It's Official: Solo Leveling Is the Top New Anime of 2024 at Crunchyroll and Beyond

It's no secret that anime is rapidly growing in popularity. After smashing records for total earnings in 2023, anime enjoyed a 2024 defined by some big returning seasons from smash-hit shows, and even more newcomers to the scene making names for themselves. Series like Dandadan, Delicious in Dungeon, and Kaiju no. 8 came along and took the anime world by storm, dominating online discourse while pulling in new fans by the thousands. No show, however, had a bigger year than Solo Leveling.

Produced by A-1 Pictures, Solo Leveling is based on the web novel of the same name written by Chugong, and closely follows the manhwa adaptation's version of events. Following the low-ranked "Weakest Hunter of All Mankind", Sung Jinwoo, fans bought into Solo Leveling instantly, and the series has since gone on to break numerous streaming records while continuing to wow audiences with each new episode released. It's become clear the anime is not just another run-of-the-mill power fantasy show, and its placement as Crunchyroll's most watched series of 2024 proves that.

Solo Leveling Was Crunchyroll's Most Watched Anime of 2024

The Hit Series Beat Out Popular Anime Like Dandadan and Kaiju no. 8

As reported by Gamebiz, Crunchyroll confirmed on February 21, 2025, that Solo Leveling was their most popular anime of 2024. Already an impressive feat, the stat becomes even more eye-catching when taking into account the sort of competition on the streaming platform. Airing weekly alongside countless other well-known series, Solo Leveling was able to not only steal the hearts of viewers, but also records from the hands of shows like Chainsaw Man. The massively popular 2022 anime was surpassed in ratings on Crunchyroll's site before Solo Leveling's second season even premiered.

Solo Leveling offers fans of action fantasy something a little different than they're used to, causing countless viewers to become invested in its protagonist's story. Sung Jinwoo, like many other generic fantasy anime main characters, starts his journey as an incredibly weak hunter, before receiving a massive power-up in a short period of time. What sets him apart, however, is that Jinwoo still works hard for his progress, and continues to keep a humble attitude despite rivaling the world's top hunters in strength.

Solo Leveling's Successful Second Season Is Coming to a Close

The Series' Success Hasn't Slowed a Bit

Solo Leveling's second season is approaching its finale, with its last two episodes expected to be released simultaneously from one another later in March 2025. If any weary viewers were doubtful the anime could keep up the momentum from its incredibly successful first season, all doubts have likely already vanished, as Season Two's debut shattered the record for most-liked single episode on Crunchyroll, which was held by the series' very own Season One premiere. After surpassing Chainsaw Man in total ratings in January, it took only another month for Solo Leveling to surpass Jujutsu Kaisen as well.

Sung Jin Woo from Solo Leveling holding a bottle and Okarun from Dandadan in Turbo Granny form.

From Solo Leveling to Dandadan, Manga Report Reveals How the Industry Is Dominating the U.S.

While manga series like Dandadan and One piece continue manga's rising trend, Korean manhwa like Solo Leveling prove the market is growing.

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Solo Leveling's second season has impressed the anime community with its outstanding visuals and tight, fast-paced storytelling and action. 2025 is barely two months old, but already the series is putting in an incredibly early, but convincing bid for anime of the year. It's already won that title for 2024, and it shouldn't shock fans if it were to happen once again this year.