10 Must-Watch Animated Shows Like Solo Leveling You Can’t Miss

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Regardless of whether you’re a fan of anime or not, it’s hard to have missed the skyrocketing fame of the highly engaging South Korean series, Solo Leveling. This captivating story about a relatively weak Hunter becoming the world’s strongest being has cast a spell over viewers worldwide and ignited debates and merchandise sales.

Solo Leveling boasts numerous captivating elements: it revolves around an underdog who ascends in power and uncovers increasingly potent abilities, faces a horde of monsters aiming to rule the world, participates in dungeon raids, engages in thrilling fight sequences where adversaries are defeated with astonishing prowess and panache, navigates political machinations, and generates a lot of tension. Although this globally praised anime garners many fans, it’s essential to acknowledge that American animated series have been telling equally exhilarating stories for quite some time now.

10 lively animated series cater to enthusiasts craving intense action sequences and captivating character development.

10
‘The Legend of Vox Machina’ (2022 – Present)

The tale of Vox Machina unfolds as an eclectic group of freelance warriors are magnetized towards the thriving city of Tal’Dorei to vanquish the menacing blue dragon Brimscythe. This encounter propels them into the heart of the world’s bloodiest wars, leading them to cross paths with fighters, tricksters, and sorcerers. As they grapple with the most terrifying monstrosities, their mission becomes one of preserving order from descending into chaos – all reminiscent of a thrilling Dungeons & Dragons adventure.

The Best High-Fantasy Adventure

The Prime Video series offers a lively and unconventional spin on the fantasy genre, captivating fans of Chugong’s web novel adaptation due to the thrilling character development – from humble mercenaries to game-changing champions. This show vividly translates storytelling reminiscent of tabletop RPGs into an engaging and enigmatic experience, enhancing tension, wit, and peril throughout three exceptional seasons.

9
‘Castlevania’ (2017 – 2021)

Following his wife’s gruesome murder, Count Dracula embarks on a destructive crusade against mankind, aiming to extinguish humanity forever. However, an unconventional group of heroes – Trevor Belmont, Sypha Belnades, and Alucard – vow to confront the tide of bloodthirsty monsters. Throughout four seasons, the series Castlevania immerses viewers in a chilling gothic atmosphere, featuring intense action sequences, complex political machinations, and compelling narratives that keep you captivated.

Action-Packed Gothic Carnage

In Castlevania, Alucard’s lethal swordplay and Belmont’s whip-cracking create an exhilarating, cinematic, awe-inspiring fight sequence that makes each battle feel like a dance of expertise and tactics. A true masterclass in dark and stylish narrative, Castlevania will enthrall any Solo Leveling enthusiast due to its gory atmosphere and excessive monster-slaying. The epic confrontation between Trever and Death is undeniably captivating.

8
‘Young Justice’ (2010 – 2022)

Young Justice differs significantly from typical superhero group shows. Instead, it delves into the lives of young heroes, exploring their common challenges, uncertainties, and individual aspirations. Yet, they are indeed heroes, so occasionally characters such as Nightwing, Superboy, and Miss Martian – who belong to a secret ops team created under the Justice League – undertake critical missions and grow as combatants.

Youthful Heroes and High-Stakes Missions

Just like Solo Leveling, Young Justice skillfully combines intense action sequences with profound character growth. It excels in progression, where every hero evolves over time, honing their skills, perfecting their abilities, and maturing into formidable warriors. The characters are richly developed, the world-building is thoughtful and emotionally resonant, and the fight scenes are meticulously designed to keep viewers on tenterhooks.

7
‘Generator Rex’ (2010 – 2013)

In a world transformed by a baffling nanite incident that spawned terrifying creatures called EVOs, our protagonist Rex, a fifteen-year-old EVO himself, has a unique talent – he can transform his body into a lethal biochemical force. Armed with this power, Rex is enlisted by an elite group and embarks on a journey to understand his past, all while preparing to confront Van Kleiss.

Delivers Grand Scale Action

In the series Generator Rex, Rex’s adventure isn’t merely about raw physical strength; it encompasses growth, mastery, and the gradual unleashing of extraordinary abilities. With each confrontation, he unearths hidden talents, encounters more formidable adversaries, and delves further into the intrigue surrounding EVOs. This show is an ideal match for fans of Solo Leveling, as it offers the exhilarating sensation of Rex’s power escalation, his body evolving with each significant battle akin to Jin-woo as he advances through levels after major fights.

6
‘Samurai Jack’ (2001 – 2017)

Samurai Jack, created by Genndy Tartakovsky for Cartoon Network and Adult Swim, stands out as one of the most intriguing animated series due to its unique blend of samurai action and character-focused narratives. The story revolves around a solitary samurai named Jack who finds himself hurled into a bleak future controlled by Aku. His quest involves defeating this adversary and finding his way back home.

A Warrior-Driven Narrative

Samurai Jack stands out as a remarkable animated series, boasting breathtaking artwork, captivating action sequences, and enduring narrative style. The protagonist, Jack, is an indomitable figure that demands attention. As he confronts Aku’s minions, his abilities grow stronger, and each encounter is both dramatic and precise. From the sparse landscapes to the eerie soundtrack, every aspect of Samurai Jack complements one another perfectly.

5
‘Arcane’ (2021 – 2024)

Arcane unfolds in the contrasting cities of Piltover and Zaun, where the affluent dwell in the advanced, sprawling landscape of the former, while the latter houses the struggling citizens living under difficult conditions. This series chronicles the tumultuous lives of sisters Vi and Jinx, whose bond is severed by violence and politics. The destiny of both realms is on the verge of a dramatic shift, and the characters experience both exhilarating ascents and heart-wrenching falls.

Explores Power and Rivalry

In my opinion, I’m utterly captivated by “Arcane,” a series set within the universe of Riot Games’ “League of Legends.” It has garnered immense praise for its exceptional writing, stunning visuals, top-notch voice acting, and overall enchanting aesthetic. Remarkably, it boasts a perfect 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and shattered records by becoming Netflix’s highest-rated series ever just a week after its debut. When it comes to combat scenes, the fierce battles between Ekko and Jinx remind me of the intense duels featured in “Solo Leveling.

4
‘Ben 10: Alien Force’ (2008 – 2010)

Five years following the initial unearthing of the wristwatch-like extraterrestrial artifact known as Omnitrix, Ben Tennyson reenters the heroic fray, now a more mature young adult, after his grandfather inexplicably disappears without a trace. Accompanied by Gwen and Kevin this time around, Ben is gradually mastering his powers, employing them to subdue powerful adversaries such as Highbreed, DNAliens, and Vilgax.

Exciting Battles and Coming-of-Age Drama

Ben 10: Alien Force is an impressive sequel that chronicles Ben’s transformation from a child to a teenager, showcasing his continuous development and self-improvement. This aspect would resonate with fans of Solo Leveling. The excitement lies in the progression as Ben adopts new alien forms, intensifying the action. The series also offers a captivating sci-fi landscape and stylish, contemporary animation, adding depth to the fight sequences against enemies.

3
‘Masters of the Universe: Revelation’ (2021 – Present)

Titled “Masters of the Universe: Revelation” (and its third part, titled “Revolution”), this Netflix series is a revival of the ’80s animated show based on Mattel’s “Masters of the Universe” toy line. Here, Prince Adam reappears as He-Man, using the Power of Grayskull in a world altered by loss, secrets, and deception. With Eternia on the verge of collapse, former friends and foes alike must grapple with their past to safeguard the future.

A Bold Revival

This series, rich in emotional depth and unexpected turns, follows Adam’s journey as it delves into themes of legacy, sacrifice, and self-discovery. Balancing his roles as a hero and a prince, Adam confronts the heavy price of power. The animation is both cinematic and stylish, ensuring that each fight carries significant weight and impact. With intricate character developments and a dark, mature atmosphere, this series offers a refreshingly adult interpretation of a cherished franchise, evoking nostalgia while remaining contemporary.

2
‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ (2005 – 2008)

As a cinephile immersed in the realm of animated storytelling, I can’t help but express my admiration for one timeless masterpiece: Avatar: The Last Airbender. This captivating series unfolds a mesmerizing universe where four distinct nations – Water, Earth, Fire, and Air – coexist harmoniously.

In this epic tale, a youthful figure named Aang emerges as the last surviving Airbender, the very embodiment of the Avatar foretold to restore equilibrium. After slumbering for centuries, Aang embarks on a transformative journey, striving to master each element and honing his powers in preparation for a climactic confrontation with Ozai. With the Fire Nation poised to consume the world, Aang’s quest is pivotal in preserving balance and peace.

A Hero’s Brutal Journey

Over the course of three captivating seasons, the Nickelodeon show builds tension with every episode, weaving in legendary battles and profound character journeys. The main character, a young hero, is caught up in this tale, striving to harness his full abilities and skillfully defeat his adversaries. Scenes such as Azula’s precise attacks and Zuko’s journey towards redemption have become so iconic that they remain etched in the minds of fans.

1
‘Invincible’ (2021 – Present)

Invincible, developed by Robert Kirkman for Prime Video, chronicles the life of Mark Grayson, a typical teenager. However, his ordinary existence takes an extraordinary twist when he gains immense strength from his father, Omni-Man, the mightiest superhero on Earth. Eager to hone his newfound abilities, Mark experiences brutal confrontations and uncovers secrets about his dad that reshape his perception of heroism.

Superhero Antics and Family Dynamics

The series, like the comic book it’s named after and illustrated by Cory Walker and Ryan Ottley, is renowned for its deep exploration of power and accountability. Unlike many superhero TV shows that primarily use intense action sequences to maintain excitement, this one provides a raw and honest portrayal of Mark’s struggles and development. However, don’t worry, there are still plenty of exciting fight scenes to anticipate.

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2025-05-06 01:03