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Top 12 Demon King Anime To Watch

Author: Tyler B Updated: October 21, 2023
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The best Demon King anime include shows like Demon King Daimao, Devilman Crybaby, The Misfit of Demon King Academy, and The Devil Is a Part-Timer!

In the vast world of anime, Demon Kings come in every flavor. It is a misconception to assume they are all purely evil, but there is no denying their immense power. These Demon Kings and Demon Lords almost always show up as overpowered main characters whose abilities dwarf everyone around them. Whatever their moral alignment, these are not characters to take lightly.

The Misfit of Demon King Academy

πŸ‘‘ The Demon King: Anos Voldigoad, reincarnated after 2,000 years

βš”οΈ Genre: Action fantasy / magic school

🧠 My Take: Peak overpowered-protagonist wish fulfillment, and a total blast.

The Misfit of Demon King Academy is a magical, exhilarating Demon King anime I have loved watching. Anos Voldigoad, the Demon King from 2,000 years ago, returns to the present and immediately stirs things up at the magic school that bears his name. The drama deepens, the action exceeds expectations, and the show is unafraid to get wild with its magic.

The Devil Is a Part-Timer!

πŸ‘‘ The Demon King: Satan, working a fast-food job on Earth

βš”οΈ Genre: Comedy / slice-of-life

🧠 My Take: The funniest “what if the Demon King had rent to pay” premise.

This Demon King anime has a heartwarming storyline and a perfect blend of comedy and romance, mixing slice-of-life with a touch of the supernatural. Emilia’s evolving relationship with the Dark Lord Satan is the standout, especially as they deal with the same everyday struggles as ordinary humans. Charming and surprisingly moving.

Demon King Daimao

πŸ‘‘ The Demon King: Akuto Sai, prophesied to become one against his will

βš”οΈ Genre: Comedy / ecchi fantasy

🧠 My Take: Surprisingly endearing, and it actually made me laugh.

This one genuinely charmed me, which is rare. In a future where science and magic intertwine, Sai Akuto arrives at Constant Magic Academy as a kind-hearted soul who just wants to make the world better. Then a prophetic bird (basically a Sorting Hat with a perfect track record) declares his destiny is to become a Demon King, which he is decidedly not thrilled about.

Inuyasha

πŸ‘‘ The Demon King: Naraku, the scheming spider-demon (and half-demon Inuyasha)

βš”οΈ Genre: Adventure fantasy / romance

🧠 My Take: A sprawling classic, even if 160 episodes is a commitment.

Inuyasha caught me off guard. It seamlessly blends romance, action, adventure, fantasy, and even horror (some episodes were intense enough to face censorship abroad). The 160-episode runtime dilutes the story a bit, but the cast stays engaging throughout, from Miroku’s endless advances to Kagome juggling demon battles with keeping her grades up.

Devilman Crybaby

πŸ‘‘ The Demon King: Akira as Devilman, against the demon hordes

βš”οΈ Genre: Dark supernatural / horror

🧠 My Take: Brutal, beautiful, and unforgettable. Not for the faint of heart.

Devilman captures the essence of older-school anime: stellar animation, raw gore, and a fearless approach to taboo subjects. Longtime fans will love the references and revamped scenes, while newcomers get a story that weaves the original anime and manga together beautifully. The symbolism runs deep, the relationships feel genuine, and the soundtrack is breathtaking.

Blue Exorcist

πŸ‘‘ The Demon King: Satan, who happens to be Rin’s father

βš”οΈ Genre: Shonen action

🧠 My Take: Solid shonen with a great central arc, if uneven around the edges.

Ao no Exorcist (Blue Exorcist) offers a well-balanced mix of comedy and action, in the same lane as The Misfit of Demon King Academy. The character-driven, humorous episodes shine brightest. It is not groundbreaking shonen and struggles with pacing and a muted supporting cast, but the main character’s arc and central theme carry it.

D.Gray-man

πŸ‘‘ The Demon King: The Millennium Earl, commander of the Akuma

βš”οΈ Genre: Gothic shonen / dark fantasy

🧠 My Take: Underrated gothic action with a strong lead.

Allen Walker joins the Black Order after his Innocence destroys the Akuma made from his guardian, Mana. Early on he faces a new villain each week while working with fellow exorcists to locate Innocence and fend off the demons of the Noah. Eventually the mission shifts to tracking down his elusive mentor, General Cross Marian.

Seven Deadly Sins

πŸ‘‘ The Demon King: The Demon King of the Demon Clan, the looming threat

βš”οΈ Genre: Action fantasy

🧠 My Take: A fun ensemble that builds real momentum after a slow start.

The Seven Deadly Sins follows a band of warriors framed for a crime they did not commit, setting out to clear their names. It starts at a measured pace, introducing each character, then gains momentum. The music captivates and shifts every few episodes while keeping a consistent emotional tone, and each member embodies a different sin, making for memorable group dynamics.

Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation

πŸ‘‘ The Demon King: Demon-lord-tier power in a deep isekai world

βš”οΈ Genre: Isekai fantasy

🧠 My Take: One of the best-executed isekai out there, with gorgeous animation.

A 34-year-old Japanese NEET dies in a traffic accident and is reborn as Rudeus Greyrat, beginning an exhilarating new life. The isekai genre is full of clichΓ©s, but this one stands out on execution: the world feels alive, and we grow alongside Rudeus. The art style is top-tier, making it a genuine visual treat.

Death Note

πŸ‘‘ The Demon King: Light Yagami’s god complex (and the Shinigami Ryuk)

βš”οΈ Genre: Psychological thriller

🧠 My Take: A masterclass in moral grey-area tension.

Even a few episodes in, Death Note impresses with how tightly its storyline is planned, constantly keeping you guessing. It embraces a real darkness, and its biggest twist is the protagonist himself: instead of a virtuous lead, you follow a main character who keeps pushing past conventional moral boundaries.

Beelzebub

πŸ‘‘ The Demon King: Baby Beelzebub, the demon king’s infant son

βš”οΈ Genre: Comedy / action

🧠 My Take: A delinquent raising a demon baby is exactly as fun as it sounds.

At Ishiyama High, a school full of delinquents, first-year Tatsumi Oga is crowned the “strongest juvenile delinquent.” Dozing by a river one day, he spots a man floating in the water, rushes to help, and the man splits open to reveal a baby boy: Beelzebub, the demon king’s son. Now, with the demon maid Hilda in tow, Tatsumi is chosen to raise the formidable infant.

Demon Slayer

πŸ‘‘ The Demon King: Muzan Kibutsuji, progenitor of all demons

βš”οΈ Genre: Action / dark fantasy

🧠 My Take: Gorgeous animation and a heart that hits hard.

Demon Slayer opens on tragedy: a boy returns home to find his family slaughtered by a demon, with his sister Nezuko the lone survivor, now a demon herself. His quest is to protect her and find a cure. The show shifts focus across its supporting cast, the action sequences are jaw-dropping, and the bond between Tanjiro and Nezuko gives it real heart.

Demon King Anime at a Glance

Anime The Demon King Genre Vibe
The Misfit of Demon King Academy Anos Voldigoad Action fantasy Overpowered fun
The Devil Is a Part-Timer! Satan (on minimum wage) Comedy slice-of-life Heartwarming and funny
Demon King Daimao Akuto Sai Comedy fantasy Endearing and funny
Inuyasha Naraku Adventure fantasy Sprawling classic
Devilman Crybaby Devilman / demon hordes Dark horror Brutal and beautiful
Blue Exorcist Satan (Rin’s father) Shonen action Solid central arc
D.Gray-man The Millennium Earl Gothic shonen Underrated dark fantasy
Seven Deadly Sins The Demon King of the Demon Clan Action fantasy Fun ensemble
Mushoku Tensei Isekai demon-lord power Isekai fantasy Best-in-class isekai
Death Note Light Yagami (and Ryuk) Psychological thriller Moral grey-area tension
Beelzebub Baby Beelzebub Comedy action Delinquent meets demon baby
Demon Slayer Muzan Kibutsuji Action dark fantasy Gorgeous and moving

From overpowered reincarnated kings to a Demon Lord flipping burgers, these are the Demon King anime worth your watchlist. Did I miss a powerful ruler you love? Drop them in the comments.

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 β€” 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.

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