The release of Solo Leveling in 2024 was a monumental event for the anime community. With its spectacular animation, high-octane action, and a simple yet satisfying “leveling up” fantasy, it captivated audiences worldwide. For many, it was the definitive anime of the year, a visually stunning power fantasy that delivered exactly what it promised. However, for a more discerning audience, the series’ straightforward plot, one-dimensional side characters, and a protagonist who becomes almost invincible with no real emotional stakes left something to be desired. While Solo Leveling is a fantastic spectacle, it lacks the narrative depth and thematic complexity of other breakout hits from the same year. This article will argue that while the hype for Solo Leveling was enormous, a handful of other series from 2024 delivered a far richer, more meaningful, and more innovative viewing experience that will ultimately stand the test of time. Here are five anime from 2024 that, in their own unique ways, prove that a great show is more than just a slick animation and a cool main character.

1. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

If Solo Leveling is a show about the thrill of power, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is a beautiful and introspective meditation on what happens after the adventure is over. Set after a hero’s party has defeated the Demon King, the series follows the elven mage Frieren on a new journey of self-discovery. Her greatest weakness is her immense lifespan, which makes her oblivious to the fleeting nature of human life. The show’s deliberate, slow-paced narrative and its focus on emotional exploration are a masterclass in storytelling. Instead of watching a hero gain new abilities, we watch a character learn about human connection, friendship, and grief. This thematic richness and emotional maturity are on a completely different level from the surface-level thrills of Solo Leveling, making it a far more rewarding and unforgettable viewing experience. It’s not about the destination; it’s about the journey and the memories we make along the way.

2. The Apothecary Diaries

This historical mystery series, set in a fictional imperial court, is the antithesis of a power fantasy. The protagonist, Maomao, is a brilliant but sarcastic apothecary who uses her knowledge of medicine and poisons to solve complex mysteries and navigate the treacherous politics of the Inner Palace. Her strength is not a magical ability or a physical one, but her sharp intellect and her unparalleled understanding of pharmacology. The Apothecary Diaries has no flashy fights or epic power-ups. Instead, its tension comes from the intricate web of court intrigue, social hierarchies, and the constant threat of assassination and poison. The show’s narrative is far more rewarding and intellectually stimulating than the simple monster-slaying of Solo Leveling. Maomao’s character is a breath of fresh air, and her story is a compelling reminder that the mind is the most powerful weapon of all. The show is a slow burn that is a testament to the power of a good story told well, without relying on flashy action to hold the audience’s attention.

3. Delicious in Dungeon

In a year filled with fantasy adventures, Delicious in Dungeon stood out for its unique and hilarious premise. The show follows a party of adventurers as they descend into a dungeon to rescue their fallen comrade, but with one major catch: they can’t afford to buy food. To survive, they must learn to cook and eat the monsters they defeat, from giant scorpions to man-eating plants. This quirky concept is executed with a level of creativity and world-building that is truly exceptional. The show’s charm lies in its meticulous attention to detail, its wonderfully absurd humor, and its surprisingly deep character interactions. While Solo Leveling‘s world-building is purely a backdrop for its action, Delicious in Dungeon‘s world is a character in and of itself, filled with rich lore and a fresh perspective on the fantasy genre. It’s a show that proves that you don’t need to be a stoic, overpowered hero to have a compelling adventure.

4. Kaiju No. 8

While Solo Leveling gives us an underdog who rises to become the most powerful being on the planet, Kaiju No. 8 offers a much more relatable and emotionally resonant take on the underdog trope. The protagonist, Kafka Hibino, is a 32-year-old man who has failed to join the Defense Force and is stuck cleaning up kaiju corpses. His dream of becoming a hero seems out of reach until a small, parasitic kaiju gives him the power to transform. But unlike Sung Jinwoo, Kafka’s new power comes with a major cost: he must hide his identity from the very organization he wants to join. This adds a layer of constant tension, emotional stakes, and a sense of vulnerability that is completely absent in Solo Leveling. The show’s themes of second chances, defying expectations, and finding purpose later in life make it a more mature and meaningful story. The action is just as explosive, but it’s driven by a much stronger emotional core.

5. Dandadan

For sheer creative energy and chaotic fun, nothing from 2024 came close to Dandadan. The show is a wild, genre-bending ride that mashes up sci-fi, supernatural horror, romance, and comedy into a cohesive, wonderfully bizarre narrative. The story follows two high school students: Momo, who believes in ghosts but not aliens, and Okarun, who believes in aliens but not ghosts. When they are both proven wrong, they are forced to team up against a constant barrage of supernatural and extraterrestrial threats. The show’s frantic pace, insane fight scenes, and witty banter are a perfect blend of modern shonen sensibilities and classic screwball comedy. While Solo Leveling is a polished, professional production, Dandadan feels like a vibrant, unpredictable fever dream. It’s a show that’s unafraid to be weird and original, and in a year where many shows played it safe, its audacity made it a true standout. The emotional bond between the two protagonists, and their gradual acceptance of each other’s crazy worldviews, provides a much more compelling character arc than a simple “leveling up” story.