Top Epic Solo Leveling Season 1 Moments That Broke the Internet
- animefocusnetwork
- 17 hours ago
- 6 min read
Published on March 24, 2026
Solo Leveling does not have a shortage of epic moments, but there are some that changed a lot of people's perspectives about the series. While the anime hasn’t been widely praised for its storytelling, it’s clear from the name that the focus is on leveling up and becoming stronger.
To be honest, does a series like this really need a "good story" to actually succeed? Take Dragon Ball for example: everyone is pretty much just waiting for that next big transformation such as SSJ4 or SSJ5 and even the master UI.
However, with Solo Leveling, we're waiting for that next big epic fight and to see what Jinwoo's next level looks like, which means animation is extremely important to make this series stand out. But with A-1 Pictures at the helm, it's all smooth sailing.
While the story does give the people what they want (big battles) there are moments that evolved the series to a new level and kept us all hanging on the edge of our seat, especially if you have not seen the manhwa which I highly recommend you read and you can even pick it up for a good bargain over here on Amazon.
Top Epic Solo Leveling Season 1 Moments That Broke the Internet
Jinwoo Saves His Party in the Double Dungeon
This was one of the more well known moments at the very start of the series, just before Jinwoo gained the powers or some of the powers of the Shadow Monarch. During episode 2, the weakest E-rank in the world (that was actually his given nickname) stumbled into a double dungeon with a massive stone guardian.
The guardian brutally slaughtered most of the group, and despite being the most powerless one there, Jinwoo selflessly stayed behind to protect the survivors. This was one of the many reasons the system (Ashborn) decided to let Jinwoo become his successor and why it deserves a place on this list.
The first couple of episodes didn't hook me right away, but that ending definitely made me want to come back. Finally, especially in this scene, seeing Jinwoo's real personality lit a spark in me and I've been hooked ever since. Perfect character writing.
Jinwoo's First Solo Boss Kill
In episode 4, Sung Jinwoo’s first true solo boss kill happens in a dungeon near a subway station where he faces the Blue Venom-Fanged Kasaka, which is a poisonous snake boss. Not only was this his first kill, but for us it was our very first look at the insane animation this studio made and could pull off. It was an episode that truly got new fans engaged in the series, not on the same level as season 2, but definitely getting there.
While many were sceptical on how this animation would be, this scene basically cemented it that the series would be good, especially the battles.
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Jinwoo Casually One-Shots the Golem Boss
This was one of those moments that you could feel the dopamine rushing from excitement. Jinwoo spots a group of struggling hunters battling a blue armoured golem which was nearly unbreakable. To help without drawing the crowd's attention to him, Jinwoo hurls his broken sword from a far distance while only expecting to break its defences. Instead, the throw pierces through its defence slaying the boss with one strike. This was truly the "he's him" moment.
Kang Taeshik Gets Humbled
During episode 9, Sung Jinwoo humbles an arrogant B-Rank hunter and honestly, it felt good. During episode 9, Taeshik was hired to eliminate criminal hunters and while reveling in killing people he turns on the non-criminal group, including Jinwoo's former party members from the double dungeon.
When he targets Jinwoo, the fight flips in the opposite direction from what Taeshik thought it would go. Jinwoo activates Murderous Intent, and from that point the fight was already over. Taeshik was ultimately stabbed through the chest: it was a quick and brutal takedown which showcased a noticeable increase in Jinwoo's strength.
Jinwoo's First Confident "Smile" After Awakening
In episode 4, Jinwoo's confident smile after his awakening appears after he wakes up in the hospital. If this didn't give you goosebumps, I don't know what would. This was the moment he knew his future had changed. After struggling as a weak E-rank who in all honesty, deserves the S-rank title more than anyone else, finally sees a possible future for his sister and mother.
Having survived the massacre, received the System, and completed his initial daily quests, Jinwoo sits up, tests his new "upgraded" body, and flashes a slight chilling grin. This was his true start to the "aura farming," if you will.
Hwang Dongsuk Guild Massacre
In Episodes 5 to 6 is when the series really peaked with Jinwoo's battle against Hwang Dongsuk and actually sets up the next few arcs beyond season 2. This is a dark turning point in the series when Hwang and his criminal guild betray Jinwoo and Yoo Jinho during a C-rank dungeon raid. Dongsuk, who enjoys killing weaker hunters for loot and profit, lures Jinwoo and then turns on them.
However, things don't turn out well for him because the system orders Jinwoo to kill them all or die. Jinwoo showcased his strength during this episode and to be honest, it was satisfying! And I'm sure many of you felt that way!
The Statue of God Massacre & Creepy Smile
This is one of the most iconic scenes in season 1 episodes 1 and 2, not because of a big battle but because of the iconic moment from the manhwa. It hooked viewers and readers in the original webtoon format. The scene set a dark tone overall, and the panels were incredibly vivid, with the majority of web searches comparing these two scenes between manhwa and anime.
The grin became a viral meme in the manhwa community long before the anime was even announced. This symbolized the dark world of Solo Leveling with a creepy style. This moment is definitely meant to be in any top list for season 1 of Solo Leveling.
Jinwoo vs. Igris
In episode 11, Jinwoo faces Igris, a knight who defends an empty throne and is one of my personal favorite shadows. Like I said earlier, Solo Leveling viewers absolutely love the fighting in this series and it is arguably one of the most hyped aspects about it, and what can be more hyped than one of the best fights in season 1.
The frames were impeccable, especially the high-impact frames during the end of the episode when Jinwoo defeats his future most loyal soldier. This is more than deserving for a shot at the first spot but ultimately nothing can beat the next moment.
"Arise" (First Shadow Extraction & Igris Kneels)
This was one of the best moments because fans of the manhwa knew what was coming, and if you didn’t, you were about to find out. This episode delivered the ultimate payoff to a slow-start season: from here and beyond, Jinwoo was definitely referred to as “him” or “gigachad.”
This iconic moment unlocked Jinwoo’s Shadow Monarch class and he utters the famous words from the manhwa, “Arise.” This was a complete goosebumps moment. At the end, Igris also bows to Jinwoo, showing his utmost loyalty to him. This is one of the best moments in the first season and I’m sure many of you will agree. From this point on, the series had a shift change in Jinwoo now being thought of as actually OP when compared to his beginning and mid journey to this point.
Editor's Thoughts
This series & manhwa is easily in my top 5. The show is a masterpiece if you are into all-out battles and just sheer high-quality animation. This list made me remember just how good season 1 was, and with that being said, even more so how good season 2 was. As many of us know, season 2 really peaked the series and became a sensational hit during 2025. Truly a masterpiece worthy of re-reads and rewatches. — Dean
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