Demon Slayer is a phenomenon that forever changed the anime industry with its out-of-the-world animation. Thanks to Ufotable, it continues to be a game changer among other modern anime series to this day. However, the Demon Slayer anime series is marching towards its end very soon. Thus, if you are looking for a new anime like Demon Slayer to watch right now, this guide has you covered.
15. Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress (2016)
- Japanese Title: Koutetsujou no Kabaneri
- Studios: Wit Studio
- Genre: Animation, Action, Fantasy, Horror
- Episodes: 12
- IMDB/MAL: 7.2/7.27
The excellent action anime Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress, produced by the famed WIT Studio, was the highlight of the 2016 lineup. The characters in this anime are surrounded by a horde of zombie-like creatures called Kabane, similar to demons in Kimetsu no Yaiba. As a result, the anime centers on survivors who have boarded the train and are fleeing to a safe place while fighting them.
Along with this, the protagonist of this anime also shares a saddening backstory like Tanjiro. So, if you are looking for an action story featuring historic samurais slaying evil creatures, give Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress a shot.
14. Soul Eater (2008-2009)
- Japanese Title: Nil
- Studios: Bones
- Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
- Episodes: 51
- IMDB/MAL: 7.8/7.8
Studio Bones’ Soul Eater is a classic anime that is a delight to watch. Consider it a toned version of Demon Slayers as it doesn’t feature heavy violence and gruesome moments. In this anime, we follow the lives of Shibusen students undertaking missions to defend their city from evil and gather souls to become the Death Scythe.
With Soul Eater, you have a hunting organization similar to the Demon Slayer Corps. There are many soul eaters with distinct characteristics akin to unique demon slayers. Therefore, if you’re looking for an anime similar to Demon Slayer but less serious and more fun, go for Soul Eater.
13. Claymore (2007)
- Japanese Title: Nil
- Studios: Madhouse
- Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Fantasy
- Episodes: 26
- IMDB/MAL: 8/7.7
Claymore, an OG anime from the 2000s, shares a lot of similarities with Demon Slayer. It’s the tale of a girl named Clare who is part of an organization that slays the human-devouring creatures called Youma roaming in this realm. Thus, throughout the story, we will meet this organization’s powerful warrior slayers.
As you can tell, Claymore’s story is quite identical to Demon Slayer. The main character of Claymore shares similar characteristics to Tanjiro, like joining the organization after a tragedy. As humans get turned to Youma, witness the rise of the slayer Clare with silver eyes in the Claymore anime.
12. Promised Neverland (2019-2021)
- Japanese Title: Yakusoku no Neverland
- Studios: CloverWorks
- Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
- Episodes: 24
- IMDB/MAL: 8.2/8.5
The debut season of The Promised Neverland was one of the finest anime adaptations of the manga. Its popularity continued to soar as fans fell more in love with this thriller featuring three brilliant kids. When these kids at an orphanage uncover the truth behind their upbringing, they decide to flee from their caretakers, taking their friends along with them.
As Demon Slayer, Yakusoku no Neverland also had a world filled with demons and focused on how the humans make their way out and dethrone them. While it had a great start, we have to agree that Cloverworks rushed the adaptation to wrap up the story in the final season. But still, we believe it is worth watching this anime like Demon Slayer for its amazing debut season.
11. Blue Exorcist (2011)
- Japanese Title: Ao no Exorcist
- Studios: A-1 Pictures
- Genre: Animation, Action, Fantasy
- Episodes: 25
- IMDB/MAL: 7.4/7.5
Blue Exorcist is yet another Humans vs Demons tale but with a twist. Rin Okumura, the protagonist is Satan’s son but he decides to switch to the side of the humans and defeat his father’s army of demons. The studio behind the recent sensation — Solo Leveling, A-1 Pictures produced this series that has been loved by the fans since its release.
As Tanjiro fought the demons to climb up the ranks of the Demon Slayer Corps, Rin Okamura is also seen carving his own path to join the elite exorcist gang of True Cross Academy. So, waste no time to see the son of the demon king rise to prominence to defeat his father.
10. Tokyo Ghoul (2014-2018)
- Japanese Title: Nil
- Studios: Studio Pierrot
- Genre: Animation, Action, Drama
- Episodes: 48
- IMDB/MAL: 7.7/7.7
Even with a detestable adaptation in its final seasons, the popularity of Tokyo Ghoul never seems to dwindle. The Tokyo Ghoul anime series will always be remembered as one of the special ones in the anime community.
It follows the life of Kaneki Ken, a college student who is transformed into a ghoul x human hybrid. With this new transformation amidst the ongoing ghoul crisis in Japan, Kaneki has to find a way to survive among the flesh-eating monsters.
Akin to Demon Slayer, the world of Tokyo Ghoul presents a world infested with evil ghouls and government agents who are out to hunt the monsters. While the initial seasons deliver quite well on the source material, many fans hate the latter seasons for not doing justice to the manga. I agree with the sentiment, so I suggest you skip the RE seasons and switch to the manga if you want a pure canonical experience.
9. Yu Yu Hakusho: Ghost Files (1992-1995)
- Japanese Title: Yuu☆Yuu☆Hakusho
- Studios: Studio Pierrot
- Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
- Episodes: 112
- IMDB/MAL: 8.5/8.4
Yoshihiro Togashi, the mastermind behind Hunter x Hunter, first penned the much-appreciated Yu Yu Hakusho series that was later adapted by Studio Pierrot. This anime is about Yuusuke Urameshi getting a second chance at life after he dies saving a kid’s life. He is now entrusted with the duty of Underworld Detective by the rulers of the underworld. While the story of this anime sounds like an isekai, it isn’t one.
Just like Demon Slayer, Yuusuke gets to enroll as an underworld detective in charge of defeating the spirits and demons threatening the peace of his realm. Yu Yu Hakusho is still regarded as one of the best animes from the 90s. So if you are in dire need of a classic anime like Demon Slayer, this anime should be your first stop in this journey.
8. Chainsaw Man (2022- )
- Japanese Title: Nil
- Studios: MAPPA Studios
- Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
- Episodes: 12
- IMDB/MAL: 8.4/8.5
MAPPA Studios is on a roll with shonen anime adaptations like Jujutsu Kaisen, Hell’s Paradise, and one of the fan-favorite Chainsaw Man. CSM was a phenomenon when it started airing as it stood out uniquely with its story and characters. Similar to Demon Slayer, the public safety commission in this story is tasked with slaying devils who haunt Japan.
It should be noted that CSM is not everyone’s regular cup of tea as it features very dark and mature themes when compared to Demon Slayer. That said, if you are looking for a distinct modern shonen anime with a wacky main character, Chainsaw Man is the perfect fit for you.
7. Hunter x Hunter (2011-2014)
- Japanese Title: Nil
- Studios: Madhouse
- Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Fantasy
- Episodes: 148
- IMDB/MAL: 9/9
Hunter x Hunter has been an inspirational anime for many other shonen anime like Naruto, Demon Slayer, OPM, Jujutsu Kaisen, and more. It follows the story of Gon Freecs who aims to become a hunter in order to find his father and reunite with him.
If you are wondering about the similarities that Demon Slayer shares with HxH, it is the characters, inhuman creatures vs humans, and more. However, Hunter x Hunter’s characters are more fleshed-out and the world-building is superior to Demon Slayer.
There is a reason Hunter x Hunter is known as one of the greatest Shonen animanga series and you will understand why once you start watching this series.
6. Jujutsu Kaisen (2020- )
- Japanese Title: Nil
- Studios: MAPPA Studios
- Genre: Animation, Action, Fantasy
- Episodes: 48
- IMDB/MAL: 8.6/8.6
In the modern era of anime, Jujutsu Kaisen is miles ahead of everyone in this league. According to Guinness Records, it is the most popular anime in the world right now. The craze for JJK will never end until the story of Sukuna comes to an end and luckily it is an anime similar to Demon Slayer as we have our favorite characters slaying cursed spirits instead of demons.
Jujutsu Kaisen has some of the strongest characters in Shonen’s history, so you’re in for a treat with the fight scenes. The story is much darker compared to Demon Slayer but the animation quality by MAPPA Studios is top-tier. In a nutshell, you can never miss out on anime like Jujutsu Kaisen if you love Demon Slayer.
5. Attack on Titan (2013-2023)
- Japanese Title: Shingeki no Kyojin
- Studios: Wit and MAPPA Studios
- Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
- Episodes: 98
- IMDB/MAL: 9.1/9
Though AOT has come to an end, it is still one of the most famous animanga series that is watched by new anime fans every year. Attack on Titan by Hajime Isayama has cemented its place as one of the highest-rated anime of all time. If you haven’t watched it already, you need to pick this up first than the rest of the anime on this list.
Similar to Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan has a severely traumatized protagonist who aspires to exterminate the human-eating titans that pose a threat to his world. Also, we have a full-fledged military organization similar to the Demon Slayer Corps in this show.
AOT is not everyone’s cup of tea though as it delves into much more philosophical themes and gets complex with every season. However, its shonen tropes are intact and keep entertaining you as you would expect them to.
4. Bleach (2004- )
- Japanese Title: Nil
- Studios: Studio Pierrot
- Genre: Animation, Action,
- Episodes: 366
- IMDB/MAL: 8.2/8
Right before we enter the top three, we have a series from the Big Three of Shonen here, which is the Bleach anime series. Bleach has been an influential animanga series in history as it inspired stories like JJK, as stated by its author.
Bleach also shares a lot of similarities with Demon Slayer’s Tanjiro as Ichigo Kurosaki, the hero here also aims to save the world from Hollows, a supernatural entity like demons. The Soul Society acts similarly to the Demon Slayer Corps.
Furthermore, Bleach has unique world-building and set of characters that keep you intrigued. With electrifying soundtracks, Bleach’s battle scenes are some of the best you can find in Shonen. Bleach has returned for its final saga and you can catch up to the latest episodes on anime streaming apps and websites like Crunchyroll.
3. Dororo (2019)
- Japanese Title: Nil
- Studios: Tezuka Productions and MAPPA
- Genre: Animation, Action, Fantasy
- Episodes: 24
- IMDB/MAL: 8.3/8.2
If you are looking for a mini-anime series that is similar to Demon Slayer or JJK, Dororo is here to the rescue. With just 24 episodes, Dororo has successfully captivated the fans with its amazing dark fantasy story and characters. Like Demon Slayer, the main character here has to survive in a world dominated by demons.
Get ready to witness the adventures of Hyakkimaru and Dororo in this demon-infested realm. Will they be able to accomplish their goals against the demons? Find that out for yourself by binging this anime similar to Demon Slayer.
2. D.Gray-man (2006-2008)
- Japanese Title: Nil
- Studios: TMS Entertainment
- Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Fantasy
- Episodes: 103
- IMDB/MAL: 7.7/8.1
D. Gray-man is also one of the classic anime centered around killing demons. It follows the life story of an exorcist, Allen Walker who battles again Akuma to preserve the peace on this planet. It has more than 100 episodes and builds its momentum slowly to present the audience with a great story and enthralling characters.
This anime features a powerful organization along with deep power mechanics that are interesting to follow. This anime belongs to the underrated category as many aren’t aware of its existence. Now that you have come across it, I recommend you add it to your watch list if you are looking for a new series to watch after Demon Slayer.
1. Inuyasha (2000-2004)
- Japanese Title: Sengoku Otogizoushi InuYasha
- Studios: Sunrise
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Fantasy
- Episodes: 167
- IMDB/MAL: 7.9/7.9
One of the greatest isekai anime series from the 2000s era has to be Inuyasha. It is one of the best anime that tells the story of a little girl named Kagome Higurashi who, on her birthday, is forcibly transported by a demon to ancient Japan. This occurs as a result of her unwitting possession of the Shikon Jewel, a powerful jewel. Upon her arrival, the jewel breaks into pieces, and she embarks on a quest with a half-demon to locate the remaining shards to return to her homeland.
Like Demon Slayer, it has an entertaining story that involves killing demons and likable characters. Its art style certainly evokes nostalgia and has a historical backdrop as well. Therefore, if you want a classic old-school anime involving slaying demons similar to Demon Slayer, go with this anime!
That’s a wrap on our list. If you feel like we have missed out on any anime similar to Demon Slayer, do let us and our readers know in the comments below.
Ajith Kumar
