Within the anime community, certain series manage to leave an indelible mark, capturing the hearts of viewers worldwide. One such phenomenon is “Solo Leveling,” which, as of March 16, 2025, has achieved a remarkable milestone by surpassing 600,000 reviews on Crunchyroll. This accomplishment not only underscores the show’s immense popularity but also signifies a shift in audience preferences within the anime industry.
“Solo Leveling,” adapted from Chugong’s renowned manhwa, has rapidly ascended the ranks since its debut in January 2024. The series’ ability to engage viewers through its compelling storyline and dynamic characters has contributed significantly to its widespread acclaim. The recent surge in reviews serves as a testament to its growing fanbase and the impact it has had on the global anime scene.
Unprecedented Achievement
Sung Jinwoo from Solo Leveling (Credits: A-1 Pictures)
Surpassing the 600,000-review mark on Crunchyroll is a feat previously unattained by any anime series. Notably, “Solo Leveling” achieved this milestone in just over a year, outpacing long-standing series like “One Piece,” which has been available on the platform since 2013. As of March 17, 2025, “Solo Leveling” boasts 614,300 reviews, while “One Piece” holds 600,500 reviews.
This rapid accumulation of reviews highlights the fervent enthusiasm of “Solo Leveling’s” audience. The series’ ability to garner such a substantial number of reviews in a relatively short period reflects its compelling content and the strong connection it has established with viewers.
Impact on the Anime Industry
Jinwoo vs. Igris (Credits: A-! Pictures)
The success of “Solo Leveling” signifies a broader acceptance and appreciation of manhwa adaptations within the anime industry. Traditionally dominated by Japanese manga adaptations, the industry’s embrace of Korean manhwa narratives indicates a shift towards more diverse storytelling. “Solo Leveling’s” achievement paves the way for future manhwa adaptations, enriching the anime with varied cultural perspectives.
Furthermore, the series’ popularity challenges the notion that only long-running series can achieve significant milestones. With just 23 episodes released since its debut, “Solo Leveling” has demonstrated that quality content, coupled with effective storytelling, can rapidly audiences and achieve remarkable success.
Solo Leveling has achieved a new milestone in the anime world, officially becoming the highest-rated title on Crunchyroll. The hit fantasy anime has surpassed long-standing giants One Piece and Demon Slayer in overall ratings, marking a major shift in the platform’s dominance. Boasting a 4.9-star average from over 610,000 user ratings as of this writing.
Solo Leveling’s dominance comes after the release of Season 2, Episode 11 (Episode 23 overall), titled It’s Going to Get Even More Intense, which aired on March 15, 2025. This latest episode continues the high-stakes action that has defined the series since its debut in January 2024. The anime adaptation, produced by A-1 Pictures, is based on Chugong’s original web novel and has quickly become one of the most popular anime titles of recent years.
Highest Rated Anime Episode of 2025
Sung Jinwoo (Credits: A-1 Pictures)
Episode 11’s unprecedented ratings can be attributed to its intense action sequences and character development. The Episode currently has a raring of 9.8 on IMDb.
The episode’s portrayal of the Jeju Island raid, where S-rank hunters confront formidable ant adversaries, has been particularly lauded. The animation quality during these battle scenes has been described as exceptional, enhancing the viewing experience.
🚨Solo Leveling S2 Ep.11 is Currently Rated at 9.8/10, on IMDb! With Almost 1000 Ratings. pic.twitter.com/MLI59xxIwk — Otaku Insider • Anime News (@otakuinsider_) March 16, 2025
While One Piece previously held the top spot on Crunchyroll due to its vast catalog spanning decades, and Demon Slayer maintained its position thanks to the success of its 2020 theatrical release, Solo Leveling has managed to surpass both within just 14 months of its debut. Season 1 topped many best-of lists for 2024 and even earned the Astra Award for Best Anime Series. Season 2 is now following suit, already on track to surpass the success of its predecessor.
This accomplishment is especially impressive considering the challenges leading up to the latest episode’s release. Season 2, Episode 11 was leaked several days before its official premiere, prompting disappointment from an A-1 Pictures producer who described the leak as “an act of betrayal to the creative staff and fans.” Despite this setback, the series’ viewership numbers remain remarkably strong.
Exclusive Advantage and Future Prospects
Solo Leveling (Credits: A-1 Pictures)
Anime fans have also noted that Solo Leveling currently holds an advantage over its competitors due to its streaming exclusivity on Crunchyroll. While One Piece and Demon Slayer are also available on other platforms such as Netflix, Solo Leveling remains a Crunchyroll exclusive, driving more concentrated engagement on the platform.
Furthermore, One Piece has been on hiatus since October 2024, although new episodes are slated to begin airing in April 2025. This gap has likely contributed to Solo Leveling’s rise, with many fans seeking fresh content in the interim.
As Solo Leveling continues to dominate Crunchyroll’s streaming charts, the series’ popularity shows no signs of slowing down. With its intense narrative, high-quality animation, and growing global fanbase, the anime seems poised to maintain its top-tier status in the months to come.
