Anime has long been a captivating medium that brings all sorts of stories to life, including those that delve into the darker and more supernatural aspects of storytelling. Demons, as mythical beings, often play central roles in many captivating series. Whether they are evil incarnates or anti-heroes with complex narratives, demon characters can offer depth, power, and intrigue to a storyline. An intriguing demon anime can transport viewers into worlds filled with mystique, action, and suspense.
If you’re intrigued by the duality of demons or just looking for a thrilling new series to watch, here’s a list of the top 10 demon anime that you definitely shouldn’t miss. From classic favorites to recent hits, this selection will take you on a journey through some of the most compelling stories where demons often toe the line between friend and foe.
#10 Blood Lad
Starting off our list is “Blood Lad”, an anime that combines the supernatural with comedy and action. Starring Staz Charlie Blood, a vampire who is more interested in Japanese culture and video games than in drinking blood, the story takes a turn when he meets Fuyumi Yanagi, a human girl who wanders into the demon world and becomes a ghost after dying. Staz pledges to help her become human again, leading to a series of exciting and humorous adventures as they traverse the demon world. The light-hearted approach to the concept of demons in this anime makes it accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of viewers.
#9 Blue Exorcist (Ao no Exorcist)
“Blue Exorcist” follows the story of Rin Okumura, a teenager who discovers that he is the son of Satan. Upon learning about his heritage, Rin decides to become an exorcist in order to fight his father and protect the human world. With its compelling mix of action, drama, and supernatural elements, “Blue Exorcist” offers a unique perspective on the concept of demons and exorcism within a modern setting. The anime features a combination of intense fight scenes and deep character development, making it a standout in its genre.
#8 Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” quickly became a phenomenon upon its release, known for its breathtaking animation and deeply emotional story. It follows Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy who becomes a demon slayer after his family is slaughtered by demons and his sister Nezuko is turned into one. Instead of being the evil force in the story, Nezuko retains human emotions, which creates a compelling narrative about sibling bonds and the nature of demons. The anime features stunning sword-fighting sequences and a heartfelt storyline that makes it a must-watch for any anime fan.
#7 Devilman Crybaby
“Devilman Crybaby” is known for its mature themes, intense action, and deep storyline. The plot centers around Akira Fudo, who is persuaded by his friend Ryo Asuka to merge with a demon in order to fight other demons. As Akira becomes Devilman, possessing the powers of a demon but retaining the soul of a human, he faces both the demonic and human worlds. This anime dives deep into the psyche of its characters, presenting a dark and psychological exploration of the battle between good and evil.
#6 Hell Girl (Jigoku Shoujo)
In “Hell Girl,” there is a supernatural system that allows individuals to send people they despise to Hell, with the catch being that they too will go to Hell at the end of their lives. The eerie and contemplative series follows Ai Enma, also known as Hell Girl, and her group as they facilitate these requests. The anime is structured around episodic stories that showcase different people’s grievances and desires for vengeance, leading to ethical questions about justice and retribution. It’s a hauntingly beautiful series that stays with you long after you’ve finished watching.
#5 Black Butler (Kuroshitsuji)
“Black Butler” takes place in a Victorian-era setting and follows the young noble Ciel Phantomhive, who forms a contract with a demon disguised as his butler, Sebastian Michaelis. In exchange for Sebastian’s services and protection, Ciel offers his soul. The anime mixes dark fantasy with moments of comedy and action, exploring themes of revenge, duty, and the dark underbelly of society. Sebastian’s impeccable skills and Ciel’s astuteness make for a captivating duo in this thrilling supernatural series.
#4 High School DxD
“High School DxD” combines demonic themes with high school life and a fair dose of ecchi (risqué) elements. The series follows Issei Hyoudou, a perverted high school student who is killed and reincarnated as a devil by Rias Gremory to serve in her clan. Despite the mature content, the anime dives into the lore of angels, devils, and fallen angels, and features intense battles as Issei learns about his new powers and aims to climb the ranks among the devils. It’s known for its character development and world-building that keep fans engaged beyond the fan service.
#3 Naruto: Shippuden
While “Naruto: Shippuden” might not be a demon-centric anime, the presence of tailed beasts, which are essentially demonic entities within the world of ninjas, plays a crucial role throughout the series. The protagonist, Naruto Uzumaki, is the host of the Nine-Tails demon fox and his journey revolves around his confrontations and eventual acceptance of this powerful force inside him. What’s captivating about Naruto’s relationship with the demon Kurama is the evolution from antagonistic to cooperative, exploring themes of friendship, acceptance, and the struggle between destructive power and the will to protect.
#2 Yu Yu Hakusho
An old but gold anime, “Yu Yu Hakusho,” tells the story of Yusuke Urameshi, a teenage delinquent who is killed in a car accident and then resurrected as a Spirit Detective responsible for protecting the human world from demonic threats. With memorable characters, well-crafted fight scenes, and a story that delves into the afterlife and demon realms, this classic has remained a favorite for its exploration of life, death, and the gray areas in between. It’s an influential series that has set the standard for many shonen anime that followed.
#1 Berserk
At the top of the list stands “Berserk,” renowned for its dark fantasy world and the intense story of its main character, Guts. An unmatched swordsman and mercenary, Guts’ life is filled with relentless battles and tragic events, many of which are caused by demon-like entities called Apostles. The series is revered for its deep philosophical questions, complex characters, and brutal depiction of the struggle between humanity and demonic forces. “Berserk” delivers a profound narrative that discusses fate, free will, and the darkness within humans that sometimes surpasses that of demons.
These top 10 demon anime series offer a wide range of perspectives on demons and the supernatural, from comedic and light-hearted takes to dark and profound explorations of the human condition. Each show delivers thrilling action, intricate storylines, and complex characters that can make viewers empathize with even the most demonic of beings. Whether you’re looking for something to make you think deeply about good versus evil or just want an exciting story to escape into, these demon anime picks are sure to entertain and captivate.