10 Anime You Need To Watch If You Love ‘Kpop Demon Hunters’

It started with a concert and ended with a demon-slaying spectacle. Kpop Demon Hunters follows a girl group whose performances double as covert missions to banish evil spirits, mixing up high-energy choreography with supernatural battles. It’s a genre mashup that shouldn’t work, but with sleek visuals, myth-infused lore, and a cast that balances pop star vibes with grit, it absolutely does. As soon as it premiered on Netflix, the movie went viral. From fan edits to fashion inspiration, it sparked a wave of crossover love between anime fans and K-pop stans, and carved out a new kind of cool.

Of course, when it comes to anime for those who loved Kpop Demon Hunters, Demon Slayer is an obvious companion pick. But this roundup isn’t all about expected anime recommendations. It is about finding anime series that echo the same pulse of stylized action, emotional arcs, and dramatic casts. So, if you managed to be among the many fans who caught the movie in theaters for its limited two-day release and remember walking out wanting more of the glam, grit, and genre-bending magic that made Kpop Demon Hunters a global phenomenon, here are 10 anime you need to watch next.

‘Kamisama Kiss’ (2012 – 2016)

Nanami Momozono’s life takes a sharp turn when she’s left homeless and broke because her father skips town on a mountain of debt. A chance encounter with a mysterious man leads her to an abandoned shrine, and she’s appointed as the new local deity. Now Nanami has to navigate a supernatural world of spirits, curses, and celestial politics.

Humor, Heart, and a Pinch of Divine Chaos

Kamisama Kiss thrives on its whimsical tone and lush, traditional-meets-modern aesthetic. The character dynamics are the heart of the show, and they’re laced with emotional growth and clever humor. Its worldbuilding draws heavily from Shinto lore but keeps things breezy and accessible, making it worth watching for fans of supernatural rom-coms. Also, it seamlessly blends lighthearted hijinks with darker, more ominous plot developments, much like Kpop Demon Hunters.

‘Noragami’ (2014 – 2015)

In Noragami, Yato is a minor god with big dreams of being worshiped by millions. But for now, he is stuck doing odd jobs for five yen a pop. After a near-death experience, high schooler Hiyori Iki finds herself caught between the human and spirit worlds, tethered to Yato and his reluctant weapon partner, Yukine. Together, they battle corrupted spirits known as Phantoms and confront painful histories.

Urban Gods and Stylish Fights

The series’ action sequences are slick, and it’s the character arcs (like Yukine’s troubled growth and Yato’s mysterious past) that give it real weight. It shares Kpop Demon Hunters’ flair for stylized fight sequences and a morally ambiguous protagonist, blending street-level grit with celestial drama. When the anime premiered in 2014, it was praised for its tight pacing. So if you’re into anime where gods wear hoodies and wild spirits, this one hits the sweet spot.

‘Fruits Basket’ (2019 – 2021)

After losing her mother, kind-hearted Tohru Honda ends up living in a tent. That is until she is taken in by the enigmatic Sohma family. But the Sohmas harbor a secret: thirteen members of their family are cursed to transform into animals of the Chinese zodiac when hugged by the opposite sex. As Tohru becomes involved in their lives, she uncovers layers of trauma and dysfunction.

More Than Just Romance or Fantasy

Visually and aesthetically, Fruits Basket and Kpop Demon Hunters have little in common. But the character-driven storytelling and the ultimate message that healing comes from acceptance and love, are what make Fruits Basket a must-watch if you loved Kpop Demon Hunters. The 2019 reboot is deeper and more polished than the original 2001 adaptation. Plus, characters like Kyo, Yuki, and Shigure evolve naturally and anchor the entire narrative.

‘Macross Frontier’ (2008)

Set in the year 2059, Macross Frontier follows the journey of the 25th New Macross Colony Fleet as it searches for a new habitable planet while fending off attacks from an alien race known as the Vajra. At the center of it all is Alto Saotome, a former kabuki actor turned mecha pilot, who gets swept into the war alongside two rising pop idols, Sheryl Nome and Ranka Lee.

Pop Idols and Cosmic Drama

As music becomes a weapon and feelings run high, the anime weaves together space battles, love triangles, and political intrigue. Which is to say that Macross Frontier is a genre mashup that works wonderfully well. The animation is sleek, and the soundtrack (courtesy of Yoko Kanno) is a standout, with songs like “Lion” and “Diamond Crevasse” becoming instant classics. When it aired in 2008, Macross Frontier breathed new life into the Macross franchise and drew in a new generation of fans.

‘Cardcaptor Sakura’ (1998 – 2000)

After accidentally releasing a set of magical cards known as Clow Cards, a cheerful middle schooler named Sakura Kinomoto finds herself tasked with retrieving them before they cause damage. She is guided by the adorable guardian beast Keroberos and joined by her best friend Tomoyo, who documents everything with a camcorder. But with the complex magical battles, Sakura must also balance school life and her relationships.

Pure Comfort Viewing

Though it predates Kpop Demon Hunters by over two decades, Cardcaptor Sakura has the same combination of supernatural elements, vibrant aesthetics, and a charming ensemble. It’s also deceptively gentle because beneath its pastel palette lies a story about growth and identity. CLAMP’s storytelling is layered, and the show’s episodic structure allows for both creativity and introspection. The original anime aired in 1998 and became a global hit. Its sequel, Clear Card, brought the series back with a more mature tone.

‘The Magical Girl and the Evil Lieutenant Used To Be Archenemies’ (2024)

In a world where magical girls battle evil organizations, this anime does it differently. Mira, a former lieutenant of the villainous Nebula, finds herself falling for his sworn enemy, magical girl Myakuya Shirogane. The forbidden crush then transforms into a tender romance as both characters navigate their feelings while still technically being on opposite sides.

A Hidden Gem Worth Catching

The Magical Girl and the Evil Lieutenant Used To Be Archenemies balances comedic misunderstandings with poignant moments and explores themes of redemption and the line between good and evil. The main characters’ dynamic is equal parts awkward and endearing, too. This anime (adapted from the manga that debuted in 2020) is a fresh take on the magical girl genre as it leans into romantic comedy without losing its fantastical edge.

‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba’ (2019 – 2024)

Easily the most recognizable anime on the list, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba tells the story of Tanjiro Kamado, whose life is shattered when his family is slaughtered by a demon, leaving only his sister Nezuko, who has been transformed into one herself. Determined to avenge his family and save her, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps, a secret organization that battles demons using elemental sword techniques known as Breathing Styles.

Visually Arresting and Narratively Compelling

Unfolding across arcs like the Mugen Train and Entertainment District, Demon Slayer is a visual powerhouse. Ufotable’s animation, especially during fight sequences, is fluid, painterly, and breathtaking. The emotional beats hit just as hard, with Tanjiro’s empathy and Nezuko’s strength carrying the story forward. The character designs are iconic, the soundtrack haunting, and the pacing tight, all of which appeals to fans of Kpop Demon Hunters.

‘Uta no Prince-sama’ (2011)

Uta no Prince-sama follows Haruka Nanami, who dreams of composing music for her favorite idol. She enrolls at the prestigious Saotome Academy, a performing arts school where students train to become either idols or producers. Romance is forbidden, but that does not stop sparks from flying as Haruka teams up with six handsome male idols-in-training.

Playful, High-Energy Ride

This one is pure pop spectacle, with bright visuals and catchy tracks that capture the essence of idol life. Each episode follows the characters’ journey through music challenges and the occasional dramatic twist. Their personalities are also different from one another, and the music consistently charts in Japan. Since its 2011 anime debut, Uta no Prince-sama has expanded into sequels, rhythm games, and even concert films like Maji Love Kingdom.

‘Carole & Tuesday’ (2019)

On a terraformed Mars, Tuesday Simmons escapes her life of privilege and meets Carole Stanley, a street-smart orphan with a keyboard and a dream. Together, they form a singer-songwriter duo in a world dominated by AI-generated music. As they climb the ranks of the cutthroat industry, they face off against slick producers, viral sensations, and their own insecurities.

An Underdog Story

While Carole & Tuesday may not feature the supernatural elements found in Kpop Demon Hunters, it shares the latter’s celebration of music as a transformative force. Even though the narrative is framed by a larger political backdrop of the rise of censorship, the heart of the story is always music and friendship. Directed by Shinichirō Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop), Carole & Tuesday also features real-life artists like Thundercat and Denzel Curry. So if you’re into musical rebellion and heartfelt duos, this one is a sleeper hit.

‘InuYasha’ (2000 – 2004)

In InuYasha, Kagome Higurashi falls into a well and lands in feudal Japan, where she meets Inuyasha, a half-demon sealed to a tree. Turns out, she is the reincarnation of a princess who protected a powerful artifact known as the Shikon Jewel. With Inuyasha, Kagome embarks on a quest to recover the scattered fragments of the jewel before they are claimed by demons, especially the manipulative Naraku.

Folklore, Romance, and Demon Lore

Rumiko Takahashi’s InuYasha is a beautiful anime that blends action, fantasy, and slow-burn romance with a nostalgic charm that still holds up. The anime ran from 2000 to 2004, followed by The Final Act in 2009, and a sequel series, Yashahime, in 2020. The historical setting and supernatural elements give it a timeless feel, while the character arcs are full of tension and tenderness. The soundtrack is pretty iconic too. Overall, messy as it is, this one’s a classic.