
2024’s Best New Anime, ‘Solo Leveling,’ Is Stupidly Simple, And So Much Fun
As a non-expert in the world of anime, I recently had the chance to check out what Crunchyroll confirmed as its most-watched new anime of 2024, Solo Leveling. Having now begun its second season in 2025, I must say that this series has instantly become incredibly popular over the past year, and it’s easy to see why.
The concept is straightforward: in a world where Hunters are ranked E, D, C, B, A, or S, once you hit your maximum power level, you’re stuck with it forever. Enter Sung Jin-woo, initially deemed the weakest Hunter ever, who after an unexpected twist, finds himself upgraded into a literal video game character. This newfound ability allows him to level up, earn stat points, and even loot gear from defeated monsters.
What’s remarkable about Solo Leveling is how it leans heavily into this gaming inspiration, making it feel like a fantasy many viewers may have daydreamed about. Watching Jin-woo ascend the ranks and overcome increasingly formidable foes is an absolute thrill ride. The show’s simplistic yet addictive formula has clearly resonated with audiences worldwide.
While I do acknowledge that Solo Leveling has some flaws – Jin-woo rarely faces true challenges, having not encountered a meaningful threat in quite some time – the action-packed fight scenes remain exhilarating nonetheless. As more conflicts with S-rank Hunters and monsters emerge, I expect this trend to continue, making for an even more exciting experience.
In conclusion, Solo Leveling is a show that feels great to watch unfold onscreen. Despite its simplicity, it’s hard not to get caught up in the excitement of Jin-woo’s rapid ascension.