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10 Anime Series to Watch if You're a Demon Slayer Fanatic

10 Anime Series to Watch if You're a Demon Slayer Fanatic
Image credit: Legion-Media

Each of these series, in their own unique way, captures elements of what makes "Demon Slayer" so compelling - from historical settings and intricate plotlines to intense action and memorable characters.

1. "Attack on Titan " (2013 – present)

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Welcome to a world where colossal, naked, skinless giants who look like they've been on the losing end of a wrestling match with a meat grinder, roam the earth devouring people. This post-apocalyptic anime follows Eren Yeager, a young lad who, along with his friends, Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert, vow to rid the world of these Titans. It's like "Demon Slayer, " but replace the demons with huge, nightmarish creatures, and instead of swords, there are steampunk-esque 3D maneuver gear. The character development in this series is akin to cooking a perfect steak – slowly cooked, seasoned with tragedy, and served sizzling with resilience. With a 95% Rotten Tomatoes rating, it's a must-watch for fans of dark fantasy anime.

2. "Bleach" (2004 – 2012)

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If a high school student fighting evil spirits with a giant sword in an alternate reality floats your boat, then "Bleach" should be next on your watchlist. This classic anime features Ichigo Kurosaki, who stumbles upon Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper, during one of her fights. After accidentally obtaining her powers, Ichigo takes up the mantle of a Soul Reaper himself. "Bleach" echoes "Demon Slayer" with its paranormal themes, epic battles, and a protagonist suddenly thrust into a world filled with supernatural creatures. Plus, it has a total of 366 episodes. So, if you've been searching for something to replace your daily dose of "Demon Slayer," this should keep you occupied.

3. "Inuyasha" (2000 – 2004)

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Take a sprinkle of time travel, a dash of demons, and a hearty helping of feudal Japan, and you have the recipe for "Inuyasha." When Kagome Higurashi, a 15-year-old girl from Tokyo, falls into a well, she finds herself transported to Japan's Sengoku period. Here, she meets the half-demon Inuyasha and, together, they embark on a quest to find the shattered pieces of the Shikon Jewel. With its fair share of compelling characters and epic battles against demons, "Inuyasha" strikes a similar chord to "Demon Slayer" and holds a special place in the heart of many anime fans.

4. "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood" (2009 – 2012)

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Hold on to your hats (and limbs) for this one. "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood" follows the tale of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who use alchemy in their quest to find the Philosopher's Stone to restore their bodies after a disastrous failed attempt to bring their mother back to life. Similar to "Demon Slayer," it masterfully blends action, horror, and emotional depth to explore themes of sacrifice, brotherhood, and the consequences of messing with the natural order of things. A little fun fact: "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood" has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Certainly means something, right?

5. "Naruto " (2002 – 2007)

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"Naruto" is an anime titan that's touched the hearts of fans globally. The series chronicles the story of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja ostracized by his village because he hosts the Nine-Tails, a destructive fox demon. Naruto's journey from pariah to respected hero has some thematic overlaps with "Demon Slayer," and his constant fight against both physical and inner demons echo Tanjiro's struggles. With a 80% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it's one that fans of "Demon Slayer" will undoubtedly appreciate.

6. "Dororo" (2019)

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"Dororo" is a dark fantasy, set in the tumultuous Sengoku era, that narrates the story of Hyakkimaru, a ronin cursed with a life without limbs, sight, hearing, or smell, due to his father making a pact with 12 demons. The anime follows Hyakkimaru's journey as he hunts down these demons to regain his body parts, aided by a young thief named Dororo. Yes, you heard it right; the demons literally carry pieces of Hyakkimaru's body. This action-packed series, like "Demon Slayer," deals with familial betrayal, inner demons, and fighting actual monsters. And with a MyAnimeList rating of 8.24, it's an overlooked masterpiece.

7. "Kekkaishi" (2006 – 2008)

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"Kekkaishi" is a unique take on the age-old theme of battling supernatural entities. It revolves around Yoshimori Sumimura and Tokine Yukimura, neighbors and classmates destined to be "Kekkaishi" – barrier masters who trap demons and destroy them. Our young protagonists balance their life between schoolwork in the daytime and keeping the neighborhood demon-free at night. Fans of "Demon Slayer" will find common ground in the intricate character development, demon-fighting action scenes, and the delicate balance of everyday life with supernatural responsibilities.

8. "Claymore" (2007)

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Imagine a world where demons, known as Yoma, pose a constant threat to humanity. Now imagine that the only line of defense against these beasts are women infused with Yoma blood, making them half-human, half-Yoma warriors known as Claymores. Sounds intriguing, right? This is exactly what the series "Claymore" offers. With a strong female lead, Clare, and a narrative that delves into themes of humanity, identity, and revenge, "Claymore" is a lesser-known anime that "Demon Slayer" enthusiasts will appreciate. Plus, Clare's sword-wielding skills would give Tanjiro a run for his money.

9. "Blue Exorcist" (2011 – present)

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"Blue Exorcist" puts a twist on the classic demons versus humans narrative by making the protagonist, Rin Okumura, the son of Satan himself. After discovering his demonic lineage, Rin decides to become an exorcist to fight against his father's world. With its engaging plot, emotional depth, and intricate characters, "Blue Exorcist" shares several similarities with "Demon Slayer." But here's a fun twist: Rin's weapon of choice is a demon-slaying katana, which he unsheathes whenever it's time to send some demons back to Gehenna.

10. "Garo: The Animation" (2014 – 2015)

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"Garo: The Animation" is a dark fantasy that blends elements of horror and action. The story centers around León Luís, a Makai Knight who can don the powerful Garo armor, and his father Germán, as they fight against Horrors, demonic beings from the Makai realm. Set in a medieval kingdom, the series shares a similar historical backdrop with "Demon Slayer," coupled with plenty of demon-fighting action. This anime is a part of the larger "Garo" franchise, which includes live-action series and films.