8 Retro Anime That Do Everything Solo Leveling Does, But Better

Solo Leveling has conquered the world. Jinwoo’s story has broken several records in its first two seasons, a number that could increase with future installments. However, despite its success with current audiences and the fact that the passage of time is often unkind to many series, Solo Leveling hasn’t reached the level of some anime classics.

While retro titles possess a unique charm, some anime from past decades with themes similar to those of Solo Leveling managed to integrate them more sensitively and successfully into their stories. Therefore, fans looking to relive certain emotions they experienced while watching Solo Leveling should look beyond newer titles and give some of the best classic anime a chance.

Legend of the Legendary Heroes (2010)

Although it went largely unnoticed due to its title, The Legend of Legendary Heroes is a great example of how to develop a powerful protagonist. While in Solo Leveling, Sung Jinwoo hides his newfound strength for a short time, in this anime, Ryner Lute possesses immense power that he conceals behind a detached and uninterested personality.

Not only is The Legend of Legendary Heroes not afraid to be brutal at times, with massacres and betrayals like in Solo Leveling, but the anime balances it perfectly with comedy. Furthermore, Ryner holds a terrifying power, Alpha Stigma has a mysterious and dark origin, and so does the system that allows Jinwoo to level up.

The Legend of Legendary Heroes begins as a typical relic-hunting fantasy medieval adventure, but power struggles between nations are soon revealed, and although Ryner is far from being a typical hero, he evolves as the story progresses, exploring his morality and trauma and even questioning his own identity.

Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic (2012)

While Magi has a different tone than Solo Leveling, it’s a full-fledged fantasy with a lot of dungeons. Like in Solo Leveling, in Magi, dungeons appeared a little over a decade earlier, and although these also grant fortunes and magical items to those who conquer them, they aren’t gates for monsters to come out of. Rather, they have powerful guardians called Djinns.

As a classic shōnen, Magi is also full of the thrill of protagonists growing stronger. However, its greatest charm lies in its characters and world-building. Solo Leveling‘s world feels small, but Magi explores different regions, each with its own political and social conflicts, as well as complex and powerful antagonists that provide the necessary tension to the story.

Record of Lodoss War (1990)

If there’s one thing many fans wanted to see more of in the early episodes of Solo Leveling, it was a few dungeon quests with a genuine sense of danger. For those looking for an anime that delves into an epic party dungeon-crawling adventure, Record of Lodoss War is a better fit.

Jinwoo quickly evolves into a one-man party, but Lodoss War shares the elements of a Dungeons & Dragons campaign where every member is essential, of different races, and with their own nuances that enrich the story. Filled with magic, mythological beasts, elves, orcs, and great antagonists, Record of Lodoss War is a must-watch for any high fantasy fan.

Claymore (2007)

Although the similarities between Claymore and Solo Leveling aren’t immediately obvious, both are dark fantasies featuring underdog warriors battling creatures that threaten humanity. Just as Jinwoo was called the “world’s weakest hunter,” Clare also ranked last compared to other Claymores. Therefore, Claymore shares that excitement of watching Clare gain power to defeat the Yoma.

Furthermore, just as Clare seeks revenge against the creature that killed her master, Jinwoo seeks answers about the system and the appearance of the gates. Claymore also stands out for its stunning animation, but it goes even further than Solo Leveling in depicting the tragedy of a world at war.

.hack//SIGN (2002)

Anime fans have pointed out the similar concepts between Sword Art Online and Solo Leveling, but .hack//SIGN introduced many of these a decade earlier. While in Solo Leveling, Jinwoo starts experiencing an MMORPG in real life; in .hack//SIGN, the exact opposite happens. The anime follows Tsukasa, who is in a virtual world with no way to log out.

.hack//SIGN may not have the stunning visuals of Solo Leveling, but it more than makes up for them with its well-developed characters and superb soundtrack. Furthermore, Tsukasa grows stronger as the mystery begins to unfold, making it a profound and introspective anime that leaves no viewer indifferent and a groundbreaking isekai that contributed to the genre’s boom.

Gurren Lagann (2007)

Gurren Lagann is a mecha classic that feels as fresh as the day it was released because of the quality of its animation and the universality of its story. Jinwoo’s transformation could have been significant, but Simon’s evolution from zero to hero feels more organic, with many considering him the epitome of an underdog protagonist.

Furthermore, since Solo Leveling‘s story is still ongoing, Jinwoo has yet to reach the scale of the battles in Gurren Lagann, where Simon faces cosmic threats. Gurren Lagann is an epic series in the truest sense of the word, with many emotional moments and one of the most charismatic characters in anime, making it a must-see title from the 2000s.

Dragon Ball Z (1989)

Solo Leveling may be one of the best new-gen power fantasy anime, but the genre’s forerunner is none other than Dragon Ball. Beyond martial arts and battles against enemies from across the universe, it’s an ode to the pursuit of power itself. Surpassing Jinwoo’s system, Dragon Ball introduced numerous transformations that took the power scale to unimaginable levels.

The best example of Dragon Ball being the ultimate power fantasy is that Akira Toriyama’s franchise is still going strong four decades later. Even Solo Leveling has included several nods to Dragon Ball, demonstrating its influence on the series. Moreover, while Jinwoo is gaining ground, there’s nothing like Dragon Ball‘s fights to pump adrenaline into the viewers.

Hunter x Hunter (2011)

Hunter x Hunter is a quintessential classic shōnen anime, and it wouldn’t be unreasonable to suggest that it may have inspired Solo Leveling. From the hunters, associated with prestige and strength, to a government association that regulates and licenses them, led by strong and respected figures (Netero and Go Gun-Hee), many fans have noticed the parallels between the two series.

Solo Leveling‘s Jeju Island arc is also very similar to the Chimera Ants arc. However, even with their similarities, Hunter x Hunter surpasses Solo Leveling not only in the grandeur of its world but also in its narrative depth, character development, brilliant antagonists, and overall impact, earning its place among the greatest anime of all time.

Similarly, just like Jinwoo, Gon isn’t your typical shōnen hero. He has many facets that are revealed throughout the story. Whether in its 1999 adaptation or the reboot, Hunter x Hunter is an anime masterpiece that, in addition to its epic battles and high-quality animation, boasts a story that lives and breathes adventure.