Cartoon Lists: 90s Cartoons, Anime & Character Guides
  • Characters
  • Facts & News
  • Anime Knowledge
  • What To Watch
What To Watch

Anime Series for Demon Slayer Fans: 25 Shows to Watch Next

Author: Tyler B Updated: August 9, 2023
5.9K

Anime series for Demon Slayer fans need to offer more than just flashy battles.

At least, that is how I see it.

Demon Slayer works because it has action, emotion, family, tragedy, demons, beautiful animation, and characters who fight with everything they have.

That is a hard mix to replace.

But there are plenty of anime that can give fans a similar feeling.

  • Some have supernatural monsters.
  • Some have sword fights and intense training.
  • Some focus on family and loyalty.
  • Some are darker and more violent.
  • Some bring the same shonen energy with a different setting.

So, if you finished Demon Slayer and want something new to watch, this list is a good place to start.

25 Anime Series for Demon Slayer Fans

Demon Slayer became popular for a reason.

The animation is stunning.

The fights are emotional.

Tanjiro is easy to root for.

And the demon world feels dangerous, tragic, and beautiful at the same time.

For this list, I picked anime that share at least one of those strengths.

Some are very close in tone.

Some are different but still worth watching if you love action anime with heart.

1. Jujutsu Kaisen

Jujutsu Kaisen anime series for Demon Slayer fans

Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the easiest recommendations for Demon Slayer fans.

It has cursed spirits, intense fights, emotional stakes, and a main character who gets pulled into a dangerous supernatural world.

Yuji Itadori is not Tanjiro, but they share a similar sense of compassion.

  • Strong supernatural battles
  • Dark curses and monsters
  • Great animation
  • Funny character moments
  • A hero with a dangerous power inside him

I would start here if you want something modern, fast-paced, and full of stylish action.

2. Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan anime like Demon Slayer

Attack on Titan is much darker than Demon Slayer, but I think many fans will still connect with it.

Both shows are about humans fighting terrifying enemies that seem almost impossible to defeat.

The difference is that Attack on Titan leans harder into war, fear, politics, and survival.

  • Humanity against monsters
  • High emotional stakes
  • Brutal action scenes
  • Strong mystery elements
  • Characters forced to make painful choices

If you liked the danger and tragedy in Demon Slayer, this anime will hit hard.

3. Naruto

Naruto anime for Demon Slayer fans

Naruto is a classic shonen anime with a lot of the same emotional pull that makes Demon Slayer work.

Naruto and Tanjiro are different characters, but both are defined by determination and kindness.

They keep going even when the world gives them every reason to break.

  • Training arcs
  • Emotional backstories
  • Strong friendships
  • Powerful enemies
  • A main character with a dangerous force inside him

I recommend Naruto if you want a long adventure with big battles and a lot of heart.

4. Hunter x Hunter

Hunter x Hunter anime series for Demon Slayer fans

Hunter x Hunter starts with a bright adventure feeling, but it becomes much deeper and darker as it goes.

That is one reason I think Demon Slayer fans may enjoy it.

It balances friendship, training, strategy, danger, and emotional pain very well.

  • Creative power system
  • Strong adventure feeling
  • Memorable friendships
  • Brutal villains
  • Surprisingly dark story arcs

If you liked watching Tanjiro grow stronger through pain and discipline, Gon’s journey may pull you in too.

5. My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia anime like Demon Slayer

My Hero Academia is more superhero-focused than supernatural, but it still has the same kind of shonen heart.

Izuku Midoriya and Tanjiro both care deeply about protecting others.

They are also willing to push their bodies too far for the people they want to save.

  • Hero training
  • Big emotional fights
  • Strong rivalries
  • Character growth
  • A hopeful tone mixed with danger

I would pick this if you want something more colorful and heroic after the darker moments of Demon Slayer.

6. Black Clover

Black Clover anime like Demon Slayer show

Black Clover is a great choice if you like loud shonen energy, magic battles, and characters who refuse to give up.

Asta, like Tanjiro, is driven by determination.

He is not the strongest at the start, but he works relentlessly to prove himself.

  • Magic-based combat
  • Underdog main character
  • Friendship and rivalry
  • Large cast of fighters
  • Big emotional battle moments

If you enjoy watching a hero train, fail, get back up, and fight harder, this one fits well.

7. Blue Exorcist

Blue Exorcist anime with demons like Demon Slayer

Blue Exorcist is one of the closest picks if you want another anime with demons and emotional conflict.

Rin Okumura discovers that he is the son of Satan, then decides to become an exorcist.

That inner conflict gives the show a strong hook.

  • Demon battles
  • Exorcist training
  • Brother dynamics
  • Supernatural action
  • A hero fighting against his own demonic nature

I think Demon Slayer fans will especially enjoy the mix of action and personal struggle.

8. Fire Force

Fire Force anime with animation like Demon Slayer

Fire Force has a very different setup, but it shares the idea of specialized fighters battling dangerous transformed beings.

Instead of demons, the threat comes from Infernals.

The fire-based powers also make the action visually exciting.

  • Supernatural firefighting
  • Stylish action scenes
  • Team-based combat
  • Dark mystery elements
  • Characters fighting corrupted human-like monsters

If you liked the visual flair of Demon Slayer, Fire Force has plenty of eye-catching battles.

9. Tokyo Ghoul

Tokyo Ghoul demon slayer like anime

Tokyo Ghoul is darker, more tragic, and more horror-focused than Demon Slayer.

But if you are interested in the line between humans and monsters, it is worth watching.

Ken Kaneki’s story is painful because he becomes part of the world he fears.

  • Human vs. monster conflict
  • Dark urban fantasy
  • Body horror
  • Identity struggles
  • Tragic emotional themes

I would recommend this for fans who liked the sadness behind many of the demons in Demon Slayer.

10. D.Gray-Man

D.Gray-Man anime similar to Demon Slayer

D.Gray-Man is a strong pick if you want another story about a kind hero fighting monstrous enemies.

Allen Walker battles Akuma with the Black Order.

Like Tanjiro, Allen carries a gentle heart even while facing dark enemies.

  • Exorcists and monsters
  • Gothic atmosphere
  • Late 19th-century setting
  • A compassionate main character
  • Dark fantasy action

I like this recommendation because it gives a similar emotional feeling without copying Demon Slayer.

11. Yu Yu Hakusho

Yu Yu Hakusho good anime to watch if you like Demon Slayer

Yu Yu Hakusho is an older shonen classic, but it still holds up for action fans.

Yusuke Urameshi starts as a delinquent, dies while saving a child, and becomes a Spirit Detective.

That setup leads into battles across the human, spirit, and demon worlds.

  • Demon world conflicts
  • Spirit powers
  • Tournament battles
  • Great team chemistry
  • A tough hero with a good heart

If you enjoy demon fights and classic shonen growth, this one deserves a spot on your watchlist.

12. Claymore

Claymore anime like Demon Slayer

Claymore is one of the darker recommendations on this list.

It follows women warriors who fight shapeshifting monsters known as Yoma.

The tone is grim, serious, and violent.

  • Monster hunting
  • Dark fantasy setting
  • Sword-based combat
  • Female-led warrior story
  • Characters struggling against their own monstrous side

I think Claymore is a good fit for fans who want a more mature version of the demon-hunting idea.

13. Noragami

Noragami anime like Demon Slayer

Noragami mixes gods, spirits, comedy, action, and emotional drama.

It follows Yato, a minor god trying to become more respected and remembered.

The supernatural world gives it a strong connection to Demon Slayer fans.

  • Spirits and gods
  • Supernatural combat
  • Funny character moments
  • Emotional backstories
  • Themes of loyalty and purpose

I like Noragami because it can be light and funny, then suddenly become emotional.

That balance reminds me of what Demon Slayer does well.

14. Mob Psycho 100

Mob Psycho 100 anime similar to Demon Slayer

Mob Psycho 100 is not about demons in the same way, but it has powerful supernatural action and a lot of heart.

Mob is an extremely powerful psychic who tries to live a normal life.

What makes the series special is how much it cares about emotional growth.

  • Psychic battles
  • Supernatural threats
  • Creative animation
  • Comedy mixed with emotion
  • A gentle main character with overwhelming power

If you like kind-hearted heroes who do not want to hurt people unless they must, Mob is easy to love.

15. Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works

Fate stay night Unlimited Blade Works anime for Demon Slayer fans

Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works is a strong pick if you want beautiful action animation and intense battles.

The story centers on mages and heroic spirits fighting in the Holy Grail War.

It has a more complex fantasy setup, but the action is a huge draw.

  • High-quality fight scenes
  • Summoned warriors
  • Magic combat
  • Moral conflict
  • Big dramatic battles

If your favorite part of Demon Slayer is the visual spectacle, this is one to consider.

16. Vinland Saga

Vinland Saga anime for Demon Slayer fans

Vinland Saga is not supernatural, but it has emotional weight, violence, revenge, and historical atmosphere.

That makes it a good match for fans who liked the serious side of Demon Slayer.

It follows warriors during the Viking era and explores what revenge does to a person.

  • Historical setting
  • Brutal battles
  • Revenge-driven story
  • Strong character writing
  • Heavy emotional themes

I recommend it if you want something more mature and grounded after Demon Slayer.

17. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure anime like Demon Slayer

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a wild recommendation, but it makes sense if you enjoy stylish action.

It follows generations of the Joestar family as they face supernatural threats and powerful enemies.

The tone is much stranger than Demon Slayer, but the battles are creative and memorable.

  • Distinct visual style
  • Generational storytelling
  • Creative powers
  • Over-the-top battles
  • Memorable villains

If you want something bold, strange, and full of personality, this is a fun pick.

18. One Punch Man

One Punch Man anime for Demon Slayer fans

One Punch Man is a good change of pace after the emotional intensity of Demon Slayer.

It is funny, but it still has excellent action.

Saitama can defeat enemies with one punch, which turns the superhero genre into a joke and a character study at the same time.

  • Great action scenes
  • Monster fights
  • Comedy and parody
  • Memorable heroes and villains
  • A surprisingly lonely main character

I would watch this when you want something exciting but less emotionally heavy.

19. One Piece

One Piece anime for Demon Slayer fans

One Piece is very different from Demon Slayer, but it shares a huge sense of adventure and emotional loyalty.

Luffy and Tanjiro are both kind-hearted heroes who inspire people around them.

The world of One Piece is bigger, brighter, and more comedic, but it can still hit hard emotionally.

  • Huge adventure world
  • Strong friendships
  • Creative fights
  • Emotional backstories
  • A hero with unstoppable determination

If you want a long journey with humor, heartbreak, and action, this is one of the biggest anime adventures out there.

20. Dragon Ball

Dragon Ball anime series for Demon Slayer fans

Dragon Ball is a foundational action anime.

It does not have the same demon-hunting tone as Demon Slayer, but it helped shape the kind of battle shonen stories that came after it.

If you love training, transformations, powerful enemies, and nonstop fights, it is worth watching.

  • Iconic battles
  • Training and power growth
  • Memorable heroes
  • World-threatening villains
  • Classic shonen energy

I recommend it for fans who want to explore one of the major roots of modern action anime.

21. Sword Art Online

Sword Art Online anime for Demon Slayer fans

Sword Art Online takes survival action into a virtual world.

Players are trapped inside a game, and death in the game can mean death in real life.

That gives the series strong stakes from the start.

  • Sword-based battles
  • Fantasy game world
  • Survival stakes
  • Romance and friendship
  • A hero fighting to protect others

If you like sword combat and emotional danger, this is an easy anime to try after Demon Slayer.

22. Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic

Magi The Labyrinth of Magic anime like Demon Slayer

Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic is a colorful fantasy adventure inspired by Arabian Nights-style storytelling.

It does not have the same horror tone as Demon Slayer, but it does have magic, adventure, danger, and character growth.

  • Fantasy worldbuilding
  • Magic powers
  • Dungeons and adventure
  • Strong friendships
  • Bright tone with serious moments

I would recommend Magi if you want something more adventurous and magical.

23. Psycho-Pass

Psycho-Pass anime like Demon Slayer series

Psycho-Pass is very different from Demon Slayer, but it can work for fans who like dark moral questions.

Instead of demons, it explores crime, justice, psychology, and control in a futuristic society.

  • Dystopian future setting
  • Moral dilemmas
  • Crime thriller atmosphere
  • Psychological tension
  • Dark action scenes

I would not call this a direct match, but it is a good pick if you want something darker and more mature.

24. Goblin Slayer

Goblin Slayer action anime like Demon Slayer

Goblin Slayer is a much darker fantasy series about a warrior devoted to killing goblins.

Like Demon Slayer, it focuses on a character committed to exterminating a specific monster threat.

But the tone is harsher and more mature.

  • Monster-slaying premise
  • Dark fantasy setting
  • Serious violence
  • A focused main character
  • Gritty survival atmosphere

I would only recommend this if you are comfortable with much darker fantasy content.

25. Deadman Wonderland

Deadman Wonderland anime like Demon Slayer and Naruto

Deadman Wonderland is another darker recommendation.

It follows a brutal survival story set inside a prison amusement park.

The tone is intense, violent, and strange.

  • Survival battles
  • Dark setting
  • Blood-based powers
  • Psychological pressure
  • A main character thrown into a nightmare

This is not the closest match to Demon Slayer, but fans who enjoy darker action anime may find it gripping.

What Makes an Anime Similar to Demon Slayer?

When I look for anime series for Demon Slayer fans, I usually look for a few things.

It does not need to copy Demon Slayer.

It just needs to capture some of the same appeal.

  1. Supernatural threats: Demons, curses, spirits, monsters, or other non-human enemies.
  2. Strong emotional core: Characters need a reason to fight beyond simply getting stronger.
  3. Great action: Demon Slayer fans usually want battles that feel intense and memorable.
  4. Character growth: Training, loss, discipline, and personal change matter.
  5. Friendship and loyalty: The bonds between characters should feel important.
  6. Dark and light balance: A good mix of serious moments and lighter character scenes helps.

That is why anime like Jujutsu Kaisen, Blue Exorcist, D.Gray-Man, and Yu Yu Hakusho make so much sense on this list.

Best Picks If You Want Demon Fighting

If the demon-hunting part of Demon Slayer is your favorite, I would start with these:

  • Jujutsu Kaisen
  • Blue Exorcist
  • D.Gray-Man
  • Yu Yu Hakusho
  • Claymore
  • Goblin Slayer

These shows all involve supernatural enemies, exorcists, monsters, demons, or monster-hunting in some form.

Best Picks If You Want Emotional Shonen Action

If what you loved most was Tanjiro’s heart and determination, I would go with these:

  • Naruto
  • Hunter x Hunter
  • My Hero Academia
  • Black Clover
  • Mob Psycho 100
  • One Piece

These anime have heroes who grow through hardship, protect their friends, and keep fighting even when things get painful.

Best Picks If You Want Darker Anime

If you want something darker than Demon Slayer, these are the strongest picks:

  • Attack on Titan
  • Tokyo Ghoul
  • Vinland Saga
  • Psycho-Pass
  • Deadman Wonderland
  • Claymore

These shows are more intense and may not have the same warmth, but they deliver strong drama and heavier themes.

Final Thoughts on Anime Series for Demon Slayer Fans

Anime series for Demon Slayer fans can go in a lot of different directions.

If you want cursed energy and stylish fights, watch Jujutsu Kaisen.

If you want classic shonen growth, try Naruto or Hunter x Hunter.

If you want darker monster stories, go with Tokyo Ghoul, Claymore, or Attack on Titan.

If you want demons and exorcists, Blue Exorcist, D.Gray-Man, and Yu Yu Hakusho are strong choices.

For me, the best follow-up depends on what you loved most about Demon Slayer.

  • For emotional heroes, choose Naruto or Mob Psycho 100.
  • For supernatural battles, choose Jujutsu Kaisen.
  • For dark fantasy, choose Claymore.
  • For huge adventure, choose One Piece.
  • For brutal stakes, choose Attack on Titan.

No anime will feel exactly like Demon Slayer, and that is okay.

The goal is not to replace it.

The goal is to find another series that gives you strong action, emotional stakes, and characters worth following.

Tye B founded Cartoon Lists out of a refusal to let great cartoons be forgotten. He grew up on 90s Saturday-morning TV and never grew out of it
Tyler B

Tye B founded Cartoon Lists out of a refusal to let great cartoons be forgotten. He grew up on 90s Saturday-morning TV and never grew out of it — these days he splits his time between rewatching the classics and keeping up with modern anime. Here he ranks, reviews, and digs into the characters and stories that define pop culture.

You may also like

16 Best Steampunk Anime: From Fullmetal to Howl’s Castle

25+ Apocalypse Anime That Will Leave You on the Edge

Badminton Anime Series: Best Shows About Smash, Speed, and Teamwork

25 Best Anime About Gaming

12 Anime About Monsters

30+ Prime Yuri Anime Series To Watch

Trending

  • 15+Anime Featuring Adult Love Stories

  • 15 Top Christian Animated Shows for Kids

  • About Me
  • Contact Us
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy

© 2026 - CartoonLists.com All other assets & trademarks are property of their original owners.

  • Characters
  • Facts & News
  • Anime Knowledge
  • What To Watch