Solo Leveling Anime Overtakes One Piece as the Monarch of Crunchyroll

Solo Leveling Achieves Top Spot on Crunchyroll

On March 15, 2025, Solo Leveling ascended to become the highest-rated anime series on Crunchyroll following the release of its latest season 2 episode. This notable achievement allowed the anime adaptation by A-1 Pictures to eclipse well-established giants such as One Piece and Demon Slayer, both of which had long been fixtures at the top of the ratings leaderboard.

The Journey of Solo Leveling

Originally serialized between 2018 and 2021, the Solo Leveling manhwa consists of 13 physical volumes published in both Japanese and English. Its growing popularity has led to several adaptations, including both anime and video games, captivating fans worldwide.

Sung Jinwoo, as seen in the anime (Image via A-1 Pictures)
Sung Jinwoo, as seen in the anime (Image via A-1 Pictures)

Exploring the Ratings Phenomenon

The eagerly awaited episode, season 2 episode 11, aired on March 5, 2025, positioning the series at number two prior to its release. After surpassing Demon Slayer, it quickly ascended to the top with a remarkable total of 594,500 user ratings on Crunchyroll at the time of writing. The rapid rise in ratings is a testament to the show’s quality and its compelling storytelling.

In just 23 episodes, the A-1 Pictures adaptation achieved unprecedented ratings, dramatically outpacing other established series. For context, One Piece has over 1,000 episodes and Demon Slayer has 63 episodes, both taking years to reach similar acclaim on the platform.

Recap of Season 2 Episode 10

The black ant (Ant King) as seen in the anime (Image via A-1 Pictures)
The black ant (Ant King) as seen in the anime (Image via A-1 Pictures)

In the latest episode titled “It’s Going To Get Even More Intense,”the Korean Hunters successfully take down the Ant Queen through a well-coordinated effort. However, a foreboding cry from the queen raises alarms for Yoonho, who fears the worst is yet to come. His concerns come to fruition as the remaining ants start to converge on the queen’s location, adding tension to the storyline.

As the hunters prepared for the next confrontation, a formidable black ant emerged from its hiding place, plunging the team into despair. Following the consumption of the Ant Queen, this creature swiftly overpowered the hunters, leading to a dramatic climax outside where Gotou Ryuji found himself ensnared in danger during the fourth Jeju Island Raid.

Looking Ahead

With only two episodes left in this gripping season, viewers are left wondering how the story will unfold. Meanwhile, the anime adaptation of One Piece is anticipated to return in April 2025, potentially reclaiming its position in the ratings. Demon Slayer is also set to make a comeback with the Infinity Castle movie trilogy, though its availability on Crunchyroll remains uncertain.

Fans of Solo Leveling should relish this remarkable achievement while it lasts, as the competitive landscape of anime continues to evolve.

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