In a surprising turn of events, Solo Leveling has officially surpassed One Piece to become the most rated anime on Crunchyroll, marking a significant shift in the anime landscape.
The series, which follows the journey of Sung Jinwoo as he transforms from the weakest hunter to a powerhouse through a mysterious leveling system, has captured the hearts of millions of viewers worldwide.
The Rise of Solo Leveling
The second season of Solo Leveling has proven to be a phenomenon, with Episode 11 pushing the series past the legendary One Piece in total ratings on Crunchyroll. As of now, Solo Leveling boasts over 594,500 ratings, narrowly edging out One Piece‘s approximately 594.4k ratings.
This achievement is particularly noteworthy given that Solo Leveling has only 23 episodes compared to One Piece‘s staggering 1,122 episodes on the platform.
The series success can be attributed to several factors. Its stunning animation by A-1 Pictures, intense action sequences, and compelling character development have resonated with audiences. Additionally, the franchise benefits from a massive global fanbase established through its web novel and manhwa origins, which have accumulated billions of views worldwide.
Why Solo Leveling Won’t Stay at the Peak Forever
Unlike One Piece‘s open-ended narrative that has allowed it to evolve over two decades, Solo Leveling is adapting a webtoon with a clear conclusion. Once its story reaches its endpoint, viewer engagement will likely decline naturally.
Additionally, the anime industry’s unprecedented growth means new titles are constantly emerging, creating intense competition for audience attention. Upcoming adaptations like Chain of Thorns and The Faraway Paladin or Latna Saga: Survival of a Sword King could easily capture the interest of viewers currently hooked on Solo Leveling.
Furthermore, even the most dedicated fanbases can experience burnout, especially in today’s content-saturated market where binge-worthy series have become the norm. Maintaining long-term interest becomes increasingly challenging under these circumstances.
Finally, anime popularity often follows cyclical patterns, and while isekai and leveling-up stories are currently dominant, shifts in genre preferences could impact Solo Leveling‘s standing in the future.
The Enduring Legacy of One Piece
One Piece‘s 25-year journey has established it as a cultural phenomenon with unparalleled depth. Its massive review count on Crunchyroll reflects not just its quality, but its ability to adapt and remain relevant across generations. While Solo Leveling may currently hold the top spot, One Piece‘s legacy remains secure.
What’s Next for Solo Leveling?
Despite predictions of its eventual decline, Solo Leveling continues to break records. With two episodes remaining in its second season and plans for future adaptations, including a live-action series and video game, the franchise shows no signs of slowing down immediately.
As the anime industry evolves, Solo Leveling represents both the opportunities and challenges of modern adaptations. Its meteoric rise demonstrates how well-executed adaptations of popular source material can capture global audiences, while also highlighting the transient nature of popularity in today’s content-saturated market.
Only time will tell how long Solo Leveling will maintain its position at the top of Crunchyroll’s ratings, but its impact on the anime landscape is already undeniable.
