Solo Leveling’s Biggest Rival Will Surpass It In 2026

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This article contains spoilers from Solo Leveling.

Currently, Solo Leveling is a hugely popular anime, and its first season was a major reason why. Season 1 set the stage for success, and Season 2 confirmed its status as a sensation. Many consider Solo Leveling to be one of the biggest anime series available, and it’s likely to grow even more popular with future seasons—whenever those may arrive. However, it’s competing with many other excellent shows, some of which are just as good. Fans should know that Season 3 of Solo Leveling isn’t expected to be released for quite some time.

There hasn’t been any news about a third season of Solo Leveling yet, which gives other shows a chance to gain popularity. The Apothecary Diaries is currently the biggest competitor for 2025, and it’s making a strong push with the official announcement of its third season, which will be released in two parts starting in late 2026. Plus, a new movie based on the series is being written by the author herself. All of this suggests that The Apothecary Diaries is poised to become even more popular than Solo Leveling.

The Apothecary Diaries Is Gearing Up For A Big 2026

The Apothecary Diaries Is A Big Rival Of Solo Leveling

Apothecary Diaries
  • The Apothecary Diaries beat Solo Leveling on MAL in 2025
  • TAD Season 3 And Movie Is Confirmed

The Apothecary Diaries has been a hit in both Japan and other parts of the world. In Japan, it’s widely considered a top new light novel, and many believe it’s the best one in years. The anime adaptation has also received numerous awards there, even being named the best anime of 2025. It’s popular internationally as well, of course.

Every time I grow stronger, I feel like I lose a part of myself. — Sung Jinwoo in Solo Leveling

I’m a huge fan of The Apothecary Diaries, and honestly, it’s a little frustrating to see it get overlooked sometimes. So many action-packed shows like Solo Leveling grab all the attention, but they just don’t have the same depth. That’s why I was so thrilled to see that The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 was rated the absolute best anime of 2025 on MyAnimeList! It really proves that quality storytelling still shines through.

By 2026, The Apothecary Diaries is expected to surpass Solo Leveling in popularity among new anime series. A third season of The Apothecary Diaries has been officially announced, scheduled to premiere in October 2026, with a second part arriving in April 2027. This gives it a significant advantage, as there’s currently no news about a third season of Solo Leveling, and its future is uncertain.

If I should die, I want to die of poison. — Maomao in The Apothecary Diaries

Apothecary Diaries

Adding to the excitement, The Apothecary Diaries will also have a movie released in Japan in December 2026. What’s special is that the movie will be a genuine part of the story and is being written by the original author, Natsu Hyuga. The fact that this movie is happening before films for popular series like Frieren and Solo Leveling highlights how much The Apothecary Diaries is enjoyed in Japan.

Solo Leveling Season 3 Is Yet To Be Announced

Fans Are Growing Anxious With Each Passing Day

Fans of Solo Leveling are becoming increasingly anxious because there’s been no news about a third season. They haven’t even received confirmation that the show will continue, which is very worrying. Seeing other popular series get adaptations quickly makes the wait even harder. Fans are hoping for official confirmation of Solo Leveling Season 3 soon, and would be happy to see it released in 2026, even if it’s late in the year.

Currently, there are 25 episodes of Solo Leveling available – 12 from the first season and 13 from the second. You can watch both seasons on Crunchyroll. If you’re eager for more content before season 3 arrives, reading the original manhwa is a good way to continue the story.

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2025-10-26 13:34