Top 10 Best Anime Like Demon Slayer

If the mesmerizing world of demons and the courageous fight against them in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba left you wanting more, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled the top 10 best anime like Demon Slayer that delve into realms haunted by malevolent entities, where brave heroes rise to confront them with skill, determination, and often, extraordinary abilities. Don’t hesitate again! Let’s check out our list now!

1. Chainsaw Man

Riding a wave of immense hype in 2022, Chainsaw Man’s first season, while facing near-impossible expectations, delivered a potent and unforgettable introduction to a world steeped in demonic dread. Here, Devils materialize from human emotions, demanding the existence of the short-lived and high-stakes Public Safety Division to combat their terrifying power.

On the brink of death, Denji’s destiny takes a savage twist as he fuses with his Devil companion, becoming the infamous Chainsaw Man. Driven by his most basic instincts, he enters the brutal world of the Public Safety Division, embarking on a visceral journey of self-discovery amidst relentless carnage.

2. Shiki

Shiki is one of the best anime like Demon Slayer, offers a starkly different experience from the dynamic world of Demon Slayer, making this a recommendation for those intrigued by a similar dark seed sown in contrasting soil. In a quiet rural town, a plague of strange deaths and whispers of walking corpses begin to unravel the fabric of everyday life. Refusing to confront the terrifying truth of what hunts them, the townsfolk cling to a false sense of security, a delusion destined for a brutal awakening.

The fundamental conflict – humans versus monsters – echoes Demon Slayer, with vampires replacing demons as the nightmarish foe. Yet, where Demon Slayer ignites with heroic battles, Shiki chills with a raw and unsettling portrayal of humanity’s desperate response, delivering a relentless series of intense and deeply upsetting moments.

3. Undead Murder Farce

Undead Murder Farce is an absolute blast. Undead Murder Farce is one of the best anime similar to Demon Slayer, the 2023 anime blends a historical setting with supernatural elements, taking specific inspiration from fictional sources like Sherlock Holmes. There are vampires, immortals, oni, Frankenstein’s Monster, magicians, and even Arsene Lupin. If that sounds excessive, well, it is. However, everything comes together to create a ridiculously entertaining and surprisingly balanced whole.

Undead Murder Farce is primarily a mystery series with action rather than a full-blown fight fest, so the pacing is slightly slower than the typical battle shonen. That said, the second half of the series has quite a few battles, all of which are well-animated and incredibly engaging due to featuring such a diverse roster of characters with unique abilities. The core trio are fantastic too, being both charismatic and enigmatic.

4. Basilisk

A blood-soaked classic that still pulsates with tension, Basilisk hurls us into feudal Japan where two ninja clans, consumed by ancient hatred, unleash their deadliest warriors in a no-holds-barred battle royale. Caught in this deadly crossfire are Kouga and Iga, lovers from opposing sides, their hearts torn between passion and allegiance.

Beyond its compelling Romeo & Juliet-inspired narrative, Basilisk is a must-watch for its phenomenal fight sequences. Fantastically animated and utterly unpredictable, these clashes represent studio Gonzo at its absolute creative apex, delivering some of the most visually stunning action in anime history.

5. Drifters

A bittersweet recommendation, Drifters burns bright as one of the best anime like Demon Slayer, even as the hope for a sequel dwindles. In a vein similar to Fate, this isekai throws history into a fantasy blender, pitting legendary figures against each other in two distinct, warring factions.

Unapologetically embracing its own brand of over-the-top gore, Drifters unleashes fight sequences that are both brutal and brilliant, easily holding their own against the best. Beneath the wild premise lies a surprisingly clever isekai twist, with the anime reveling in its outlandish and often hilarious takes on historical icons like Joan of Arc and Oda Nobunaga.

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6. Claymore

In the shadowed world of Norihiro Yagi’s Claymore, humanity lives under the constant threat of Yoma, shape-shifting demons that move unseen. Their only defense: the Claymores, powerful, emotion-suppressed women forged from human and Yoma blood, bound by loyalty to a mysterious order.

Clare, a Claymore on a mission, becomes an unlikely protector to Raki, an orphaned boy whose presence ignites a spark of change within her. As they journey together, their bond deepens, pushing Clare towards a profound personal evolution. Brought to life with Madhouse’s skilled hand, Claymore starts subtly but evolves into a richly layered and captivating story – a darkly beautiful minor masterpiece.

7. Bleach

A legend in the battle shonen arena, Bleach enjoyed a significant anime run from 2004 to 2012 before its electrifying return in Fall 2022. Currently blazing through the Thousand-Year Blood War arc, the series has never looked more stunning, with Studio Pierrot delivering animation of unparalleled intensity.

In a world haunted by lingering spirits that can become the monstrous Hollows, a hidden realm known as the Soul Society exists to bring them peace. The ordinary life of student Ichigo Kurosaki is shattered one night when he meets Rukia, a Soul Reaper, and is immediately thrown into a battle with a Hollow. From this fateful encounter, Bleach quickly spirals into a complex world, consistently delivering battle sequences that are nothing short of phenomenal.

8. Blue Exorcist

In the modern world’s hidden shadows, True Cross Academy secretly trains teenagers to banish demons. Among them is Rin Okumura, the Devil’s own son, treated as an outsider despite his burning desire to become a demon slayer.

Torn between his infernal blood and heroic ambitions, Rin faces a critical choice: succumb to darkness or rise as a champion. Blue Exorcist blends the magical school setting of Harry Potter with the demon-slaying intensity of Demon Slayer. While Rin is central, the anime richly develops its ensemble cast of exorcists, creating a compelling dynamic reminiscent of the Hashira.

9. Golden Kamuy

Golden Kamuy is set around the early 1900s involving the aftermath of the Russo-Japanese War. The war is all but over now and Saichi is trying to forget his past all while trying to uncover a treasure trove of gold.

The maps he needs are tattooed on the backs of men so let’s just say he does what he needs to in order to get what he needs. Demon Slayer blends action and comedy to a polarizing degree, with the latter being quite divisive among many viewers. Golden Kamuy is much the same way as it can go from extremely bloody action and high-stakes to goofy shenanigans at the drop of a pin; however, an argument could be made that Golden Kamuy handles humor better than Demon Slayer.

10. The Fate Series

Beyond the shared brilliance of Ufotable’s animation, the Fate series and Demon Slayer occupy largely separate narrative realms. While both deliver exhilarating action, the core of Fate/Zero and Fate/stay night lies in the Holy Grail War, a brutal mage-led battle royale summoning historical heroes for a deadly clash, leaving a legacy of complex and morally ambiguous figures.

Yet, despite their differing stories, Demon Slayer and Fate are perfect complements, each a stunning demonstration of Ufotable’s unparalleled artistry in animating visceral and fluid action that captivates the senses.