13 Anime Better than 'SOLO LEVELING', Which is Superior?

TO BE HERO X: Grabbing attention through the "Trust Values" concept and a visual style that seamlessly blends 2D and 3D. The story explores the social pressures and costs of being a popular hero. This anime could be a strong contender as it bravely explores morality and ambition in a rarely touched modern heroic-themed world, unlike SOLO LEVELING.

REBORN AS A VENDING MACHINE: It sounds crazy, but the anime about someone reincarnating as a vending machine actually breaks the isekai genre formula. Studio Gokumi successfully transforms this absurd premise into a story full of empathy. This anime becomes the best experiment that actually works, making it a light yet touching alternative for fans of SOLO LEVELING.

SAKAMOTO DAYS: What if a legendary former assassin chooses a peaceful life? SAKAMOTO DAYS answers this with humor and absurd action. Although it lost some momentum due to competition with major releases in 2025, this anime remains a favorite for viewers longing for adult characters with a human side. Unlike SOLO LEVELING, which highlights an individual journey filled with solitude and great power, SAKAMOTO DAYS showcases a balance between chaos and family warmth.

DANDADAN: Released on Netflix in October 2024, Dandadan recorded 96.5 million viewing hours in just three months. The combination of horror, comedy, and teen romance makes it a new phenomenon on the streaming platform. Dandadan is not only a competitor to SOLO LEVELING, but also the strongest contender in the fast-paced anime category with authentic characters.

THE APOTHECARY DIARIES: This anime offers a unique approach to detective stories set in a royal backdrop. The main character, Maomao, a clever and cynical poison expert, investigates mysteries within the imperial palace. THE APOTHECARY DIARIES is a series with deeper character development and stronger dialogue compared to SOLO LEVELING.

FRIEREN: BEYOND JOURNEY'S END: Frieren begins after the victory over the demon king, an unusual step in the fantasy world. Instead of focusing on action, this anime delves into loneliness and the different passage of time for an elf. Its story surpasses SOLO LEVELING through profound depictions of loss and the value of life.

KAIJU NO. 8: This anime has garnered significant attention since its debut due to the story of Kafka Hibino, an ordinary worker who transforms into a monster. Unlike SOLO LEVELING, which highlights sudden power, Kaiju No. 8 focuses on the inner struggles of an adult who fails to achieve his dreams.

CODE GEASS: Featuring Lelouch, a prince who awakens a supernatural power called Geass to overthrow the tyrannical empire that destroyed his family. The similarity between Lelouch and Sung Jinwoo lies in their family motivations. However, CODE GEASS is far superior because it shows how power can erode humanity. That is what makes its story more compelling and emotional compared to the one-dimensional power of Jinwoo in SOLO LEVELING.

DRAGON BALL: As a pioneer of modern shonen anime, Dragon Ball is the foundation of all the battle stories that followed. Beginning with the adventures of young Goku searching for the dragon balls, this series evolved into a legend with battles between gods and wars across universes. Compared to SOLO LEVELING, DRAGON BALL offers a longer and more consistent character evolution.

SHANGRI-LA FRONTIER: This anime follows Rakurou, a high school student who enjoys playing bad games as a form of extreme challenge. However, when he tries the VR game Shangri-La Frontier, the virtual world turns into an epic adventure full of surprises and character dynamics. If SOLO LEVELING is too centered on one character, SHANGRI-LA FRONTIER instead gives space for supporting characters to shine.

THAT TIME I GOT REINCARNATED AS A SLIME: Telling the story of Satoru who is reincarnated as a slime after his death, this anime presents a rich and vibrant fantasy world. In the form of a monster, he builds a new civilization and nurtures a sense of fair leadership among magical creatures. Unlike SOLO LEVELING which is trapped in a single power narrative, THAT TIME I GOT REINCARNATED AS A SLIME highlights warmth and togetherness.

JUJUTSU KAISEN: This anime follows the journey of Yuji Itadori, a high school student who accidentally becomes the host for the legendary demon Ryomen Sukuna after swallowing his finger. From here, the story enters the world of jujutsu sorcerers who fight deadly curses to protect humanity. What makes JUJUTSU KAISEN stand out compared to SOLO LEVELING is the moral depth of its characters. The conflict between guilt, humanity, and ambition makes the story more relatable.

CHAINSAW MAN: If Solo Leveling depicts the journey towards power, CHAINSAW MAN showcases the absurdity of human life that continues to be wounded. Denji is not a perfect hero, but a fragile human who keeps surviving. The strength of CHAINSAW MAN lies in its honesty in portraying the brutal side of the world, far more emotional and realistic compared to Jinwoo's heroic struggles in SOLO LEVELING. Come on, read articles about other anime recommendations on Kapanlagi.com. If not now, when, KapanLagi?