12 Anime Demons That Redefine Western Concepts of Hell

Anime is renowned for its vibrant characters, with demons often stealing the spotlight as some of the most striking and memorable. Though each demon is unique, they frequently share traits that place them firmly within this captivating category.

Whether you already have a beloved anime demon or are just starting to explore the genre, this list is sure to introduce you to some intriguing new characters.

1. Nezuko

Movie: "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba"

Stream it on: Netflix, Disney+, Hulu

Nezuko Kamado stands out as one of the most iconic and beloved demons in anime. Once a human, she undergoes a transformation into a demon while managing to hold onto a part of her human essence.

Tanjiro, the main character, becomes a member of the Demon Slayer Corps after demons slaughter his family, sparing only his sister Nezuko. With her distinctive look—featuring a bamboo muzzle, pinkish eyes, and disheveled hair—she embodies the complex morality often associated with anime demons.

2. Kurama

Series: "Naruto"

Stream it on: Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, Peacock, Crunchyroll

"Naruto" is a cornerstone of modern anime, and Kurama remains one of its most unforgettable figures.

Initially introduced as the malevolent Nine-Tails fox, Kurama is sealed within Naruto after a fierce battle. Over time, Naruto learns to reconcile with his inner demon, harnessing its strength to combat adversaries and protect his allies.

3. Calcifer

Movie: "Howl's Moving Castle"

Stream it on: HBOMax, Prime Video

Calcifer could easily be considered the most endearing demon in anime history. While he’s literally a flame, his personality radiates a charm that quickly wins over audiences.

Though somewhat irritable as the energy source for the moving castle—and prone to occasional destruction (he is a demon, after all)—Calcifer plays a pivotal role in this cherished film by the iconic Hayao Miyazaki.

4. Albedo

Series: "Overlord"

Stream it on: Netflix, Hulu, Crunchyroll

Albedo, a character from "Overlord"—a series adapted from a book and later a manga—resides in a mysterious world that mirrors an online computer game.

Though not strictly a demonic realm, this world teems with supernatural beings, including Albedo. While her immense powers are notable, her unwavering loyalty to the protagonist has drawn criticism from fans for reinforcing stereotypical female character tropes.

5. Power

Series: "Chainsaw Man"

Stream it on: Hulu, Crunchyroll

Adapted from a highly acclaimed manga, "Chainsaw Man" features a host of demonic characters, with Power standing out as one of the most striking. As a "Blood Fiend," Power teams up with Denji, the main character, and takes on the appearance of a young woman. Her eccentric, bloodthirsty nature, combined with her immense strength and unexpected charm, has made her a fan favorite.

6. Meliodas

Series: "Seven Deadly Sins"

Stream it on: Netflix

Meliodas, a standout character from "Seven Deadly Sins," embodies the sin of wrath. Despite his youthful and cheerful appearance, he is a master swordsman and one of the most formidable figures in the series.

As both a knight and a member of the Demon Clan, Meliodas wields extraordinary abilities that make him a dominant force in battle, setting him apart from his peers.

7. Sadaou Maou

Series: "The Devil Is a Part Timer!"

Stream it on: Hulu, Crunchyroll

"The Devil Is a Part Timer!" offers a unique twist on demon anime, blending comedy with satire about modern Japanese life, including the fast-food job Sadaou Maou takes to make ends meet.

Once the fearsome Demon Lord of Ente Isla, Sadaou Maou is now trapped in human form, working in fast food and stripped of most of his powers. His cheerful demeanor and struggles to adapt to this bizarre new world add both humor and depth to his character.

8. Anos Voldigold

Series: "The Misfit of Demon King Academy"

Stream it on: Crunchyroll

Anos Voldigold, once a mighty demon king, is reincarnated after 2,000 years into a world vastly different from the one he once ruled.

Now a half-demon attending the Demon King Academy, Anos must reclaim his former glory and powers. Unlike traditional depictions of demons, he is a largely benevolent figure striving to restore peace and order to a fractured world.

9. Rin Okumura

Series: "Blue Exorcist"

Stream it on: Prime Video, Crunchyroll

"Blue Exorcist" presents a world where the human realm is paralleled by a demonic domain ruled by Satan.

Rin Okumura and his twin brother Yukio are revealed to be the sons of Satan, born to a human mother, making them half-demons. Rather than embracing evil, Rin chooses the path of a hero, determined to confront and defeat his father.

10. Inuyasha

Series: "Inuyasha"

Stream it on: Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu

A beloved anime classic, "Inuyasha" follows the adventures of the titular demon and his companions, including Kagome Higurashi, a girl who travels through time, as they search for fragments of a powerful sacred jewel.

The series, adapted from a highly popular manga, blends Japanese history and folklore into its narrative, creating a rich and engaging story.

11. Yoko Kurama

Series: "Yu Yu Hakusho"

Stream it on: Netflix, Hulu, Crunchyroll

In the iconic anime "Yu Yu Hakusho," Yoko Kurama is a demon who takes residence in a human embryo, which later develops into a young boy. Initially introduced as an antagonist, he eventually becomes a key ally to the protagonist, Yusuke Urameshi.

As a Fox Demon, Yoko is known for his cunning and merciless nature, though his time in human form gradually instills a sense of morality within him.

12. Chrono

Series: "Chrono Crusade"

Stream it on: Crunchyroll

Chrono, a standout character from the acclaimed "Chrono Crusade," is a demon who doubles as a demon slayer. He aligns with the forces of good, aiding Rosette Christopher in her mission to purge Earth of demonic threats.

Unlike many anime demons who embody moral ambiguity, Chrono is a paragon of virtue, with his nobility and compassion standing in stark contrast to the malevolence of his demonic counterparts.

Demons in Anime: Not Just Heaven and Hell

Anime creators often draw inspiration from global cultures, but many of the genre's defining elements are deeply rooted in Japan's mythology and traditions.

Anime demons encompass a diverse spectrum. While some resemble traditional Western demons—adorned with horns and embodying pure malice—many others are intricate supernatural entities with human-like depth. In certain cases, they even take on the role of protagonists in their narratives.

Anime series and films frequently originate from manga, Japan's equivalent of comics and graphic novels. Often, the characters featured here were first brought to life by manga artists, who occasionally contribute to the adaptations of their original creations.