Let’s not feign innocence—we all enjoy a good demon anime. Whether it’s the grandiose sword battles, messed-up lore, or scenes of surprise emotional complexity, the shows tend to bring chaos and catharsis together in the most wonderful manner. Demon anime has evolved—from plain old monster-bashing to complex stories about morality, identity, and survival. So, if you’re ready to go headfirst into cursed abilities, half-human hybrids, and soul-busting narratives, here are 10 demon-focused anime that you must have on your radar—numbered for dramatic flair.
10. Blue Exorcist – When Your Dad Is Satan
What do you do when you discover you’re the son of the Devil himself? If you’re Rin Okumura, you get accepted into exorcist school and attempt to use your cursed lineage for good. Blue Exorcist gets the supernatural action and teenage drama exactly right, with Rin struggling to master his hellfire while demonstrating that he’s greater than his lineage. It’s an emotionally charged, high-energy ride—and the ideal entry into the demon anime genre.
9. Chainsaw Man – Blood, Mayhem, and Surprisingly Huge Feels
Imagine working with devils, becoming part devil yourself, and still just wanting a decent meal and a hug. That’s Denji in a nutshell. Chainsaw Man is bloody, bizarre, and full of unhinged moments—but it’s also full of heart. Characters like Power, the Blood Devil, evolve in unexpected and oddly touching ways. Behind all the gore is a show about found family, sacrifice, and the ugly-beautiful mess of being human… or something like it.
8. Claymore – Warriors on the Edge of Humanity
In a dark world where humans are prey and demons prey upon them, the only hope is with women who are half-monster themselves. Claymore tracks Clare and her peers—part-human, part-demon fighters who battle to guard a world that fears them. It’s dark, dramatic, and downright savage, but beneath the killing is a poignant exploration of identity and the price of power. A true gem for fans who enjoy their anime with a tragic sheen.
7. Jujutsu Kaisen – Curses, Chaos, and Cursed Energy
Jujutsu Kaisen doesn’t waste time. From episode one, you’re pulled into a high-stakes world of cursed spirits and supernatural combat. Yuji Itadori’s bond with Sukuna—the malevolent curse inside him—creates nonstop tension. But what really makes this show shine is its heart-pounding action mixed with thoughtful moments about life, death, and responsibility. It’s stylish, smart, and packed with memorable characters you’ll either root for—or be terrified of.
6. Dororo – Getting Back to Being Human Demon by Demon
What if, before you were even born, demons stole your body? That’s Hyakkimaru’s horrific reality. Dororo is a beautifully crafted tale of vengeance, redemption, and identity: every demon Hyakkimaru defeats, a piece of himself is restored. It combines creepy folklore with actual emotion, making the series feel like a dark, twisted fairy tale that can still knock you right out of you.
5. Inuyasha – The Half-Demon Hero of the Past
A schoolgirl time traveler, a sacred jewel, and a half-demon with major trust issues—Inuyasha is a classic for a reason. Featuring feudal Japan as its backdrop, the show melds mythology, romance, and intense sibling drama (shoutout to Sesshomaru) into an epic adventure. Inuyasha’s internal struggle between his demon and human selves gives all the sword-swinging and jewel-hunting an added layer of emotional depth. Nostalgic yet timeless.
4. Berserk – Demons, Betrayal, and Endless Struggle
Berserk is not only dark fantasy—it’s blacker than coal. The tale of Guts, the lone swordsman battling through a demon-torn world, is as bleak as it is heartbreaking. Betrayal, sacrifice, and sheer survival propel the narrative, with demons being both literal beasts and symbolic of humanity’s corruption. It’s dense. It’s atrocious. But it’s unforgettable. Just… prepare yourself.
3. Ninja Scroll – Stylish, Savage, and Unrelenting
Back when modern blockbusters were still far away, Ninja Scroll established the template for gory, intense demon-killing. This ’90s cult film tracks stoic Jubei as he fights the horrific Devils of Kimon, more grotesque than the last. With classic animation and innovative (if gruesome) combat sequences, the movie is a punch that still packs a wallop. It’s brief, brutal, and unforgettable.
2. Devilman Crybaby – The Saddest Show You’ll Ever Love
Devilman Crybaby is a genre-defying gut-punch that begins with demons and culminates in existential despair. Akira Fudo, a teenager merged with the demon Amon, is an unwilling hero in a world that is unable to cope with what he is. This anime is boisterous, graphic, and emotionally raw—half-horrific and half-beautiful. By its conclusion, you’ll be emotionally devastated… and it’s watching anyway.
1. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Beauty in the Bloodshed
No shock there. Demon Slayer has stormed the anime universe, courtesy of its breathtaking visuals, effective storytelling, and memorable characters. Tanjiro and Nezuko’s relationship is the emotional center of a show that delves into sorrow, revenge, and the thin line of humanity preserved in even the most evil monsters. Each fight is significant, each demon comes with a backstory, and each frame resembles art. It’s the demon anime to beat—and presently, nothing surpasses it.
Whether you’re a fan of psychological drama, fashionable action, or simply good ol’ fashioned demon-killing, this list’s got something for all types of anime enthusiasts. These shows don’t just deliver the demons—they deliver the heart, the suffering, and the soul-searching that gets you hooked after the credits roll.