Summary
- Devil May Cry franchise expanded with new games & bosses, enriching lore and delivering thrilling battles.
- Iconic boss fights in Devil May Cry series include showdowns with characters like Credo, Cerberus, and Vergil.
- Memorable fights like Dante vs. Nero in Devil May Cry 4 and Vergil vs. Nero in Devil May Cry 5 added depth to the story.
As a game that innovated the action genre and changed the foundation of gaming, Devil May Cry paved the way for titles like God of War. As one of the original action RPGs that defined multiple generations, Devil May Cry remains one of the most beloved game franchises in history, with a dedicated cult following. The story of the pizza-loving demon hunter subverts the expectations of the dark and edgy male protagonists of the early nineties and features a charismatic acrobat with a smart mouth.
Over the years, the Devil May Cry franchise has continued to expand with five games and a spin-off. The list of characters has grown exponentially, and the story has adopted new perspectives, making the lore richer in the process. Devil May Cry has even crossed over into anime with a new series that debuted on Netflix. However, when it comes to the games, the bosses make it what it is. Here are some of the best bosses in Devil May Cry games, ranked.
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9 Credo (Devil May Cry 4)
A Shocking Reveal Of The Order's Dark Secret
Devil May Cry 4
- Released
- February 5, 2008
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Language, Sexual Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Capcom
- Genre(s)
- Hack and Slash
Devil May Cry 4 was filled with cinematic revelations that made the story mode playthrough feel like absolute cinema. The duel campaign that had players take control of both Nero and Dante had its ups and downs. However, one of the most shocking and anticipated fights in the game was as Nero, when he was confronted by Credo.
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Having looked down on and discriminated against Nero because of his demonic affliction, it was a total shock for him to reveal the Order's secret of turning people into demons. This clash was well-deserved, and unleashing Red Queen on Credo's Angelo form was a satisfying experience from start to finish.
8 Cerberus (Devil May Cry 3)
The Blizzard Hound Drops One Of The Franchise's Most Iconic Weapons
Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening
- Released
- February 17, 2005
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ // Blood, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Capcom
- Genre(s)
- Hack and Slash, Action-Adventure, Beat 'Em Up
Devil May Cry 3 may be the most beloved game in the franchise. As the game opens with chaotic swarms of demons surrounding Dante, the first few bosses set the tone perfectly. One of those bosses is the three-headed hellhound, Cerberus.
In peak Dante fashion, the red-leather hellion berates the massive monster and eggs him into a fight. Cerberus's powerful charges and ice projectiles make the fight a high-octane thrill ride, especially at higher difficulties. In addition to being a great fight, defeating Cerberus awards Dante the Ice Nunchaku, which are a perfect addition to the combos available in the game.
7 Vergil (Devil May Cry 3)
An Epic Three-ParT Duel Between Brothers
The only character who can stand beside Dante and even overshadow the fan-favorite character is his brother, Vergil. Vergil has had a long history in Devil May Cry, and appears in almost every game as an antagonist.
In Devil May Cry 3, Vergil is the main antagonist and is set on setting the world ablaze for power to lure his brother into a duel to finally settle the score once and for all. While Dante is flash and strength, Vergil is speed and precision. The three encounters against Vergil are responsible for many bruised fingers of gamers all over the world.
6 Cavalier Angelo, Fought as Dante (Devil May Cry 5)
A Terrific Battle That Stands Out Among The Rest
Devil May Cry 5
- Released
- March 8, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
Devil May Cry 5 was a godsend to many fans of the franchise, who were ecstatic to see the series receive a new title that brought the story back to form. Nero, Dante, and Vergil are all in the same game, which made for an action-packed story with Nero's legitimacy as a member of the franchise cemented.
With multiple perspectives in the game, there was a long list of bosses, one of which was Cavilier Angelo, whom Dante faced a fair way through the game. Cavilier Angelo has lighting attacks, teleportation, and powerful strikes in his arsenal that make the fight enjoyable.
5 Dante, Fought As Nero (Devil May Cry 4)
A Perfectly Crafted First Fight
Devil May Cry 4 was a shooting star that came out of nowhere when it launched for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Upon its release, it lived up to fans' expectations and then some. Though there was some worry surrounding the new main protagonist, Nero, all doubts were put to shame in the first fifteen minutes when Nero locked blades with Dante in the middle of church.
The battle was a great introduction to the mechanics of the game and acted as a tutorial for new players. Meanwhile, the breathtaking choreography and amazing combos of Devil May Cry 4 made it one of the most memorable fights in the series.
4 Mundus (Devil May Cry 1)
A Perfect Climax To A Perfect Story
Devil May Cry
- Released
- October 16, 2001
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- m
- Developer(s)
- Capcom Production Studio 4
- Genre(s)
- Hack and Slash
While the original Devil May Cry may be considered a classic relic of the past, it still holds up reasonably well, even against some of the sequels in the franchise, for its pacing and narrative. Mundus proves to be one of the most infamous villains in the game and truly sets the tone for the story in a way that still hasn't been repeated.
At the climax of the game, with Dante and Trish's stories colliding, Dante's rage would be aimed at the Demon king Mundus in an epic brawl between a half-breed and a god. The fight, by today's standards, may seem lacking, but the combination of plot and innovation made it a perfect boss for the time.
3 Nelo Angelo (Devil May Cry 1)
The Most Classic Fight In The Series With A Hidden Agenda
While the Mundus boss fight is one of the most respected fights in the first installment of Devil May Cry, the fight against Neo Angelo is a diamond in the rough for a number of reasons. The silent threat appears multiple times as a direct adversary to Dante, first appearing as a clone, then slowly revealing his inner workings.
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The fight against Nelo Angelo is a battle for bragging rights between warriors. While being straight forward, there is a thematic weight that makes this fight stand out among the rest. The reveal of the secret hiding beneath the demon shell of Neo Angelo is what sparks the lore of Devil May Cry.
2 Vergil, Fought As Dante (Devil May Cry 5)
The Brothers Of Destruction Never Let Each Other Breathe
Devil May Cry 5 is a true return to form for a working formula that all fans were glad to see make it back into the franchise. Dante, Nero, and Vergil are all present in an exciting story when a demon lord invades the world of the living, and it is up to the devil hunters to put an end to him.
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As the story progresses, Vergil is revealed and immediately comes at odds with his brother. The fight is epic, as it always is between the siblings, but the narrative drives the battle home when Vergil's progeny is pulled into the light. With both Dante and Vergil fully realizing their powers, the fight is a fantastic clash of demonic abilities.
1 Vergil, Fought As Nero (Devil May Cry 5)
Nero Smashes His Way Into The Family Drama
In the final battle between Vergil and Dante after Urizen's exorcism, the reveal of Nero being Vergil's son finally connects the story and makes way for the future. But before Nero can move forward, he must smack some sense into his old man.
Nero accepts his lineage and ignites the demon blood in his veins, healing his wounds and increasing his power so that he can meet Vergil on the battlefield one-on-one. Nero's new move sets and Vergil's classic barrage of attacks create an epic moment that was welcomed by fans.
- Release Date
- April 3, 2025
- Network
- Netflix
- Directors
- Park So Young
- Writers
- Alex Larsen
Cast
-
Johnny Yong BoschDante / Soldier #1 (voice) -
Chris CoppolaEnzo / Frat Boy (voice)
