Forget the bland isekai tales of yesteryear because the real thrill these days lies in the world of dungeon crawlers. And no series has stunned anime fans quite like the highly addictive Solo Leveling. With its brilliant visuals, jaw-dropping combat, and a protagonist who puts the ‘lone’ in ‘loner,’ Solo Leveling has become a fan-favorite. It is an urban fantasy anime that follows Sung Jin-woo, a low-level hunter tasked with exploring mysterious dungeons that pop up across the globe. But after a near-death experience, he unlocks the power to level up with each fight and becomes one of the strongest defenders.
Release Date
January 7, 2024
Directors
Shunsuke Nakashige
Writers
Noboru Kimura
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Taito Ban
Shun Mizushino (voice)
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Genta Nakamura
Kenta Morobishi (voice)
The appeal of Solo Leveling is insane, and it lies in the unique spin it puts on the well-worn dungeon crawl trope. The mazes and catacombs, brimming with either riches or terrifying beasts, have captivated fantasy fans because they come with a sense of danger and intrigue. Of course, there are plenty of addictive anime series that scratch the same itch as Solo Leveling with their dungeon-diving escapades, and we’ve narrowed them down to 10 must-watch series.
10
‘Log Horizon’ (2013)
Release Date
2013 – 2020
Directors
Shinji Ishihira
In Log Horizon, 30,000 players are unexpectedly trapped inside a massively multiplayer online game called Elder Tale after an update makes it impossible for them to log out. They are forced to navigate a world that’s a mix of fantasy and reality and try to find balance using their skills and tragedies. Shiroe is a cunning player who becomes a self-appointed leader and forces alliances to improve life within the virtual city.
Dungeon Crawling Meets MMORPG Politics
Taking a cerebral approach towards the dungeon crawl tropes, Log Horizon focuses on both the breakneck action as well as the social, psychological, and logistical challenges faced by those trapped inside the game. With an emphasis on teamwork and communication, Shiroe and the rest of the players explore dungeons, complex battles, and sprawling landscapes, and adapt to their new way of life. It presents a richly detailed world and has earned a lot of praise for the same.
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9
‘So I’m a Spider, So What?’ (2021)
In the grand tradition of isekai tales, So I’m a Spider, So What? begins with a very familiar premise – a group of unsuspecting high school students experience a mysterious event that wipes the entire classroom out and reincarnates them all inside a fantastical realm as either royalty, warriors, or monsters. Not everyone is lucky enough though. One girl is reborn as the weakest of all spiders in a dungeon teeming with lethal predators; she has no choice but to survive.
An Adventurous Underdog Tale
Like Solo Leveling, this one has a game-like leveling system where the main character is on a quest for self-improvement and a way back home, which is just as entertaining as it is compelling to watch. The dungeons in the series are the most interesting of all. For instance, one is situated under the ocean and is inhabited by water dragons. The anime is known for its vibrant visuals, fast-paced storytelling, and stunning battles.
8
‘The Dungeon of Black Company’ (2021)
Crunchyroll
The main character of The Dungeon of Black Company is Kinji Ninomiya, a young man so obsessed with accumulating wealth without lifting a finger, he works hard for a luxurious lifestyle. But just as he’s about to retire, he finds himself transported to another fantastical realm where he is forced to work as a slave for a corrupt mining company and extract Demonite from treacherous dungeons.
Subversive Workplace Dungeon Crawl
This one stands out in the dungeon crawl genre because it’s less about fighting monsters in a dungeon and more about using wit and ambition to scheme one’s way through dangerous missions and corporate politics. The employees have no choice but to work in the perilous dungeons because they need money, but the risk associated with mining only lands them in more debt. The exploration of these worlds is engaging and relentless, the visuals are sleek, and the anime is overall dark and adventurous to watch.
7
‘Magi: Adventure of Sinbad’ (2016)
Netflix
The prequel to the acclaimed Magi series chronicles the rise of Sinbad as he goes from being a simple fisherman to the King of Sindria. Born to a jaded ex-soldier and his kind-hearted wife, Sinbad is traumatized as a child when tragedy befalls him, and he is left all alone. Years later, when dungeons emerge in various locations, he takes on the labyrinth-like gateways and fights ruthless opponents, magical creatures, and deadly traps.
Epic Dungeons and Unforgettable Fights
Magi: Adventure of Sinbad is known for capturing the spirit of classic adventure tales and weaving a seamless narrative that reflects Sinbad’s determination to bring a fractured world together and overcome his personal demons. For fans of Solo Leveling, this one is a must-watch because of the intricate dungeon designs and the stakes involved in conquering them. Also, an immense power in the form of Djinn Equip controls the dungeons and monsters, and he’s a powerful adversary.
6
‘Shangri-La Frontier’ (2022)
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Yuma Uchida
Sunraku / Rakuro Hizutome
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Azumi Waki
Psyger-0 / Rei Saiga
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Yoko Hikasa
Arthur Pencilgon / Towa Amane
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Makoto Koichi
OiKatzo / Kei Uomi
Rakurou Hizutome, a high school student, is a gaming enthusiast who thrives on taking challenges and often indulges in poorly made games. He’s recommended Shangri-La Frontier, a buggy yet irresistibly complex and extremely popular virtual reality game, by his friends. Armed with his gaming expertise, an in-game name Sunraku, a pair of boxers, a bird mask, and some weapons, he navigates the game, its enigmatic dungeons, and formidable beasts.
Immersive Aesthetic and Gaming Spirit
Shangri-La Frontier is a fresh and high-tech spin on the classic genre and an obvious choice for fans of Solo Leveling for the way it creates a captivating premise and combines it with edge-of-your-seat action. With its propulsive pacing and a protagonist who has a passion for exploring the unknown, the series ventures into the unknown and offers a satisfying and exhilarating parallel. The tone of this one is lighter and more entertaining than Solo Leveling, which also adds to the appeal.
5
‘Delicious in Dungeon’ (2017)
Release Date
January 4, 2024
Directors
Yoshihiro Miyajima
Writers
Ryoko Kui, Kimiko Ueno
After a traveling party suffers a grace loss in a dungeon expedition, the survivors, including Laios Touden and his companions, return to the start of the dungeon and from a singular mission – to venture into the labyrinth, steer clear of Laios’ spell-casting sister, and survive by cooking up bizarre monsters into the most mouthwatering feast imaginable. Their insatiable appetite and unique skills help the ragtag group make the most of their situation.
Crawling the Depths Through Gourmet Eyes
Produced by Trigger and directed by Yoshihiro Miyajima, Delicious in Dungeon was licensed by Netflix, where it premiered in 2024 and enjoyed a decent run. The excellent combat scenarios and incredible dungeon designs, but with an added flavor, quite literally, infuse the series with infectious joy. Each floor of the dungeon presents new dangers and the pursuit of the perfect meal, so it’s either a battle or a banquet.
4
‘Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?’ (2015)
Is It Wrong To Try To Pick Up Girls In A Dungeon?
Release Date
April 4, 2015
Network
AT-X, Tokyo MX, Sun TV, KBS Kyoto, BS11, ABEMA
Directors
Yusuke Onoda, Hideki Tachibana, Mitsuo Hashimoto, Yoshihiro Mori, Risako Yoshida
Writers
Hideki Shirane, Miya Asakawa
Cast
-
Daisuke Namikawa
Dix Perdix (voice)
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Ken Narita
Zanis Lustra (voice)
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Hitomi Nabatame
Tsubaki Collbrande (voice)
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Jun’ichi Yanagita
Rudra (voice)
Affectionately known among otakus as DanMachi, this anime follows Bell Cranel, a young and optimistic man determined to prove his worth as the world’s greatest romance protagonist. I mean, adventurer. After a chance encounter with a diminutive goddess named Hestia, Bell finds himself venturing deep into a multi-leveled labyrinth called “Dungeon,” which houses monstrous creatures and untold riches waiting to be slayed and claimed.
A Journey Fueled by Growth
Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? places the main characters in catacombs under the bustling city of Orario, where the adventures begin on an easy level and grow increasingly harder with each episode. Its aesthetic features a charming mix of medieval fantasy and glowing atmospheres, with Bell’s underdog spirit matching Sung Jin-woo’s transformation. Widely praised for its engaging arcs and memorable soundtrack, this one is a certified classic.
3
‘That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime’ (2018)
Another isekai anime that is just as delightful as Solo Leveling, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime follows Satoru Mikam, a middle-aged salaryman who is reincarnated in another world not as a human but as a lowly slime. Despite being a weak form, he’s anything but an ordinary slime. Satoru has the ability to absorb and mimic the abilities of anything, and he uses it to grow powerful and slay formidable dungeon monsters.
Isekai With Boundless Potential
This anime stands out thanks to its irresistible protagonist, whose journey is filled with growth and discovery. It combines dungeon escapades with broader world-building, all while delivering the same high-octane actions that fans of Solo Leveling crave. The breathtaking animation, captivating battles, and emotional storytelling capture every mood. Which is to say that it can even be a tearjerker sometimes.
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2
‘Sword Art Online’ (2012)
Sword Art Online is set in a not-so-distant future and it takes place in a highly immersive virtual reality MMORPG where the game creator has trapped the players inside the game. The stakes are higher than ever before, because if you die in the game, you die in real life. Kazuto “Kirito” Kirigaya, a beta tester, is using his gaming expertise, a trusty blade, and a few alliances with players to confront the bosses and battle their way into freedom.
Virtual Dungeons with Real Risks
SAO’s colossal floating castle is home to the game’s most treacherous dungeons and death is a permanent consequence. The anime revolutionized the dungeon crawl anime with its meticulous depiction of virtual dungeons filled with astounding detail and jaw-dropping battles. Similar to Solo Leveling, it boasts a gripping narrative and life-threatening challenges, as well as about a hundred floors, with each one having a boss that needs to be defeated in order for the next floor to be unlocked.
1
‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ (2022)
After completing a legendary adventure and defeating the Demon King, the curtain falls on a heroic tale and Frieren, an elven mage, parts ways with her companions. With her lifespan granting her centuries to life, she decides to embark on a tale of self-discovery years after her former party members have moved on with their lives. She reflects on the fleeting nature of time, revisits the beauty of the world, uncovers hidden dungeons, and faces perils.
Melancholic and Beautiful
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End shifts the focus from non-stop action to a more introspective, character-driven exploration of the genre. By following the story of an ancient elf grappling with the bittersweet weight of her own immortality, it offers a mature and rewarding viewing experience. Also, the second stage of the First-Class Mage Exam takes place entirely in a dungeon known as the Ruins of the Kings tomb, which is ripe with baits and clones, but the only way out is to find the center.
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