7 Best Weak-to-Strong Anime Like Solo Leveling

Before becoming the incredibly powerful Shadow Monarch in Solo Leveling, Sung Jinwoo was a struggling E-rank hunter constantly risking his life in dangerous, low-level dungeons. He faced countless hardships and near-death experiences before ultimately becoming the strongest being, surpassing all monsters and hunters.

I’m a huge fan of Solo Leveling – the way it takes you from watching Sung Jinwoo start as a total underdog to becoming incredibly powerful is just amazing! But if you’re like me and love that ‘weak to strong’ journey, there are other anime out there that really deliver. I’ve put together a list of the best ones – the ones that truly match the intensity and excitement of Solo Leveling.

7. Ragna Crimson Transforms Its Weak Hero Into a Powerful Dragon Hunter

Ragna could easily understand Sung Jinwoo’s difficult beginnings in Solo Leveling because he experienced similar hardships as the weakest Dragon Hunter in Ragna Crimson. Despite intense training, Ragna consistently struggled against other hunters and dragons. In Ragna Crimson, most people, except for Leonica, avoid him as if he were bad luck.

Ragna’s fortunes turned around when he suddenly gained incredible power from his future self. Similar to Sung Jinwoo, he quickly became one of the strongest characters in Ragna Crimson. With this newfound strength, he was finally able to defeat Dragon Hunters all on his own, without needing help from his partner.

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6. Kaiju No. 8 Follows a Late Bloomer Who Gains Monstrous Power

Kafka Hibino desperately wants to join the Defense Force in Kaiju No. 8, but keeps failing the final part of the entrance exams, which prevents him from enlisting. While his friend Mina Ashiro quickly becomes a successful and powerful Defense Force Captain, Kafka ends up working a stable job cleaning up after Kaiju attacks.

In Kaiju No. 8, Kafka is getting older and starting to lose hope of ever joining the Defense Force. Then, something incredible happens: a Kaiju unexpectedly gives him immense power, almost as if it specifically chose him. Similar to what happens in Solo Leveling, an outside force steps in and empowers Kafka, giving him abilities he couldn’t have gained on his own.

5. Gurren Lagann Pushes Power Scaling Beyond Planetary Limits

The way power levels increase in Gurren Lagann is famously over-the-top for a shonen anime. Characters quickly become incredibly powerful, eventually able to use planets, galaxies, and other huge cosmic objects as weapons, fueled by their determination and the evolution of their mechs.

Simon, the main character of Gurren Lagann, started as an ordinary young man living beneath the surface. He eventually became a famous hero, overcoming even what seemed like a predetermined destiny. He ultimately led humanity in an epic, galaxy-spanning fight against a powerful enemy known as the Antispiral.

4. Black Clover’s Asta Stands as a True Underdog Icon

Both Solo Leveling and Black Clover are incredibly popular fantasy anime. They share a common theme: a main character who starts out weak and faces challenges, but ultimately becomes incredibly powerful and earns the respect of everyone around them. Asta and Sung Jinwoo both begin as underdogs, at the very bottom, and rise to become the most powerful heroes in their worlds.

Most anime fans are already familiar with Black Clover. The story centers around Asta, a character known for wielding anti-magic in the Clover Kingdom, and his spirited rivalry with Yuno. Asta is determined to achieve his lifelong goal of becoming the Wizard King.

3. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Shows Unlimited Slime Growth

Slimes are typically weak monsters in fantasy and anime worlds, often defeated by new adventurers to gain experience. Rimuru Tempest begins his journey in another world as one of these weak slimes.

Fans of Solo Leveling will quickly grasp how Rimuru Tempest went from a weak slime to an incredibly powerful Demon Lord. He’s a perfect example of how even the most unassuming creatures in isekai anime can become unbelievably strong, build thriving nations, and dominate fantastical worlds.

2. My Hero Academia Turns a Quirkless Boy Into a Hero

Though My Hero Academia has finished, Izuku Midoriya’s story is still incredibly memorable. He’s considered one of the best heroes in shonen anime, known for his strong beliefs, kindness, and dedication to saving everyone, no matter the sacrifice. What makes him special is his refusal to give up on anyone – he truly believes even villains like Shigaraki Tomura can be saved.

In My Hero Academia, Izuku Midoriya begins his story as a boy without any superpowers. Though he faces bullying from some classmates, others sympathize with him. With the help of All Might, Izuku learns to control One For All, a remarkably powerful ability that gives him various powers and the strength to fight even the most dangerous villains.

1. Naruto Shows How Pain Creates the Strongest Heroes

Many anime fans know the story of Naruto Uzumaki and his journey to become strong in the Naruto series. He represents dedication and never giving up, even when facing difficulties. He goes from being an outsider to a hero, eventually gaining the respect of those who once disliked him. The early challenges faced by Sung Jinwoo in Solo Leveling are very similar to the hardships Naruto experienced.

I watched Naruto grow from a young ninja who struggled with even the most basic techniques, like the Clone Jutsu, into the leader of Konoha – the Seventh Hokage. It was incredible to see him not only achieve his own dreams but also bring all the hidden villages together. He truly ended the long history of conflict and suffering, finally creating a peaceful and united world.

2026-05-22 20:35