Without a doubt, Solo Leveling is the top standout among the winter 2024 anime lineup. If you’re seeking a series with a similar DnD-inspired plot like Chugong’s, we have a plethora of options to recommend.
As we eagerly await the release of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3, Solo Leveling has firmly established itself as one of the top anime of 2024. Fans are in need of a new show to satisfy their cravings, and once again, A-1 Pictures has delivered with a promising new release.
Sung Jinwoo, an underdog, is given a chance to completely transform his life and become the most powerful hunter in history in this story. Set against a captivating background that incorporates elements of Dungeons and Dragons and The Matrix, the anime series features breathtaking scenes and several unexpected turns.
There are few who can rival its level of quality, and those who do are truly exceptional. Therefore, here are the top anime similar to Solo Leveling.
14. Jujutsu Kaisen
Both Jujutsu Kaisen and Solo Leveling have a dark theme and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Just like JJK, Solo Leveling also includes impressive fight scenes. However, instead of sorcerers battling curses, Solo Leveling portrays a conflict between hunters and monsters.
The storyline of Jujutsu Kaisen centers on the students and mentors of Jujutsu High. After accidentally consuming a decaying finger belonging to the powerful curse Sukuna, the main character Yuji Itadori becomes his unwilling host. The rest of the plot follows his journey as he teams up with those who bear the burden of battling against all malevolent curses.
Tower of God
Despite being overlooked, Tower of God is a hidden treasure just waiting to be discovered by its audience. The story centers around Bam, who has spent his entire life confined within a Tower. But when his girlfriend, Rachael, goes missing, he embarks on a quest to enter the Tower and find her. Throughout his journey, Bam undergoes a transformation, becoming stronger and encountering a diverse cast of characters – some allies, and some foes – on each level.
This anime series is similar to Solo Leveling in terms of its story, featuring a captivating underdog protagonist who steadily grows in strength.
Demon Slayer
Just like Solo Leveling, Demon Slayer is a show that is praised for its action-packed battles. Fans who have read the manga are already aware of what to expect in the upcoming episodes. However, for those who only watch the anime, they will have to patiently wait for Solo Leveling to reveal its true potential, which will surely bring back memories of the amazing battles in Demon Slayer.
Tanjiro Kamado, the protagonist of Demon Slayer, is the son of a coal burner. He experiences the tragic loss of his family at the hands of demons. Despite his gentle nature and aversion to violence, Tanjiro takes up a sword and fights against numerous demons.
11. Chainsaw Man
Both Chainsaw Man and Solo Leveling center around main protagonists who start off as weak, but ultimately become the most powerful beings in their respective universes. For example, Denji in Chainsaw Man gains devilish abilities from his pet Pochita, while Sung Jinwoo in Solo Leveling receives God-like powers from a formidable entity during his exploration of a dungeon.
The setting of Chainsaw Man is a world where devils are a reality. Our main protagonist, Denji, is first introduced as a malnourished young boy who resides with his pet Pochita, also known as the chainsaw devil. Following a betrayal and his subsequent death, Pochita fuses with Denji, transforming him into the formidable Chainsaw Man.
Death Note
The main character in Death Note is Light Yagami, who lacks physical strength but possesses remarkable intelligence. His transformation from an ordinary person to a powerful being with god-like abilities never fails to give us chills. Light gains his powers from a mysterious book known as the Death Note, which is bestowed upon him by a Shinigami. Upon discovering the capabilities of the book, Light uses it to carry out his malicious plan of taking over the world.
Just like Sung Jinwoo from Solo Leveling, who initially lacks physical prowess, gains incredible strength after acquiring the abilities from “The System.”He utilizes these powers to become an unbeatable protagonist, endearing himself to us all.
Goblin Slayer
The plot of Goblin Slayer focuses on a main character whose sole purpose is to eradicate all goblins from existence. He belongs to a group of adventurers who share the same goal and frequently embark on dungeon expeditions to battle hordes of goblins.
In Solo Leveling, just like Goblin Slayer, the hunters continuously venture into treacherous dungeons to hunt down monsters. Additionally, both series utilize a ranking system for their adventurers/hunters. If you are a fan of Solo Leveling, then Goblin Slayer is definitely worth checking out.
8. The Akashic Records of the Bastard Magic Instructor
The anime is adapted from a light novel with the same title, and it centers around Glenn Radars, a character whose unique abilities bear some resemblance to Sung Jinwoo from Solo Leveling. The plot takes place in the Alzano Empire, the location of the esteemed Alzano Imperial Magic Academy.
Sistine Fibel and her close friend Rumia Tingel are taken aback by the unexpected departure of their beloved teacher. Their disappointment only grows when the unorthodox Glenn Radars takes over his position. Despite his laid-back attitude and lack of interest in magic, he is met with disdain from his students. Little do they know, there is more to Glenn than meets the eye as he harbors a mysterious past and possesses hidden powers.
7. Exploring the Ethics of Picking Up Girls in a Dungeon
Similarly to Solo Leveling, this anime also depicts a world where individuals rely on raiding dungeons and defeating monsters for their livelihood. Both shows begin with protagonists who possess little power, but as the series progresses, their remarkable growth is showcased. Following their journey towards success, the narratives only continue to improve.
In this specific series, the setting takes place in a world where both gods and humans exist together. Upon meeting the solitary goddess Hestia, Bell Cranel comes to the realization that he is much closer to achieving his goal than he had ever anticipated.
Death Parade
For those who enjoy mysteries, Death Parade is a captivating short anime that takes place in the afterlife and presents multiple enigmas. In this series, a bartender in purgatory challenges individuals who have passed away at the same moment to determine the ultimate destination of their souls.
As he becomes intrigued by our ability to feel and an unseen deity who operates in the background, his business becomes more complex. The inclusion of spiritualism and mythology adds an alluring element to the story.
5. Dragon Ball Z
Dragon Ball Z is considered one of the best shonen anime, known for its epic battles. If you’re a fan of Solo Leveling’s impressive fight scenes, you won’t want to miss Goku’s showdown with Frieza on Namek or Gohan’s fierce battle against Perfect Cell.
These fights may be more light-hearted compared to those in Demon Slayer or My Hero Academia, but they are still just as thrilling. Akira Toriyama understood the elements of an unforgettable battle, and his impact continues to be felt.
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
If you’re looking for something with a touch of fantasy, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime is an isekai anime that follows the story of a person who, as the title suggests, is reborn as a slime in a parallel world. Instead of desperately trying to return to their own world, the main character embraces their new life as a shapeless creature and eventually rises to become a member of the royal family, using their powers to protect their kingdom from malevolent forces.
This delightful show is both humorous and slightly edgy, with an added dose of intensity when higher stakes are required. A must-watch for fans of Dungeons and Dragons.
One Punch Man
If only every problem in life could be solved with just one punch. It would be like living in a perfect world! This is the dream that Saitama, a superhero with an unbeatable punch that can defeat anyone with a single hit, presents to us.
The first two seasons of One Punch Man have offered impressive action scenes and cleverly parodied the superhero genre, and the upcoming third season is expected to continue this trend. As a film is also in the works, it would be wise to start watching now.
Sword Art Online
In Sword Art Online, various companies create virtual reality worlds. The anime follows characters as they navigate through these distinctive gaming universes, incorporating RPG elements. Similarly, Solo Leveling features a protagonist who must complete various tasks in order to improve his abilities and advance to higher levels.
Sung Jinwoo must overcome numerous monsters in order to collect valuable resources, such as incredibly strong daggers. As a result, both Solo Leveling and Sword Art Online explore a similar concept, heavily influenced by the world of Role Playing Games.
Overlord
Similar to other anime on this list, Overlord is centered around the MMORPG video game genre. The anime’s main character, Ainz, is transported to a game world where the NPCs have become sentient. Ainz uses his understanding of the game to gain power and navigate this new reality.
In other words, Ainz can be compared to Sung Jinwoo from Solo Leveling, as both utilize RPG mechanics to increase their strength and become the most formidable.
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