Solo Leveling has made headlines this week by surpassing long-time favorites One Piece and Demon Slayer to secure its position as the most popular anime series on Crunchyroll, the leading anime streaming platform. With over 610,000 user ratings and an impressive average score of 4.9 stars, the series has quickly captured the hearts of fans across the globe.
This milestone follows the release of Solo Leveling Season 2, Episode 11, titled "It’s Going to Get Even More Intense," debuted just 14 months after the anime first hit screens back in January 2024. Solo Leveling is adapted from Chugong’s web novel, telling the story of Sung Jinwoo, initially introduced as a weak hunter who experiences extraordinary upgrades after surviving near-fatal dungeon encounters. Since its debut, the anime has rapidly become one of 2024's standout series, with Season 1 topping various "Best Anime of 2024" lists and even winning the Astra Award for Best Anime Series.
The popularity of Solo Leveling has soared, especially with Season 2 airing since January 2025, building on the excitement and engagement from its ever-growing fanbase. The release of Episode 11 drew significant anticipation; it commenced the climactic battle between Jinwoo and the Ant King, showcasing high-stakes action and deriving considerable praise from the fandom. Many viewers were enthralled by the animation quality and the intensity of the battles portrayed.
Not all feedback has been perfect, with some fans criticizing the pacing of Episode 11, perceiving it as rushed. Nevertheless, the overwhelming response to the series overall has ensured its continued success. A rival series, One Piece, has been on hiatus since October 2024, with plans to return with new episodes this April. This break may have helped Solo Leveling ascend to the top, as it is currently the only major series exclusive to Crunchyroll, giving it the advantage of concentrated attention.
With its latest achievement, Solo Leveling now takes the crown from One Piece, which boasts over 1,100 episodes and has dominated the anime scene for years. The change signals potential shifts within viewers' interests and highlights how fresh content can invigorate the market. A producer from A-1 Pictures, the studio responsible for the anime, remarked on the unfortunate leak of Season 2, Episode 11, calling it "an act of betrayal to the creative staff and fans." Such incidents highlight the challenges faced by popular series amid rampant piracy.
Despite such setbacks, Solo Leveling remains on track for even greater success. It has also gained notable ratings on review aggregator sites, with Rotten Tomatoes granting it perfect scores among critics and high audience approval, reflecting its widespread acclaim. Indeed, as of now, 97% of users rated the series five stars, with only 3% giving it three stars and 1% being dissatisfied.
Anime enthusiasts are eagerly observing how Solo Leveling will maintain its momentum and if it can convert its growing viewership and engagement numbers even after the conclusion of the current season. Many have expressed excitement over what lies ahead as the finale approaches and speculate about potential developments following the series’ conclusion.
With the story still early on adapting the thrilling arcs from the original Manhwa, viewers can expect more incredible developments leading up to the events involving the Monarchs, titans, and power struggles. The ascent of Solo Leveling is more than just about ratings; it reflects changing tides and preferences within the anime community.
Fans are left to wonder what the future holds for Solo Leveling as it continues to break barriers. Will it fully dethrone One Piece as the ultimate series? One thing is certain: the phenomenal rise of Solo Leveling has created quite the buzz, and its fans can hardly wait for what's next.
