Having witnessed the breathtaking animation, intense battles, and emotional depth of the Entertainment District Arc in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, many fans find themselves yearning for more. The arc, culminating in the thrilling defeat of Upper Rank Six Daki and Gyutaro, leaves viewers on a high, eager to delve deeper into Tanjiro’s quest to turn Nezuko back into a human and eradicate Muzan Kibutsuji. Fortunately, the Demon Slayer universe offers a clear path forward, alongside a plethora of other anime that capture similar themes, aesthetics, or narrative styles. Here’s your guide on what to watch next.
Table of contents
The Direct Continuation: Swordsmith Village Arc & Hashira Training Arc
The most immediate and essential viewing after the Entertainment District Arc is, of course, the next chapter in the Demon Slayer saga. Anime adaptations typically follow the manga closely, and the narrative progression is straightforward:
Swordsmith Village Arc
- Overview: Following the grueling battle in the Entertainment District, Tanjiro’s Nichirin Sword is in dire need of repair. He travels to the secluded Swordsmith Village, a hidden community responsible for forging the blades wielded by the Demon Slayers. However, peace is short-lived as powerful Upper Rank Demons soon discover the village’s location, leading to another epic confrontation. This arc introduces two new Hashira: the Mist Hashira, Muichiro Tokito, and the Love Hashira, Mitsuri Kanroji, who play pivotal roles in defending the village.
- Why Watch: It directly continues the story, revealing more about the Demon Slayer Corps, their unique swords, and introduces new, formidable threats. The character development for Muichiro and Mitsuri is a highlight, and the action sequences remain as spectacular as ever.
- Availability: This arc has been fully adapted into an anime season.
Hashira Training Arc
- Overview: After the events of the Swordsmith Village, the Demon Slayer Corps realizes the growing threat posed by Muzan and his remaining Upper Ranks. To prepare for the inevitable final battle, the Hashira initiate an intense, rigorous training regimen for all Demon Slayers. Tanjiro and his friends, along with other lower-ranking slayers, undergo grueling exercises under the watchful eyes of each Hashira, pushing their limits to unlock new techniques and abilities.
- Why Watch: This arc is crucial for character development, showcasing the individual strengths and personalities of the various Hashira. It’s a preparatory phase, building anticipation for the climactic final battles against Muzan. While less action-heavy than previous arcs, it’s vital for understanding the power dynamics and strategic planning of the Corps.
- Availability: This arc is the most recent adaptation, having been released and concluding recently.
Beyond Demon Slayer: Exploring Similar Anime
If you’ve caught up with Demon Slayer and are craving more anime that offer similar thrills, emotional depth, or stunning animation, consider these excellent alternatives:
For Fans of Shonen Action & Supernatural Elements:
- Jujutsu Kaisen: Often compared to Demon Slayer for its dark fantasy setting, intricate power system, and impressive fight choreography. It follows Yuji Itadori, who joins a secret organization of Jujutsu Sorcerers to fight Curses after becoming entangled with a powerful one.
- Chainsaw Man: Another dark fantasy shonen with unique devil designs, brutal action, and a distinct, often comedic, tone. Denji, a young man who merges with a chainsaw devil, joins a public safety organization to hunt other devils.
- Attack on Titan: While a different genre (post-apocalyptic fantasy), Attack on Titan shares Demon Slayer’s themes of humanity fighting against monstrous threats, government conspiracy, and intense, high-stakes battles.
- My Hero Academia: If you enjoy the concept of heroes fighting villains with unique powers, My Hero Academia is a classic shonen about a world where almost everyone has a “quirk” (superpower). It features incredible teamwork and a strong emphasis on character growth.
For Fans of Historical Settings & Swordplay:
- Rurouni Kenshin: A classic samurai anime that blends historical fiction with superb sword fighting. It follows Kenshin Himura, a former assassin, as he tries to live a peaceful life in Meiji-era Japan.
- Dororo: A darker, more mature historical fantasy anime about a young ronin, Hyakkimaru, who hunts demons to regain his body parts that were stolen by them at birth. It shares Demon Slayer’s grim atmosphere and focus on battling supernatural entities.
For Fans of Stunning Animation & Emotional Storytelling:
- Violet Evergarden: Produced by Kyoto Animation, known for its breathtaking visuals and deeply moving stories. While not action-oriented, it excels in character development and exploring the nuances of human emotion.
- Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation: An Isekai anime renowned for its incredibly detailed world-building, character-driven narrative, and fluid animation. It follows a reclusive man reincarnated into a fantasy world, learning to live his new life to the fullest.
The Demon Slayer journey is far from over, with the manga’s conclusion providing a roadmap for future anime adaptations. Whether you choose to continue with Tanjiro’s adventures in the Swordsmith Village and Hashira Training arcs or explore other captivating anime, a rich world of storytelling awaits. Enjoy the journey!
