Demon Slayeris currently heading toward its final arc with three films set to release in the near future. This trilogy is set to focus on the Infinity Castle arc of Demon Slayer, closing in on the final battle between the Hashira and Muzan who is known to have turned humans into demons, including that of Tanjiro’s sister, Nezuko.
Demon Slayeris a unique experience that fortunately cannot be replicated. It is known for its beautiful animation, flashy choreography, emotional impact, and development of lovable characters. But for those who are witnessing the anime on its final run, many are wondering where to turn to next or what to watch whileDemon Slayerenters its filming phase. Not to worry: whileDemon Slayeris unique in its own right, many other anime feature an aspect or two that is similar to the anime that viewers have come to know and love. Sure, it may not be Tanjiro and the Hashira facing demons, butplenty of anime likeDemon Slayerexist out therethat include demon slaying, demon companions, action-packed battle scenes, and beautiful animation.
18’Yu Yu Hakusho' (1992-1994)
Directed by Akiyuki Shinbo
Inthe ‘90s animeYu Yu Hakusho, Yusuke Urameshi, a teenage delinquent, gets a second chance at life after a heroic sacrifice. But this isn’t a free pass — he’s appointed as a Spirit Detective, responsible for keeping the human world safe from demons and otherworldly threats. Yusuke, along with his allies, dives headfirst into this hidden world of danger and intrigue. They confront formidable opponents and uncover sinister plots that threaten to disrupt the balance between the human and spirit realms.
For those who love the intense action and supernatural elements ofDemon Slayer,Yu Yu Hakushois a worthy watch. Both showsfeature compelling protagonists who grow through adversity, facing off against a diverse array of demons. The Dark Tournament arc, in particular, delivers thrilling battles and emotional stakes that rival even the most exciting moments inDemon Slayer.
Yu Yu Hakusho
17’Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan' (2010-2011)
Directed by Michio Fukuda
Rikuo Nura, being one-quarter yokai, is able to transform into a powerful demon at night. But he’d rather live a normal life, despite being the heir to the Nura Clan, a prominent force in the yokai world. As rival clans challenge the Nura Clan’s authority, Rikuo is drawn into conflicts that force him to confront his yokai heritage.
Joined by allies like Tsurara and Kappa, Rikuo must learn to master his powers and embrace his destiny as a leader. The showshares similar themes withDemon Slayer, including supernatural battles and passionately protecting the people one cares for the most. But Nura goes deeper into Japanese mythology, highlighting a fascinating array of yokai and their unique powers, which makes it a little more informative thanDemon Slayer.
Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan
Watch on Hulu
16’Rage of Bahamut: Genesis' (2014)
Directed by Keiichi Sato
Inthe underrated anime showRage of Bahamut: Genesis, gods and demons coexist with humans. However, a legendary dragon threatens to shatter their fragile peace. The show follows the intertwined fates of Favaro Leone, a charming rogue, and Kaisar Lidfard, a noble knight, whose paths collide with Amira, a mysterious woman who unknowingly holds the key to unleashing the fearsome dragon Bahamut. What starts as a bounty hunt quickly escalates into a desperate race against time to prevent the world’s destruction.
As the fate of Mistarcia hangs in the balance, Favaro, Kaisar, and Amira must overcome dangerous trials, battle forces both celestial and infernal, and unveil secrets that hold the power to reshape their world. Just likeDemon Slayer,Rage of Bahamutdelivers exhilarating battles and features protagonists who defy the expectations of their comrades. Its animation is also impressive, especially during its large-scale action sequences, which is reminiscent of the dynamic battle animations inDemon Slayer.
Buy on Amazon
15’Bleach' (2004-2012)
Directed by Noriyuki Abe
One of the most popular shonen anime of all time,Bleachfollows Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager who has the unique skill of seeing ghosts. His life is soon turned inside out when he crosses paths with Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper, and gains her power. As a Soul Reaper, Ichigo is tasked to protect humans from evil spirits known as Hollows.
The power scaling and Soul Reaper organization inBleachis reminiscent of theDemon Slayer Corps.Both shows also have protagonists who are suddenly thrust into extraordinary circumstances— battling monstrous foes and protecting the innocent. But due toBleachbeing on air for quite a while now, it has an expansive world and already established the complex hierarchy of Soul Reapers, as well as other supernatural organizations like the Arrancar and the Quincy.
14’Kekkaishi' (2006-2008)
Directed by Kenji Kodam
After the sun goes down, malevolent spirits threaten Karasumoi Academy due to a mysterious power that pervades the land it’s on. Thankfully, two barrier masters, also known as “Kekkaishi” protect the site. Yoshimori Sumimura and Tokine Yukimura, two teenagers from rival Kekkaishi clans, must put aside their differences to defend the school and uncover the secrets behind Karasumori’s supernatural activity.
LikeDemon Slayer, which is ananime filled with action,Kekkaishifeatures terrifying supernatural creatures and protagonists who are willing to train themselves to defeat such monsters. But whatKekkaishiarguably does better is its unique combat system, where strategy and the use of mystical barriers are key to victory. The animation, while not as flashy as some modern anime, effectively captures the tension and excitement of the supernatural battles.
Watch on Crunchyroll
13’Hell’s Paradise' (2023)
Directed by Kaori Makita
During the Edo period, Gabimaru “The Hollow” is a convict and the strongest ninja hailing from the Iwagakure clan where he was kidnapped as a child. Trained to be a killer, he is captured and sentenced to death. However, nothing seems to kill him, and executioner Sagiri promises to pardon his crimes, only under the condition he finds the supposed elixir of life. He and Sagiri, other death row convicts, and their executioners then go to the mysterious island Tengen only to realize that their lives are at stake as they are stranded with the island’s monstrous inhabitants.
Though not largely similar toDemon Slayer,Hell’s Paradiseis a refreshing anime that offers exciting and gore-filled combatsimilar to whatDemon Slayerdid. Combined with a story of love, life, and death and a complicated yet well-written cast of characters,Hell’s Paradiseis a fun and exciting adventure to follow after catching up withDemon Slayer. But most of all, the epic fight scenes are a bonus, both thrilling and captivating to the viewer’s eye.Hell’s Paradiseis the anime of 2023.
Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku
12’Solo Leveling' (2024)
Directed by Shunsuke Nakashige
Hunter Sung Jin-woo is one of the weakest of his warrior comrades. Though he possesses supernatural abilities, he is incredibly weak compared to the others. Then, one day, when he saves his party from getting wiped out by a strong monster, he is selected by the Program, a magical system that grants him the ability to grow stronger. Jin-woo then rises to become one of the strongest hunters in existence, but that is not without its own personal stakes.
Solo Levelingwas themost anticipated anime of 2024. It began first as a web novel of the same name and then as a webtoon, which popularized the franchise significantly. It might not contain demons, but it does involve ferocious and powerful enemies that can be absolutely devastating and clear to an entire cast of characters, similar to the strength exhibited by the demons and Muzan inDemon Slayer. Most importantly,bothSolo LevelingandDemon Slayerfollow the growth of a singular character, both of whom go from the weakest to the strongestthrough trial and error. The action-packed fight scenes will make anyDemon Slayerfan hungry for more after watchingSolo Leveling.
Solo Leveling
11’Blue Exorcist' (2011)
Directed by Tensai Okamura
Rin Okumura, along with his twin Yukio, is the son of exorcist Shiro Fujimoto. At least, that is what they were led to believe until he discovers that they are, in fact, the sons of Satan. After losing his father, Rin vows himself to become an exorcist and take down Satan. Rin, alongside his veteran exorcist brother Yukio and friends, begins his journey as an exorcist.
Though different in plot, the premise ofBlue Exorcistis nearly similar to that ofDemon Slayer, asboth protagonists go on an adventure to become a veteran in the demon-slaying craft, demon slayer for Tanjiro and exorcist for Rin, to slay high-ranking demons and defeat the “father” or “creator” of all demons. This means defeating Muzan or Satan. Still, those who enjoyed the adventure of Tanjiro training to become a demon slayer will undoubtedly have fun tagging along with Rin as he trains to become an exorcist and controlling his otherworldly powers.
Blue Exorcist
10’Black Butler' (2008-)
Directed by Toshiya Shinohara
Ciel Phantomhiveis the heir to the Phantomhive name and current head of the estate. In addition to running his own company and dealing with other political affairs, Ciel is also the watchdog for the queen of England, often doing favors for her. However, Ciel’s success is not his own to claim, as he has made a deal with the demon Sebastian, who will do anything and everything that Ciel asks of him, in exchange for his soul once Ciel obtains revenge for the murder of his parents.
Black Butlerisa political anime with fantastical elementsinvolving demons, angels, grim reapers, and other supernatural creatures. It’s a story of revenge, similar toDemon Slayer, though instead of just getting revenge, Tanjiro is also focused on curing his sister. Ciel, on the other hand, just seeks vengeance, having lost everything, not to demons, but to humans. It’s an interesting concept of demon and human working together for a common cause, similar to Tanjiro and his sister Nezuko.
Black Butler
9’Soul Eater' (2008)
Directed by Takuya Igarashi
Makais one of many human students at Death Weapon Meister Academy (DWMA) collecting souls to train their weapons to become death scythes for Death—DMWA’s owner—to use. This anime follows a crew of students featuring Maka, Soul, Death the Kid, sisters Liz and Patty, Black Star, and Tsubaki. This anime oversees their adventures in collecting ninety-nine demon souls and a witch soul.
Soul EaterandDemon Slayerare similar in their own way which is still unique to their own story. WhileDemon Slayeris focused on a group of humans hunting demons and slaying them to protect them from imminent danger,Soul Eaterfocuses on the collection of evil human souls to create something more powerful. Moreover,Demon SlayerandSoul Eaterboth witness the increase in skill and power of a group of individuals, with the Hashira growing more powerful to defeat Muzan and DMWA’s students gaining more power to serve Death. Both are filled with brilliantly choreographed scenes that viewers will never get sick of rewatching.
