6 Major Anime That Inspired Demon Slayer

The popularity of Demon Slayer can be attributed to several factors: the stunning animation by studio UFOtable, the series’ heartfelt emotional depth, and its clear influences from earlier anime. It’s common for new anime franchises to build upon the foundations laid by previous works. Just as the popular “big three” shonen anime – like Naruto and One Piece – were heavily inspired by Dragon Ball, Demon Slayer also has roots in the anime that came before it.

Koyoharu Gotoutge, the creator of Demon Slayer, has mentioned two anime that directly inspired the series, and it’s clear that four others likely played a role. Fortunately, Demon Slayer didn’t just copy these earlier works; it took inspiration from them while still crafting its own unique and emotional story about the human condition.

Naruto Helped Inspire the Trio of Heroes Found in Demon Slayer

Three is the Magic Number For Battle Shonen

Image via Pierrot.

The Naruto anime was incredibly popular in its prime, clearly inspired by Dragon Ball but appealing to a new audience. Later, Naruto passed on its success to Demon Slayer, which improved upon the established formula. While Dragon Ball and Naruto are known for their long storylines, large character rosters, and constantly escalating power levels, Demon Slayer takes a more measured approach.

Like Naruto, Demon Slayer features a core group of three heroes – Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu – who share a similar dynamic to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura. However, Demon Slayer tells its story in a more focused way, which makes each moment feel more impactful. The way characters gain power is also more gradual, making Tanjiro’s progress feel natural, unlike Naruto, where power-ups often came in huge, sudden bursts with each new ability.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Added Some Colorful Flair to Demon Slayer

These Colors Look Even More Vivid in Anime Form

Image via David Productions.

It might come as a surprise, but Hirohiko Araki’s JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure actually influenced some aspects of Demon Slayer. While JoJo’s focuses on unique powers and humor instead of swords and monsters, fans of both series can see some similarities in their visual style. Just as JoJo’s was known for its bright and imaginative character designs, Demon Slayer quickly gained attention for its equally striking and colorful visuals.

While the characters in Demon Slayer don’t strike dramatic poses like those in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, they definitely share a similar vibrant style when it comes to clothing and hairstyles. For instance, Mitsuri Kanroji’s unique two-toned hair and Zenitsu’s bright, lightning-inspired outfit showcase this. Interestingly, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure often takes a winding and relaxed approach to its story, whereas Demon Slayer stays tightly focused on its main plot throughout.

Inuyasha is All About Fighting Demons With Magic Weapons

Demon Slayer Lacks Time Travel, However

Image via studio Sunrise.

Many fantasy anime share similarities with Demon Slayer, and Inuyasha is a particularly strong example. While they aren’t exactly the same – Inuyasha includes time travel and a love triangle, elements not present in Demon Slayer – both shows feature characters battling demons. Demon Slayer emphasizes structured organizations like the Demon Slayer Corps, whereas the groups in Inuyasha are less formally defined.

I’ve noticed a lot of similarities between these two action-packed anime. Both shows really focus on battles against demons. While Inuyasha is part demon himself, he’s always ready to fight others of his kind with his powerful sword, Tetsusaiga, and the help of his friends. Interestingly, the villain Naraku reminds me a lot of Muzan from Demon Slayer – both are incredibly menacing, have an insatiable hunger for power, and seem to have no problem exploiting their own demon followers. Naraku even creates and mistreats his own demonic minions, much like Muzan does.

Yu Yu Hakusho Pits Yusuke Against Ever-Stronger Demonic Foes

Tanjiro is Hardly a Delinquent, Though

Image via Pierrot.

While seemingly different, Demon Slayer and Yu Yu Hakusho actually share some key similarities. Both are action-packed anime featuring teams of heroes battling monsters. Some viewers have even noticed parallels between the characters, comparing Demon Slayer‘s Inosuke to Kazuma Kuwabara from Yu Yu Hakusho – both are initially rivals but eventually become valuable teammates.

Both Yu Yu Hakusho and Demon Slayer feature intense battles between humans and demons. Yusuke Urameshi fights using his fists and spirit gun, while Tanjiro relies on his special Nichirin sword. Family history is also important in both series—Tanjiro’s ancestors created the powerful Sun Breathing technique, and Yusuke’s lineage includes the incredibly strong demon Raizen, whom he eventually encounters later in Yu Yu Hakusho.

Bleach Helped Establish the Swords and Hashira in Demon Slayer

The Demon Slayer Corps is the New Gotei 13

It’s clear that Bleach heavily influenced the creation of Demon Slayer. Both shows feature heroes who fight monsters as a job, working within an organization of skilled swordsmen. In Demon Slayer, the Hashira are essentially the same as the powerful, high-ranking Captains from Bleach. Also, the historical Japanese setting of Demon Slayer – the Taisho era – feels similar to the Soul Society’s pre-industrial world in Bleach.

Ichigo Kurosaki and Tanjiro share a lot of similarities despite their differences. Both are teenage heroes who wield black swords and are driven to protect their sisters. They both became monster hunters after their families were attacked one night. While Ichigo’s family survived, Tanjiro’s tragic loss motivated him to fight demons. Compared to Demon Slayer, both the Bleach and Naruto anime series are much longer and more complex, which isn’t always a positive thing for either show.

Rurouni Kenshin Played a Role in Inspiring Tanjiro’s Design

Good-Hearted Swordsmen Make For Great Anime Protagonists

Image via studio Deen.

Rurouni Kenshin is a truly excellent action and romance anime, offering a well-rounded experience with both exciting fights and heartfelt moments. This balance sets it apart from action-focused series like Dragon Ball, and puts it in the same league as Demon Slayer. All three shows understand that the emotional reasons behind a battle are just as important as the characters’ strength.

Interestingly, the main character of Rurouni Kenshin, Himura Kenshin, seems to have inspired the design of Tanjiro Kamado. Both are compassionate swordsmen who only fight when absolutely necessary, and they both wish they could avoid killing altogether. They also share a similar trait: facial scars that serve as reminders of their difficult pasts—Tanjiro has a scar on his forehead, while Kenshin is known for a cross-shaped scar on his cheek.

2026-01-17 02:06