Dungeon crawl anime has become a subgenre in its own right, blending high-stakes adventure with rich fantasy world-building. These types of anime usually dive deeper into the lore of dungeons, whether the protagonist is a vending machine or a slime, the core appeal remains the same: exploring unknown depths and overcoming impossible odds.
In this article, we will explore 10 such dungeon crawl anime that are ranked for both their unique concepts and how well they utilize the dungeon setting to tell powerful, memorable stories.
The list of 10 best Dungeon crawl anime
10. I May Be A Guild Receptionist, But I'll Solo Any Boss To Clock Out On Time

The usual format of a dungeon crawl anime focuses on the lives of adventurers, but this anime offers a refreshing twist. The story is about a guild receptionist who secretly clears dungeons herself.
And she does this not for fame or fortune. The main character just wants to finish her working hours as soon as possible and head home. This might be set in a fantasy world, but it is highly relatable as the creator has combined office worker fatigue with RPG action.
9. So, I’m a Spider, So What?

This is one of a kind dungeon crawl anime as it constantly throws curveballs to its viewers. The protagonist of this show is reincarnated as a spider monster. Furthermore, the dungeon where she is reincarnated is known as the Great Elroe Labyrinth, and this is a massive, multi-layered dungeon.
What follows next is her struggle to survive, level up, and eventually conquer the labyrinth’s many dangers, including powerful beasts, traps, and the very ecosystem itself. Interestingly, this anime also does not follow the linear format of storytelling. Finally, the strategic combat and evolution mechanics are also a treat for gamers and dark fantasy lovers.
8. Reborn as a Vending Machine, Now I Wander the Dungeon

This anime might have the strangest storyline under the dungeon crawl anime genre. The story is about the main character dying and then being reborn as a vending machine inside a dungeon.
Despite the premise of the story sounding over the top and absurd, the story successfully weaves a narrative of companionship, survival, and ingenuity. This anime has perfect off-beat humour and combines it with a slice of life dynamic. This series is proof that dungeon crawl anime don’t always need swords or magic to leave a mark.
7. The Dungeon of Black Company

This is one of those satirical dungeon crawl anime that is a blend of capitalism meets fantasy. The story is about a character who was a NEET (someone who is unemployed and is socially withdrawn), and he is reincarnated in a world where he is forced into a contract by a mining company that extracts resources from dangerous dungeons. But rather than looking at this as an opportunity to reinvent himself, the protagonist just wants to overthrow the company and reclaim his lazy lifestyle.
6. Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?

This anime is better known as DanMachi by the fandom, It is one of the classic dungeon crawl anime. The story is about Bell Cranel, who started as a novice adventurer. He aimed to become a hero one day.
Furthermore, this anime is set in the city of Orario, which is said to have a huge dungeon beneath the surface. Adventurers team up with gods to tackle the increasingly difficult floors. The dungeons in this series are traditional labyrinths filled with monsters, but they also symbolize the relentless challenges one must overcome to prove their worth.
5. The Unwanted Undead Adventurer

This anime is seen as one of the underrated dungeon crawl anime. Furthermore, this series is different from other light-hearted stories as it dares to explore a darker, more introspective take on the genre.
The story introduces Rentt Faina, who was a low-ranking adventurer. He was killed in one of his adventures, but was reincarnated as a skeleton. Now that he is undead and forgotten, he must work his way back up, gaining new powers and evolving both physically and emotionally.
4. Konosuba – God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World!

Though primarily known for its comedy, Konosuba still qualifies as a dungeon crawl anime due to its hilarious dungeon episodes and RPG-style world. The story follows Kazuma, who was a human and had a sarcastic personality and preferred to be a shut-in.
Although one day he dies and is reincarnated in a fantasy world. While the dungeon crawling in Konosuba is more chaotic than heroic, it brilliantly parodies traditional adventure tropes
3. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime

While Slime doesn’t start as a traditional dungeon crawl anime, it gradually becomes one as Rimuru builds his own nation and underground labyrinth. The dungeons here serve as a mix of training grounds, economic centers, and military strongholds.
Rimuru creates increasingly complex dungeons filled with monsters and traps to train allies and challenge enemies. Finally, this series has successfully explored how dungeons can function beyond just battles. The main character has cleverly used all the resources for political tools, economic assets, and symbols of civilization.
2. Delicious in Dungeon

There are only a few anime that have captured the true mechanics of dungeons in their unique way. This dungeon crawl anime is about a party who are on a quest to save a member who was eaten by a red dragon. They decide to hunt and cook monsters along the way to conserve time and resources.
Each episode introduces new creatures, culinary techniques, and strategies to survive using limited resources. What makes this show so engaging is how it combines survival, humor, and gourmet appeal.
1. Solo Leveling

Solo Leveling ranks highest on this list because it has created a global phenomenon. The dungeons here are epic in scale and variety, and each new gate presents a different challenge, from boss raids to psychological horror.
What sets this anime apart from everyone is its crisp animation, intense pacing, and game-like structure that rewards growth through effort. This dungeon crawl anime is perfect for action junkies, RPG fans, and anyone who loves a satisfying power-up arc.
Final Thoughts
From satire to horror, cooking to corporate critique, dungeon crawl anime showcases just how flexible and rich this subgenre has become. Whether you want to laugh at an inept party, watch a skeleton regain his humanity, or cheer for a lone hunter becoming a legend, there's a dungeon crawl anime for every kind of fan. These stories aren’t just about navigating dungeons, they’re about navigating life, growth, and the relationships forged in the deepest, darkest places. So grab your gear and dive in, there’s a dungeon waiting for you.