Top 10 Dungeon Crawler Anime

#10: “So I’m a Spider So What” (2021)

Are you a fan of underdog stories? Or happen to have played way too many From Software games? Then this arachnid's struggle to survive will hit all too close to home. After a magical explosion terminates an entire classroom, one unfortunate, unnamed student finds herself reincarnated into a dungeon as an adorable yet pathetically weak spider. With death around every corner and precious few ways to fight back, the only recourse left for our eight-legged waifu is to rely on her wits and infectiously positive attitude. This one is a real gem.

#9: “Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest” (2019-)

Cookie cutter premise aside, this tale of revenge is the best kind of power fantasy. After getting betrayed and sent hurtling down into the lowest level of a particularly dangerous dungeon while his classmates get to live out their dream isekai life, Hajime decides to embrace the edgelord - going from a nice guy all the way to a gun-wielding, zero-empathy, harem king. Unafraid to be violent and vulgar, the brutality of its fantasy-action easily overshadows whatever its budgetary short-comings are. Plus, you know, hammer wielding bunny girl. Can’t go wrong with that!

#8: “Shangri-La Frontier” (2023-)

Of course we’re including video game dungeons! And few have perfected the art quite like Shangri-La Frontier. The whole series plays out like you’re watching your favourite streamer tackle the most immersive MMORPG out there, complete with raid bosses, absurd weapons, impossible challenges, and of course, plenty of dungeons to plunder. The humour is light, the fights are awesome, and most important, the series understands the gaming scene – pros and cons included. We may never be as good a player as Sunraku, but we sure as hell can enjoy watching him sweep through every challenge like the bird-faced gamer god he is.

#7: “Goblin Slayer” (2018-23)

Ah yes, the one anime that made every fan take a step back and consider that maybe becoming an adventurer isn’t the best of career options. There are certainly plenty of quests to undertake in this fantasy land, with just as many dungeons to clear out. The only problem is that plot armor is practically non-existent, and even someone as mundane as a goblin can prove to be your violent undoing. Enter the Goblin Slayer, a man with an unflinching vendetta to slaughter every green monster he comes across in the name of vengeance. If you want to see goblins get mulched, you’re in for a treat. Fair warning though, this show doesn’t skip over the more…taboo aspects found in dark fantasy. So be alert.

#6: “Sword Art Online” (2012-20)

Walking the line between internet punching bag and hype machine, Sword Art Online practically opened the gateway to virtual reality anime with a major emphasis on striking visuals, over the top action, and a main character whose only dilemma in life seems to be his ever-increasing list of lovers. It’s certainly not without its narrative pitfalls, but even the most avid of haters can’t deny how much fun the series became during its later seasons. Slashing though an army of monsters and toxic players has never looked quite this good, but that’s the power of unlimited budget works.

#5: “Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation” (2021-)

Full disclosure, this would have ranked much higher if it spent a bit longer exploring the dungeons of its intricate world, but even so, you’d be remiss not to give the godfather of isekai a go. After getting a second chance at life following his unceremonious passing via truck-kun, the once apathetic Rudeus decides to make the most of his second life. Becoming a formidable mage, bettering himself as a person, and of course, tackling jobs that take him to the darkest depths of this monster-strewn land. Flashy, fun and just a little bit spicy, if you only ever watch isekai in your life, this is certainly the one.

#4: “Solo Leveling” (2024-25)

Do you like your anime with copious amounts of aura farming? Then you’re in luck, because Jinwoo is pretty much the poster boy. In a world overrun by gates that lead to parallel worlds of monsters and magic, Hunters have made a name for themselves by exploring and purging these so-called dungeons before its denizens can break through. What was supposed to be a bloody end for the weakest of all hunters turns into one of anime’s greatest ascensions, as Jinwoo finds himself suddenly able to gain strength from every foe bested, allowing himself to literally level up until he’s taking down dungeons by his lonesome. Well, along with his personal army made from the sundered spirits of his foes. It’s the embodiment of the rule of cool, and we are here for it.

#3: “Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?” (2015-)

If you’re in the mood for something a little more light-hearted yet still interwoven with all those classic DnD tropes, then we can wholly recommend DanMachi. Sure, Bell’s dungeon-diving adventurers may have lower stakes compared to other genre giants, but it still has its charm. The fights remain frenetic, the power systems are comfortably familiar, and its incorporation of Greek Gods recruiting humans to form their own guilds puts a neat twist on things. Besides, how could you say no Hestia?!

#2: “Made in Abyss” (2017-22)

Oh boy. This is a tricky one. On the one hand, this is one of modern anime’s true darlings. Focusing on an amateur cave raider and her cyborg pal as they descend through the titular abyss in the hope of finding her missing mother at its lowest depths. Every layer is awash with intrigue…but also danger. Despite its innocent young leads, this series holds nothing back. Death, depravity, and the worse of humanity is laid bare here, becoming increasingly horrendous with every new layer discovered. It makes for a riveting watch, just be prepared for part of your soul to die along the way.

#1: “Delicious in Dungeon” (2024-)

Why just kill your way through a dungeon when you can turn it into a buffet? In a race against time to save his sister from the belly of a dragon, Laios and his ragtag party decide to try their luck at turning every monster they defeat into a gourmet meal. The results are as intriguing as they are hilarious. Before long, every battle becomes a precursor to a new dish, and we’ll be damned if they don’t all look scrumptious. The variety of ecology and cuisine on hand is frankly astounding, all helmed together by a group of lovable goofs who, for as dysfunctional as they are, make for some of the most endearing party members you’ll come across in any campaign!

Which of these dungeon crawlers do you consider a critical? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo for new videos every day!