The Ultimate Guide for Anime Lovers: Top 10 Must-Watch Demon Slayer Fans' Favorites

The anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba has gained a fervent following with its unique portrayal of Japanese demons. However, it is not the only series that incorporates these supernatural beings in intriguing ways. Japanese demons, known by various names such as yokai, ayakashi, mononoke, or akuma, hold different meanings but are often translated as "demon." Despite being a typical Shonen anime, Demon Slayer stands out with its diverse characters, heartrending backstories, and exhilarating action, which explains why its movie Mugen Train holds the record as the highest-grossing anime film ever. With the third season of this epic series now concluded, fans are eagerly seeking similar anime experiences. Fortunately, there are numerous exceptional anime that cater to every Demon Slayer enthusiast's tastes.

10 Shaman King

Shaman King is centered around

9 D. Gray-Man

shamans, exceptional individuals capable of harnessing and fusing with the ethereal essences of departed souls. Through this process, they inherit the talents and abilities of these spirits from the past. Protagonist Yoh Asakura embarks on a profound journey to attain the revered title of the Shaman King. His goal is to emerge victorious in the infrequent Shaman Fight, an elaborate tournament of great magnitude. The stakes are incredibly high as the victor not only forms an unbreakable bond with the supreme spirit but also ascends to the status of a divine being. Remarkably, the series boasts a darker tone, making it more akin to Demon Slayer than what initially meets the eye. It is worth noting that there exist two anime adaptations of Shaman King: the original series from the early 2000s, regrettably dubbed by 4Kids, and a recent reboot series in 2021.

D. Gray-Man follows the story of Allen Walker, a young boy who fights against malicious creatures called Akuma as a member of the Black Order. Allen's personal connection with the Akuma stems from a curse inflicted on him during his childhood, resulting in his left arm mutating and his parents abandoning him. Similar to the demonic adversaries in Demon Slayer, the Akuma are actually creations of the Millennium Earl, a being striving to eradicate humanity. Resembling their human origins to some extent, the Akuma possess a unsettling similarity to the demons' tragic pasts in Demon Slayer. Adding to this unsettling atmosphere, Allen possesses the ability to perceive the original souls of the Akuma, further intensifying the dark undertones akin to the backstories of the demons in Demon Slayer.

8 Mononoke

This series presents a unique limited-animation artwork that can be polarizing but also captivating. Mononoke follows an unidentified medicine seller who embarks on a journey through ancient Japan, battling demons that have gained immense power. To achieve this, the medicine seller must uncover their Form (physical appearance), Truth (origin), and Reason (purpose). The series often concludes with bittersweet endings in its concise story arcs, occasionally generating sympathy for the monsters that ultimately need to be vanquished, akin to Demon Slayer. With only 12 episodes, Mononoke is the ideal length to binge-watch over a weekend.

7 Bleach

Without a doubt, Bleach stands as one of the most beloved anime series ever created. While its Hollows deviate from the traditional portrayal of Japanese demons, their origins bear striking comparisons. However, beyond this, Bleach has had a profound influence on the development of Demon Slayer. The Hashira, who serve as pillars of the Demon Slayer Corps, are unmistakably inspired by the captains of Bleach's Soul Society. Additionally, the organizational structure of the Demon Slayer Corps draws parallels from Bleach. Notably, both Tanjiro and Ichigo share a common narrative element of fathers with hidden connections to their respective organizations. Furthermore, they possess extraordinary powers that set them apart from others. One could argue that the initial episodes of Bleach resemble Demon Slayer the most, and as the series progresses, each embarks on their own unique path.

6 Jojo's Bizarre Adventure

Jojo's Bizarre Adventure is another series that greatly influenced Gotouge. The similarities between Jojo's vampires and Demon Slayer's demons are striking. Both beings prey on humans, possess a vulnerability to sunlight, and trace their origins back to the malevolent and everlasting figure of Dio and Muzan, respectively. Interestingly, the initial two installments of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, which deviate from the later Stand-focused narrative, share several parallels with Demon Slayer. Notably, Jonathan Joestar's era predates the timeline of Demon Slayer by just a few years. While the entirety of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure may not cater to every fan of Demon Slayer, the first season is likely to be enjoyable for the majority.

5 Dororo

Dororo, a 2019 anime, is based on the creations of Osamu Tezuka, renowned as the "Grandfather of Manga" and the creator of AstroBoy. The narrative revolves around Hyakkimaru, an unfortunate boy whose father struck a deal with a group of demons, sacrificing his son's body parts. Abandoned and devoid of his essential senses, Hyakkimaru is taken in by Jukai, a rural doctor who constructs prosthetic limbs for him. Determined to reclaim what was taken from him, Hyakkimaru embarks on a journey, aiming to restore his lost body parts while also aiming to make a positive impact. Along the way, he encounters Dororo, a young orphaned girl who declares herself a master thief, and they become travel companions. The series shares similarities with Demon Slayer, as both involve battling demons driven by personal motivations, and feature a supporting character resembling a younger sister.

4 Inuyasha

Inuyasha embarks on a quest to vanquish Naraku, the demon responsible for shattering his life. Surprisingly, Naraku shares striking similarities with Demon Slayer's Muzan; both are inclined to delegate their heinous actions to others while displaying no remorse for annihilating and tormenting their own subordinates. Furthermore, both possess an insatiable thirst for vengeance, unleashing their fury upon anyone daring to oppose them, and possess an almost invincible nature. Similar to Nezuko, Inuyasha is burdened with his own weaknesses, such as his vulnerability during the new moon, forcing him to cautiously avert confrontations during such periods. Within the series, a myriad of Japanese demons, both authentic and original, converge to captivate the audience.

3 Soul Eater

Soul Eater follows the story of Maka, a Meister, and her partner Soul Eater, a Weapon, as they attend the "Death Weapon Meister Academy." This academy trains them to become death spirits. Maka is a special type of human warrior, while Soul can transform into a scythe. Together, they are responsible for capturing Demon Eggs, which are evil souls on the verge of transforming into dangerous Kishin. Although the anime and manga versions of Soul Eater have unique storylines, the presence of demons and Kishin remains consistent.

2 Mushishi

When it comes to tone, Mushishi is the complete opposite of Demon Slayer; it is often regarded as one of the most soothing anime ever created due to its peacefulness. The protagonist of the series is Ginko, a "mushishi" who possesses the ability to perceive mushi, supernatural creatures that can cause various issues for humans. These mushi can take on diverse forms, such as an entire moving swamp. Each episode follows Ginko as he travels throughout Japan, assisting people he encounters with their local mushi dilemmas. If the tension and action of Demon Slayer have left viewers feeling overly stimulated, Mushishi might be the ideal choice for a more tranquil experience.

1 Yu Yu Hakusho

After tragically perishing in a car accident, Yusuke Yurameshi is granted a second chance at life on one condition: he must embrace the role of Spirit Detective. This unexpected role entails a greater emphasis on combat rather than conventional investigation. A timeless gem from the 90s, crafted by the renowned creator of Hunter x Hunter, this series showcases Yusuke's battles against formidable demons while also forming unlikely alliances with them, among which are the iconic Japanese mythical creatures like the multi-tailed kitsune. Despite the general populace's ignorance of the existence of demons, Yu Yu Hakusho delves deep into the extensive and intricate history shared by humans and these supernatural beings. Strikingly, humans are often depicted as having treated demons with greater malevolence than they have suffered in return. Consequently, the moral landscape becomes hazy, as the show challenges traditional notions of good and evil, adding nuance to the narrative, unlike its counterparts such as Demon Slayer. Yet, Yu Yu Hakusho remains renowned for its spectacular confrontations, leaving viewers in awe.

Following the thrilling finale of Demon Slayer season 3, fans are naturally eager to find other series that can captivate them until the release of Demon Slayer season 4. Although none of these series can truly replace Demon Slayer, each one possesses its own exceptional qualities, offering a fresh perspective on traditional Japanese demons, just like the beloved series itself.