Attack on Titan is a critically acclaimed, action-packed shōnen series with a devoted fanbase spread across the globe. It excels at portraying the human–Titan conflict, elevating the struggle to an existential level. The story begins when the Colossal Titan shatters the outermost of humanity’s three concentric walls, allowing humanoid monsters known as the Titans to pour in. This event marks the beginning of a new brutal era in human history.
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The fight for humanity's survival is marked by the end of a century of peace. It is a brutal and unpredictable depiction of the war for survival, especially for Eren, who takes a vow to eradicate the Titans from the earth, unbeknownst to the dark reality behind them. As a beloved anime, Attack on Titan is often considered irreplaceable by its fanbase. However, fans of a newer anime, which earned massive acclaim at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, see strong similarities between the two, with some even arguing that the latter is a superior series.
Which Anime Is Attack on Titan’s Successor?
Solo Leveling Concluded A Stellar Season 2 In 2025
Attack on Titan evolved into an intense political thriller, but there is another series, one that, with a potential Season 3, could topple its status as an unforgettable shōnen anime. This one is based on the life of Sung Jinwoo, the weakest hunter alive, who fights against impossible odds to become one of the strongest hunters in his pack. He rises to the top and ends up overshadowing even the best of the best. Much like Solo Leveling, Attack on Titan dives into themes of redemption, identity, and purpose, and its backstory is insanely compelling.
Solo Leveling, much like Attack on Titan, is not an easy-breezy watch, but it’s filled with adrenaline-pumping moments that keep audiences rooting for the lead. Eren's rise is fueled by his tragic backstory, just as Sung Jinwoo carries the heavy burden of his own. Attack on Titan is undoubtedly more unpredictable in its storytelling. Solo Leveling displays that same intensity through its jaw-dropping fight sequences. More than most, both Solo Leveling and Attack on Titan feature characters that battle life-and-death situations and achieve greatness in the process. Ultimately, the characters in both series find themselves in various precarious situations where survival takes the upper hand.
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Core Similarities Between Attack On Titan And Solo Leveling
Underdog Trope, Dark-fantasy Tone, Realism, Isolation of Power Anchored By An Overarching Mystery
The fundamental connection between Attack on Titan and Solo Leveling is the precarious situations that drive the plot forward. Both series utilize the underdog trope pretty well, with their protagonists gaining immense, god-like powers through mysterious processes. While battling evil forces, both Attack on Titan and Solo Leveling retain their brutal dark-fantasy tone while also delivering visually spectacular scenes that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The two series do not shy away from killing off major characters, which creates a sense of realism and raises the stakes. The primary motive behind it is to genuinely depict the stark nature of the world where nobody is truly safe. This makes for gripping action and also tells the audience that no one can truly escape the dangers of the world. Moreover, it also serves the respective narratives and character arcs by setting the protagonists, Eren and Jinwoo, against greater odds.
Both Eren and Jinwoo’s powers come at a profound personal cost, leaving them increasingly isolated from their peers. Jinwoo’s comrades find themselves questioning the mysterious way in which he acquired his abilities, regarding him with suspicion and fear. Similarly, Eren begins to live a solitary life due to the emotional toll of his abilities and is overburdened by the overwhelming truth he uncovers. In both cases, this leads to a situation where the protagonists are alienated and must face their challenges alone.
10 Things Attack On Titan Does Better Than Nearly Every Anime
Attack on Titan was an intense story from start to finish, and it is remembered for all the things that it did right.
All the similarities are anchored by an overarching mystery, which is the basis of Attack on Titan and Solo Leveling’ s appeal. Both shows are propelled forward by a deep sense of mystery that gradually unfolds, marking a huge shift in the fundamental nature of the story. In the former, the viewers constantly raise questions about the Titans and the world beyond the walls, while in Solo Leveling, the mystery surrounds the System, the dungeons, and the truth behind Jinwoo’s powers. The series answers these questions in due time but also keeps the viewers hooked until loose plot threads are tied together.
Solo Leveling Is A Modern Hit
By now, it has been established that Attack on Titan and Solo Leveling center on characters fighting for survival in life-or-death battles, ultimately achieving greatness along the way. But while Attack on Titan has concluded, Solo Leveling has begun to take the world by storm, with a potential Season 3 that producer Atsushi Kaneko hopes will push the boundaries. Kaneko admitted that he was surprised by the overwhelming response Solo Leveling received, but noted the show wasn’t widely recognized in Japan, at least not on par with One Piece, Naruto, or Dragon Ball. He hoped that the upcoming season of Solo Leveling would break barriers and elevate the show to the same heights as the big ones.
Kaneko spoke exclusively with Screen Rant during Anime Expo:
While thrilled with the response, I personally don't feel like the series is known by everyone at this point. Solo Leveling isn't as universally recognized in Japan yet. As a Japanese person living in Japan, the anime is not at the level of Dragon Ball, One Piece, or Naruto. But if season three happens, that’s when I want to truly break that boundary.
Solo Leveling definitely does have the potential to break barriers and achieve widespread recognition in Japan. Riding on its current momentum, it has cemented its status as a modern hit, and a third season will only increase its appeal. While Season 3 is certain, it is not known when it will arrive. The creators have been teasing Season 3 for a while now, but its release date remains unconfirmed.
Can Solo Leveling Sustain Its Momentum?
There is a steady wave of unforgettable anime releasing across every genre, and in the absence of an update on the next season, it will become increasingly difficult for Solo Leveling to keep the hype alive. It isn’t just up against shows that have satisfactorily reached their conclusions, but with powerhouse titles such as Demon Slayer, One Piece, and Jujutsu Kaisen. When a show goes silent for too long, five months and counting, in the case of Solo Leveling, viewers’ attention naturally begins to shift. The current era of streaming is ruthless; a new title arrives, ready to topple the last. The loss of attention is bound to take place, especially if the studio doesn’t act quickly. The conversation will eventually fade, and so will the social media buzz.
Even though Solo Leveling is the hottest title in the current streaming era, it won’t be long before its hype dies. The viewers’ attention will drift, especially now that a beloved shōnen, My Hero Academia, is on the horizon with its highly anticipated final season. Attack on Titan and The Seven Deadly Sins suffered from long gaps between seasons. Solo Leveling risks the same fate if a new season isn’t announced soon. The best way for Solo Leveling to keep the momentum alive is for the studio to announce season 3.
Where To Watch Solo Leveling Seasons 1 and 2?
Solo Leveling Season 1 and 2 consist of a total of 25 episodes, 12 episodes in Season 1 and 13 in Season 2. While fans await an official update on the third season, the anime is available to stream on Crunchyroll. In the meantime, diving into Jinwoo’s story through the Manhwa is another great option, and a way to keep the excitement alive.
Solo Leveling scored a major win at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards when it won Anime of the Year, Best New Series, Best Action, Best Score, and Sung Jinwoo won the Best Main Character award.
Solo Leveling
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- 2024 - 2025-00-00
A-1 Pictures' Solo Leveling is an anime based on Chugong's popular web novel. Set in an unforgiving fantasy world where hunters explore dungeons filled with monsters, the vulnerable Sung Jinwoo gains a significant power boost after he is picked to be a solo player by the System.
