Slick, gory, and devilishly stylish,Devil May Cry(DMC) is one of the coolest and most underrated anime on Netflix. True to the games, it’s fast-paced, gorgeously animated, and packed with demon-slaying flair. The only downside? It’s over far too soon. With only 12 episodes and a wait ahead before Season 2 drops, you can blaze through all of Devil May Cry in a single binge. If you’re looking for a moody, action-packed, and stylish anime to fill the void while you wait for Season 2, here are 10 anime series you should watch next:
10. Devilman Crybaby (2018)
Dark, violent, and emotionally intense, Devilman Crybaby follows Akira Fudo, a part-human, part-demon teenager who uses his powers to hunt other demons. Like Devil May Cry, Devilman Crybaby is dark, gothic, and gory, with a hybrid protagonist at the centre of it all, but that’s where the similarities end. While Dante’s world is stylish and self contained, Akira’s is full of apocalyptic despair, and psychologically intense exploration of his duality as a hybrid demon.
It’s the perfect follow up for fans who enjoyed Devil May Cry but want to watch something a little more emotionally intense next. You’ll love the series if you’re a fan of relentlessly dark and emotionally bleak anime like Bersek or Attack on Titan. The series' surreal animation style gives it a stylistic edge making it an interesting pick for fans of experimental anime. But with its serious tone and serialized episodes it’s not for everyone. If you’re looking for a show that cuts through all the dark violence with humour, and is easy to jump into then checkBlue Exorcist instead.
9. Chainsaw Man (2022)
Like Devil May Cry, Chainsaw Man is a fairly new addition to the world of anime. The series follows a hybrid demon who uses his abilities to transform his body into a chainsaw to fight other demons. Chainsaw Man has the same fast, over-the-top action sequences, and absurd humour as Devil May Cry, but it also cranks up the gore, chaos, and horror making it a treat for fans of shows with violent and unpredictable antiheroes. Chainsaw Man falls in the same dark, extremely graphic, and emotionally weighty category as Devilman Crybaby but with a funnier, zanier edge that offsets some of the seriousness. But it lacks the sleek, game-inspired style of Devil May Cry, placing it below more polished entries like Hellsing Ultimate.
8. Blue Exorcist (2011)
Part demon slaying action, part family drama, Blue Exorcist follows Rin Okurama, son of Satan as he rebels against his own demonic heritage to become the world’s best demon exorcist. Compared to Devilman Crybaby or Chainsaw Man, Blue Exorcist is a lot more lighthearted, blending school-life comedy with demon hunting action, think My Hero Academia but more demon centric.
If you’re looking for an anime with shōnen-style camaraderie and coming-of-age elements, then Blue Exorcist checks all the boxes. Like Devil May Cry the series is largely self-contained, but it does contain light overarching plots making it a little more serialized, following a school of the week format. That said, if you’re looking for a show with more hyper-stylised gore and sardonic antihero swagger, then this won’t cut it for you; check out Castlevania or Hellsing Ultimate instead.
7. Jujutsu Kaisen (2020)
Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the most polished supernatural anime out there. Like DMC, it’s about cursed spirits, exorcists, and high-stake battles between humans and monsters. Its slick animation and fast choreography rival even the DMC games. However, unlike Devil May Cry, it follows a serialised structure and invests heavily in character growth and lore. If you enjoyed the monster-hunting elements of Devil May Cry but want deeper world-building and ensemble storytelling, then Jujutsu Kaisen is the way to go. Think Blue Exorcist meets Chainsaw Man, but with the sleek fight choreography and emotional storytelling of Castlevania. That said, if you’re seeking the same gothic or game-inspired style of Devil May Cry, then check out Castlevania instead.
6. One Piece (1999)
At first glance, One Piece might seem like an odd pick for DMC fans, but its over-the-top action, wild characters, and devil fruit abilities align perfectly with Devil May Cry’s stylish combat. Protagonist Monkey D. Luffy, much like Dante, is a cocky, powerful fighter who takes on insane enemies with ease. With its creative battles, supernatural elements, and a world filled with larger-than-life personalities, One Piece shares the same sense of fun and chaos that makes DMC so enjoyable.
The best part? Unlike DMC, One Piece has over 1000+ episodes and several movies, which means you don’t have to worry about what to watch next for a long time after you start watching the show. But if you prefer something less daunting and low-commitment, then you can always give Netflix’s live action One Piece a watch instead. With only one season, and another one in development, the live action is a lot more at pace with DMC.
5. Blade: The Animated Series (2011)
Part of Marvel Anime, Blade: The Animated Series is an underrated and action packed choice for supernatural action fans. The series follows the titular vampire hunter as he travels the world slaying supernatural threats. Its dark tone, intense fight scenes, and stylish protagonist feel right at home for DMC fans who enjoyed Dante’s sardonic charisma.
While it’s a bit more grounded than Devil May Cry, the supernatural warfare and lone warrior aesthetic make it a fitting recommendation for anyone craving gothic action, relentless demon-slaying, and a hero who walks the fine line between darkness and justice. Created by the same studio behind Death Note, One Punch Man (Season 1), and Trigun, the series also comes in as a hidden gem for fans of Marvel’s vampire and antihero stories, bridging Western comics and Japanese anime flair.
4. Demon Slayer (2019)
If you love the idea of stylish warriors slicing through supernatural enemies, Demon Slayer is a must-watch. The series follows Tanjiro Kamado, a young swordsman on a mission to slay demons and cure his sister’s curse.Ufotable’s breathtaking animation, particularly in the high-speed sword fights, mirrors DMC and Castlevania’s fluid combat. The demonic foes, mystical powers, and intense battles make the show one of the most visually impressive and action-packed anime available. Demon Slayer might not have the same antihero energy as Devil May Cry, but it is just as stylish, cinematic, and visually breathtaking. It’s the perfect show for fans of heroic shōnen stories like Naruto or Bleach. Demon Slayer isn’t as graphic, or psychologically intense as some of the other entries on this list like Devilman Crybaby or Chainsaw Man, making it a favourable choice for fans who enjoy stylishly choreographed battle scenes without too much gore.
3. Castlevania (2017)
Few anime capture the gothic horror and demon-hunting action of Devil May Cry like Castlevania. Based on Konami’s legendary video game series, this show follows Trevor Belmont, Sypha Belnades, and Alucard as they battle Dracula’s forces. With intense fights, deep lore, and stylish animation, Castlevania delivers the same blend of badass protagonists and supernatural enemies that DMC fans crave. Its dark, mature storytelling and fluid combat sequences make it one of the best video game adaptations ever made.
While Devil May Cry is flashy and episodic, Castlevania delivers more immersive world building and character depth like Jujutsu Kaisen, making it ideal for fans who enjoy shows that prioritize narrative richness over individual missions. The show is also a great pick for fans of medieval dark fantasy like Berserk or gothic vampires like Hellsing Ultimate.
2. Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix (2023)
Created by Adi Shankar, the same man behind Devil May Cry, Captain Laserhawk, is a six episode Netflix series that reimagines Ubisoft’s iconic characters in a dystopian 1992. The series follows supersoldier Dolph Laserhawk, as he leads his ragtag team of rebels, each inspired by Ubisoft’s iconic games like Assassins Creed, Watch Dogs, and Rayman, on covert missions against a corrupt regime.
While it leans more into sci-fi than supernatural horror, its ultraviolent fight sequences, rebellious antiheroes, and genre-blending storytelling make it a great pick for fans of DMC’s high-energy spectacle. Plus, with its mix of dark humour and brutal combat, it shares the same irreverent, action-packed attitude that makes Devil May Cry so iconic. It’s a must watch for fans of cyberpunk dystopias, and retro futuristic aesthetics like Akira or Blade Runner: Black Lotus; those interested in video game inspired series like Devil May Cry, Castlevania, or Cyberpunk: Edgerunners; and anyone who enjoys fast-paced and chaotic action-packed narratives.
1. Hellsing Ultimate (2006)
Hellsing Ultimate is the closest anime experience to Devil May Cry. The series follows Alucard, a near-immortal vampire working for an organization that exterminates supernatural threats. Like Dante, Alucard is a cocky, stylish protagonist who enjoys playing with his enemies before utterly annihilating them. The gothic setting, blood-soaked action, and monstrous villains make Hellsing Ultimate a perfect match for DMC fans who love a dark yet thrilling demon-hunting adventure.
Hellsing Ultimate combines the gothic horror and vampire lore of Castlevania with the emotional intensity of Demon Slayer, and extreme violence of Chainsaw Man and Devilman Crybaby, all through a sardonic and charismatic lead like Devil May Cry, delivering the best of everything fans love from the rest of the shows, making it a must watch for all DMC fans.
