Image via Crunchyroll
Published May 11, 2026, 5:11 AM EDT
Lucas Kloberdanz-Dyck is a writer for Collider. He grew up creating lists, stories, and worlds, which led to his love of anime and video games. He attended Sheridan College where he earned an Honours Bachelor of Game Design. Lucas and his group won 1st place for technical innovation at LevelUp Toronto 2023, and he was also an intern for the Oakville Film Festival of Arts.
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Every year, a new popular anime dominates the entertainment landscape and finds itself on the watchlist of every fan. In 2020, it was Jujutsu Kaisen; in 2023, it was Frieren: Beyond Journey's End; and in 2025, it was Solo Leveling Season 2. While the first season was equally as popular, the second season ramped up the action, intrigue, and animation, making it a must-watch action anime of this decade and in general.
However, despite its overwhelming popularity, there are countless shows that match or even exceed Solo Leveling's admittedly high levels. This is why this list will rank action anime similar to Solo Leveling (or are even better than it) based on fight scenes, creativity, animation, pacing, general action, writing, and overall quality. This list will also include a variety of action anime that are different from and similar to Solo Leveling and will discuss how those aspects are better.
20 'Fate/Zero' (2011–2012)
Image via ufotableThe Fate franchise is known for its historical figures, confusing timeline, and epic action, and Fate/Zero offers the best of all of those aspects. With a new Holy Grail war about to begin, its contestants must prepare for the worst with their assigned historical figures who will fight for them. Each one has a different goal and reason to win the grail.
If fans want a good anime and don't have anything to watch, then Fate/Zero is the perfect anime for them. Animated by ufotable, it features some of the best animations fans will ever see on screen. The battles are a spectacle of brilliant visuals, striking animation, and unbelievable moments, coming together to create the most memorable fights in anime.
19 'My Hero Academia' (2016–2025)
Image via Studio BonesAfter nearly a decade, one of the most influential modern anime series came to an end, and that is My Hero Academia. Deku dreams of being a hero, but without any powers, he struggles to do so. However, when he inherits the power of the world's strongest hero, Deku follows his dream by enlisting in hero school.
My Hero Academia was a wild ride with many ups and downs, but after the final season, fans can definitely say that it is one of the best action anime series. The fights were never a let-down, ripe with creative choreography, epic moments, fluid animation, and story importance. My Hero Academia's final season also beat Solo Leveling season two in the best anime of 2025 list.
18 'Dororo' (2019)
Image via MAPPAOne of the best new things happening is remaking classic series, and Dororo recently got that treatment. Originally from the 1960s, this modern remake follows a boy trying to reclaim everything that was lost to him. When his father offers parts of his body to demons, Hyakkimaru must kill each one to reclaim his lost humanity.
Dororo has one of the best stories on this list, but it is only ranking them by action and entertainment value, and even in that regard, it is better than Solo Leveling. Animated by MAPPA, the fight scenes are fluid and dynamic, with stunning melee combat and swordplay that feels more authentic than Solo Leveling.
17 'Hunter x Hunter' (2011–2014)
Image via MadhouseThis list will naturally feature many iconic battle shounen, but none is more important on this list than Hunter x Hunter, which defined a whole generation of series. Gon wants to find his dad, and the only way to do so is to follow in his footsteps and become a hunter, but this is a grueling profession only for the strongest.
If this list were ranking the entries based on quality, Hunter x Hunter would be number one, but since it is only about the action, it ranks a little lower. Still, this anime is a masterclass of action, specifically through its creativity, memorable moments, suspenseful fights, genius tactics, and narrative weight. Overall, Hunter x Hunter is a beautifully written anime masterpiece, but it also doesn't slack on the fights.
16 'Demon Slayer' (2019–2024)
Image via TohoIf Solo Leveling isn't the most popular modern anime, then it is definitely Demon Slayer, which revolutionized the medium and introduced a new generation of fans to anime. Tanjiro is on a quest to defeat the demon who turned his sister into one, and hopefully reverse the curse placed on her.
This is the second ufotable anime on this list, which speaks to its influence on action anime. Demon Slayer is all about the fight scenes, and fans can see that in the extreme detail put into every battle. The animation is dazzling, ambitious, and fluid, working together to provide some of the most gorgeous fight scenes in anime that are far better than anything in Solo Leveling.
15 'Kingdom' (2012–Present)
Image via PierrotHistorical anime are becoming increasingly popular thanks to shows like Vinland Saga and The Apothecary Diaries, but Kingdom was a pioneer of this genre, which peaked too late to gain a major audience. The anime follows Xin, a country bumpkin who dreams of becoming a respected general, thus starting his tumultuous journey.
Kingdom offers a different style of action compared to Solo Leveling, and depending on the viewer, it can definitely be better. The animation may not be top-tier, but the blend of story into the large-scale battles is a sight to behold. The grand fights feature meticulous strategy, planning, insight, and cerebral tactics, making it a much more nuanced action anime.
14 'Hajime no Ippo' (2000–2014)
Image via MadhouseThe anime may not technically be over, as the manga is still ongoing, but with over a decade having passed without a sequel, fans will likely never see a new season of Hajime no Ippo. The titular protagonist finds new meaning in his life after discovering boxing, able to express himself and put his hard work towards the world title.
Hajime no Ippo also isn't too similar to Solo Leveling, but the action is just as engaging, instead focusing on the unknown outcome of the fight that has real stakes in the future of their careers. There is plenty of comedy, character growth, dramatic moments, and downtime, making Hajime no Ippo a more versatile show that is the best anime that turned 25 in 2025.
13 'JoJo's Bizarre Adventure' (2012–Present)
Image via David ProductionAs fans anticipate the new part of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Steel Ball Run, they can rewatch this series, knowing it does action better than most anime, including Solo Leveling. Each part follows a new protagonist in the Joestar line fighting against some sort of evil, whether it be a vampire, a serial killer, or a priest.
The action is different in every single part and episode, making Jojo's Bizarre Adventure one of the most unique action anime. The tense and unpredictable fights build a distinct quality that no other anime can match, not even Solo Leveling. It features solid animation, an inventive art style, and creative battles that set it apart from all other anime.
12 'Naruto' (2002–2017)
Image via Viz MediaWhile this list doesn't feature all of The Big Three, it does include a couple, including Naruto, a legendary anime series following the titular ninja. As Naruto tries to prove to his village that he isn't a punk and he can be the Hokage, he must bring Sasuke back to the village after his betrayal.
Most Solo Leveling fans won't complain about this, considering Naruto is an OG of the scene and a classic action anime that is a staple in the community. Naruto is more than just fights, but the action is arguably the best part, especially since Naruto has some of the best fights in anime, showcasing fluid animation, remarkable choreography, and high stakes.
11 'Attack on Titan' (2013–2023)
Image via WIT StudioThe anime may have ended not too long ago, but Attack on Titan is still a popular show that rivals Solo Leveling. After the Titans destroy his village, Eren Yeager vows revenge, but after gaining the ability to turn into a Titan, he uses his newfound power to lead humanity outside the walls and face their true enemy.
Attack on Titan is hailed as a masterpiece due to its compelling story, well-developed characters, thought-provoking themes, engaging narrative, and overwhelming popularity. However, the series also excels at delivering wonderfully animated fights that make up some of the best episodes in anime. From fluid animation to dazzling spectacle, Attack on Titan is an action masterclass.
Collider Exclusive · Action Hero Quiz
Which Action Hero Would Be
Your Perfect Partner?
Rambo · James Bond · Indiana Jones · John McClane · Ethan Hunt
Five legends. Five completely different ways of getting out alive — with style, with muscle, with charm, with luck, or with a plan so intricate it probably shouldn't work. Ten questions will reveal which action hero was built to have your back.
🎖️Rambo
🍸James Bond
🏺Indiana Jones
🔧John McClane
🎭Ethan Hunt
FIND YOUR PARTNER →
01
You're dropped into a dangerous situation with no warning. What do you need most from a partner? The first few seconds tell you everything about who belongs beside you.
ASomeone who already has three contingency plans running and is calmly working through all of them. BSomeone who reads the terrain instinctively and knows exactly how to use it against the enemy. CSomeone who keeps their nerve and their sense of humour when everything is falling apart. DSomeone who knows the history of wherever we are and what we're walking into. ESomeone with the right contact, the right cover identity, and the right exit already arranged.
NEXT QUESTION →
02
You have to get somewhere dangerous, fast. How do you travel? How you get there is half the mission.
AOn foot through terrain no one else would attempt — I move where vehicles can't follow. BOn a motorcycle, a cargo plane, or anything else that gets me there before I think too hard about it. CIn something that belongs to someone else — borrowed, stolen, or improvised under fire. DFirst class, with a cover identity and a gadget that does something I won't explain until it's needed. EBy whatever means are available — I've driven, flown, and once arrived by camel. The destination matters, not the method.
NEXT QUESTION →
03
You're pinned down and outnumbered. What does your ideal partner do? This is when you find out what someone is really made of.
ADisappears into the environment, flanks them silently, and ends it before I've reloaded. BCracks a one-liner, grabs a fire extinguisher or a chair, and improvises something that somehow works. CProduces a gadget specifically designed for this exact scenario and uses it with infuriating precision. DPulls out a whip, a pistol, and an archaeological insight that somehow gets us out alive. ENeutralises the threat with maximum efficiency and minimum words — they were already three moves ahead.
NEXT QUESTION →
04
The mission is paused. You have one evening to decompress. What does your partner suggest? Who someone is when the pressure drops is who they actually are.
AA bar with terrible lighting, cold beer, and absolutely no questions about feelings. BThe finest restaurant in the city, a bottle of something expensive, and a conversation that is equal parts brilliant and exhausting. CA local dig site, a museum after hours, or a long story about why that particular artefact matters to human civilisation. DPizza. Bad TV. Falling asleep halfway through a movie neither of you were watching anyway. EA debrief that turns into three hours of contingency planning that somehow becomes the most fun you've had all week.
NEXT QUESTION →
05
How do you prefer your partner to communicate mid-mission? Good communication is the difference between partners and a liability.
APrecise and minimal — tell me what I need to know and nothing else. Every word has a cost. BDeadpan and dry — keeping it light keeps me sharp, even when everything is on fire. CEnthusiastic and slightly chaotic — but always with useful information buried somewhere in the noise. DCalm and controlled through an earpiece, with a plan that covers every variable I haven't thought of yet. EBarely at all — silence is a language and they speak it fluently.
NEXT QUESTION →
06
Your enemy is powerful, well-resourced, and has the upper hand. How should your partner approach them? The approach to the enemy defines the partnership.
AInfiltrate their inner circle, learn everything, and dismantle them from inside out before they know we're there. BStudy the historical pattern — every villain of this type has a weakness written somewhere in the past. CGet them talking. The more they monologue, the more time I have to figure out how to beat them. DGo through them. Directly. With as much force as the terrain allows. EFind the one thing they haven't accounted for — there's always one thing — and make sure we're holding it.
NEXT QUESTION →
07
Things go badly wrong and you're captured. What do you trust your partner to do? Who someone is when you need them most is the only thing that matters.
ACome in alone, quietly, and get me out before anyone knows they were there. BHave already been working on the extraction since the moment I disappeared — the plan is already running. CCome in loud, come in fast, and worry about the collateral damage later — I'd do the same for them. DUse every resource, every contact, and bend every rule until I'm out — they don't leave people behind. ECharm their way in somehow, bluff through the hard part, and still manage to look good doing it.
NEXT QUESTION →
08
What does your ideal partner bring to the table that you couldn't replace? A great partner fills the gap you didn't know you had.
ATechnology that shouldn't exist yet and the training to use it under any conditions. BSurvival instinct so refined it borders on supernatural — and the scars to prove it's been tested. CKnowledge of history, language, and culture that makes them invaluable in places where force is useless. DThe ability to walk into any room in the world and immediately become the most trusted person in it. EStubbornness that refuses to accept a situation is hopeless — and the improvisational skill to back it up.
NEXT QUESTION →
09
Every partnership has a cost. Which of these can you live with? No one comes without baggage. The question is whether you can carry it together.
AA partner who never fully switches off — always watching exits, always calculating threats, even at dinner. BA partner who gets the job done brilliantly but has the emotional availability of a locked filing cabinet. CA partner who makes everything ten times more complicated than it needs to be — but who always comes through. DA partner who gets personally attached to every relic, ruin, and artefact we encounter, which slows everything down. EA partner who was not built for this and knows it — but shows up anyway, every time, without being asked.
NEXT QUESTION →
10
It's the final moment. Everything is on the line. What do you need from your partner right now? The last question is the most honest one.
AOne line. Absolutely dry. Delivered like the world isn't ending. Then we move. BNothing said at all — just a look that means we both already know what has to happen. CA plan I don't fully understand that somehow accounts for everything, delivered in thirty seconds flat. DA piece of historical context that reframes the entire situation and tells us exactly what to do next. ESomeone who steps forward instead of back — because that's who they've always been.
REVEAL MY PARTNER →
Your Partner Has Been Assigned Your Perfect Partner Is…
Your answers have pointed to one action hero above all others. This is the person built to have your back — for better or considerably, spectacularly worse.
Rambo
Your partner doesn't talk much, doesn't need to, and will have assessed every threat in your immediate environment before you've finished your first sentence. John Rambo is not a man of plans or politics — he is a force of nature shaped by survival, loyalty, and a capacity for endurance that goes beyond anything training can produce. He will not leave you behind. He has never left anyone behind who deserved to come home. What you get with Rambo is the most capable, most quietly ferocious partner imaginable — one who has been through things that would have broken anyone else, and who chose to keep going anyway. You'll never need to ask if he has your back. You'll just know.
James Bond
Your partner will arrive perfectly dressed, perfectly briefed, and with a cover story so convincing it'll take you a moment to remember what's actually true. James Bond is the most professionally dangerous person in any room he enters — and the most disarmingly charming, which is the point. He operates in a world of layers, where nothing is what it appears and every advantage is used without apology. You'll never be bored. You'll occasionally be furious. But when it matters — when the mission is genuinely on the line and the margin for error has collapsed to nothing — Bond is exactly the partner you want. He has survived things that have no business being survivable. He does it with style. That is not nothing.
Indiana Jones
Your partner will know the history, the language, the cultural context, and exactly why the thing everyone else is ignoring is actually the most important thing in the room. Indiana Jones is brilliant, reckless, and occasionally impossible — but he is also one of the most resourceful, most genuinely knowledgeable partners you could find yourself beside. He approaches every situation with a scholar's eye and a brawler's instinct, which is an unusual combination and a remarkably effective one. He hates snakes and gets personally attached to objects of historical significance, both of which will slow you down at least once. It doesn't matter. What Indy brings is irreplaceable — and the adventures you'll have together will be the kind people write books about. Assuming you survive them.
John McClane
Your partner was not supposed to be here. He does not have the right equipment, the right information, or anything approaching the right odds. He has a sarcastic remark and an absolute refusal to accept that the situation is as bad as it looks. John McClane is the greatest accidental hero in the history of action cinema — a man whose superpower is stubbornness, whose contingency plan is improvisation, and whose capacity to absorb punishment and keep moving would be alarming if it weren't so useful. He will complain the entire time. He will make it significantly more chaotic than it needed to be. And he will absolutely, unconditionally, without question come through when it counts. Yippee-ki-yay.
Ethan Hunt
Your partner has already run seventeen scenarios by the time you've finished reading the briefing, and the plan he's settled on involves at least two things that should be physically impossible. Ethan Hunt operates at the absolute edge of human capability — technically, physically, and intellectually — and he brings the same relentless precision to protecting his partners that he brings to dismantling organisations that shouldn't exist. He is not easy to know and he will never fully tell you everything. But he will carry the weight of the mission so completely, so absolutely, that your job is simply to trust him — and the remarkable thing is that trusting him always turns out to be the right call. The mission will be impossible. He will complete it anyway.
↻ RETAKE THE QUIZ
English (US) ·