Koyoharu Gotoge's 2019 masterpiece Demon Slayer, also known as Kimetsu no Yaiba, quickly became a fan favorite. It features a charming cast of characters with innovative visual design, creative action sequences, and a realistic setting of early 1900s Japan that's modernizing rapidly by the day. Demons, magical swords, mountain castles, and semi-modern Tokyo, including cars and locomotives, are the norm.

Demon Slayer recently concluded its flashy and emotionally-driven second season, and fans are desperate for more. Until the anime's third season arrives in 2023, there are plenty of shonen anime like Demon Slayer to whet a fan's appetite. These shows have both stylish animation and heart-stopping fight scenes, and there are a lot to choose from.

Updated on August 8th, 2022 by Olivia Subero: Demon Slayer became a household name in a matter of years, but fans are looking for anime similar to Demon Slayer until the third season airs. There are plenty of action-packed supernatural titles to choose from, whether they're older or brand new.

20 Jujutsu Kaisen Is One Of The Best Modern Shonen Titles

Itadori using his Cursed Technique (Jujutsu Kaisen)

Jujutsu Kaisen took the world by storm after its anime adaptation aired in 2020. Like Demon Slayer, the main cast is part of an organization tasked to fight monsters - cursed spirits in the case of Jujutsu Kaisen. After swallowing the finger of an ancient cursed spirit, Yuji Itadori is thrust into this dangerous profession.

Demon Slayer fans are sure to appreciate the anime's extensive cast of characters, each lovable in their own right. On top of that, Studio MAPPAdid a brilliant job animating some of the anime's most unique fights. It's action-packed and hard-hitting and sure to leave a lasting impression on any new viewer.

19 Blue Exorcist's Protagonist Is The Son Of A Powerful Demon

Rin Okumura holding his Sword Of Blue Flames (Blue Exorcist)

Blue Exorcist is another action-packed anime that centers around teenage demon hunters. The protagonist, Rin Okumura, is the son of Satan, but this fact only drives his desire to exorcise as many demons as he can.

Despite receiving constant ridicule from his peers, nothing can stop Rin from becoming the most powerful exorcist. Blue Exorcist isn't as dark as Demon Slayer, but fans will surely appreciate its more whimsical qualities. It's a series that doesn't take itself too seriously, but it still packs a punch.

18 Noragami Is A Comedic Supernatural Anime

A confident Yato holding a 5-yen coin (Noragami)

Demon Slayer fans are sure to also enjoy Noragami. It's a supernatural anime, but it blends comedy into the plot to keep things light-hearted. The series follows Yato, an irrelevant god who strives to amass the most followers. Currently, he doesn't even have a single shrine in his honor.

Just as Yato is about to lose all hope, a chance encounter with Hiyori turns his world upside down. Unfortunately, Hiyori's soul becomes disconnected from her body after saving Yato from a car crash. Afterward, several exciting, zany adventures occur as Yato attempts to fix his new friend.

17 Fans Of Demon Slayer Are Sure To Appreciate Bungo Stray Dogs

A visual of five members of the Armed Detective Agency (Bungō Stray Dogs)

For fans who appreciate Demon Slayer's darker themes, Bungo Stray Dogs is a supernatural seinen title that never disappoints. This anime combines mystery with fantasy, creating an engaging story about the Armed Detective Agency versus the Port Mafia and various other criminal organizations.

Almost every character from Bungo Stray Dogs has a unique ability, ranging from tiger transformation to nullifying others' powers. Additionally, Atsushi is a lovable protagonist who learned how to love himself after coming from a tragic background of abuse and abandonment.

16 Golden Kamuy Is Another Historical Anime

Asirpa holding a bow and standing next to her wolf (Golden Kamuy)

Golden Kamuy is another fantastic recommendation for fans who enjoyed Demon Slayer's historical elements and amazing action scenes. The anime takes place after the Russo-Japanese War. Saichi, the protagonist, toils away endlessly as he searches for gold.

This action-packed anime has mind-blowing fights that showcase Saichi's uncanny ability to outrun death itself. He still somehow comes out victorious from battles he should have lost. Golden Kamuy will keep fans occupied as they wait for Demon Slayer's next season to air.

15 Rurouni Kenshin Has A Rustic, Japanese Setting & A Lovable Protagonist

Kenshin Himura standing in front of a sunset (Rurōni Kenshin)

Ruroni Kenshin is a renowned anime franchise by Nobuhiro Watsuki, set in Meiji-era Japan. The titular protagonist was a feared assassin and swordsman known as Battosai, the Manslayer. But he's now put that life behind him.

Kenshin is now a pacifist and refuses to kill again, only using a reverse-bladed sword that cannot kill. He is much kinder than his reputation would suggest and is an older brother figure like Tanjiro. Demon Slayer fans will love Kenshin's quest for a peaceful life as old enemies gradually return.

14 Attack On Titan Is Demon Slayer's Gorier Cousin

Eren in his Titan form (Attack on Titan)

At first glance, Attack on Titan may seem significantly different from Demon Slayer. The monsters, known as titans, are towering giants causing chaos in a gaslamp fantasy world. But if boiled down to its essentials, it's Demon Slayer's gorier cousin.

This action-packed shonen anime is so dark it sometimes feels like a seinen. Attack on Titan follows the Survey Corps as they set out to defend the last walled human city. The titans have executed a full-frontal attack, and only the sword-wielding soldiers have the equipment and training to stop them. But victory comes at a steep cost. It's a monster-fighting anime to define a generation, and Demon Slayer fans won't want to miss out.

13 Besides Its Not-So-Great Second Season, The Promised Neverland Is Worth The Watch

Emma and Norman hiding under the bed (The Promised Neverland)

The Promised Neverland is another dark fantasy horror-esque anime that Demon Slayer fans gravitate to. Emma, Norman, and Ray are three orphans living happily in a secluded cottage with their "mother," Isabella. Everything seems peaceful, with no dangers and plenty of fun things to do. But the three discover a terrifying secret involving demons and human sacrifice.

The children must do whatever it takes to ensure it doesn't happen to them, but they must also take care not to reveal what they've found. As the first season's story is relatively self-contained, the series is still worth the watch in spite of the infamous second season.

12 Hunter X Hunter Made Its Mark On The Shonen Fantasy Genre

Kurapika, Killua, Gon, and Leorio meeting under an archway (Hunter x Hunter)

Hunter x Hunter may not have demons, but it's another action-packed adventure anime perfect for Demon Slayer fans. Created by one of the most well-known mangaka, Yoshihiro Togashi, Hunter x Hunter easily made itself a staple in the shonen genre.

Gon Freecss wants to be like his father and travels worldwide to become the best hunter. He, like Tanjiro, ends up gathering a group of eclectic individuals who soon become his closest friends. They're all unique and have specialties that assist them in various battles.

11 Demon Slayer Fans Are Sure To Enjoy Fire Force Despite Its Fanservice

Members of the Special Fire Force Company 8 standing in a line (Fire Force)

There may not be swords in the Fire Force universe, but this recent anime does share Demon Slayer's monster-hunter-corps concept. ​​​​​​In Fire Force, the world has been rebuilt after an apocalyptic inferno. People who suffer from spontaneous combustion become Infernals. It's up to the firefighters and their priest allies to douse the Infernals' flames and send them to Heaven.

But it's not just the monsters. There's also a grand conspiracy in the works, and hero Shinra Kusakabe is stuck right in the middle. While the series is perfect for Demon Slayer fans, it has much more fanservice than Demon Slayer, which could make or break a new fan's viewing experience.

10 InuYasha Is Stylistically Similar To Demon Slayer

InuYasha and Kagome sitting in a cherry blossom tree (InuYasha)

Rumiko Takahashi's InuYasha may be stylistically closest to Demon Slayer. Both shows feature a Japanese fantasy setting, magic swords and weapons, stunning landscapes, and vicious demons of all sizes.

The half-demon protagonist, InuYasha, roams feudal Japan on his quest to destroy Naraku, the demon responsible for killing his lover and pitting them against each other. He now has a merry band of adventurers who were also negatively affected by Naraku's actions.

9 Bleach Also Has Japanese Themes Weaved Into Its Story

Ichigo getting ready to fight (Bleach)

Bleach is another popular shonen title with lots of overlap with Demon Slayer. Like Attack on Titan, they're almost cousins. The series stars a teenage boy whose family is threatened by monsters, forcing him to take up swordsmanship to fight the forces of evil.

Both anime feature strong Japanese themes and enchanted worlds galore. Most main characters have a Shikai or a Bankai alternate form controlling their swords, such as ice dragons, fire, assassination blades, or even swarms of sharp cherry blossoms. Bleach covers most of the manga's major arcs, and an anime adaptation of its final arc, the Thousand-Year Blood War arc, has already been greenlit.

8 Yu Yu Hakusho Is A Must-Watch From The 1990s

Yusuke, Kazuma, Kurama, and Hiei holding their signature weapons (Yu Yu Hakusho)

Yu Yu Hakusho is a supernatural action anime dating back to the early 1990s, but it's a beloved shonen staple that inspired many elements of both Bleach and Naruto, two modern-day shonen that soon became foundational to the genre. The anime features a high school delinquent with a good heart, Yusuke Urameshi, who is killed in a car accident when he saves a child's life.

Impressed by his good deed, the spirit world hires Yusuke as a Spirit Detective. Yusuke rallies three comrades to his side: his spiritually aware classmate, Kazuma, the ice and fire demon, Hiei, and the ex-demon thief, Kurama. Together, they solve various issues plaguing the human, spirit, and demon worlds.

7 Avatar: The Last Airbender Has Been A Fan Favorite Since The Mid-2000s

Aang, Katara, and Sokka standing on a large bridge, with Appa and Momo (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

Nickelodeon's Avatar: The Last Airbender has been a fan favorite since the early 2000s. The series is considered a Western cartoon by many, but it draws heavily from anime visuals and storytelling methods.

Viewers are introduced to a rich, pan-Asian-inspired setting where benders can control one of the four elements, but only the almighty Avatar can wield all four. 12-year-old monk and current Avatar, Aang goes on a quest to defeat the villainous Fire Lord and end a century-long war that has ravaged the world. Plenty of action, comedy, and vital life lessons are had along the way.

6 Dororo Also Has A Protagonist Whose Life Was Ruined By Demons

Hyakkimaru holding his prosthetic sword-arm in his mouth (Dororo)

Affectionately known as the God of Manga, Osamu Tezuka's works are legendary. Various anime and manga producers look to his works for inspiration because they are so timeless. Due to their similarities, Tezuka's anime Dororo would be an excellent recommendation for Demon Slayer fans.

Like Demon Slayer, Dororo takes place in a world terrorized by demons. A greedy feudal lord, desperate to maintain power, makes a pact and uses his firstborn, Hyakkimaru, as a sacrifice. As a result, the child was born limbless and faceless. Thanks to a kind medicine man, Hyakkimaru survived. He now wishes to enact revenge on his father and the demons that ruined his childhood.

5 D.Gray-Man Has Its Own Monster-Hunting Organization

An Akuma glares at his opponent (D.Gray-Man)

D.Gray-Man's setting differs somewhat from Demon Slayer's, as it primarily takes place in late 19th-century Europe. However, it checks off many of the same action-fantasy boxes Demon Slayer does. Viewers meet the tough orphan boy, Allen Walker, who uses the power of Innocence to destroy monsters, also known as Akuma, that suddenly erupt from innocent people.

Allen is a pure-hearted boy like Tanjiro, fighting tirelessly to protect the innocent. He joins an Akuma-hunting organization called the Black Order to vanquish all traces of evil. The gothic-inspired Black Order has branches worldwide, so finding all of the Akuma requires Allen to travel extensively.

4 One Piece's Darkest Moments Create A Lot Of Impact

Luffy about to punch the Celestial Dragon (One Piece)

Cheerful protagonists with well-respected fathers are what One Piece's Monkey D. Luffy and Demon Slayer's Tanjiro Kamado have in common. Their worlds are also brilliantly crafted, with an array of exciting and colorful characters.

One Piece isn't a dark fantasy like Demon Slayer, but it has its serious and impactful moments. One Piece also has more socio-political undertones, and there are plenty of instances where morality is questioned. Nonetheless, it's a fun ride for any Demon Slayer fan looking for adventure.

3 My Hero Academia Is One Of Shonen's Modern "Big Three"

A Pro-Hero doing a pose (My Hero Academia)

My Hero Academia one of the new shonen "Big Three," alongside Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen. Izuku Midoriya, Hero Name: Deku, a 15-year-old born without a Quirk, superpowers in the world of My Hero Academia. Despite this setback, it doesn't dampen Deku's heroic spirit.

His quest begins when the Pro Hero All Might bestows him with his One For All Quirk. Deku then enrolls in U.A. High, a school specializing in training heroes, and he gets his first taste of combat much sooner than expected. Villains feel oppressed by a society ruled by heroes, and Deku and his classmates realize they have their work cut out for them.

2 Naruto Deals With Both Internal & External Demons

Naruto crying over Jiraiya's death (Naruto)

Like Demon Slayer, Naruto centers around a hero who fights tooth and nail to survive in a cruel world. It has its own combat system based on the stealthy shinobi from Japanese history. Not to mention, Naruto has plenty of emotional and dark moments as well.

Instead of a demon sister, Naruto must conquer the demon lying dormant within him, the Nine-Tailed Fox. The fox is a gigantic mass of bloodthirst and rage, the same creature that terrorized his village on the night of his birth. Both series have a plethora of life lessons and lovable characters who have to struggle to survive in a world of fighting.

1 The Dragon Ball Franchise Is A Well-Known Shonen Classic

Saiyan version of Goku ready to fight (Dragon Ball)

Akira Toriyama stands among anime giants with his smash-hit action series Dragon Ball and its many sequels, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Super, and more. In this electrifying franchise, heroes fight muscle-bound bad guys and monsters from outer space. Every battle is a titanic clash of will that can alter the very landscape of the planet they're fighting on.

However, this series balances itself out with some truly inspirational characters, such as Goku himself and the family and friendships he creates during his time on Earth. Evil will never win so long as the Super Saiyan heroes have anything to say about it. Demon Slayer fans looking for a nonstop action series can do no better.

Next: 15 Strongest Demons In Demon Slayer, Ranked