Solo Leveling has taken the anime world by storm with its gripping story of Sung Jin-Woo, a weak hunter who transforms into an unstoppable force through sheer grit and a mysterious system. Its blend of intense action, character growth, and an underdog-to-overlord narrative has fans craving more.
If you’re hooked on this formula an MC starting from the bottom and climbing to the top, here are five anime that deliver a similar thrill, each with its own unique spin. As an anime expert with a decade of diving deep into the medium, I’ve curated this list to scratch that Solo Leveling itch.
1 Tower of God
A Nobody’s Climb Through a Deadly Tower
Like Sung Jin-Woo, Bam, the protagonist of Tower of God, starts as an unassuming nobody in a brutal, hierarchical world. The Tower, a mysterious structure where each floor presents deadly challenges, is his proving ground. Bam’s journey from a naive outsider to a formidable contender mirrors Jin-Woo’s growth, driven by his desire to find his friend Rachel. The stakes are high, the battles are visceral, and Bam’s gradual mastery of Shinsu (a mystical energy) feels as satisfying as Jin-Woo’s system-driven power-ups.
The intricate world-building and diverse cast make every floor of the Tower a new test of Bam’s resolve, much like Jin-Woo’s dungeon raids. The anime’s art style, adapted from SIU’s manhwa, pops with vibrant intensity.
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll.
2 The Rising of the Shield Hero
Betrayed Hero’s Rise to Power
Naofumi Iwatani’s arc screams Solo Leveling vibes. Summoned as the Shield Hero, he’s mocked as the weakest of the four Cardinal Heroes, betrayed, and left with nothing. Like Jin-Woo, Naofumi starts at rock bottom but claws his way up through cunning, grit, and unconventional strategies. His growing party of allies, including Raphtalia and Filo, parallels Jin-Woo’s shadow army, and his power escalation feels earned through hardship.
Naofumi’s emotional depth and morally gray decisions add layers to his rise, making it more than just a power fantasy. The shield-based combat system is a refreshing twist on the typical OP protagonist trope.
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation.
3 Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest
From Weakling to Ruthless Survivor
Hajime Nagumo is the ultimate underdog, starting as the weakest member of his summoned class in a fantasy world. After a brutal betrayal, he’s left for dead in a labyrinth, only to emerge as a hardened, gun-wielding badass. Sound familiar? Like Jin-Woo, Hajime’s transformation is fueled by survival and a refusal to stay weak, turning him into a one-man army who rewrites the rules of his world.
The gritty tone and Hajime’s unapologetic pragmatism echo Jin-Woo’s no-nonsense approach to power. The anime leans hard into its edgy vibe, with creative monster designs and intense action sequences.
Where to Watch: Hulu, Funimation.
4 My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU (Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru)
Social Outcast’s Quiet Triumph
Okay, hear me out—this one’s not a battle shonen, but Hachiman Hikigaya’s journey from social outcast to a quietly influential figure nails the “zero to hero” vibe in a more grounded way. Unlike Jin-Woo’s physical battles, Hachiman’s fights are social and psychological, navigating high school’s brutal hierarchy with sharp wit and unconventional strategies. His growth from a cynical loner to someone who shapes others’ lives feels just as triumphant.
The dialogue is razor-sharp, and Hachiman’s slow-burn development offers a cerebral take on the underdog trope, perfect for fans who love Solo Leveling’s strategic side.
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE.
5 That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
Slime to Supreme Ruler
Rimuru Tempest’s journey from an ordinary human to a slime with world-altering powers is a masterclass in starting small and dreaming big. Reincarnated in a fantasy world, Rimuru begins as a weak monster but grows into a nation-building powerhouse through clever use of his unique skills. Like Jin-Woo, Rimuru’s rise is tied to a system-like mechanic (his “Great Sage” ability), and his leadership of a growing army mirrors Jin-Woo’s shadow monarch arc.
The mix of lighthearted humor and epic battles makes Rimuru’s ascent endlessly entertaining, with a focus on diplomacy and strategy that complements the action.
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation.
Why These Anime Shine
Each of these shows captures the essence of Solo Leveling’s appeal: a protagonist who starts at the bottom, faces overwhelming odds, and rises to dominate their world. Whether it’s Bam’s trials in the Tower, Naofumi’s redemption, Hajime’s ruthless survival, Hachiman’s social maneuvering, or Rimuru’s nation-building, these anime deliver the same adrenaline rush of watching an underdog become unstoppable. They blend action, strategy, and character growth in ways that feel both familiar and fresh.
Final Thoughts
Solo Leveling sets a high bar with its slick animation, compelling MC, and addictive power progression. These five anime match that energy, offering epic journeys from nothing to everything. If you’re craving more stories where the MC defies the odds and reshapes their world, dive into these titles.
