These Often Overlooked Anime Gems Have Major Solo Leveling Vibes

Man, I was totally hooked on Solo Leveling‘s second season, and it’s been tough waiting since it finished in March! We’re all really eager for Season 3, but A-1 Pictures hasn’t given us an official announcement yet. There’s a lot of talk about what’s next, but until then, people are looking for something to watch to hold them over. Shows like Gachiakuta have been great, and Jujutsu Kaisen is coming back in January 2026, which is exciting. But honestly, as a big Solo Leveling fan, I’m still hoping to find something that really scratches that itch until we get a release date for Season 3!

Many anime share elements with Solo Leveling, and though they may not have won Anime of the Year, fans will probably still find something to like about them. These shows either capture the same intense and emotional feeling as Solo Leveling, or they focus on similar ideas – like unlikely heroes succeeding or battling powerful monsters – and are definitely worth checking out.

All anime series on this list are available to watch on Crunchyroll unless otherwise noted.

Jobless Reincarnation

Rudeus Greyrat was a jobless, overweight recluse when he was suddenly transported to a fantasy world after being hit by a truck. Reborn as a baby, he’s thrilled for a second chance at life, especially since this new world is full of magic and adventure. Determined to make the most of it, he strives to become a powerful mage, finds love, and works to become a better version of himself.

I’ve noticed some people are getting tired of the ‘transported to another world’ genre, but Jobless Reincarnation really does a good job of feeling new. The main character, Rudeus, reminds me a bit of Sung Jinwoo from Solo Leveling, except he starts out even more down on his luck, and he’s a bit of a flirt, though he always tries to be polite. This story focuses more on relationships than Solo Leveling does, and while there’s maybe less constant fighting, the action we do get is really well done.

The Unwanted Undead Adventurer

The story of The Unwanted Undead Adventurer centers around Rentt Faina, a struggling adventurer who meets a grim end when a dragon devours him. However, death isn’t quite the end for Rentt, as he’s reborn as an undead skeleton. Now, he must undertake a challenging journey to become human again. Adjusting to life as a pile of bones is difficult, but he’s not completely on his own during this quest.

Rentt is a relatable and engaging main character. Watching him grow stronger as an adventurer without compromising his values is reminiscent of the popular series Solo Leveling. This 12-episode dark fantasy show is a fast-paced watch and could be a good option for fans missing the second season of Sung Jinwoo’s story. A second season is planned, with an announcement made in December 2024, but a release date hasn’t been revealed yet.

I’m Standing on a Million Lives

Yusuke and his classmates, Iu and Kusue, are unexpectedly pulled into a game-like alternate world where winning is the only way to stay alive. But Yusuke isn’t a typical hero – he despises people and hides his feelings, acting like a psychopath. Though he’s forced to act kindly to survive, he and his friends must learn the rules of this bizarre new world, because failure means facing serious, even deadly, consequences.

In I’m Standing on a Million Lives, the characters begin with absolutely no skills or knowledge of the game they’ve been thrown into. Kusue, who is physically weak in the real world, suddenly finds herself needing to fight to survive. The series is known for its intense violence and is generally more mature and gritty than many similar shows, occasionally using shocking moments effectively. Plus, there are two full seasons available to watch!

Gods’ Game We Play

I recently came across this really interesting sci-fi fantasy story. Apparently, even gods get restless, so they’ve started holding competitions with humans just for fun. They’ve chosen certain people, called ‘Apostles,’ and given them special abilities, known as ‘Arises.’ The more games an Apostle wins, the stronger their power becomes, but lose three times and that power is lost forever. The story centers around Fay, a total newcomer to the Apostle ranks, who’s determined to win it all, and he’s getting a little help from a god who’s stepped down from their divine duties.

I’ve been watching a lot of fantasy anime lately, and Gods’ Games We Play really stood out. The story idea is fresh, and I quickly became invested in the characters. The main character, Fay, is genuinely likable, and Leshea, who used to be a god, brings a lot of fun and energy to the show. It’s a quick watch at just 13 episodes, and while it’s not as dark and intense as something like Solo Leveling, it still has that same exciting competitive edge.

Wistoria: Wand and Sword

In the world of Wistoria: Wand and Sword, a devastating event nearly destroyed everything centuries ago. Five powerful mages created a protective barrier to save what remained. Now, the Rigarden Magical Academy trains talented students to become Magia Vander – magicians capable of maintaining the barrier and protecting the land. Serfort is determined to achieve this respected title, but he faces a major challenge: he has no magical abilities, despite excelling in written exams and being a skilled swordsman. As he pursues this difficult goal, he discovers there might be hope after all.

Wistoria is an exciting story about an unlikely hero, filled with action, a magical world, and memorable characters. Fans of dungeon adventures will notice similarities to Solo Leveling. Now is a great time to start watching, as the second season is coming in April 2026.

Darwin’s Game

It’s always exciting to try a new mobile game, but Kaname Sudo quickly discovers that “Darwin’s Game” is far from ordinary. After accepting an invite from a friend, he enters a dangerous app where players gain unique powers through a random system, and must fight for their survival. The game is full of unexpected events and has a similar intense, dark feel to popular series like Squid Game and Solo Leveling.

Okay, so let’s talk about the Darwin’s Game anime. Honestly, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. The animation and action are really cool, but a lot of people (myself included!) think the story feels rushed. If you’re really into the story, the manga is definitely the way to go. Still, it’s only 11 episodes, so it’s a pretty quick binge – and if you’re a Solo Leveling fan looking for something to fill the gap, it might keep you entertained for a couple of days!

Berserk of Gluttony

Fate Graphite has a strange ability: he’s always incredibly hungry. It doesn’t seem helpful in a fight, but he discovers he can actually eat other people’s skills, gaining their power for himself. This lets him prove his doubters wrong and steadily grow stronger. However, controlling his constant hunger is a challenge, and Fate must stay focused to avoid losing himself to his urges and becoming a dangerous killer.

Berserk of Gluttony is a pretty intense series with a very powerful main character, lots of action, and a fresh take on the classic power fantasy. Plus, with just 12 episodes, it’s a great choice for a weekend binge-watch.

The Eminence in Shadow

Cid Kagenou is reborn in a new world after being struck by a truck. He finds himself as the teenage son of a noble family, but remains much the same – a cynical and self-interested person heavily influenced by stories he’s read. He doesn’t want to be a hero; instead, he craves power and works from the shadows, manipulating a magical organization while dealing with constant power struggles from those around him.

This dark fantasy series shares a similar look and feel with Solo Leveling, but also includes humorous moments. While The Eminence in Shadow uses familiar tropes from the isekai genre, its strength lies in its characters, and the main character’s quest for power will likely keep viewers hooked.

The Eminence in Shadow is currently available to stream on Hulu.

Code Geass

The world is now dominated by three major powers: the Chinese Federation, Europa United, and the Holy Britannian Empire. Lelouch vi Britannia, a prince who was manipulated by his father into starting a war with Japan, has been exiled. Now, he’s vowed revenge against his family, operating as a masked vigilante. He also possesses a unique ability called the “Power of Kings,” which lets him control anyone, forcing them to obey his commands—even to the point of sacrificing their lives.

I’ve been noticing some cool parallels between this new series and the incredibly popular Solo Leveling – especially the way the main character gets stronger and the overall art style. Now, Code Geass was HUGE when it first came out back in 2006, but it’s kind of slipped under the radar since then. But get this – it’s making a comeback! A new series, Code Geass: Hoshi Oi no Aspar, is on its way, and I’m seriously excited!

Reincarnated as a Sword

I recently stumbled upon another story about someone getting transported to a different world, but this one had a unique twist. The guy didn’t even remember who he was! He was reborn as a thinking sword, completely reliant on whoever picked him up. That turned out to be Fran, a young catgirl who was a slave, and she used him to fight for her freedom. Every time they won a battle, the sword – Fran started calling me ‘Teacher’ – I actually gained power. It was strange, leveling up alongside this unusual companion, but it meant we both got stronger together.

In 2025, there are a lot of shows about people being transported to another world, but Reincarnated as a Sword stands out thanks to its animation and characters. It shares some things in common with Solo Leveling, like its fantasy setting and RPG-style gameplay, although it can be quite silly at times.

Reincarnated as a Sword is currently available to stream on Hulu.

2025-12-10 22:37