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
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
Mushi-Shi
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2005 - 2014-00-00
Cast
-
Yûto Nakano -
Travis Willingham -
Kôjun Itô -
Jennifer Seman
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
Rurouni Kenshin
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 1996 - 1998-00-00
Cast
-
Mayo SuzukazeKenshin Himura -
Miki FujitaniKaoru Kamiya -
Mîna TominagaYahiko Myoujin -
Yūji UedaSanosuke Sagara
- 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
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
Cast
-
Steve Blum -
Kirk Thornton
- 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
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
Cast
-
Adam Gibbs -
Chaney Moore -
James Belcher -
David Wald
- 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
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2009 - 2010
Cast
-
Maxey WhiteheadAlphonse Elric -
Vic MignognaEdward Elric -
Andrew LoveJerso -
Brittney KarbowskiSelim Bradley
- 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.
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
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