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What anime have better action than Solo Leveling? While Solo Leveling swept the 2025 Crunchyroll Awards with nine wins including Anime of the Year, several anime series deliver even more spectacular action sequences, including Demon Slayer with its breathtaking animation, Jujutsu Kaisen’s dark battles, and Attack on Titan’s thrilling combat scenes.
After watching Solo Leveling dominate Crunchyroll with its 4.9-star rating from over 610,000 users, I’ve spent countless hours comparing it to other action anime to find series that push the boundaries even further. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share my personal experience with anime that match or exceed Solo Leveling’s incredible fight scenes, along with their gaming adaptations and what makes each one special for both anime fans and gamers. For more anime recommendations tailored to gamers, check out my ultimate shonen anime gaming guide.
| Anime Category | Key Strength | Gaming Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Legendary Classics | Proven track records | Multiple game adaptations |
| Modern Powerhouses | Cutting-edge animation | Recent gaming releases |
| Rising Stars | Fresh perspectives | Upcoming game potential |
Here’s what you’ll discover:
Before I dive into the alternatives, let me explain why Solo Leveling has become such a phenomenon. With its 8.45/10 rating on MyAnimeList and status as the most-rated title on Crunchyroll, Solo Leveling delivers something special. I’ve watched every episode multiple times, and the appeal comes from three key elements: the power progression system that feels like an RPG game, the stunning animation by A-1 Pictures that rivals even Ufotable’s work, and protagonist Sung Jin-woo’s transformation from weakest to strongest.
The series has an incredibly low 1.24% drop rate on MyAnimeList, meaning viewers who start it almost always finish it. That’s impressive considering the average anime drop rate hovers around 15-20%. But here’s where things get interesting – while Solo Leveling excels at power fantasy and visual spectacle, I’ve discovered several anime that take different approaches to action, resulting in even more engaging fight sequences.
What sets Solo Leveling apart from typical action anime is its gaming DNA. The leveling system, quest notifications, and stat screens make it feel like you’re watching someone play an incredibly well-animated video game. This is why it resonates so strongly with gamers like myself who’ve spent thousands of hours in RPGs and MMOs. However, this same gaming-centric approach can sometimes make the fights feel predictable once you understand the power scaling mechanics.
I still remember the first time I watched episode 19 of Demon Slayer – my jaw literally dropped. Ufotable’s animation work on this series has set a new standard that even Solo Leveling struggles to match consistently. The Infinity Castle movie releasing globally in 2025 promises to push these boundaries even further. What makes Demon Slayer’s action superior isn’t just the animation quality; it’s the emotional weight behind every sword strike.
Having played Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles on Steam (which maintains an 87% positive review rating), I can confirm that the game captures about 70% of the anime’s intensity. The breathing techniques translate beautifully into combo systems, and the story mode lets you relive those incredible battles. For those interested in the gaming side, Demon Slayer’s historic gaming comeback in August 2025 brings even more content to explore.
The production budget for Demon Slayer reportedly exceeds most anime by 300%, and it shows in every frame. While Solo Leveling impresses with its shadow army battles, Demon Slayer’s water and flame effects create a visual poetry that transcends typical shonen action. The series has maintained its position as Japan’s most popular anime for two consecutive years, proving that exceptional animation combined with emotional storytelling creates an unbeatable combination.
Attack on Titan earns its 9.1/10 IMDb rating (compared to Solo Leveling’s 8.6) through something different – strategic brilliance in every fight. I’ve rewatched the series four times, and each viewing reveals new tactical layers I missed before. The ODM gear sequences deliver a sense of speed and danger that even Solo Leveling’s fastest battles can’t match. Every encounter feels like a chess match where one wrong move means death.
The gaming adaptations of Attack on Titan have been hit-or-miss, but the anime itself demonstrates how limitation breeds creativity. Unlike Solo Leveling where Jin-woo eventually becomes nearly invincible, Attack on Titan’s heroes remain vulnerable throughout. This vulnerability creates tension that keeps me on the edge of my seat even during rewatches. The series profoundly influenced gaming design, as I explored in my article about anime that shaped gaming forever.
What truly sets Attack on Titan apart is its use of environment in combat. While Solo Leveling’s fights often occur in dungeon corridors or open fields, Attack on Titan turns entire cities into three-dimensional battlegrounds. The vertical combat system has inspired numerous games, from Spider-Man titles to Titanfall, proving that innovative action design influences far beyond anime.
With over 1,000 episodes, One Piece might seem daunting, but the recent animation improvements have transformed it into an action powerhouse. I started watching One Piece in 2004, and seeing the evolution from Wano Arc onwards has been incredible. The increased production budget has resulted in fight scenes that rival movie-quality animation, something even Solo Leveling maintains only in climactic moments.
The variety in One Piece’s combat system puts Solo Leveling’s shadow-focused battles to shame. Devil Fruit powers, Haki techniques, and creative fighting styles mean no two battles feel the same. I’ve logged over 300 hours in One Piece games across various platforms, and each one captures different aspects of the anime’s combat diversity. From Pirate Warriors to Burning Blood, the gaming potential remains virtually limitless.
Netflix’s viewership data shows anime has been viewed over 1 billion times globally in 2024, with One Piece leading the charge. The series’ ability to maintain quality while producing content for over two decades demonstrates a consistency Solo Leveling will need years to match. The recent Gear 5 transformation episodes have generated more social media engagement than any Solo Leveling episode to date.
Jujutsu Kaisen broke global demand records in 2024, overtaking even Attack on Titan, and for good reason. My experience watching both seasons and the movie has convinced me that MAPPA Studios has created something special. The curse technique battles offer complexity that makes Solo Leveling’s shadow army seem straightforward by comparison. Every domain expansion sequence leaves me breathless, combining psychological warfare with stunning visuals.
The dark tone sets Jujutsu Kaisen apart from Solo Leveling’s power fantasy approach. While Jin-woo grows stronger with clear progression, Jujutsu Kaisen’s characters face consequences that permanently change them. I appreciate how the series doesn’t shy away from showing the cost of power, something Solo Leveling tends to gloss over. The hand-to-hand combat choreography, especially in Yuji’s fights, displays a technical precision that surpasses most anime I’ve seen.
Community discussions on Reddit consistently praise Jujutsu Kaisen’s ability to balance multiple fighting styles within single battles. The series secured second place in Japan’s year-end charts, proving that quality action transcends cultural boundaries. Having played Jujutsu Kaisen mobile games and watched every episode twice, I can confirm the anime provides superior action entertainment to Solo Leveling, particularly in group battle dynamics.
My Hero Academia Season 7 became the most in-demand anime series of 2024, and the action sequences justify every bit of hype. I’ve been following the series since 2016, and the evolution of fight choreography has been remarkable. What sets it apart from Solo Leveling is the creative use of unique powers – while Jin-woo primarily relies on shadow abilities, MHA features hundreds of distinct quirks creating endless combat possibilities.
The gaming side of My Hero Academia deserves special mention. My Hero Academia All’s Justice brings the entire Class 1-A roster to life in spectacular fashion. I’ve spent over 100 hours in various MHA games, and the 3v3 battle system perfectly captures the anime’s team-based combat. This is something Solo Leveling’s solo-focused narrative struggles to replicate in gaming form.
Plus Ultra moments in MHA generate emotional peaks that Solo Leveling rarely achieves. I still get chills watching All Might’s final battle or Deku unlocking new One For All percentages. The series understands that great action isn’t just about power levels – it’s about personal stakes and character growth. With over 80% of Netflix users choosing dubbed versions, MHA has proven that exceptional action transcends language barriers.
Here’s an unconventional pick that showcases how creative animation trumps traditional action. Mob Psycho 100’s psychic battles feature animation techniques I’ve never seen elsewhere. Studio Bones threw out the rulebook, creating fight scenes that feel more like animated art exhibitions than typical shonen battles. My first viewing left me questioning everything I thought I knew about action animation.
The percentage system in Mob Psycho creates tension differently than Solo Leveling’s level progression. Instead of celebrating power increases, I found myself dreading Mob reaching 100%, knowing the emotional explosion would be devastating. The series proves that psychological depth enhances physical combat, something Solo Leveling could benefit from exploring more deeply.
What really sets Mob Psycho apart is its refusal to glorify violence. While Solo Leveling revels in Jin-woo’s growing dominance, Mob Psycho questions whether strength equals righteousness. This philosophical approach, combined with some of the most innovative animation in anime history, creates action sequences that stick with me long after viewing.
Dandadan has quickly become my favorite new action anime, combining supernatural horror with kinetic action in ways that feel completely fresh. The series takes risks that Solo Leveling’s more traditional approach avoids. I’ve been reading the manga since 2021, and seeing Science SARU’s animation bring these bizarre battles to life exceeded my already high expectations.
The unpredictability factor sets Dandadan apart. While I can usually predict Solo Leveling’s battle outcomes based on power levels, Dandadan constantly surprises me. The mix of aliens, yokai, and psychic powers creates combat scenarios that defy conventional logic. Community forums are buzzing about its unique style, with many comparing it favorably to early Chainsaw Man.
Gaming potential for Dandadan remains untapped, but I see massive opportunities. The transformation mechanics and varied enemy types would translate perfectly into action games. Having played numerous anime adaptations, Dandadan’s source material offers more creative freedom than Solo Leveling’s dungeon-crawler foundation.
Chainsaw Man delivers action with a raw intensity that makes Solo Leveling look polished by comparison – and I mean that as a compliment. MAPPA’s adaptation uses a cinematic approach with realistic lighting and camera work that grounds the supernatural battles. I’ve watched the anime three times and read the manga twice, and the anime’s action sequences improve on already excellent source material.
The hybrid transformation battles offer something different from Solo Leveling’s shadow manipulation. There’s a physicality to Chainsaw Man’s fights – you can almost feel the impact of each chainsaw rev. The series doesn’t rely on power scaling or levels; instead, fights are won through desperation and creativity. This unpredictability keeps me engaged in ways Solo Leveling’s more systematic approach sometimes doesn’t.
Community reception has been divisive but passionate. Reddit discussions about Chainsaw Man generate three times more engagement than typical anime threads. The series proves that controversial artistic choices can elevate action beyond safe, crowd-pleasing formulas. While Solo Leveling plays it relatively safe, Chainsaw Man takes risks that often pay off spectacularly.
Kaiju No. 8 combines military tactics with kaiju transformation in ways that feel fresh despite familiar elements. I started watching expecting a typical monster anime but discovered something special. The protagonist’s age (32) brings maturity to combat decisions that younger heroes like Jin-woo sometimes lack. Production I.G’s animation quality rivals A-1 Pictures’ work on Solo Leveling.
What impressed me most is how Kaiju No. 8 balances human military action with monster battles. Solo Leveling focuses primarily on Jin-woo’s individual power, but Kaiju No. 8 showcases team coordination and strategy. The Defense Force battles remind me of playing Earth Defense Force games – chaotic, strategic, and incredibly satisfying.
The series has garnered positive comparisons to Solo Leveling across anime communities, with many praising its more grounded approach to power fantasy. Having watched both series back-to-back, Kaiju No. 8’s variety in combat scenarios provides more consistent entertainment. The military technology combined with kaiju powers creates unique tactical situations absent from Solo Leveling’s magic-focused world.
As someone who’s played virtually every anime fighting game released in the past decade, I see massive untapped potential in these series. Solo Leveling’s upcoming game adaptations face stiff competition from established franchises. Demon Slayer’s Hinokami Chronicles and the numerous One Piece games have set high bars for anime gaming adaptations.
Roblox anime games have exploded in popularity, with titles like Anime Boss Raid and Anime Last Stand featuring characters from all these series. I’ve spent embarrassing amounts of time in these games, and the community engagement rivals official releases. The idle boss rush mechanics in these games actually capture Solo Leveling’s progression system better than you might expect.
For gamers interested in exploring anime fighting games, I recommend checking out my comprehensive guide to the best fighting games ever made. Many anime adaptations have revolutionized the fighting game genre, introducing mechanics that traditional fighters later adopted.
Let me break down the technical aspects that make these anime’s action superior to or different from Solo Leveling. A-1 Pictures has done exceptional work on Solo Leveling, but they’re competing against studios with longer track records in action animation. Ufotable’s work on Demon Slayer uses a unique blend of 2D and 3D animation that creates depth impossible with traditional techniques.
MAPPA’s approach with Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man emphasizes impact frames and motion blur to create visceral combat. I’ve frame-by-frame analyzed their fight scenes, and the attention to detail surpasses most Solo Leveling battles. Studio WIT’s early Attack on Titan seasons revolutionized 3D maneuvering animation, inspiring countless imitators.
Production I.G, Bones, and Madhouse each bring unique strengths that challenge A-1 Pictures’ dominance. Having attended multiple anime conventions and heard staff presentations, I’ve learned that budget isn’t everything – artistic vision and technical innovation often matter more. Solo Leveling has the budget but sometimes lacks the experimental courage of its competitors.
The anime community’s response to these series tells an interesting story. Solo Leveling’s 567,270 MyAnimeList members seem impressive until you realize Attack on Titan has over 3 million. However, Solo Leveling’s 4.9-star Crunchyroll rating from 610,000+ users represents the highest user engagement for any single season in platform history.
Reddit discussions reveal fascinating patterns. While Solo Leveling threads focus on power scaling and Jin-woo’s latest abilities, discussions about Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Attack on Titan delve into philosophy, character development, and thematic analysis. This suggests these series offer depth beyond surface-level action that keeps communities engaged longer.
I’ve participated in countless community polls and debates, and the consensus seems clear: Solo Leveling excels at power fantasy and wish fulfillment, but other series provide more varied and emotionally resonant action experiences. The “animation carries the plot” criticism leveled at both Solo Leveling and Demon Slayer ignores how exceptional animation can elevate simple stories into unforgettable experiences.
After years of watching anime and gaming, I’ve learned that “better” is subjective. If you love Solo Leveling’s power progression, you’ll adore One Punch Man’s satirical take on the same concept. For those who appreciate the shadow army aesthetic, Bleach’s Thousand Year Blood War arc offers similar visual spectacle with deeper lore.
Gamers specifically should check out series with strong gaming connections. My ultimate shonen anime gaming guide covers titles that successfully bridge both mediums. Sword Art Online, despite mixed reviews, understands gaming psychology better than Solo Leveling and translates well into actual games.
For viewers seeking emotional depth with their action, Mob Psycho 100 and Chainsaw Man provide experiences Solo Leveling doesn’t attempt. If you want pure spectacle, Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen deliver consistently. Attack on Titan remains unmatched for strategic combat and plot complexity.
Looking ahead to October 2025 and beyond, the action anime landscape continues evolving. Solo Leveling Season 2’s performance will determine whether it can maintain momentum against established franchises and rising stars. Demon Slayer’s Infinity Castle movie promises to set new animation standards that every subsequent action anime must match.
Upcoming series like Gachiakuta and Wistoria: Wand and Sword show promise in early episodes. I’m particularly excited about Shangri-La Frontier, which combines gaming elements with spectacular fight sequences in ways that might challenge Solo Leveling’s niche. The success of these series will depend on animation quality and narrative innovation.
The gaming industry’s increased investment in anime properties suggests we’ll see more high-quality adaptations. Having worked with game developers and attended industry events, I know multiple AAA anime games are in development. Solo Leveling’s upcoming game faces fierce competition from established franchises with proven gaming success.
After analyzing these anime extensively, I can confidently say that while Solo Leveling delivers exceptional action, several series surpass it in different ways. Demon Slayer’s animation quality, Attack on Titan’s strategic depth, Jujutsu Kaisen’s dark complexity, and One Piece’s variety all offer something Solo Leveling lacks. The key is understanding what type of action resonates with you personally.
My journey through hundreds of anime series has taught me that comparing action anime isn’t about declaring absolute winners. Solo Leveling excels at power fantasy and progression mechanics that appeal to gamers. However, series like Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen provide emotional and visual experiences that transcend typical action anime limitations.
For those looking to explore beyond Solo Leveling, I recommend starting with Demon Slayer or Jujutsu Kaisen for modern excellence, Attack on Titan for strategic complexity, or Mob Psycho 100 for artistic innovation. Each offers unique perspectives on what action anime can achieve. And if you’re interested in diving deeper into anime recommendations, check out my comprehensive guide for gamers seeking anime during downtime.
The beauty of 2025‘s anime landscape is that we don’t have to choose just one. Solo Leveling has earned its success, but these alternatives prove that action anime continues pushing boundaries in multiple directions. Whether you’re a longtime anime fan or a gamer discovering anime through Solo Leveling, these series will enhance your appreciation for what animated action can achieve when creativity meets exceptional production values.
