Best Anime Series Similar to Demon Slayer: 12 Must Watch Alternatives

If you finished Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and feel a little empty inside, you are not alone. Many anime fans go through the same thing after the final episode or the latest season ends. Demon Slayer is not just another shounen series. It combines emotional storytelling, beautiful animation, and intense demon slaying battles in a way that stays with you.

The relationship between Tanjiro Kamado and Nezuko Kamado is the heart of the show. The fight between humans and demons adds constant danger. The Taisho era setting gives the anime a unique style. Every episode mix tragedy, comedy, and hope in a way that feels addictive. So when Demon Slayer ends, it is natural to start searching for anime similar to Demon Slayer.

This blog is your guide to that next watch. Here you will find a curated list of the best anime like Demon Slayer. Some are very close in tone and style. Others share its emotional depth, intense battles, or dark fantasy world. Whether you want more demon slaying, more supernatural action, or more emotional storytelling, you will find something here.

What Makes an Anime Similar to Demon Slayer

Before we jump into the list, it is important to be clear about what “similar” means. Not every show here has demons or Nichirin swords. Instead, these anime share some of the core elements that make Demon Slayer special.

Emotional Core: Family, Loss, and Determination

At its core, Demon Slayer is about family. Tanjiro’s journey starts with tragedy. Almost his entire family is killed. Nezuko is turned into a demon. From that moment, his main goal is simple. He wants to protect his sister and find a way to turn her human again.

Many of the anime like Demon Slayer on this list have the same emotional weight. The main characters are driven by loss, love, or a strong promise. They fight for siblings, friends, or a found family. Shows like Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Dororo, and Seraph of the End all explore similar themes.

Supernatural Battles and Unique Power Systems

Demon Slayer would not be what it is without its battles. The demon slayers use breathing styles. They wield Nichirin swords. The demons have Blood Demon Arts. The fights are not only physical. They showcase strategy, unique abilities, and personal growth.

In this list, you will find many supernatural action anime with their own power systems. Jujutsu Kaisen has cursed energy and domain expansions. Chainsaw Man has devils and contracts. Blue Exorcist focuses on exorcism and demonic powers. These systems add flavor to the action and make every battle memorable.

High Quality Animation and Stylish Action

One of the reasons Demon Slayer became so popular was its animation quality. The studio Ufotable brought the battles to life with smooth motion, bold colors, and dramatic camera angles. Fight scenes like Tanjiro’s Water Breathing techniques or the clash with Rui became iconic.

If you enjoyed that visual style, you will be happy to know that many anime similar to Demon Slayer also have strong animation. Jujutsu Kaisen, Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, Attack on Titan, and Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku all deliver stylish and intense action sequences.

Dark Themes with a Sense of Hope

Demon Slayer is dark, but it is not hopeless. Many demons have tragic backstories. The world is dangerous, yet filled with kindness and warmth. Tanjiro’s empathy is just as powerful as his sword.

In this list, you will find both darker shows and more balanced ones. Some anime, like Tokyo Ghoul and Attack on Titan, are more brutal and heavier. Others, like Blue Exorcist and Inuyasha, mix danger with humor, friendship, and romance. All of them, in some way, echo the emotional blend that makes Demon Slayer so loved.

Best Anime Series Similar to Demon Slayer

Now let us dive into the main list. These are some of the best anime series similar to Demon Slayer. Each entry includes a short overview, what it has in common with Demon Slayer, and which type of viewer will enjoy it most.

1. Jujutsu Kaisen

Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the closest modern matches to Demon Slayer. If someone asks what to watch after Demon Slayer, this is usually the first name people mention.

The story follows Yuji Itadori, a high school student with great physical strength and a kind heart. His life changes when he encounters a cursed object, a rotting finger that belongs to the powerful curse Ryomen Sukuna. To save his friends, Yuji swallows the finger and becomes Sukuna’s host. Instead of executing him immediately, the Jujutsu sorcerers decide to use him. They enroll him in Tokyo Jujutsu High and make him eat more of Sukuna’s fingers so that they can one day exorcise the curse completely.

Jujutsu Kaisen feels very similar to Demon Slayer in several ways. Cursed spirits fill the role of demons. They attack humans and feed on fear and negative emotions. Jujutsu sorcerers act like demon slayers. They train, go on missions, and fight deadly cursed spirits in life or death battles. The trio of Yuji, Megumi Fushiguro, and Nobara Kugisaki has a fun dynamic that fans of Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke will appreciate.

Another strong point is the animation. The fights in Jujutsu Kaisen are fast, smooth, and stylish. The series blends dark moments with humor and heart. The mentor figure Satoru Gojo is as iconic in his own way as the Hashira in Demon Slayer. If you are searching for anime similar to Demon Slayer with modern visuals and heavy action, Jujutsu Kaisen is a must watch.

• Chainsaw Man

If you like the brutal demon battles in Demon Slayer and want to push that to a more extreme level, Chainsaw Man is a great choice. It is more violent, more chaotic, and definitely more unhinged, but it shares the same core of humans fighting monstrous enemies.

The main character, Denji, starts as a poor young man living with his pet devil Pochita. He works as a devil hunter to pay off his late father’s debt. After a betrayal, Denji is killed. Pochita sacrifices itself to save him and merges with his body. Denji wakes up as a hybrid with the ability to transform parts of his body into chainsaws.

He is recruited into the Public Safety Devil Hunters and partnered with characters like Makima, Aki Hayakawa, and Power. Together, they fight devils across the city. The show is full of dangerous missions, shocking deaths, and tragic pasts.

Chainsaw Man feels similar to Demon Slayer because of its constant monster hunting and emotional trauma. Many characters carry pain and loss. At the same time, the tone is more cynical and wild. There is dark humor and many scenes are intentionally uncomfortable. The fights are bloody and graphic. If you are a Demon Slayer fan who enjoyed the darker side of the show, Chainsaw Man will give you an even harsher world to dive into.

• Blue Exorcist (Ao no Exorcist)

Blue Exorcist is a solid pick if you want more demons, more training, and a blend of school life and supernatural action. The main character, Rin Okumura, discovers that he is the son of Satan. After a tragedy, he decides to fight against his demonic heritage and become an exorcist.

Rin joins True Cross Academy, a school that secretly trains exorcists. There he learns to control his blue flames and works with his twin brother Yukio and other students. He struggles with his identity. On one side, he is human and wants to protect people. On the other side, his demonic blood and powers make others fear him.

Fans of Demon Slayer will notice several familiar elements in Blue Exorcist. There is a clear conflict between humans and demons. The main character fights using unique supernatural powers. He is part of a team of young exorcists who go on missions and support each other. The show balances serious moments with humor and school life scenes. The emotional focus on family, especially between Rin and Yukio, mirrors the bond between Tanjiro and Nezuko.

If you want an anime like Demon Slayer that offers demons, exorcists, teamwork, and emotional growth, Blue Exorcist is a strong recommendation.

• Dororo

If you loved the historical atmosphere of Demon Slayer and the tragic demon backstories, Dororo should be high on your list. It is darker and quieter, but very powerful.

The story takes place in a war torn version of feudal Japan. A lord named Daigo Kagemitsu makes a pact with demons to save his land. In exchange, the demons take the body parts of his newborn son. The child, named Hyakkimaru, is abandoned but survives. A kind doctor finds him and creates artificial limbs and tools so he can move and fight.

Hyakkimaru later travels across Japan and hunts down the demons that stole his body parts. Each time he kills one, he regains a piece of himself. Along the way, he meets a young orphan thief named Dororo, who becomes his companion.

Dororo shares many traits with Demon Slayer. Demons are powerful and monstrous, but their stories often reveal human greed and suffering. The road trip structure feels similar to Tanjiro’s journey from town to town. The battles are intense, though the overall tone is more somber. Dororo focuses heavily on themes of identity, humanity, and the cost of survival.

If you are a Demon Slayer fan who wants a more serious and melancholic dark fantasy anime, Dororo is a beautiful and haunting choice.

• Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is often recommended to any anime fan, and for good reason. For fans of Demon Slayer, it is especially appealing because of its strong emotional core and complex fantasy world.

The series follows Edward Elric and Alphonse Elric, two brothers who use alchemy. After trying to bring their mother back from the dead through forbidden human transmutation, the ritual fails. Ed loses an arm and a leg. Al loses his entire body and his soul is bound to a suit of armor. The brothers set out to find the Philosopher’s Stone to restore their bodies.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood shares several elements with Demon Slayer. It has a strong sibling bond at the center of the story. It presents a world full of alchemy, homunculi, and political conspiracies. The brothers meet allies and enemies with deep, tragic pasts. Like Demon Slayer, the show explores how far someone will go to protect the people they love.

The series has a complete and carefully built story from start to finish. It mixes action, humor, philosophy, and emotion. If you are searching for anime similar to Demon Slayer that also offers a complete and satisfying narrative, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is one of the best options.

• Inuyasha

If you want more demons, romance, and a long adventure set in historical Japan, Inuyasha is a great classic to explore.

The story begins when modern girl Kagome Higurashi falls into a well at her family shrine and is transported to the Sengoku era. There she meets Inuyasha, a half demon sealed to a tree. After accidentally shattering the Shikon Jewel, Kagome and Inuyasha must travel across Japan to collect the scattered shards before demons and humans with dark desires use them.

Inuyasha feels similar to Demon Slayer through its constant encounters with demons, spiritual powers, and sword fights. It also has a team of characters who travel together, including Miroku, Sango, and Shippo. The show blends action, emotional drama, and romance between Kagome and Inuyasha.

The art style is older, but it has its own charm. If you enjoyed the Japanese folklore in Demon Slayer and want a longer, more romantic journey, Inuyasha is a good fit.

• Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works

If you want intense battles and stunning visuals like Demon Slayer, Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works is a strong option.

The story revolves around the Holy Grail War, a secret battle royale where mages called Masters summon heroic spirits called Servants. Each pair fights for the Holy Grail, a powerful artifact that can grant any wish. The anime follows Shirou Emiya and Rin Tohsaka as they participate in the war with their Servants Saber and Archer.

While Fate/stay night does not feature demons, it matches Demon Slayer in its high stakes fights and emotional tension. The battles are strategic and visually impressive. There is a lot of focus on ideals, justice, and what it means to be a hero, similar to the moral questions Tanjiro often faces.

If you are a fan of Demon Slayer’s combat scenes and want another supernatural action anime with a stylish look and complex characters, Unlimited Blade Works is a good choice.

• Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation

Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation is different from Demon Slayer in plot, but it shares the appeal of a rich fantasy world and deep character growth.

The story follows a man who dies in his original world and is reborn as Rudeus Greyrat in a world full of magic. Unlike many isekai heroes, Rudeus grows from infancy. We see his training, his relationships, and his struggles from a very young age. He learns magic, swordplay, and social skills while trying to live a better life than before.

Mushoku Tensei is not about demon slayers, but it is a good choice if you loved Demon Slayer’s worldbuilding and emotional journey. The show focuses on long term development and complex character arcs. The fantasy setting is detailed and the animation is strong.

If you are a Demon Slayer fan ready for a slower but immersive fantasy series, Mushoku Tensei is worth watching. Just be aware that it has more mature themes, so it is better for older teens and adults.

• Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin)

If you want something darker and more intense than Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan might be your next obsession.

The story is set in a world where humanity lives inside giant walls to protect themselves from man eating giants called Titans. The main character, Eren Yeager, loses his mother during a Titan attack. He joins the Survey Corps along with Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert to fight Titans and uncover the truth behind them.

Attack on Titan shares the same feeling of humans fighting monstrous threats. The soldiers train hard. They face death in almost every mission. The themes of sacrifice, fear, and survival are very strong. Compared to Demon Slayer, the tone is heavier and more political. The show dives into war crimes, propaganda, and the cycle of hatred.

If you are a Demon Slayer fan looking for a dark fantasy anime with high stakes, complex mystery, and brutal battles, Attack on Titan is a powerful choice. Just be prepared for a much more serious and emotionally draining experience.

1. Seraph of the End (Owari no Seraph)

Seraph of the End is another anime similar to Demon Slayer that focuses on squads, revenge, and supernatural enemies.

The story takes place after a mysterious virus kills most adults. Vampires rise from the shadows and take control of the world, using surviving children as livestock for blood. The main character, Yuichiro Hyakuya, escapes from the vampires but loses his found family in the process. He joins the Moon Demon Company, a military unit that uses cursed gear to fight vampires.

Seraph of the End has a lot in common with Demon Slayer. The uniforms, the squad structure, and the cursed weapons all feel very familiar. Yuichiro’s burning desire for revenge after losing his loved ones mirrors Tanjiro’s pain. The show focuses on themes of friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice.

If you enjoyed the idea of organized demon slayers fighting monsters in Demon Slayer, you will likely enjoy the vampire hunters in Seraph of the End.

1. Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku

If you want something brutal and strange, but still packed with sword fights and strong emotions, Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku is a strong candidate.

The story follows Gabimaru the Hollow, a death row ninja who is almost impossible to kill. He is offered a chance at pardon if he travels to a mysterious island to search for the Elixir of Life. He is accompanied by executioner Sagiri and other criminals and executioners. On the island, they encounter twisted monsters, strange plants, and other deadly secrets.

Hell’s Paradise feels similar to Demon Slayer because of its intense fights, sword users, and emotional character journeys. The monsters are bizarre and terrifying. The setting is beautiful but deadly. Many characters have tragic pasts and must confront their own guilt and trauma.

If you liked the action and emotional weight in Demon Slayer and do not mind stronger violence, Hell’s Paradise is worth checking out.

1. Tokyo Ghoul

Tokyo Ghoul is a great option if you want to explore the “who is the real monster” side of things.

The main character, Ken Kaneki, is a normal college student until an accident turns him into a half ghoul, a creature that feeds on human flesh. He struggles to exist between human society and ghoul society. The ghouls are hunted by investigators, but many of them just want to live quietly.

Tokyo Ghoul is darker and more psychological than Demon Slayer. It focuses heavily on identity, trauma, and social conflict. However, it shares Demon Slayer’s interest in the humanity of “monsters.” Just as Demon Slayer shows demons with tragic human pasts, Tokyo Ghoul shows ghouls with complex emotions and lives.

If you are a Demon Slayer fan interested in a more emotional and tragic dark fantasy anime, Tokyo Ghoul is a good choice.

Essential Demon Slayer Follow Ups

Before you completely leave Demon Slayer behind, make sure you have watched all of its main arcs. Some people search for anime like Demon Slayer after only finishing season one.

You should not skip:

• Demon Slayer: Mugen Train
• Demon Slayer: Entertainment District Arc
• Demon Slayer: Swordsmith Village Arc

These arcs introduce new Hashira, stronger demons, and some of the most impressive animation in the series. If you missed any of them, they should be your first stop before moving on to other anime.

Extra Recommendations

If you still want more after all that, here are a few bonus titles that fans of Demon Slayer might enjoy.

• Noragami
  Urban fantasy about a minor god, his weapon partner, and a girl stuck between life and death. It mixes spirits, humor, and emotional stories.
• Claymore
  Focuses on half human, half monster warriors called Claymores who fight demons called Yoma. It is darker and more serious, with strong female leads.
• Hunter x Hunter
  Features complex power systems, creative battles, and strong emotional arcs. While there are no demons, the intensity and strategy will appeal to many Demon Slayer fans.

How to Pick Your Next Anime After Demon Slayer

With so many anime similar to Demon Slayer, it can be hard to choose. Here is a simple way to narrow it down based on what you liked most.

Closest in Vibe to Demon Slayer

If you want something that feels very close in tone and style, start with:

• Jujutsu Kaisen
• Blue Exorcist
• Seraph of the End

These shows combine supernatural battles, teams of fighters, emotional storylines, and stylish action.

Darker and More Violent Choices

If you are ready for anime that are more brutal or psychologically heavy, try:

• Chainsaw Man
• Attack on Titan
• Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku
• Tokyo Ghoul

These series push violence and emotional trauma further than Demon Slayer. They are best for mature viewers.

Emotional and Story Driven Picks

If your favorite part of Demon Slayer was the emotion and character growth, consider:

• Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
• Dororo
• Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation

These anime focus more on long term journeys, deep relationships, and worldbuilding.

Classic and Nostalgic Anime

If you want something with an older style but a similar spirit of adventure and demons, go for:

• Inuyasha

It offers demons, romance, and a long quest through historical Japan.

Conclusion: Your Demon Slayer Journey Is Just the Beginning

Finishing Demon Slayer can feel like the end of something special, but it is also the start of a bigger anime journey. What makes Demon Slayer so powerful is not only the demons or the sword techniques. It is the emotional storytelling, the bond between Tanjiro and Nezuko, and the way every fight carries weight.

The good news is that there are many anime series similar to Demon Slayer that can give you a similar feeling in different ways. Some focus on demon slaying and cursed spirits. Others lean into emotional stories, tragic characters, or complex fantasy worlds. Whether you pick Jujutsu Kaisen, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Dororo, Attack on Titan, or any of the other series listed here, you are stepping into another rich world.

Use this list as a starting point. Choose one or two anime that match your mood right now. Maybe you want high energy fights. Maybe you want deep emotional pain. Maybe you want a long nostalgic adventure. There is something here for every kind of Demon Slayer fan.

And once you finish your next show, you will probably search again for “anime like Demon Slayer” or “anime like Jujutsu Kaisen.” That is the beauty of anime. There is always another story waiting for you.