeal. Combined with strategic marketing and word-of-mouth buzz, Solo Leveling has become an unstoppable force in the anime community and with each weekly episode it only continues to grow.

What Makes Solo Leveling Stand Out?

Why Is Solo Leveling Such a Big Hit With Anime Fans?

One of Solo Leveling's biggest strengths is its protagonist, Sung Jinwoo. Unlike many anime heroes who start off weak and gradually grow stronger, Jinwoo is a rare example of a character who undergoes an extraordinary transformation almost immediately. This can, unfortunately, make Solo Leveling sometimes feel like it has a power fantasy problem, but it is good for the most part. His journey from being the weakest hunter to an unstoppable force is exciting and fun to watch, and his cool, confident demeanor makes him one of the most enjoyable main characters in recent anime history.

The animation quality is another key highlight. A-1 Pictures has gone all out to make sure that Solo Leveling’s fights are nothing short of breathtaking, bringing some of 2025's best animation early on in the year. The fluidity of motion, striking color palettes, and dynamic camera angles make every battle feel cinematic and intense. This level of visual art makes the overall experience of watching Solo Leveling even better, making the anime feel larger than life. Fans have praised the adaptation for capturing the high-energy action sequences that made the manhwa so beloved.

Additionally, Solo Leveling’s pacing sets it apart from other series. While many anime series tend to drag out battles or rely on excessive exposition, Solo Leveling keeps the action moving at a breakneck pace, with new enemies pretty much every single episode. Each episode delivers a lot of story progression, making sure that viewers remain interested without unnecessary filler. This tight storytelling structure makes the anime particularly appealing to modern audiences who prefer fast-paced, high-stakes narratives with few slow-downs.

Is Solo Leveling Worth the Hype?

Is Solo Leveling Another Over-Hyped Series or Is It Worth the Time to Watch?

With so many records shattered and countless fans singing its praises, is Solo Leveling truly worth watching? The answer is a resounding yes. While hype can sometimes exaggerate a series’ quality, Solo Leveling manages to deliver on its promises and its record-breaking time and time again proves this. It provides a thrilling power fantasy, stunning visuals, and a lovable protagonist that fans want to root for each week, which are all the ingredients of a great anime. Whether anime watchers are a longtime fan of the manhwa or completely new to the series, Solo Leveling offers an experience that is both satisfying and exciting.

However, it is important to acknowledge that Solo Leveling is not perfect, no matter what even the most die-hard fans say. While its action-packed storytelling is a major draw, some viewers might find the plot predictable, especially if they are familiar with common power fantasy tropes. Additionally, the ing cast does not receive as much development as Jinwoo, which may leave some characters feeling underutilized, and the show feeling very bland and repetitive at times. That said, these minor shortcomings do not take away from the overall enjoyment of the series and are merely a small warning for people looking to start the series.

Ultimately, Solo Leveling has more than earned its place among anime’s biggest titles.

Ultimately, Solo Leveling has more than earned its place among anime’s biggest titles. The records it continues to break are a reflection of its widespread appeal, and its ability to challenge industry giants like One Piece speaks to its staying power. Whether or not it will maintain this momentum in the long run and garner an adaptation of Solo Leveling: Ragnarok remains to be seen, but for now, Solo Leveling stands as one of the most electrifying and fun anime experiences of recent years.

Source: @otakuinsider/X