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12 Best Anime Like Demon Slayer

Updated: 3 days ago

Anime shows similar to Demon Slayer

The best thing about Demon Slayer is that it offers everything one is looking for in a great anime. Be it the incredible battles, animation by Ufotable, its simple yet engaging story, or the villains that matter as much as the heroes, Demon Slayer doesn't leave you disappointed. But the worst part is not finding a show that matches the same energy and vibe as Demon Slayer, once you finish it.


That said, there are still some shows out there that can give you a similar rush. Some share Demon Slayer’s historical setting, others match its supernatural battles, and a few just have that same spirit that keeps you watching late till night.

UPDATE: This article was updated by Pavas Gagneja on September 1st, 2025. We have changed the entries on the list with the more deserving ones, updated the photos, and added better content for our readers. A table is also added at the end for a better experience.

12/12 Blue Exorcist

Blue Exorcist

Blue Exorcist is a fun mix of action, comedy, and emotional moments. The story is about Rin Okumura, a teenager who finds out he’s the son of Satan. But instead of joining his father, Rin chooses to fight against him. He decides to protect humans and joins the True Cross Academy to train as an exorcist. He works hard to control his powers and fights monsters, often alongside his twin brother, Yukio.


Rin also carries a heavy burden but faces it head-on with courage, which gives his character a Tanjiro-like vibe. Moreover, the sibling connection is one of the highlights of the show. Basically, Blue Exorcist is an anime that knows how to make you laugh one minute and get emotional the next.

Release Year

MAL Rating

Animation Studio

Genre

Watch On

April 2011

7.47

A-1 Pictures

Action, Supernatural


11/12 Seraph of the End

Seraph of the End

How about some sword fights mixed with vampires? Seraph of the End is written by Takaya Kagami and set in a world where a deadly virus wipes out most adults. This results in vampires enslaving the surviving children. But somehow, Yuichiro Hyakuya escapes and joins the Moon Demon Company, fighting with cursed weapons to take back the world.


If you loved the teamwork and supernatural enemies in Demon Slayer, this will hit the spot. Yuichiro will feel a lot like Tanjiro for his determination to save his best friend Mikaela. And just like the Hashira, the Moon Demon Company is a home to skilled fighters, each having their own style and personality.

Release Year

MAL Rating

Animation Studio

Genre

Watch On

April 2015

7.48

Wit Studio

Dark Fantasy


10/12 Claymore

Claymore anime like Demon Slayer

Claymore is a bit darker and more mature as compared to Demon Slayer, but it's definitely worth your time. The story revolves around a half-human and half-monster named Claire. She is tasked with hunting down a shape-shifting creature named Yoma, who has blended with humans.


The series is all about sword fights and a determined lead character — exactly what we loved in Demon Slayer. Also, the medieval setting and the haunting atmosphere keep the intensity going. All these things combined make Claymore a great anime like Demon Slayer.

Release Year

MAL Rating

Animation Studio

Genre

Watch On

April 2007

7.73

Madhouse

Action, Adventure, Fantasy


9/12 Tokyo Ghoul

Tokyo Ghoul similarities to Demon Slayer

Tokyo Ghoul is set in a dark and horrifying version of Tokyo. The series creates a world where humans live in fear of flesh-eating creatures called Ghouls. Ken Kaneki, a normal college student's life takes a terrifying turn after a deadly encounter leaves him part-human, part-Ghoul.

The deeply human struggle at its core makes Tokyo Ghoul a must-watch for Demon Slayer fans. Kaneki’s transformation into something he never wanted to be mirrors the weight of responsibility Tanjiro carries in Demon Slayer, and both characters are pushed into lives they didn’t choose.

Release Year

MAL Rating

Animation Studio

Genre

Watch On

July 2014

7.79

Pierrot

Horror, Action


8/12 Bungo Stray Dogs

Bungo Stray Dogs

If you love dark fantasy anime, Bungo Stray Dogs is a real treat. A young man gets recruited by the Armed Detective Agency after discovering his unusual ability to transform into a white tiger. From there, he joins a group of uniquely gifted individuals who take on dangerous missions involving criminals, conspiracies, and rival organizations.


One of the most unique things about Bungo Stray Dogs is that nearly every character is named after a famous author, and that too, each with abilities inspired by that writer’s real-life works. With Osamu Dazai and his mysterious power and Ryunosuke Akutagawa and his ruthless black coat, these literary easter eggs make the show a thrill for both anime fans and literature geeks.

Release Year

MAL Rating

Animation Studio

Genre

Watch On

April 2017

7.81

Bones

Action, Mystery


7/12 Soul Eater

Soul Eater

Welcome to Death City, a place where the sun and moon have creepy grins and students train to hunt down evil souls. In the world of Soul Eater, special students known as "Meisters" team up with partners who can transform into living weapons. Their mission? To collect the souls of 99 evil humans and one witch to create a Death Scythe, a powerful weapon.


The first thing that grabs you about Soul Eater is its one-of-a-kind style. The art is spooky, cartoony, and cool all at once, creating a world that feels completely unique. But what truly makes it a classic is its incredible balance. One minute you're laughing, another you're scared for your life.

Release Year

MAL Rating

Animation Studio

Genre

Watch On

April 2008

7.85

Bones

Action, Comedy


6/12 Bleach

Similarities between Bleach and Demon Slayer

When it comes to long-running battle anime, Bleach is hard to ignore. It follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a high schooler who suddenly inherits the powers of a Soul Reaper and finds himself responsible for defending both humans and souls from monstrous creatures known as Hollows.


Of course, what really cemented Bleach as a fan favorite is its weapon system. Every Soul Reaper wields a Zanpakutō, a sword that with its own spirit and abilities. Watching characters unlock their Shikai and, later, their ultimate Bankai transformations remains one of the most hyped elements in the series. In that way, it feels very similar to Demon Slayer. The bond with the sword, the ritual-like power-ups, and the tension of facing enemies that are as terrifying as they are stylish

Release Year

MAL Rating

Animation Studio

Genre

Watch On

October 2004

7.97

Pierrot

Action, Supernatural


5/12 Black Clover

Black Clover anime like Demon Slayer

Asta, the main character, is a boy born without any magical power in a world where magic is everything. Despite this, he dreams of becoming the Wizard King, the strongest mage in the kingdom. With sheer determination, physical strength, and a rare anti-magic sword, Asta fights alongside his rival and childhood friend, Yuno, to protect their home from powerful enemies.

While Asta’s never-give-up attitude is inspiring, the true magic of Black Clover is its incredible sense of teamwork. If you loved the team-up between Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke, the Black Bulls' high-octane battles will feel just as incredible.

Release Year

MAL Rating

Animation Studio

Genre

Watch On

October 2017

8.14

Pierrot

Action, Fantasy


4/12 Dororo

Dororo best anime like Demon Slayer

Dororo is a dark and haunting masterpiece that's hard to forget. Hyakkimaru's life is one of the most tragic and unfair in all of anime. He was born without almost any body parts because his father made a deal with demons in exchange for power. Left to die, he was found by a kind doctor who gave him artificial limbs and senses.


Hyakkimaru’s journey feels a lot like Tanjiro's since it mixes demon fights with a deep sibling-like bond between Hyakkimaru and the orphan Dororo. And what makes it even more special is that the original story came from Osamu Tezuka, the “God of Manga”.

Release Year

MAL Rating

Animation Studio

Genre

Watch On

January 2019

8.25

MAPPA

Action, Adventure

3/12 Parasyte: The Maxim

Parasyte the Maxim

Alien Parasites invaded and took over the bodies of humans, and now they plan on world domination. On the other hand, Shinichi Izumi, a high school student who becomes infected by one of these parasites, manages to retain control of his body. That's the main premise of Parasyte: The Maxim.


Both Demon Slayer and Parasyte showcase intense fight scenes between the protagonists and the otherworldly beings they face. Also, the Parasites and the Demons are also similar in their methods of survival, as they both rely on consuming human flesh or blood to survive. So all of you who like the Demon concept will most likely be enthralled by the Parasites.

Release Year

MAL Rating

Animation Studio

Genre

Watch On

October 2014

8.32

Madhouse

Horror, Action


2/12 Jujutsu Kaisen

Jujutsu Kaisen

Just like Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen has its moments when the viewer cannot stop laughing. Yuji Itadori, a high school student, becomes a Jujutsu Sorcerer and host to the Spirit of one of the Strongest Curses, Ryomen Sukuna, after ingesting a Cursed Object. Along with his fellow Sorcerers, Yuji battles against Cursed Spirits to protect humanity from the dangers of the supernatural world.


Jujutsu Kaisen features stunning animation and incredible fight scenes that show the unique abilities of its characters, very much like Demon Slayer. Both shows follow young heroes who possess incredible powers and must fight against powerful enemies to protect the people they care about.

Release Year

MAL Rating

Animation Studio

Genre

Watch On

October 2020

8.56

MAPPA

Action, Supernatural


1/12 Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood similatity to Demon Slayer

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is considered one of the greatest stories ever told in anime. It follows two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who pay a terrible price after attempting the forbidden art of human transmutation to bring their mother back to life. In the aftermath, Ed loses an arm and a leg, while his younger brother Al loses his entire body.


Their journey to find the legendary Philosopher's Stone to restore their bodies throws them into a world of military conspiracy and deadly sins. There's a reason Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood has famously sat at the first spot on MyAnimeList for years. It’s simply a masterclass in storytelling.

Release Year

MAL Rating

Animation Studio

Genre

Watch On

April 2009

9.10

Bones

Action, Adventure


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