While no recent series can compare to anticipated Infinite Castle trilogy film.
Just like Demon Slayer's author has revealed that the story was inspired by iconic series like Bleach, Naruto, and JoJo, and fans can easily track their similarities, some animes share many elements with Koyoharu Gotouge’s story. Either because of the characters’ setting, worldbuilding, or having a katana-wielding protagonist fighting some monster creature, these animes are a must-watch for every fan of Demon Slayer.
10 Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku
Based on the Manga by Yuji Kaku
Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku
- Release Date
- April 1, 2023
- Network
- TV Tokyo
- Directors
- Kaori Makita
Cast
Chiaki KobayashiGabimaru-
Yumiri HanamoriYamada Asaemon Sagiri
WHERE TO WATCH
Hell's Paradise delivers a harrowing narrative set in the Edo period, following condemned ninja Gabimaru and executioner Yamada Asaemon Sagiri as they journey to a mysterious island in search of the elixir of immortality, facing monstrous creatures and moral dilemmas along the way.
- Writers
- Yuji Kaku, Kindaichi Akira
- Seasons
- 1
While it is far from resembling Demon Slayer in of story, Hell’s Paradise is a great option for any dark shōnen fan, and viewers will certainly find Gabimaru's journey exciting, since he fights to look for the elixir of immortality and go back to his normal life, which recalls the way the Kamado brothers slay demons to find a cure and turn Nezuko human again. This way, in their long mission, Tanjiro and Gabimaru participate in numerous stunning battles that invite viewers to reflect on human values.
Furthermore, the fights in Hell's Paradise also highlight different forms of sword skills from the Yamada Asaemon clan , and very much like Nezuko and Tanjiro's endearing sibling relationship, the blossoming partnering of Gabimaru and Sagiri showcases many instances where they value and protect each other in battle.
9 The Elusive Samurai
Based on the Manga by Yusei Matsui
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The Elusive Samurai
- Release Date
- July 6, 2024
- Network
- Tokyo MX, Gunma TV, BS11, Tochigi TV
- Directors
- Yasushi Tomoda
Cast
-
Asaki YuikawaTokiyuki Hojo
-
Yuichi NakamuraYorishige Suwa
WHERE TO WATCH
The Elusive Samurai is set during the Kenmu Restoration between the Kamakura and Muromachi periods. It follows Hojo Tokiyuki, a young boy whose family is overthrown by Ashikaga Takauji. Accompanied by a priest and his followers, he seeks revenge using his extraordinary abilities to evade capture.
- Writers
- Rino Yamazaki, Dai Katarayama
- Seasons
- 1
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll
One anime whose introduction is similar to Demon Slayer is The Elusive Samurai, as both series are set in a historical Japanese period (Taisho Era and Kamakura Period), though Tanjiro's story takes place several hundred years later, and also, just like the Kamado Family minus Nezuko, Tokiyuki's family and clan are brutally slaughtered. This way, both characters, despite having different motivations—Tanjiro curing Nezuko and Tokiyuki restoring his honor—are driven by their desire for justice and revenge and must face enemies much more dangerous than themselves.
Although Demon Slayer is a dark fantasy focused on the eradication of demons, while The Elusive Samurai is based on the fight between Japanese historical figures, the latter not only includes paranormal elements and many tragic situations but also features enemies who are just as viciously evil and with a desire for power as demons. Furthermore, The Elusive Samurai showcases spectacular action enhanced by some of the best animation the medium has to offer, which makes it the perfect anime for those who miss Demon Slayer.
8 Jujutsu Kaisen
Based on the Manga by Gege Akutami
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Jujutsu Kaisen
- Release Date
- October 3, 2020
- Network
- TBS, MBS, CBC, Tulip Television, BSN, tys, NBC, HBC, RKK, i-Television, SBS, IBC, BSS, MRO, OBS, TUF, RSK, TUY, tbc, RKB, SBC, KUTV, RBC, UTY, RCC, MRT, atv, MBC
- Directors
- Ryohei Takeshita, Masataka Akai, Chie Nishizawa, Daisuke Tsukushi, Tomomi Kamiya, Kakushi Ifuku, Ken Takahashi
Cast
-
Megumi OgataSelf
-
Junichi SuwabeStudent Council President (voice)
WHERE TO WATCH
Jujutsu Kaisen follows Yuji Itadori, a high school student with extraordinary strength, who becomes intertwined with curses after ingesting a cursed object. Under the guidance of sorcerer Satoru Gojo, Yuji s Tokyo Jujutsu High School to combat malevolent forces and navigate his new, perilous existence.
- Seasons
- 2
- Streaming Service(s)
- Hulu
One of the series Demon Slayer shares similarities with is undoubtedly Jujutsu Kaisen. Even though Jujutsu Kaisen is set in a modern time, both animes focus on supernatural themes, showcasing intense battles against evil beings. The Demon Slayer Corps need to kill the Twelve Moons as they strive to eliminate the strongest demon, Muzan, while in Jujutsu Kaisen, sorcerers fight curses and collect Sukuna’s fingers to defeat him, who is considered the King of curses.
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25 Saddest Demon Slayer Deaths, Ranked
Deaths are unavoidable in Demon Slayer, as characters constantly fight for their lives. Some deaths are sadder than others, though.
In both cases, the protagonists, Tanjiro and Yuji, an organization responsible for combating and exterminating those entities that threaten humanity, which are born from the fear, hatred, and negative emotions of humans. Moreover, both animes have a tragic tone despite having comedy elements, as death is a central theme, since the characters face constant threats and have to overcome the deaths of companions who sacrifice themselves for the cause.
7 Attack on Titan
Based on the Manga by Hajime Isayama
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Attack On Titan
- Release Date
- 2013 - 2023
Cast
-
Matthew Mercer
-
Josh Grelle
WHERE TO WATCH
Based on the manga, Attack on Titan is a dark-action fantasy series set in a world where humanity has been corralled into walled cities from fear of monstrous human-eating Titans that exist outside of them. When protagonist Eren Yeager's mother is killed in front of his eyes at a young age, his thirst for vengeance leads him to an elite group of soldiers created to fight back against the Titan menace.
- Seasons
- 4
- Production Company
- Wit Studio, MAPPA
Despite having completely different premises, Attack of Titan and Demon Slayer both present an organization whose have different ranks and with the sole objective of eradicating human-eater monsters. The Demon Slayer Corps goal is to eliminate Muzan Kibutsuji and the demons he creates, and the Survey Corps protects humanity on the walls from the titan’s threat.
Additionally, the protagonists’ journey starts fairly similarly, since being affected by a family tragedy propels them on a path of revenge, Tanjiro’s family is killed by Muzan and after witnessing his mom being devoured, Eren swears to kill every titan. Also, the enemies in both series have regenerative abilities, and the way to kill them is similar. But the main aspect that Demon Slayer’s fans will find appealing in Attack on Titan is the upsetting tone of the series and the highlighting of intense fights and sacrifices for the sake of a mission.
6 Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Based on the Manga by Hiromu Arakawa
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Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
- Release Date
- 2009 - 2010
Cast
-
Maxey WhiteheadAlphonse Elric
Vic MignognaEdward Elric
WHERE TO WATCH
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood follows brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric who use alchemy in a quest to restore their bodies after a failed transmutation. The series explores themes of sacrifice, the consequences of ambition, and the quest for truth in a richly developed world.
Even though Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood doesn’t have demons but other supernatural creatures, its most notable similarity with Demon Slayer is the relationship of Edward Elric with his brother Alphonse, since both animes follow the story of brothers whose change of destiny caught them in a blown-up conflict.
In Demon Slayer, Nezuko is forcefully turned into a demon, and in FMAB, Alphonse ends up trapped in medieval-style armor, making both brothers start searching for a way to revert them to their normal bodies. In this way, both animes show strong familial relationships whose unbreakable bond is proved by how they and protect each other in every situation. Both series also include a great deal of humor by introducing hilarious allies for Tanjito and Ed, which helps balance the most emotional moments in the story.
5 Seraph of the End
Based on the Manga Written by Takaya Kagami and Illustrated By Yamato Yamamoto
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Seraph of the End
- Release Date
- 2015 - 2015
Cast
-
Miyu IrinoYuichiro Hyakuya
-
Kensho OnoMikaela Hyakuya
WHERE TO WATCH
Seraph of the End is a dark fantasy anime series depicting a post-apocalyptic world where a mysterious virus has nearly wiped out humanity, and the survivors are enslaved by vampires, focusing on a young boy's quest for vengeance.
The comparisons between Seraph of the End and Demon Slayer are inevitable because of their introduction filled with tragedy and also for presenting an organization at war for the sake of humanity. Like in Demon Slayer, Seraph of the End follows a world inhabited by supernatural creatures (demons/vampires) and protagonists who become orphans like Tanjiro and Nezuko.
Also, both Yuichiro Hyakuya and Mikaela share a sibling-like relationship, but only one of them ends up being saved by the Japanese Imperial Demon Army. Yuichiro’s desire to take revenge on those who kill his family drives him to the Moon Demon Company, a group dedicated to killing the vampires who use weapons specifically designed to exterminate them. Additionally, S has a high-quality adaptation, interesting characters, and intriguing twists, which makes it a great shōnen battle anime.
4 Blue Exorcist
Based on the Manga by Kazue Kato
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Blue Exorcist
- Release Date
- 2011 - 2011-00-00
- Directors
- Tensai Okamura, Koichi Hatsumi, Daisuke Yoshida
- Writers
- Ryōta Yamaguchi
Cast
Bryce Papenbrook-
Johnny Yong Bosch
WHERE TO WATCH
Blue Exorcist is an anime series that follows Rin Okumura, a teenager discovering he is the son of Satan. Determined to challenge his demonic heritage, Rin enrolls at True Cross Academy to become an exorcist and protect the world from demonic forces. The show explores themes of identity, family, and the battle between good and evil with a mix of action and supernatural elements.
- Seasons
- 5
- Streaming Service(s)
- Hulu
- Creator(s)
- Kazue Kato
In Blue Exorcist, the demon theme is also the central point, like in Demon Slayer, with the protagonist having a more direct connection, since Rin Okumura and his brother are none other than the children of Satan. However, despite this fact, the brothers share the same goal as Tanjiro: take revenge and put an end to the existence of the demons that threaten humans.
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This way, Rin shares a lot of similarities with Tanjiro, since he and his brother ed an exorcist's organization to kill these demons, share a strong bond that makes them protect each other, and he also uses a sword to fight and has a kind, lively, and energetic personality. This anime is one of the most underrated shōnen, partly because of its early adaptation, which strayed from the original story; however, as Blue Exorcist recently released a third season, now is the best chance to start it.
3 Inuyasha
Based on the Manga by Rumiko Takahashi
Like Demon Slayer, Inuyasha also takes place in a feudal world where active demons endanger humans, borrowing many aspects of Japanese folklore. These demons are also created by a villain, which helps highlight the humanity within these creatures, similar to how Demon Slayer does by presenting their emotional backstories.
Moreover, both major villains, Muzan and Naraku, are similar in presence and personality, counting with strong henchmen who follow their orders. Though, Demon Slayer is far more dark and tragic than Inuyasha, where romance has greater relevance; they have in common the struggles of dealing with a demonic condition, since Inuyasha is a half-demon and he fights his inner nature just like Nezuko does to protect Tanjiro and safeguard her remaining humanity. Inuyasha is a timeless classic and a must-watch series for those wanting to find the best anime about fighint demons.
2 Dororo
Based on the Manga by Osamu Tezuka
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Dororo (2019) is a Japanese anime series based on Osamu Tezuka's classic manga. Set in the Sengoku period, it follows the journey of Hyakkimaru, a young samurai whose body parts were sacrificed to demons by his father in exchange for power, and Dororo, a young thief. Together, they seek to recover Hyakkimaru's stolen body parts by defeating the demons that possess them.
- Seasons
- 1
- Streaming Service(s)
- Prime Video
- Creator(s)
- Osamu Tezuka
Dororo is one of the best recommendations for those wanting to enjoy an anime like Demon Slayer, not only because Hyakkimaru faces demonic entities during a historical Japanese period, but also because of its stunning animation and battle choreography.
Although both protagonists begin fighting with demons to recover something, the evolution of both stories gives more importance to the human connections formed in times of suffering, represented in Tanjiro, whose new friends become like a found family, and Hyakkimaru, who finds company in Dororo. Even though Demon Slayer is miles away from Dororo’s ruthless representation of war and the most horrific part of the human condition, viewers craving a grounded, self-contained anime will find Osamu Tezuka’s masterful story more than enjoyable.
1 D-Gray Man
Based on the Manga by Katsura Hoshino
D. Gray-Man is an essential classic anime that resembles Demon Slayer in both its main plotline and villains. In D-Gray Man, Allen Walker s the Black Order, an organization that opposes the Millennium Earl, which has many similarities with Muzan, not only because they both create supernatural creatures, the Akuma and demons, but also in the groups led by them, the Noah and the Twelve Moon.
However, what makes D. Gray-Man great is the scale involved in the fight, as the Earl possesses great influence, putting the whole world in danger, making the stakes higher than in Demon Slayer, where Muzan only looks to reach immortality. Despite its slower story and less dark tone, it’s an absolute iconic reference in the medium, influencing many series like Jujutsu Kaisen, making D. Gray-Man an anime that every Demon Slayer fan will enjoy.
- Created by
- Koyoharu Gotouge
- First Episode Air Date
- April 6, 2019
- Cast
- Natsuki Hanae, Akari Kitō, Hiro Shimono, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Kengo Kawanishi, Kana Hanazawa, Toshihiko Seki, Saori Hayami, Tomokazu Sugita
- TV Show(s)
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
- Video Game(s)
- Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- Sweep the Board!, Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles
- First Film
- Demon Slayer the Movie: Mugen Train
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is a wildly popular anime and manga franchise created by Koyoharu Gotouge. Set in Taishō-era Japan, it follows Tanjiro Kamado as he battles demons and seeks a cure for his sister, Nezuko, who was turned into one. The franchise includes a manga, anime TV series, films, video games, and spin-offs. Known for its stunning animation and gripping storyline, Demon Slayer is one of the highest-grossing media franchises of all time.
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