Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is arguably the greatest dark fantasy anime ever made. Over the years, it has played a major role in making anime a cultural phenomenon around the world. As it enters its final arcs, the series has exploded in popularity and has redefined the anime industry by setting a new standard for animation and storytelling.

Based on Koyoharu Gotouge’s best-selling manga, the anime has now carved a place in the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. Some of them must be eager to watch anime that revolve around identical themes or capture the excitement of epic battles.

Fate/Zero

Dark Fantasy Anime With Stunning Animation

Rating block community and brand ratings Image
Fate Zero
Fate/Zero
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget
Release Date
2011 - 2012
Directors
Ei Aoki
Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

As the Fourth Holy Grail War rages on with no clear victor in sight, the remaining Servants and their Masters are called upon by Church supervisor Risei Kotomine, in order to band together and confront an impending threat that could unravel the Grail War and bring about the destruction of Fuyuki City. The uneasy truce soon collapses as Masters demonstrate that they will do anything in their power, no matter how despicable, to win.

Studio
Ufotable
Creator
Gen Urobuchi
Streaming Service(s)
Crunchyroll, Hulu
MyAnimeList Score
8.27 (Season 1)

A prequel to the Fate/Stay Night series, Fate/Zero focuses on the Fourth Holy Grail War in Fuyuki City, a decade prior to the events of the original anime. The show follows Kiritsugu Emiya, who is enlisted by the powerful Einzbern family with the hope of achieving the power of the Holy Grail. But like the three previous wars, this battle royale is set to be a violent affair that might change the fate of the world.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is frequently praised for its breathtaking animation and especially its fight scenes. Animated by Ufotable, Fate/Zero delivers a somewhat similar experience that pushes viewers to the edge with unforgettable battles and stunning visuals. Both dark fantasy anime immerse the audience in a complex world, pushing the boundaries of animation and storytelling to a whole new level.

Mushishi

A Meditative Series That Explores the Supernatural

Rating block community and brand ratings Image
Mushi-Shi
Mushi-Shi
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget
Release Date
2005 - 2014-00-00
Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Yûto Nakano
  • instar47512977.jpg
    Travis Willingham
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Kôjun Itô
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Jennifer Seman
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

Mushi-Shi is an anime series set in a world where ethereal creatures called Mushi exist, influencing the natural environment and human lives. The series follows Ginko, a Mushi Master, who travels from village to village investigating Mushi phenomena and helping those affected. Rich in atmosphere and philosophical depth, Mushi-Shi explores themes of nature, life, and the unseen forces that connect them.

Studio
Artland
Creator
Yuki Urushibara
Streaming Service(s)
Crunchyroll
MyAnimeList Score
8.65 (Season 1)

Mushishi might not have a lot in common with Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, but fans of the latter who wish to watch a series revolving around the supernatural, but with a more reflective and meditative approach, will surely enjoy the former. Based on Yuki Urushibara’s well-known manga of the same name, Mushihi follows Ginko as he studies and understands the amoral forms of life known as Mushi to uncover their mysteries and try to understand their place in the world. His journey is filled with unexpected twists and turns that challenge his preconceived notions and force him to reflect on life.

While Ginko’s path is challenging, his struggles provide the much-needed soul-searching to help him find meaning in his own life. Mushishi’s story might not be similar to Demon Slayer, but its beautiful storytelling often leaves a profound impact on the viewers.

Rurouni Kenshin

The Story of a Reformed Killer

Rating block community and brand ratings Image
rurouni-kenshin.jpg
Rurouni Kenshin
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget
Release Date
1996 - 1998-00-00
Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Mayo Suzukaze
    Kenshin Himura
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Miki Fujitani
    Kaoru Kamiya
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Mîna Tominaga
    Yahiko Myoujin
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Yūji Ueda
    Sanosuke Sagara
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info
Studio
Studio Gallop, Studio Deen
Creator
Nobuhiro Watsuki
MyAnimeList Score
8.28
Number of Episodes
95
Streaming Service(s)
Hulu

Rurouni Kenshin’s protagonist, Hitokiri Battousai, having lived a life of violence, murder, and hatred, decides to walk away from it all and atone for his sins. As he fights with his inner demons and tries to escape his past, his new ideals are challenged at every step, pushing him towards the edge of conflict. Battousai’s struggles with his violent instincts and the desperation to escape them all are, in some sense, similar to Tanjiro’s test of character to retain his humanity while engaging in a violent conflict with characters whose unfortunate circumstances have pushed them towards evil.

Kamado’s struggle between compassion and duty is somewhat reflected in Hitokiri Battousai’s journey as well. Rurouni Kenshin, like Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, takes viewers through an extraordinary journey that leaves them deeply moved and emotionally invested.

Samurai Champloo

Journey of Three Eccentric Characters in Quest of a Mysterious Samurai

Rating block community and brand ratings Image
Samurai Champloo TV Series Poster
Samurai Champloo
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget
Release Date
2004 - 2005
Directors
Shinichirô Watanabe
Writers
Masaru Gotsubo
Franchise(s)
Samurai Champloo
Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end
  • instar44649242.jpg
    Steve Blum
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Kirk Thornton
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info
Studio
Manglobe
Streaming Service(s)
Crunchyroll, Hulu
MyAnimeList Score
8.51
Creator(s)
Shinichirô Watanabe

Samurai Champloo may not have a lot in common with Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba when it comes to the narrative, but both anime are set in a somewhat similar environment. The characters journey through parts of Japan, exploring its beauty, while fighting the bad guys and overcoming their inner demons. While Demon Slayer can be a bit more violent and grim, Samurai Champloo masterfully combines comedy with self-discovery to weave a narrative that resonates with viewers.

Demon Slayer fans who are into anime that revolve around swordsmen embarking on a long, arduous journey of growth and survival will not be disappointed by Samurai Champloo.

Dororo

A Grim Anime That Captivates Viewers With Its Incredible Storytelling

Rating block community and brand ratings Image
dororo-anime-art-cover-with-a-boy-and-a-man-in-a-field-of-wheat-4.jpg
Dororo
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget
Release Date
2019 - 2019
Directors
Kazuhiro Furuhashi
Writers
Yasuko Kobayashi
Franchise(s)
Dororo
Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Adam Gibbs
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Chaney Moore
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    James Belcher
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    David Wald
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info
Studio
Tezuka Productions, MAPPA
Creator
Osamu Tezuka
Streaming Service(s)
Prime Video
MyAnimeList Score
8.25
Creator(s)
Osamu Tezuka
Number of Episodes
24

Dororo’s dark, violent, and emotionally charged narrative explores complex themes that Demon Slayer fans will find compelling. Like the latter, the former is filled with tragic events that serve as the driving force of the narrative and become the backdrop of an epic adventure that leaves a lasting impression on the viewer.

Hyakkimaru’s battle with demons and his struggle to retain his humanity are identical to the demon slayer’s quest to protect humanity while ensuring that they do not lose their own in the process. Both shows have a grim tone and do not shy away from depicting the violent reality of their respective worlds.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

A Story of Loss and Redemption

Rating block community and brand ratings Image
fullmetal-alchemist-brotherhood.jpg
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget
Release Date
2009 - 2010
Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Maxey Whitehead
    Alphonse Elric
  • instar40622999.jpg
    Vic Mignogna
    Edward Elric
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Andrew Love
    Jerso
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Brittney Karbowski
    Selim Bradley

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info
Main Genre
Fantasy
Studio
Bones
Creator
Hiromu Arakawa
MyAnimeList Score
9.10
Number of Episodes
64
Streaming Service(s)
Crunchyroll, Hulu

Tanjiro and Nezuko’s sibling bond is one of the central emotional pillars of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. Their shared loss, struggle, and eventual triumph are a driving force for the narrative, and a lot of fans seem to love the series for it. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is quite similar in this regard. Alphonse and Edward also suffered immensely at quite a young age, and their inability to cope with the loss pushed them to break laws that came with serious consequences.

The series follows the Elric brothers as they uncover the dark mysteries of the bizarre world they inhabit, while also redeeming themselves in the process. Rated by many as one of the greatest anime ever made, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a must-watch for shonen fans. People who like Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba will appreciate the series for its incredible world-building and epic fight scenes.

Rating block community and brand ratings Image
Demon Slayer
Demon Slayer
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget
Release Date
April 6, 2019
Network
Adult Swim
Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

Based on Koyoharu Gotouge's shonen manga, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is an action anime set in Japan during the early 20th century. Seeking revenge for the murder of his family while also looking to save his sister, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps as they try to eradicate Demons led by Muzan.

Studio
ufotable
Creator
Koyoharu Gotoge
Streaming Service(s)
Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix
MyAnimeList Score
8.26 (Hashira Training Arc)
Number of Episodes
63