20 Action Anime That Are Better Than 'Solo Leveling'

5 days ago 11

Sung Jin-woo holding one finger in front of his mouth in Solo Leveling.

Lucas Kloberdanz-Dyck is a writer for Collider. He grew up creating lists, stories, and worlds, which led to his love of anime and video games. He attended Sheridan College where he earned an Honours Bachelor of Game Design. Lucas and his group won 1st place for technical innovation at LevelUp Toronto 2023, and he was also an intern for the Oakville Film Festival of Arts.

Every year, a new popular anime dominates the entertainment landscape and finds itself on the watchlist of every fan. In 2020, it was Jujutsu Kaisen; in 2023, it was Frieren: Beyond Journey's End; and in 2025, it is Solo Leveling Season 2. While the first season was equally as popular, the second season ramped up the action, intrigue, and animation, making it a must-watch action anime of this decade and in general.

However, despite its overwhelming popularity, there are countless shows that match or even exceed Solo Leveling's admittedly high levels. This is why this list will rank ten action anime better than Solo Leveling based on fight scenes, creativity, animation, pacing, general action, writing, and overall quality. This list will also include a variety of action anime that are different from and similar to Solo Leveling and will discuss how those aspects are better.

20 'Fate/Zero' (2011–2012)

The Fate franchise is known for its historical figures, confusing timeline, and epic action, and Fate/Zero offers the best of all of those aspects. With a new Holy Grail war about to begin, its contestants must prepare for the worst with their assigned historical figures who will fight for them. Each one has a different goal and reason to win the grail.

If fans want a good anime and don't have anything to watch, then Fate/Zero is the perfect anime for them. Animated by ufotable, it features some of the best animations fans will ever see on screen. The battles are a spectacle of brilliant visuals, striking animation, and unbelievable moments, coming together to create the most memorable fights in anime.

19 'My Hero Academia' (2016–2025)

Deku preparing an attack in My Hero Academia final season

After nearly a decade, one of the most influential modern anime series came to an end, and that is My Hero Academia. Deku dreams of being a hero, but without any powers, he struggles to do so. However, when he inherits the power of the world's strongest hero, Deku follows his dream by enlisting in hero school.

My Hero Academia was a wild ride with many ups and downs, but after the final season, fans can definitely say that it is one of the best action anime series. The fights were never a let-down, ripe with creative choreography, epic moments, fluid animation, and story importance. My Hero Academia's final season also beat Solo Leveling season two in the best anime of 2025 list.

18 'Dororo' (2019)

Hyakkimaru and Tahomaru clashing swords in Dororo

One of the best new things happening is remaking classic series, and Dororo recently got that treatment. Originally from the 1960s, this modern remake follows a boy trying to reclaim everything that was lost to him. When his father offers parts of his body to demons, Hyakkimaru must kill each one to reclaim his lost humanity.

Dororo has one of the best stories on this list, but it is only ranking them by action and entertainment value, and even in that regard, it is better than Solo Leveling. Animated by MAPPA, the fight scenes are fluid and dynamic, with stunning melee combat and swordplay that feels more authentic than Solo Leveling.

17 'Hunter x Hunter' (2011–2014)

The heroes of Hunter x Hunter looking a bit worse for wear after another stage of the Hunter Examination.

This list will naturally feature many iconic battle shounen, but none is more important on this list than Hunter x Hunter, which defined a whole generation of series. Gon wants to find his dad, and the only way to do so is to follow in his footsteps and become a hunter, but this is a grueling profession only for the strongest.

If this list were ranking the entries based on quality, Hunter x Hunter would be number one, but since it is only about the action, it ranks a little lower. Still, this anime is a masterclass of action, specifically through its creativity, memorable moments, suspenseful fights, genius tactics, and narrative weight. Overall, Hunter x Hunter is a beautifully written anime masterpiece, but it also doesn't slack on the fights.

16 'Demon Slayer' (2019–)

If Solo Leveling isn't the most popular modern anime, then it is definitely Demon Slayer, which revolutionized the medium and introduced a new generation of fans to anime. Tanjiro is on a quest to defeat the demon who turned his sister into one, and hopefully reverse the curse placed on her.

This is the second ufotable anime on this list, which speaks to its influence on action anime. Demon Slayer is all about the fight scenes, and fans can see that in the extreme detail put into every battle. The animation is dazzling, ambitious, and fluid, working together to provide some of the most gorgeous fight scenes in anime that are far better than anything in Solo Leveling.

15 'Kingdom' (2012–)

Kan Ki staring at a worried Xin in Kingdom

Historical anime are becoming increasingly popular thanks to shows like Vinland Saga and The Apothecary Diaries, but Kingdom was a pioneer of this genre, which peaked too late to gain a major audience. The anime follows Xin, a country bumpkin who dreams of becoming a respected general, thus starting his tumultuous journey.

Kingdom offers a different style of action compared to Solo Leveling, and depending on the viewer, it can definitely be better. The animation may not be top-tier, but the blend of story into the large-scale battles is a sight to behold. The grand fights feature meticulous strategy, planning, insight, and cerebral tactics, making it a much more nuanced action anime.

14 'Hajime no Ippo' (2000–2014)

Ippo throwing a punch towards view in Hajime no Ippo.

The anime may not technically be over, as the manga is still ongoing, but with over a decade having passed without a sequel, fans will likely never see a new season of Hajime no Ippo. The titular protagonist finds new meaning in his life after discovering boxing, able to express himself and put his hard work towards the world title.

Hajime no Ippo also isn't too similar to Solo Leveling, but the action is just as engaging, instead focusing on the unknown outcome of the fight that has real stakes in the future of their careers. There is plenty of comedy, character growth, dramatic moments, and downtime, making Hajime no Ippo a more versatile show that is the best anime turning 25 in 2025.

13 'JoJo's Bizarre Adventure' (2012–)

Jotaro and Dio's stands clashing in Jojo's Bizarre Adventure

As fans anticipate the new part of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Steel Ball Run, they can rewatch this series, knowing it does action better than most anime, including Solo Leveling. Each part follows a new protagonist in the Joestar line fighting against some sort of evil, whether it be a vampire, a serial killer, or a priest.

The action is different in every single part and episode, making Jojo's Bizarre Adventure one of the most unique action anime. The tense and unpredictable fights build a distinct quality that no other anime can match, not even Solo Leveling. It features solid animation, an inventive art style, and creative battles that set it apart from all other anime.

12 'Naruto' (2002–2017)

Kakashi and Obito face off in Naruto Shippuden

While this list doesn't feature all of The Big Three, it does include a couple, including Naruto, a legendary anime series following the titular ninja. As Naruto tries to prove to his village that he isn't a punk and he can be the Hokage, he must bring Sasuke back to the village after his betrayal.

Most Solo Leveling fans won't complain about this, considering Naruto is an OG of the scene and a classic action anime that is a staple in the community. Naruto is more than just fights, but the action is arguably the best part, especially since Naruto has some of the best fights in anime, showcasing fluid animation, remarkable choreography, and high stakes.

11 'Attack on Titan' (2013–2023)

Armored Titan punching Eren's Titan in Attack on Titan

The anime may have ended not too long ago, but Attack on Titan is still a popular show that rivals Solo Leveling. After the Titans destroy his village, Eren Yeager vows revenge, but after gaining the ability to turn into a Titan, he uses his newfound power to lead humanity outside the walls and face their true enemy.

Attack on Titan is hailed as a masterpiece due to its compelling story, well-developed characters, thought-provoking themes, engaging narrative, and overwhelming popularity. However, the series also excels at delivering wonderfully animated fights that make up some of the best episodes in anime. From fluid animation to dazzling spectacle, Attack on Titan is an action masterclass.

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