Blue Exorcist is a popular anime about Rin Okumura, a teenager who discovers he is the son of Satan. After demons kill his guardian, Rin becomes an exorcist in order to defeat his father and protect others from demons. Along with his brother Yukio, Rin enrolls at the True Cross Academy to begin his training. The anime features intense action sequences and great character development for Rin and Yukio as they battle demons and supernatural threats. If you enjoyed watching Rin's development into a skilled exorcist in Blue Exorcist, here are 10 more great anime series to watch next.
Disclaimer: This article reflects the writer's opinion and is not ranked in any particular order.
9 must-watch anime series for fans of Blue Exorcist
1) Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (Image via Bones)
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood shares themes of the supernatural and high-stakes action with the Blue Exorcist series. The story centers on two brothers, Edward and Alphonse, who use alchemy to attempt to bring their mother back to life. However, their efforts have devastating consequences. The brothers embark on a quest to locate the legendary Philosopher's Stone in order to make amends.
Throughout their journey, they confront rival alchemists, creatures resulting from alchemical experiments, and other supernatural dangers. Similar to Blue Exorcist, witnessing the brothers grow stronger through their challenges is incredibly engaging.
2) Soul Eater
Soul Eater (Image via Bones)
The anime Soul Eater introduces a distinctive supernatural concept, set in the Death Weapon Meister Academy where students learn to become Weapons that can transform into different objects or their Meister counterparts. Teaming up, partners strive to gather malevolent souls and confront supernatural witch menaces.
The main character Maka and her scythe partner, Soul Eater, share lively dialogue and undergo significant character growth. Featuring thrilling battles, fascinating transformation powers, and compelling characters, Soul Eater is a must-see for fans of Blue Exorcist.
3) Demon Slayer
Demon Slayer (Image via Ufotable)
The storyline of Demon Slayer takes place in a fantasy version of Japan, where Tanjiro Kamado sets out on a journey to become a demon slayer after his family is attacked by demons, leaving his sister Nezuko as the only survivor, but transformed into a demon herself. Tanjiro's goal is to transform his sister back into a human and fight against the demon threat. As he undergoes grueling training to become stronger, he is determined to protect his sister on his mission. The series has gained enormous popularity due to its blend of Japanese culture, compelling storytelling, memorable characters, unique demon designs, and exhilarating fight scenes, making it a widely beloved series similar to Blue Exorcist.
4) Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA)
If you're looking for an anime rich in Japanese culture and packed with intense action, Jujutsu Kaisen is a must-see. The story follows Yuji Itadori, who becomes possessed by a powerful curse called Ryomen Sukuna. To learn sorcery and fight deadly Cursed Spirits, he enrolls in a Jujutsu technical college. Through teamwork, he forms friendships, joins a core group, and conquers challenges.
Similar to Rin from Blue Exorcist, Yuji grapples with the struggle of housing a formidable entity within him while striving to protect those around him. With clever battles, formidable enemies, and Yuji's entertaining mentor, Gojo Satoru, Jujutsu Kaisen is a supernatural action series perfect for a binge-watching session.
5) Noragami
Noragami (Image via Bones)
The stray god Yato dreams of having millions of worshippers, but for now, he's stuck doing odd jobs for only 5 yen per task. Everything changes when he saves teenager Hiyori Iki, whose soul frequently slips out of her body. She hires Yato to fix her soul, and together they enter a world of unruly gods and phantoms. They work to protect the human world from sinister forces that only gods and those connected to them can perceive.
Noragami excels in its chemistry between its endearing protagonists and its fascinating concept of the spirit world, infused with Japanese god mythology. Packed with action, humor, and great music, Noragami truly deserves more recognition as an underrated gem.
6) Black Clover
Black Clover (Image via Studio Pierrot)
In the world of Black Clover, magic is a common ability, yet young Asta is an exception as he was born without any magical powers. Despite this, he trains physically to make up for his lack of magic and remains determined to become the Wizard King. His life takes a dramatic turn when he acquires a rare five-leaf clover grimoire containing mysterious anti-magic.
Drawing parallels to Blue Exorcist, Black Clover follows a similar theme of a boy facing discrimination due to his unique circumstances, but still striving for greatness. Both series emphasize the importance of teamwork, as Asta joins the Black Bulls squad of magic knights. With its underdog appeal, intense battles, and compelling characters, Black Clover is an anime that is hard to resist binging.
7) Blood Lad
Blood Lad (Image via Brain's Base)
Staz Charlie Blood is a powerful vampire boss in the demon world, but he also has a strong obsession with Japanese culture and anime. When Fuyumi Yanagi, a human girl, accidentally enters the demon world, Staz excitedly takes her in. However, he is devastated when Fuyumi is killed and turned into a ghost.
Feeling guilty for her death, Staz is determined to find a way to bring Fuyumi back to life while also facing off against rival demons who threaten the stability of his territory. Similar to Blue Exorcist, Blood Lad combines thrilling action with quirky, eccentric humor for an enjoyable viewing experience. Amidst the chaos, Staz's unique personality and the mix of supernatural elements contribute to a dynamic and compelling storyline.
8) World Trigger
World Trigger (Image via Toei Animation)
When Earth is invaded by interdimensional beings known as Neighbors in an attempt to take over our dimension, a covert defense organization called Border recruits and trains teenagers with extraordinary abilities. These agents utilize Triggers - devices that transform their bodies - to combat Neighbors using the power of Trion.
What sets World Trigger apart is its emphasis on strategy rather than pure power levels, with battles often revolving around the distinctive abilities of Triggers. Reminiscent of Blue Exorcist, the series features a four-man squad structure and places heavy emphasis on teamwork, delivering captivating fights that showcase the unique skills of individuals working together.
9) Hunter x Hunter
Hunter x Hunter (Image via Madhouse)
Combining action and supernatural elements, Hunter x Hunter is a captivating battle anime that is a must-watch for fans. The series follows Gon Freecss as he strives to become a Pro Hunter and search for his father, forming friendships with fellow rookies Kurapika and Leorio, as well as experienced Hunter Killua. Together, they undergo rigorous exams and confront ruthless villains.
Hunter x Hunter showcases a rich and intricate power system in anime, with the group's development of their Nen abilities and their growing bond making for a deeply satisfying viewing experience. The lush adventure story-arcs, at times filled with darkness, add to the overall appeal of the series.
Conclusion
To sum up, these nine anime series provide thrilling supernatural action for fans of witnessing Rin's progression in wielding flames and exorcising abilities in Blue Exorcist. Each series explores the theme of friends uniting to overcome challenges and facing demonic or otherworldly dangers with trust and teamwork. Pick your next exciting adventure from this list to immerse yourself in!
Editor's P/S
As a hard fan of Blue Exorcist, I am thrilled to discover these 10 must-watch anime series that share similar themes and elements. The prospect of delving into captivating supernatural adventures, encountering powerful demons, and embarking on epic quests fills me with excitement. I am particularly drawn to the idea of exploring the hidden secrets of alchemy in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and witnessing the intense battles and character growth in Soul Eater. The opportunity to immerse myself in a fantasy version of Japan and experience the blend of Japanese culture and exhilarating fight scenes in Demon Slayer is also incredibly appealing.
Furthermore, the promise of rich Japanese culture and intense action in Jujutsu Kaisen has me eagerly anticipating the chance to follow Yuji Itadori's journey as he grapples with the struggle of housing a formidable entity within him while striving to protect those around him. The prospect of clever battles, formidable enemies, and an entertaining mentor figure adds to the allure of this series. Overall, I am filled with anticipation and excitement as I prepare to embark on these must-watch anime adventures, each offering unique and captivating experiences that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on me as a dedicated fan of Blue Exorcist.