15 Dark Fantasy Anime Like Demon Slayer
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba has taken the anime world by storm, blending breathtaking animation, emotional storytelling, and intense battles.
If you’re looking for anime with a similar dark fantasy vibe, supernatural elements, and gripping action, here are 15 must-watch series.
Table of Contents
15. Hell’s Paradise
| Japanese Title | Jigokuraku |
| Genres | Action, Adventure, Supernatural |
| Release Date | 2023 |
Set in the Edo period, Hell’s Paradise follows Gabimaru the Hollow, a feared ninja sentenced to death. Given a chance at redemption, he is sent on a deadly mission to an island rumored to hold the elixir of immortality. However, the island is filled with monstrous creatures and deadly secrets.
Similarities to Demon Slayer
Both series are inspired by traditional East Asian themes, weaving them into their worldbuilding and aesthetics. The protagonists, like Tanjiro, are skilled fighters navigating brutal, supernatural dangers.
14. The Promised Neverland
| Japanese Title | Yakusoku no Neverland |
| Genres | Mystery, Suspense |
| Release Date | 2019 |
Emma, Norman, and Ray live in what seems to be an idyllic orphanage—until they discover the horrifying truth: their home is actually a farm where children are raised as food for demons. The trio must plan a daring escape to survive.
Similarities to Demon Slayer
Both series feature children who face demons at an early age, drastically altering their lives. They share stunning animation, strong emotional beats, and thrilling, fast-paced storytelling.
13. Claymore
| Genres | Action, Adventure, Fantasy |
| Release Date | 2007 |
In a world where shapeshifting demons known as Yoma prey on humans, an organization creates female warriors infused with Yoma abilities to hunt them down. Clare, a low-ranked Claymore, embarks on a journey of vengeance.
Similarities to Demon Slayer
Both feature monsters that devour humans and specialized organizations dedicated to exterminating them. Tanjiro and Clare both experience deep personal loss, motivating them to fight these creatures.
12. Fire Force
| Japanese Title | Enen no Shouboutai |
| Genres | Action, Fantasy, Sci-Fi |
| Release Date | 2019 |
Shinra Kusakabe joins Special Fire Force Company 8 to combat Infernals—humans who spontaneously combust and turn into fiery demons. As he investigates his past, he uncovers dark conspiracies about the origin of these creatures.
Similarities to Demon Slayer
Both are high-energy shonen anime filled with breathtaking battles. Shinra and Tanjiro have tragic backstories, demonic foes, and unwavering determination.
11. Tokyo Ghoul
| Genres | Action, Fantasy, Horror, Suspense |
| Release Date | 2014 |
College student Kaneki Ken is transformed into a half-ghoul after a tragic encounter. Struggling between his human and monstrous nature, he must navigate a world filled with hunters and creatures like himself.
Similarities to Demon Slayer
Both protagonists undergo a traumatic transformation that changes their lives. They fight supernatural beings, experience emotional turmoil, and develop powerful abilities through intense training.
10. Blue Exorcist
| Japanese Title | Ao no Exorcist |
| Genres | Action, Supernatural |
| Release Date | 2011 |
Rin Okumura discovers he is the son of Satan and decides to defy his demonic heritage by becoming an exorcist to battle the forces of evil.
Similarities to Demon Slayer
Like Tanjiro, Rin is determined to protect humanity despite his connection to demons. Both series feature rigorous training, elite warriors, and a blend of action and heartfelt moments.
9. InuYasha
| Genres | Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Romance |
| Release Date | 2000 |
High schooler Kagome falls into a well and is transported to feudal Japan, where she meets half-demon InuYasha. Together, they embark on a quest to gather the shards of a powerful jewel.
Similarities to Demon Slayer
Both anime feature historical Japan as a backdrop for epic demon-slaying adventures. They share strong protagonists, rich lore, and emotional storytelling.
8. Seraph of the End
| Japanese Title | Owari no Seraph |
| Genres | Action, Drama, Fantasy |
| Release Date | 2015 |
After a deadly virus wipes out most of humanity, vampires rise to enslave the remaining humans. Yuichiro Hyakuya vows revenge against the creatures that took his family.
Similarities to Demon Slayer
Both main characters lose their families to supernatural beings and dedicate their lives to exterminating them. The first episodes of both series have strikingly similar setups.
7. Hunter x Hunter
| Genres | Action, Adventure, Fantasy |
| Release Date | 1999 |
Gon Freecss embarks on a journey to become a Hunter, facing deadly trials and dangerous enemies along the way.
Similarities to Demon Slayer
Both anime feature intense training, strategic battles, and inhuman foes. The antagonists, like Muzan and Meruem, share eerie similarities in their charisma and ruthlessness.
Related: 10 Best Action Anime
6. My Hero Academia
| Japanese Title | Boku no Hero Academia |
| Genres | Action |
| Release Date | 2016 |
Izuku Midoriya dreams of becoming the greatest hero in a world where almost everyone has superpowers. Despite being born powerless, he gains a powerful ability and trains to join the top heroes.
Similarities to Demon Slayer
Tanjiro and Midoriya share kind, determined personalities. Both undergo rigorous training under wise mentors and strive to protect others with their newfound strength.
5. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
| Genres | Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy |
| Release Date | 2009 |
Brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric use alchemy to bring their mother back to life but suffer tragic consequences. They embark on a journey to restore their bodies.
Similarities to Demon Slayer
Both series revolve around siblings on a perilous journey to heal one of their own. The worldbuilding, action, and emotional weight are also similar.
4. Bleach
| Genres | Action, Adventure, Supernatural |
| Release Date | 2004 |
Ichigo Kurosaki gains the powers of a Soul Reaper and is tasked with protecting humanity from malevolent spirits known as Hollows.
Similarities to Demon Slayer
Both feature supernatural warriors wielding swords against monstrous enemies. The combat systems, unique abilities, and structured organizations in each anime share strong parallels.
3. Attack on Titan
| Japanese Title | Shingeki no Kyojin |
| Genres | Action, Drama, Suspense |
| Release Date | 2013 |
Humanity is on the brink of extinction due to giant man-eating Titans. Eren Yeager and his friends join the military to fight back and uncover the truth about their world.
Similarities to Demon Slayer
Both anime start with traumatic losses, feature organizations dedicated to fighting monstrous threats, and deliver dark, action-packed storytelling.
2. Dororo
| Genres | Action, Adventure, Fantasy |
| Release Date | 2019 |
Hyakkimaru, a warrior missing many of his body parts due to a demonic pact, hunts demons to regain what he lost. Alongside him is Dororo, a young orphan.
Similarities to Demon Slayer
Both main characters embark on dangerous journeys, hunting demons to restore humanity. They share strong emotional moments and stunning historical settings.
1. Jujutsu Kaisen
| Genres | Action, Supernatural |
| Release Date | 2021 |
Yuji Itadori becomes the host of a powerful curse and joins Jujutsu High, where he learns to battle malevolent curses threatening humanity.
Similarities to Demon Slayer
Both are recent global hits with phenomenal animation, elite warriors trained to battle supernatural beings, and dark fantasy elements. If you loved Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen is a must-watch.
Conclusion
If you’re craving more dark fantasy anime like Demon Slayer, these 15 series will keep you entertained with their thrilling action, rich storytelling, and stunning animation. Whether it’s demon-slaying, supernatural battles, or heartfelt character journeys, each of these anime offers something special.
Which of these anime have you watched? Let us know in the comments!
