Demon anime blends action, horror, and the supernatural into unforgettable stories. From epic slayer battles to cursed worlds, here are the Top 30 Demon Anime you shouldn’t miss—complete with story summaries, genres, and reasons to watch.
1. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
- Story Summary: In Taisho-era Japan, kind-hearted Tanjiro Kamado returns home to find his family slaughtered by demons. His sister Nezuko is the sole survivor, but she’s been transformed into a demon. Determined to avenge his family and restore Nezuko’s humanity, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps. What follows is a beautifully crafted, action-packed tale of brotherhood, grief, and fierce resolve.
- Category: Action, Supernatural, Drama
- Release Date: April 2019
- Why Watch?: Gorgeous animation, breathtaking fight scenes, and emotional depth.
- Studio: Ufotable
2. Jujutsu Kaisen
- Story Summary: High schooler Yuji Itadori swallows a cursed object to save his friends, becoming host to Sukuna, the King of Curses. He joins Jujutsu High to learn exorcism magic, fighting off deadly curses while carrying the burden of Sukuna inside him. This modern demon-fighting anime is brutal, stylish, and layered with rich lore.
- Category: Action, Supernatural, Dark Fantasy
- Release Date: October 2020
- Why Watch?: Explosive battles, intense characters, and a dark twist on shonen tropes.
- Studio: MAPPA
3. Tokyo Ghoul
- Story Summary: After a blind date goes violently wrong, Kaneki Ken wakes up to discover he’s been turned into a half-ghoul — a creature that survives by consuming human flesh. He struggles to retain his humanity while navigating the treacherous world of ghouls and the hunters who pursue them.
- Category: Horror, Psychological, Supernatural
- Release Date: July 2014
- Why Watch?: Haunting visuals, inner conflict, and psychological depth.
- Studio: Studio Pierrot
4. Blue Exorcist (Ao no Exorcist)
- Story Summary: Rin Okumura, raised by a powerful exorcist, discovers he’s the son of Satan. Determined to defy his origins, Rin joins the True Cross Academy to become an exorcist and fight against demons. Alongside his twin brother Yukio, Rin’s journey is one of identity, rebellion, and self-acceptance.
- Category: Action, Fantasy, Supernatural
- Release Date: April 2011
- Why Watch?: Strong character development and brotherly drama packed with exorcism battles.
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
5. Chainsaw Man
- Story Summary: Denji is a broke teenager living with his pet demon, Pochita. After a betrayal that leads to his death, Denji fuses with Pochita to become Chainsaw Man — a demon-human hybrid. He joins the Public Safety Bureau to hunt devils in an ultra-violent, chaotic world filled with betrayal, existential dread, and dark comedy.
- Category: Action, Gore, Supernatural
- Release Date: October 2022
- Why Watch?: Hyper-stylized violence, unpredictable narrative, and adult themes.
- Studio: MAPPA
6. Black Clover
- Story Summary: In a world where magic defines everything, Asta is a boy born without it. With sheer determination and an anti-magic grimoire, he aims to become the Wizard King. Alongside Yuno, his rival and foster brother, Asta faces off against demons that threaten humanity.
- Category: Action, Fantasy, Adventure
- Release Date: October 2017
- Why Watch?: Rags-to-riches underdog story with thrilling fights and strong world-building.
- Studio: Studio Pierrot
7. Noragami
- Story Summary: Yato is a minor god with dreams of building a grand shrine and a legion of worshippers. He takes odd jobs for five yen to gain fame, but when he meets Hiyori, a girl stuck between the living and spirit worlds, things get complicated. Together, they face off against demons known as phantoms and uncover Yato’s dark past.
- Category: Action, Supernatural, Comedy
- Release Date: January 2014
- Why Watch?: Blend of humor, action, and poignant character backstories.
- Studio: Bones
8. Inuyasha
- Story Summary: Kagome Higurashi is transported from modern-day Tokyo to Japan’s Sengoku era, where she meets the half-demon Inuyasha. Together, they seek the scattered shards of the Shikon Jewel, facing demons and curses from all corners of feudal Japan.
- Category: Adventure, Romance, Supernatural
- Release Date: October 2000
- Why Watch?: Timeless romance, demon lore, and classic fantasy action.
- Studio: Sunrise
9. Hell’s Paradise (Jigokuraku)
- Story Summary: Gabimaru, a death row shinobi, is sent to a mystical island to retrieve the Elixir of Life. The island is filled with demonic entities and surreal horrors. As he fights for survival, Gabimaru questions his will to live, his emotions, and his humanity.
- Category: Action, Supernatural, Psychological
- Release Date: April 2023
- Why Watch?: Gritty, violent, and philosophical with jaw-dropping art.
- Studio: MAPPA
10. Dororo
- Story Summary: A samurai lord sacrifices his newborn son to demons in exchange for power. The baby survives and grows up to become Hyakkimaru, a wandering swordsman who reclaims his body parts by slaying demons. With young thief Dororo, he embarks on a tragic and redemptive journey.
- Category: Historical, Action, Supernatural
- Release Date: January 2019
- Why Watch?: Rich storytelling with emotional layers and haunting visuals.
- Studio: MAPPA, Tezuka Productions
11. Claymore
- Story Summary: In a world plagued by shapeshifting demons known as Yoma, the only line of defense is the Claymores — half-human, half-Yoma female warriors. The story follows Clare, a low-ranked Claymore, on her quest for vengeance against the Awakened Beings and those who wronged her.
- Category: Dark Fantasy, Action
- Release Date: April 2007
- Why Watch?: Grim atmosphere, strong female lead, and brutal combat.
- Studio: Madhouse
12. D.Gray-man
- Story Summary: Allen Walker is an exorcist in a war against Akuma — demons created from human souls. As he joins the Black Order, Allen battles evil with his cursed eye and Innocence weapon while uncovering secrets about himself and the mysterious Millennium Earl.
- Category: Action, Supernatural, Gothic
- Release Date: October 2006
- Why Watch?: Gothic aesthetic, deep lore, and emotional twists.
- Studio: TMS Entertainment
13. Hellsing Ultimate
- Story Summary: The Hellsing Organization battles supernatural threats to the UK, with its greatest weapon being Alucard, a centuries-old vampire. As monsters and Nazi vampires rise, Alucard unleashes unholy carnage.
- Category: Horror, Action, Supernatural
- Release Date: February 2006
- Why Watch?: Ultra-violent, stylish, and unapologetically dark.
- Studio: Madhouse, Satelight, Graphinica
14. Beelzebub
- Story Summary: Tatsumi Oga, a delinquent student, finds himself the unwilling guardian of Beelzebub IV — the infant son of the Demon King. While trying to raise the demon baby, Oga gets caught in absurd brawls with other delinquents and demons.
- Category: Comedy, Action, Supernatural
- Release Date: January 2011
- Why Watch?: Hilarious chaos and demon baby nonsense in a school setting.
- Studio: Studio Pierrot
15. The Devil is a Part-Timer!
- Story Summary: Demon Lord Satan escapes to modern Tokyo after being defeated in his world. Stranded with no magic, he gets a part-time job at MgRonald’s. It’s a fun satire on fantasy tropes, with demonic antics, workplace comedy, and unexpected heart.
- Category: Comedy, Fantasy, Slice of Life
- Release Date: April 2013
- Why Watch?: Funny, clever, and lighthearted.
- Studio: White Fox (S1), Studio 3Hz (S2+)
16. Ushio and Tora
- Story Summary: Young Ushio frees a powerful tiger-like demon, Tora, to protect his home from other invading demons. Bound by an ancient spear, the duo reluctantly joins forces to battle greater threats while forming a surprisingly touching bond.
- Category: Action, Supernatural, Comedy
- Release Date: July 2015
- Why Watch?: Classic storytelling with modern animation.
- Studio: MAPPA, Studio VOLN
17. Devilman Crybaby
- Story Summary: Akira Fudo becomes the host of a powerful demon to protect humanity. As “Devilman,” he fights other demons while grappling with human cruelty, lust, and despair. A modern, raw, and violent reimagining of the classic 1970s manga.
- Category: Horror, Psychological, Tragedy
- Release Date: January 2018
- Why Watch?: Brutal, emotional, and unforgettable.
- Studio: Science SARU
18. Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan
- Story Summary: Rikuo Nura is part human, part yokai — destined to lead a powerful demon clan. Though he prefers a normal life, he must accept his heritage to protect those he loves from rival yokai factions.
- Category: Action, Supernatural, Shonen
- Release Date: July 2010
- Why Watch?: Unique yokai lore and dual-identity drama.
- Studio: Studio Deen
19. Blood Lad
- Story Summary: Staz Charlie Blood, a vampire from the demon world, is obsessed with human pop culture. When a human girl stumbles into his domain and dies, Staz vows to bring her back to life, setting off a crazy adventure through the demon realm.
- Category: Comedy, Supernatural, Action
- Release Date: July 2013
- Why Watch?: Wacky demon world, pop-culture fun, and stylish animation.
- Studio: Brain’s Base
20. Makai Ouji: Devils and Realist
- Story Summary: William Twining, a rational and elite student, accidentally summons a demon and is told he’s the “Elector” who must choose the interim ruler of Hell. As he gets tangled in Hell’s politics, William insists on rejecting anything irrational, like demons.
- Category: Supernatural, Fantasy, Comedy
- Release Date: July 2013
- Why Watch?: Stylish characters, political intrigue, and reverse harem vibes.
- Studio: Dogakobo
21. Seraph of the End (Owari no Seraph)
Story Summary: After a man-made virus wipes out most of humanity, vampires enslave the remaining children. Yuichiro Hyakuya escapes and vows to destroy the vampires. Joining the Moon Demon Company, he fights alongside other cursed humans to reclaim the world.
Category: Action, Supernatural, Drama
Release Date: April 2015
Why Watch?: Vampire vs. demon army battles with emotional twists.
Studio: Wit Studio
22. Mononoke
Story Summary: A mysterious medicine seller travels through Edo-era Japan exorcising mononoke—malevolent spirits—by uncovering their Form, Truth, and Reason. Each arc is a unique horror mystery with surreal animation and psychological depth.
Category: Horror, Supernatural, Mystery
Release Date: July 2007
Why Watch?: Art-house anime with unforgettable visuals and deep themes.
Studio: Toei Animatio
23. Kekkai Sensen (Blood Blockade Battlefront)
Story Summary: In Hellsalem’s Lot—a city where humans, demons, and otherworldly beings coexist—Leonardo Watch joins Libra, a secret society battling demonic threats. Amid urban chaos, he seeks answers about his sister’s mysterious condition.
Category: Action, Supernatural, Urban Fantasy
Release Date: April 2015
Why Watch?: Stylish chaos and a supercharged setting with jazz-inspired flair.
Studio: Bones
24. Twin Star Exorcists (Sousei no Onmyouji)
Story Summary: Rokuro and Benio are destined to marry and produce the ultimate exorcist to defeat monstrous Kegare demons. But they can barely stand each other. Together, they must train to fulfill their cursed fate.
Category: Action, Supernatural, Romance
Release Date: April 2016
Why Watch?: Magical battles, chosen-one drama, and demon-slaying duos.
Studio: Studio Pierrot
25. Shakugan no Shana
Story Summary: Yuji Sakai becomes involved with a “Flame Haze” named Shana after being attacked by a demon. He learns he’s already dead—merely a “Torch” with fading existence. The two form a bond while fighting evil spirits stealing humans’ existence.
Category: Action, Supernatural, Romance
Release Date: October 2005
Why Watch?: Classic high-school-meets-demons anime with a strong tsundere heroine.
Studio: J.C.Staff
26. The Morose Mononokean
Story Summary: Hanae Ashiya becomes cursed after helping a fuzzy demon. He seeks help from the grumpy exorcist Abeno Haruitsuki, and ends up working with him to send demons back to the Underworld.
Category: Comedy, Supernatural, Slice of Life
Release Date: July 2016
Why Watch?: Gentle and funny with heartwarming yokai stories.
Studio: Studio Pierrot+
27. Natsume’s Book of Friends
Story Summary: Natsume Takashi can see spirits and inherits a book binding them. With the powerful spirit Madara (“Nyanko-sensei”) by his side, he begins freeing yokai and uncovering their stories.
Category: Slice of Life, Supernatural, Drama
Release Date: July 2008
Why Watch?: Gentle, emotional tales of demons and bonds across worlds.
Studio: Brain’s Base, Shuka
28. High School DxD
Story Summary: Issei Hyoudou is killed by a girl on his first date—who turns out to be a fallen angel. He’s revived as a demon by Rias Gremory and gets pulled into the world of angels, fallen angels, and demons, balancing life and ecchi battles.
Category: Ecchi, Action, Supernatural
Release Date: January 2012
Why Watch?: Hot girls, holy wars, and over-the-top powers.
Studio: TNK (S1-3), Passione (S4)
29. Kamisama Kiss (Kamisama Hajimemashita)
Story Summary: Nanami becomes a land god and inherits a shrine, a powerful fox familiar, and a whole lot of supernatural responsibility. She and Tomoe, her reluctant demon familiar, face yokai problems and growing romance.
Category: Supernatural, Romance, Comedy
Release Date: October 2012
Why Watch?: Heartfelt romance with lovable yokai and folklore.
Studio: TMS Entertainment
30. As Miss Beelzebub Likes
Story Summary: Beelzebub, ruler of Pandemonium, is cute and fluffy—not exactly demonic. Her assistant, Mullin, struggles to serve this airheaded demon queen while falling for her charm.
Category: Comedy, Slice of Life, Supernatural
Release Date: October 2018
Why Watch?: Adorable and relaxing demon slice-of-life.
Studio: Lidenfilms
Whether you’re drawn to intense demon-slaying action or the emotional struggles of half-human characters, this list offers something for every anime fan. Demon anime continues to push boundaries with its bold themes, stunning animation, and unforgettable characters. Have a favorite that didn’t make the list? Let us know in the comments and share your top picks. Until then—stay sharp, keep watching, and don’t let the demons bite!
