Solo Leveling has taken over the power fantasy anime genre like no other series. It is now considered a powerhouse show, having won the most recognition at this year’s Crunchyroll Anime Awards. Fans around the world rallied behind Sung Jin-Woo and his strongest shadows, making Solo Leveling a global sensation with the potential to rival legendary franchises.

However, with Solo Leveling Season 3 still unconfirmed, the hype has calmed down as fans begin to watch new shows while still holding out hope for Sung Jin-Woo's long-awaited return. In fact, a long-running historical anime is now beating Solo Leveling in ratings, and it’s quickly becoming the show everyone’s talking about this fall 2025 anime season.

solo leveling season 3 crunchyroll jinwoo glowing eyes

Solo Leveling's Sung Jinwoo Has Officially Been Beaten By An Overpowered MC

Jinwoo is strong, but he is far from being anime's strongest MC.

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By Rei Penber

Solo Leveling Season 2 Fails to Enter MAL’s 2025 Five Highest Rated Anime

Solo Leveling Is Now in Eighth Place

Solo Leveling Season 2 falls behind newer titles in MAL ratings.
Solo Leveling is criticized for its simple plot.

While Solo Leveling has successfully captivated audiences from different parts of the globe with Sung Jin-Woo's toughest fights, especially in Season 2, many fans are still divided when it comes to its lasting power, questioning whether the series can maintain its momentum beyond visual spectacle and straightforward storyline.

Critics even argue that it did not deserve to win over Frieren and The Apothecary Diaries as Anime of the Year, claiming that Solo Leveling only excels in action and suspense. Despite this, Solo Leveling fans are confident that the series’ appeal lies in its simplicity and entertainment value, emphasizing that not every anime needs overly complicated themes.

Unfortunately, as the anime seasons change, Solo Leveling’s ratings on MyAnimeList (MAL) have started to decline, falling behind shows like The Apothecary Diaries Season 2, My Hero Academia Season 8, and even the romance anime, The Fragrant Flower That Blooms With Dignity.

the fragrant flower blooms with dignity kaoruko and rintaro — The fragrant flower blooms with dignity kaoruko and rintaro

At present, Solo Leveling Season 2 holds the eighth spot, with a MAL rating of 8.63. The good news is that it is still above some of the biggest shows of the year, such as Dan Da Dan Season 2, Spy x Family Season 3, and even Gachiakuta. This proves that Solo Leveling still commands a strong international following, even after Season 2 ended in March.

Kingdom Season 6 Overtakes Solo Leveling Season 2

Kingdom Season 6 Is MAL’s Highest Rated Anime Now

Kingdom Season 6 currently reigns supreme in MAL, standing as the highest-rated anime of 2025. Kingdom Season 6 boasts an impressive 8.92 rating, surpassing even powerhouse titles like Solo Leveling Season 2, My Hero Academia Season 8, and The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 in the rankings. With just four episodes released so far, the historical anime has already set an incredibly high standard.

Of course, Kingdom has been around for quite some time now, which is probably one of the reasons why it continues to maintain such a dedicated fan base. Over the years, the historical anime has built a solid reputation, despite the controversial first season, which was heavily criticized for its underwhelming CGI. Still, with Kingdom Season 6 leading the MAL rankings, it's clear that the series has long redeemed itself.

If the pain doesn't kill me, it will only make me stronger.—Sung Jin-Woo

Solo Leveling, on the flip side, could still reclaim its throne if Season 3 exceeds the high expectations of fans. With the upcoming story arcs packed with shocking reveals, stronger enemies, and new shadows, Solo Leveling Season 3 has the potential to become the franchise’s best installment yet. For now, however, fans should expect to see Solo Leveling fall behind as other standout titles continue to captivate fans.

Solo Leveling Season 2 Could Still Fall Lower

Fans Demand Solo Leveling Season 3 Updates

Solo Leveling's Sung Jinwoo Could Return Soon With A New Series

Solo Leveling Season 2 is the best installment for many fans, mostly due to Jeju Island and the Red Gate story arcs. Fans never let go of the series until the finale, which tells a lot about how much anticipation there is for Solo Leveling Season 3. Yet still, fans haven’t heard any concrete update about the third season, even after months of speculation and countless rumors spreading online.

With no official update about Solo Leveling Season 3 coming from the production committee or even the series' creator, fans are gradually walking away, leading to a decline in the anime’s hype and online engagement. In addition, as newer titles climb the rankings and secure critical acclaim and massive followings, Solo Leveling risks being overshadowed despite its popularity.

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