Why Hunter x Hunter Beats Solo Leveling 2026?
Is Hunter x Hunter better than Solo Leveling despite being “forgotten”? Hunter x Hunter, with its remarkable 9.03 MAL rating placing it among the top-ranked anime of all time, demonstrates storytelling depth and complexity that far surpasses Solo Leveling’s 8.24 rating, despite Solo Leveling winning Anime of the Year 2026.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about why Hunter x Hunter remains superior to Solo Leveling from my years of watching both series and engaging with their gaming adaptations, including the critical differences that make HxH a timeless masterpiece while Solo Leveling remains a flashy but shallow power fantasy.
| Comparison Aspect | Hunter x Hunter | Solo Leveling |
|---|---|---|
| MAL Rating | 9.03 (Top Ranked) | 8.24 (Lower Tier) |
| Storytelling Depth | Complex, Multi-layered | Linear Power Progression |
| Gaming Appeal | Strategic Nen System | RPG-like Leveling |
Understanding the MAL Rating Gap: Why Numbers Matter?
When I first saw Solo Leveling win the Crunchyroll Anime Awards in 2026, I couldn’t help but check the MyAnimeList database. The stark contrast was immediate – Hunter x Hunter sits comfortably at 9.03, ranking among the highest-rated anime of all time, while Solo Leveling struggles at 8.24, significantly lower in the rankings. This isn’t just a minor difference; it’s a canyon-sized gap that reflects fundamental quality disparities.
The MAL rating system, which I’ve tracked for over a decade, requires sustained excellence to maintain high scores. Hunter x Hunter has held its position through multiple anime generations, surviving the test of time that countless “anime of the year” winners have failed. When you look at the 2025 anime awards controversy, you’ll see that popularity contests don’t always align with genuine quality metrics.
What makes these numbers particularly telling is the voter demographic. MAL’s user base consists primarily of experienced anime viewers who’ve watched hundreds of series. These aren’t casual fans swayed by flashy animation or current trends – they’re critics who understand narrative structure, character development, and thematic depth. Solo Leveling’s lower rating despite its massive popularity speaks volumes about its actual quality versus its marketing success.
Hunter x Hunter: The Masterclass in Anime Storytelling
Let me tell you why Hunter x Hunter earned its legendary status. After rewatching the entire 148-episode series three times, I can confidently say that no other shonen anime matches its narrative complexity. The Chimera Ant arc alone contains more philosophical depth, character development, and emotional weight than Solo Leveling’s entire two seasons combined.
The brilliance of Hunter x Hunter lies in its refusal to follow conventional shonen formulas. Where Solo Leveling provides overhyped power fantasy, HxH presents Gon’s descent into darkness during the Chimera Ant arc – a psychological transformation that challenges everything we expect from a protagonist. I remember watching episode 131 for the first time and feeling genuinely disturbed by Gon’s transformation, something Solo Leveling’s straightforward power fantasy could never achieve.
The Nen system represents perhaps the most ingenious power system in anime history. Unlike Solo Leveling’s simple level-up mechanics that mirror basic RPG progression, Nen requires strategic thinking, personal sacrifice, and creative application. Each character’s abilities reflect their personality, creating a system where battles become psychological chess matches rather than power level comparisons. When I play fighting games or RPGs, I often think about how Hunter x Hunter’s Nen system would translate into deeper, more strategic gameplay than Solo Leveling’s number-based progression.
Yoshihiro Togashi’s writing elevates every arc into something special. The York New City arc transforms a simple heist story into a complex examination of revenge, loyalty, and moral ambiguity through the Phantom Troupe. The Election arc tackles political maneuvering with more sophistication than most political thrillers. Even the “simple” Hunter Exam arc contains layers of strategy and character development that reward multiple viewings.
Solo Leveling’s Shallow Victory: Style Over Substance
Now, don’t get me wrong – I enjoyed Solo Leveling’s anime adaptation. The animation quality from A-1 Pictures is undeniably spectacular, and watching Sung Jin-woo demolish enemies with increasingly absurd power levels provides immediate gratification. But that’s precisely the problem: Solo Leveling is anime junk food – satisfying in the moment but lacking nutritional value.
Having read the entire manhwa before the anime aired, I knew exactly what to expect: a power fantasy that never challenges its protagonist or audience. Sung Jin-woo’s journey from “weakest hunter” to “shadow monarch” follows such a predictable trajectory that I could skip episodes and miss nothing substantial. The real anime of the year shouldn’t be Solo Leveling, and many seasoned viewers agree with this assessment.
The most glaring weakness becomes apparent when examining Solo Leveling’s supporting cast. While Hunter x Hunter develops every character into a fully realized individual with personal goals, philosophies, and growth arcs, Solo Leveling treats its supporting cast as cheerleaders for Jin-woo’s power progression. Characters like Cha Hae-in or Go Gun-hee exist solely to react to the protagonist’s strength, lacking any meaningful agency or development.
The Jeju Island arc, often cited as Solo Leveling’s peak, perfectly exemplifies this problem. Where Hunter x Hunter’s Chimera Ant arc used a similar “overwhelming threat” premise to explore themes of humanity, evolution, and sacrifice, Solo Leveling’s version boils down to “Jin-woo shows up and wins.” There’s no tension, no meaningful sacrifice, no philosophical exploration – just another power level showcase that could’ve been resolved in half the episodes.
The Gaming Perspective: Why HxH Creates Better Game Potential?
As someone who’s played countless anime-based games, from Naruto Storm to Dragon Ball FighterZ, I can tell you that Hunter x Hunter’s mechanics translate into superior gaming experiences. The Nen system’s six categories and individual Hatsu abilities create natural character diversity that fighting games crave. Imagine playing as Hisoka with his Bungee Gum properties versus Chrollo’s skill-stealing mechanics – each character would require completely different strategies and playstyles.
Solo Leveling’s gaming appeal, while immediately obvious with its RPG elements, actually suffers from its simplicity. The manhwa literally reads like someone’s power fantasy MMO playthrough, complete with system notifications and stat screens. But what works as wish fulfillment in storytelling creates boring gameplay – when your protagonist can summon an army of shadows that trivialize every encounter, where’s the challenge or strategy?
I’ve noticed this pattern extends to the best isekai anime with RPG elements as well. The most successful game adaptations come from series with complex, balanced power systems rather than straightforward level progression. Hunter x Hunter’s Greed Island arc literally takes place inside a game, demonstrating deep understanding of game design principles that Solo Leveling’s surface-level RPG aesthetics never achieve.
The restrictions and conditions that make Nen abilities stronger mirror risk-reward mechanics that great games employ. Kurapika’s chains becoming stronger against the Phantom Troupe but killing him if used incorrectly creates genuine stakes. Gon sacrificing his future potential for immediate power against Pitou represents the ultimate high-risk gameplay decision. Solo Leveling never presents such meaningful choices – Jin-woo just gets stronger with no real cost or consequence.
Community Perspectives: The Divide Between Casual and Veteran Viewers
Spending time in both the r/HunterXHunter and r/sololeveling communities reveals a fascinating demographic split. The Hunter x Hunter subreddit, with over 500,000 members, regularly features complex theory discussions, philosophical debates about the Chimera Ant arc’s themes, and detailed character analyses. When someone posts about finally understanding the nuances of Meruem’s character development, hundreds of fans engage in sophisticated literary discussion.
The Solo Leveling community, while incredibly active and enthusiastic, focuses primarily on power scaling discussions, animation quality appreciation, and speculation about Jin-woo’s next power-up. There’s nothing inherently wrong with this – I enjoy a good power fantasy myself – but it highlights the fundamental difference in what these series offer their audiences.
The age demographics tell an interesting story too. My conversations with fellow anime fans reveal that Hunter x Hunter tends to resonate more with viewers in their mid-20s to 30s who’ve watched anime for years, while Solo Leveling captures younger audiences or those newer to anime. This isn’t about gatekeeping – it’s about recognizing that best shonen anime for gamers often requires context and experience to fully appreciate.
What’s particularly telling is how fans of both series discuss their favorites. Hunter x Hunter fans cite specific scenes, character moments, and thematic elements. They’ll talk about Meruem and Komugi’s gungi games or Gon’s moral degradation. Solo Leveling fans typically mention cool fights, impressive animation sequences, or how “badass” Jin-woo looks. Both are valid forms of enjoyment, but one clearly offers more substantial content for discussion and analysis.
The Cultural Impact: Which Series Will Endure?
Looking at anime that influenced gaming culture, longevity matters more than momentary popularity. Hunter x Hunter, despite Togashi’s infamous hiatuses, maintains cultural relevance through its storytelling excellence. The series influences new manga artists, inspires game developers, and continues generating discussion years after its anime concluded.
Solo Leveling’s impact feels more temporary, riding the current wave of Korean webtoon adaptations and power fantasy trends. Its contribution to anime culture amounts to spectacular animation showcases and proof that manhwa can succeed as anime. But will people discuss Solo Leveling’s themes and characters ten years from now? Based on similar series that peaked and faded, I seriously doubt it.
The comparison reminds me of examining classic 90s anime that stood the test of time. Series like Evangelion, Berserk, and yes, the original Hunter x Hunter, endure because they offer something beyond surface-level entertainment. They challenge viewers, present complex themes, and create characters that feel genuinely human despite their fantastic circumstances.
Why the “Forgotten” Label Is Misleading
Calling Hunter x Hunter “forgotten” is perhaps the most misleading aspect of this comparison. The series maintains massive active communities, generates constant discussion, and influences modern anime creation. Its MAL rating hasn’t budged despite years passing since its conclusion. If anything, Solo Leveling’s temporary spotlight makes Hunter x Hunter seem forgotten by comparison, but this reflects current hype versus sustained excellence.
The dark fantasy anime like Solo Leveling often experience similar patterns – massive initial popularity followed by gradual decline as audiences move to the next seasonal sensation. Hunter x Hunter avoided this fate through exceptional writing that rewards rewatching and deeper analysis.
I recently introduced a friend to both series simultaneously. After finishing both, they described Solo Leveling as “fun but forgettable” while Hunter x Hunter left them emotionally devastated and immediately starting their second viewing. This reaction perfectly encapsulates why one series ranks among the greatest anime ever while the other represents fleeting entertainment.
Technical Excellence: Animation Versus Storytelling
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Solo Leveling’s animation absolutely destroys Hunter x Hunter’s 2011 adaptation in pure visual spectacle. A-1 Pictures leveraged modern animation technology to create fight scenes that trend on social media weekly. Every Sung Jin-woo battle becomes a sakuga showcase that animation enthusiasts rightfully celebrate.
But here’s what I learned from decades of gaming and anime consumption: graphics don’t make the game. Some of my favorite games have dated visuals but timeless gameplay. Similarly, Hunter x Hunter’s relatively modest animation (which still has stunning moments, particularly in the Chimera Ant arc) never detracts from its narrative impact. When Netero uses his Zero Hand against Meruem, the emotional weight transcends any animation limitations.
The Solo Leveling character analysis reveals another technical disparity – character design philosophy. Solo Leveling’s characters look cool but generic, following standard manhwa attractive character templates. Hunter x Hunter’s diverse, sometimes bizarre character designs (look at the Phantom Troupe or the Chimera Ants) reflect personality and purpose. Hisoka’s clown aesthetic isn’t just stylish – it represents his performative, chaotic nature.
The Verdict: Quality Transcends Popularity
After extensive analysis, the conclusion becomes undeniable: Hunter x Hunter’s 9.03 MAL rating accurately reflects its superiority over Solo Leveling’s 8.24. This isn’t about dismissing Solo Leveling – it succeeds at being an entertaining power fantasy with exceptional animation. But when comparing overall quality, storytelling depth, character development, thematic complexity, and lasting impact, Hunter x Hunter operates on a completely different level.
My advice for anime fans, especially those coming from gaming backgrounds who appreciate complex systems and strategic depth: watch both series, but understand what each offers. Solo Leveling provides immediate gratification and visual spectacle perfect for casual viewing. Hunter x Hunter demands attention and emotional investment but rewards you with one of the medium’s greatest achievements.
For those interested in exploring more controversial anime worth watching, remember that popularity and quality rarely align perfectly. The best anime, like the best games, often challenge audiences rather than simply entertaining them. Hunter x Hunter exemplifies this principle, earning its position among anime’s elite through uncompromising creative vision rather than trend-chasing appeal.
Similarly, when examining best anti-heroes in isekai anime, we see that complex character development and moral ambiguity create lasting impact. Hunter x Hunter’s approach to character growth and ethical dilemmas sets a standard that power fantasy series struggle to match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Hunter x Hunter rated higher than Solo Leveling on MAL?
Hunter x Hunter earned its 9.03 rating through exceptional storytelling, complex character development, innovative power systems, and thematic depth that resonates with experienced anime viewers. The series maintains consistent quality across 148 episodes, with arcs like Chimera Ant considered among anime’s finest achievements. Solo Leveling’s 8.24 rating reflects its nature as entertaining but shallow power fantasy that prioritizes spectacle over substance.
Is Solo Leveling really overrated compared to Hunter x Hunter?
From my perspective, yes. Solo Leveling benefits from recency bias, exceptional animation quality, and effective marketing that earned it Anime of the Year 2026. However, when evaluated on storytelling merit, character development, and thematic complexity, it falls significantly short of Hunter x Hunter’s achievements. The series works as popcorn entertainment but lacks the depth that defines truly great anime.
Which anime is better for gaming fans?
Ironically, despite Solo Leveling’s overt RPG aesthetics, Hunter x Hunter offers more for gaming enthusiasts who appreciate strategic depth. The Nen system’s complexity, restriction-based power scaling, and tactical combat create natural gaming mechanics that numerous fan games have attempted to replicate. Solo Leveling’s straightforward leveling system might seem more game-like but actually translates into less interesting gameplay potential.
Will Solo Leveling’s popularity surpass Hunter x Hunter?
Temporarily, Solo Leveling might generate more buzz and social media engagement, especially with new seasons releasing. However, historical patterns suggest that anime that get better with each season require strong foundational storytelling. Solo Leveling’s source material doesn’t support long-term growth, while Hunter x Hunter continues gaining new fans years after its anime conclusion.
Should I watch Hunter x Hunter if I enjoyed Solo Leveling?
Absolutely, but adjust your expectations. If you enjoyed Solo Leveling’s power fantasy and constant action, Hunter x Hunter’s slower pacing and complex narrative might initially challenge you. However, investing time in HxH rewards you with superior storytelling, memorable characters, and emotional moments that Solo Leveling never approaches. Start with the Hunter Exam arc and commit through York New City – by then, you’ll understand why it’s considered legendary.