'Solo Leveling' — Almost the Perfect Anime, If You Watch It Right: A Lifehack for the Haters

Sung Jin-Woo has no goal, only the journey.
Solo Leveling has gathered a huge army of fans — and just as many critics. Some adore the series for its spectacle, while others slam it for a "shallow" story and clichéd tropes. But recently on Reddit, a fan shared a real lifehack: you need to watch the show not as a serious anime with deep philosophical meaning, but as… a regular Hollywood action movie.
The main character is Sung Jin-Woo, and the whole plot is basically his endless journey from a pathetic hunter barely surviving in the Cartheon Temple to a monster-killing machine. Some expected deep storytelling, dramatic character arcs, or a moral about the cost of power — but that’s not what the show is about.
If you stop imposing the usual "big" anime standards like One Piece or Naruto on Solo Leveling and just switch to popcorn-action mode, a lot starts making sense.
The story has a simple goal — spectacle and fun. Sung Jin-Woo swings daggers, smashes hordes of enemies, and the background plot only exists to lightly season the nonstop fights. That’s the trick — no need to dig into symbolism or wait for complex twists.
If you accept this, Solo Leveling suddenly becomes one of the most entertaining action shows of the season. Pure adrenaline, zero dragged-out chatter, and a nonstop stream of epic battles. In a world where many anime drown in fillers and ancient lore, Solo Leveling honestly delivers what fans want: a stylish hero, great action, and a straightforward, energetic pace.
So, if you were still planning to hate on Sung Jin-Woo for being "one-note" — try switching your mindset and watch it like a casual evening action flick. Perfect with pizza and cola!
In the UK, you can watch Solo Leveling on Crunchyroll with a subscription or for free with ads, while Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV offer Season 1 for streaming or purchase. Availability may vary, so it’s best to check each platform for the latest details.