10 Best Anime to Watch Before Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3

Fans of Jujutsu Kaisen know the wait for season 3 won’t be easy. After the intensity of the Shibuya Incident arc, expectations are sky-high for what comes next in the anime adaptation. But that does not mean fans need to sit idly by until the story continues, because there are plenty of dark, action-packed, and emotionally layered anime that can scratch the same itch in the meantime.

If fans are craving supernatural battles, complex characters, and gripping storylines, several standout series offer a perfect mix of horror, action, and heart. From grim tales of cursed powers to emotional explorations of morality, these shows can keep viewers hooked while they count down the days until Jujutsu Kaisen returns. Here are the 10 best anime to dive into while waiting for season 3.

Dororo

Dororo delivers a haunting mix of action, tragedy, and redemption. The series follows Hyakkimaru, a boy whose body parts were stolen by demons at birth, forcing him to live with prosthetics and supernatural abilities. Alongside the orphan thief Dororo, he journeys across feudal Japan to slay demons and reclaim what was taken from him.

Much like Jujutsu Kaisen, the anime excels at balancing brutal battles with emotional storytelling. Every demon encounter forces Hyakkimaru to confront both physical and psychological scars, making his victories bittersweet. The show also explores themes of morality, sacrifice, and humanity, all while painting a grim yet beautiful picture of a war-torn world.

Blue Exorcist

If fans love the cursed energy battles of Jujutsu Kaisen, Blue Exorcist offers a familiar blend of demonic powers and youthful determination. The series centers on Rin Okumura, a teenager who discovers he is the son of Satan. Instead of embracing darkness, Rin chooses to train as an exorcist to fight against his father’s influence.

The story thrives on its mix of school-life charm and dangerous exorcist missions. Rin’s struggle with his heritage mirrors Yuji Itadori’s own fight to contain Sukuna, making their journeys feel thematically linked. With strong action sequences, emotional stakes, and a memorable cast of allies, Blue Exorcist provides just the right supernatural thrill.

Bungo Stray Dogs

Bungo Stray Dogs combines supernatural powers with detective noir storytelling, creating a unique vibe that fans of Jujutsu Kaisen will find refreshing. The series follows Atsushi Nakajima, who joins the Armed Detective Agency after discovering his ability to transform into a white tiger. Together, the agency faces off against dangerous organizations and gifted criminals.

What makes this anime shine is its mix of action and mystery. The powers, often tied to famous literary figures, create inventive fight scenes that rival Jujutsu Kaisen’s cursed techniques. At the same time, the layered storytelling and morally ambiguous villains give the series a depth that keeps audiences hooked long after the battles end.

Hell’s Paradise

If fans are waiting for the next dose of MAPPA brilliance, Hell’s Paradise is a must-watch. Created by the same studio behind Jujutsu Kaisen, this dark fantasy series follows Gabimaru, a condemned assassin sent on a deadly expedition to a mysterious island in search of the Elixir of Life. But the island is home to monstrous threats and other desperate convicts.

The anime leans heavily into mature themes, body horror, and survival-driven storytelling. Much like Jujutsu Kaisen’s Shibuya arc, the tension rarely lets up, and the action is both stunning and brutal. Hell’s Paradise does not shy away from questioning morality and survival instincts, making it a gripping companion piece for fans who enjoy MAPPA’s signature dark style.

Hunter x Hunter

A true classic of shōnen anime, Hunter x Hunter combines high-stakes battles with exceptional worldbuilding. The story follows Gon Freecss, a boy who sets out to become a Hunter and find his father. Along the way, he forges deep bonds with friends like Killua while confronting increasingly dangerous enemies in brutal and strategic battles.

What makes Hunter x Hunter stand out is its ability to layer strategy and emotion into every fight. The Chimera Ant arc, in particular, delivers the same kind of intensity and heartbreak that Jujutsu Kaisen fans crave. With unpredictable twists and a deep examination of morality, this anime remains one of the genre’s finest.

Chainsaw Man

Few anime series capture chaotic energy like Chainsaw Man. Another MAPPA production, it follows Denji, a young man who fuses with his chainsaw demon companion Pochita, giving him terrifying new powers. As he joins the Public Safety Devil Hunters, Denji faces grotesque devils while navigating his desperate need for acceptance and belonging.

The series thrives on its mix of horror, humor, and heartbreak. Its gritty fights and grotesque enemy designs will appeal to fans of Jujutsu Kaisen’s darker elements. At the same time, Denji’s vulnerability makes him just as compelling as Yuji, showing how ordinary people can rise, or fall, when forced into extraordinary circumstances.

Noragami

For fans who loved the dynamic between Yuji, Megumi, and Nobara, Noragami offers a similarly enjoyable character trio. The anime follows Yato, a struggling god-for-hire who dreams of building a shrine. Alongside his Regalia weapon Yukine and human ally Hiyori, Yato battles malevolent spirits and rival gods while uncovering his painful past.

The strength of Noragami lies in its balance of humor and melancholy. Yato’s comedic antics disguise a darker history, and his bond with Yukine and Hiyori gives the series both heart and tension. The spiritual battles are creative and fast-paced, while the emotional depth rivals some of Jujutsu Kaisen’s most poignant arcs.

The Promised Neverland

While not an action-heavy series, The Promised Neverland captures the same sense of dread and survival found in Jujutsu Kaisen’s darkest arcs. The anime centers on a group of orphans who discover their idyllic home is actually a farm raising children as food for demons. Determined to escape, they hatch daring plans against overwhelming odds.

The psychological tension makes every episode gripping. The battle here is not physical but strategic, as the children face off against manipulative adults and monstrous threats lurking beyond their walls. The sense of desperation and resilience echoes Yuji’s struggle against impossible odds, making it a chilling yet captivating watch.

Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan is one of the most influential anime of the last decade, and it shares many thematic ties with Jujutsu Kaisen. The series follows Eren Yeager and his friends as they battle titans threatening humanity’s survival, only to uncover far darker truths about their world and themselves.

Both series are full of gut-wrenching plot twists, morally complex characters, and relentless action. Attack on Titan’s later seasons, in particular, embrace the same chaotic energy and devastating consequences that define Jujutsu Kaisen’s Shibuya Incident. If fans want high-stakes storytelling that keeps them on edge, this anime is a must-see.

Demon Slayer

Finally, no list would be complete without Demon Slayer. The anime follows Tanjiro Kamado, a kind-hearted boy who becomes a demon slayer after his family is slaughtered, and his sister Nezuko is transformed into a demon. His journey combines emotional storytelling with breathtakingly animated battles.

What makes Demon Slayer resonate with Jujutsu Kaisen fans is its balance of heart and horror. Both series feature protagonists who endure tremendous loss yet find strength in their bonds with friends and family. Combined with stunning visuals and emotional arcs, Demon Slayer stands as one of the most beautiful and impactful anime of all time.