23 Best Anime Shows Like 'Demon Slayer'

Updated Sep 3, 2026, 6:36 AM EDT Barbara James is a writer for Collider and a content creator. Currently, she works at Screen Rant as an Video Game Features Writer. As a graduate with a major in English, Barbara has worked as an editor for digital platforms for three years. Outside of digital media, she has edited professionally for six years. Meanwhile, she has written creatively for 10+ years and professionally for four years. She enjoys watching films and TV shows of a wide variety. Some genres she considers herself an expert in include K-dramas, anime, horror, and disaster films. Barbara knows the struggle of wanting to find a good show or film to watch, but with the ever-expanding industry and endless content to choose from, she understands how difficult it can be to pick a good show out of the masses. She writes to help others find the right show that is worth the watch. Demon Slayer is a unique experience that fortunately cannot be replicated. It is known for its beautiful animation, flashy choreography, emotional impact, and development of lovable characters. But for those wondering where to turn to next or what to watch after Demon Slayer, don't worry. While Demon Slayer is unique in its own right, many other anime feature an aspect or two that is similar to the anime that viewers have come to know and love. Sure, it may not be Tanjiro and the Hashira facing demons, but plenty of anime like Demon Slayer exist out there that include demon slaying, demon companions, action-packed battle scenes, and beautiful animation. 23 'Dorohedoro' (2020–Present) Image via Crunchyroll One of the most underrated anime of the past decade is Dorohedoro, which, despite being one of the greatest of modern times, hasn't received the flowers it's due. The Hole is a grimy place where mages come to experiment on the helpless citizens, and Caiman is one such experiment. With no memories and the head of a crocodile, he vows to kill whoever he needs to fix himself. On the surface, Demon Slayer and Dorohedoro don't have too many similarities, but the latter is an unexpected delight that fans of the former might enjoy. It has much more humor, better worldbuilding, and an engaging mystery that continuously builds. They may be different, but they blend supernatural and reality, having a distinct mix that viewers might enjoy. —Lucas Kloberdanz-Dyck 22 'Sparks of Tomorrow' (2026–Present) Image via Kyoto Animation Kyoto Animation is one of the most renowned animation studios, and their most recent project is Sparks of Tomorrow. Set during an era of steam in Japan, a group of young men plans for a bright future of electricity, but the death of one during the war breaks the group apart. The brother of the deceased carries on his dream, but others in this world want that same power for less than ideal reasons. Sparks of Tomorrow isn't a battle shounen or features much action, but it is set in a similar time period as Demon Slayer, and that familiarity will help viewers enjoy the show. However, the big draw of this series is its phenomenal animation, which creates an extremely atmospheric and gorgeous setting, similar to Demon Slayer, and if nothing more, Sparks of Tomorrow is a nice change of pace that is one of the best anime series of 2026. —Lucas Kloberdanz-Dyck 21 'Gachiakuta' (2025–Present) Image via Bones Battle shounen are the most popular type of anime, like Demon Slayer, so every year there are a bunch of new series, such as Gachiakuta. When Rudo is thrown down into the trash world after being framed for murder, he scavenges any materials and allies he can to somehow make his way back to his past life. Gachiakuta and Demon Slayer are two of the biggest anime series in the past few years, and each has garnered a dedicated fanbase. Gachiakuta boasts one of the greatest power systems in modern anime, using it as a thematic tool as well as a fun way to create innovative fights. It has quickly established itself as one of the most popular series that any anime fan should watch. —Lucas Kloberdanz-Dyck 20 'Black Torch' (2026–Present) Image via 100studio 2026 is already a fantastic year for anime, and one of the best battle shounen series is Black Torch. When a teenager accidentally merges souls with a spirit, he enters the world of the supernatural. He may be hot-headed and always itching for a fight, but the protagonist has a good heart and wants to help the world. Like Sparks of Tomorrow, Black Torch is still currently airing with a lot more to offer, but it is already one of the most engaging series of the year. Fans can feel its inspiration from 2000s battle shounen in every aspect, but modernized with some aspects, it becomes a fantastic anime that Demon Slayer fans are sure to love because of the action. —Lucas Kloberdanz-Dyck 19 'Fate Franchise' (2011–Present) Image via ufotable Demon Slayer is an acclaimed anime because of the studio, ufotable, but that isn't their only project; they also have the Fate Franchise. In this world, a Holy Grail War is held every so often where individuals of specific clans compete to win the grail and get any wish. However, they use historical and mythological figures to fight, making the battle royale even more thrilling. Whether it be Fate/Stay Night or Fate/Zero, this franchise is home to some of the best animation and fight scenes of all time. They don't share many similarities in terms of story, but fights transcend narrative, and this show features the greatest ever. Leave it up to ufotable to deliver a visual feast for fans, and if they liked Demon Slayer, they will love any series from the Fate franchise. —Lucas Kloberdanz-Dyck 18 'Yu Yu Hakusho' (1992–1994) Image via Pierrot In the ‘90s anime Yu Yu Hakusho, Yusuke Urameshi, a teenage delinquent, gets a second chance at life after a heroic sacrifice. But this isn't a free pass — he's appointed as a Spirit Detective, responsible for keeping the human world safe from demons and otherworldly threats. Yusuke, along with his allies, dives headfirst into this hidden world of danger and intrigue. They confront formidable opponents and uncover sinister plots that threaten to disrupt the balance between the human and spirit realms. For those who love the intense action and supernatural elements of Demon Slayer, Yu Yu Hakusho is a worthy watch. Both shows feature compelling protagonists who grow through adversity, facing off against a diverse array of demons. The Dark Tournament arc, in particular, delivers thrilling battles and emotional stakes that rival even the most exciting moments in Demon Slayer. 17 'Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan' (2010–2011) Rikuo Nura, being one-quarter yokai, is able to transform into a powerful demon at night. But he'd rather live a normal life, despite being the heir to the Nura Clan, a prominent force in the yokai world. As rival clans challenge the Nura Clan's authority, Rikuo is drawn into conflicts that force him to confront his yokai heritage. Joined by allies like Tsurara and Kappa, Rikuo must learn to master his powers and embrace his destiny as a leader. The show shares similar themes with Demon Slayer, including supernatural battles and passionately protecting the people one cares for the most. But Nura goes deeper into Japanese mythology, highlighting a fascinating array of yokai and their unique powers, which makes it a little more informative than Demon Slayer. 16 'Rage of Bahamut: Genesis' (2014) In the underrated anime show Rage of Bahamut: Genesis, gods and demons coexist with humans. However, a legendary dragon threatens to shatter their fragile peace. The show follows the intertwined fates of Favaro Leone, a charming rogue, and Kaisar Lidfard, a noble knight, whose paths collide with Amira, a mysterious woman who unknowingly holds the key to unleashing the fearsome dragon Bahamut. What starts as a bounty hunt quickly escalates into a desperate race against time to prevent the world's destruction. As the fate of Mistarcia hangs in the balance, Favaro, Kaisar, and Amira must overcome dangerous trials, battle forces both celestial and infernal, and unveil secrets that hold the power to reshape their world. Just like Demon Slayer, Rage of Bahamut delivers exhilarating battles and features protagonists who defy the expectations of their comrades. Its animation is also impressive, especially during its large-scale action sequences, which are reminiscent of the dynamic battle animations in Demon Slayer. 15 'Bleach' (2004–2012) Image via YTV One of the most popular shonen anime of all time, Bleach follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager who has the unique skill of seeing ghosts. His life is soon turned inside out when he crosses paths with Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper, and gains her power. As a Soul Reaper, Ichigo is tasked with protecting humans from evil spirits known as Hollows. The power scaling and Soul Reaper organization in Bleach is reminiscent of the Demon Slayer Corps. Both shows also have protagonists who are suddenly thrust into extraordinary circumstances — battling monstrous foes and protecting the innocent. But due to Bleach being on air for quite a while now, it has an expansive world and has already established the complex hierarchy of Soul Reapers, as well as other supernatural organizations like the Arrancar and the Quincy. 14 'Kekkaishi' (2006–2008) After the sun goes down, malevolent spirits threaten Karasumoi Academy due to a mysterious power that pervades the land it’s on. Thankfully, two barrier masters, also known as “Kekkaishi,” protect the site. Yoshimori Sumimura and Tokine Yukimura, two teenagers from rival Kekkaishi clans, must put aside their differences to defend the school and uncover the secrets behind Karasumori's supernatural activity. Like Demon Slayer, which is an anime filled with action, Kekkaishi features terrifying supernatural creatures and protagonists who are willing to train themselves to defeat such monsters. But what Kekkaishi arguably does better is its unique combat system, where strategy and the use of mystical barriers are key to victory. The animation, while not as flashy as some modern anime, effectively captures the tension and excitement of the supernatural battles.