Best and New Demon Anime in 2020!

What makes demon animes awesome? What keeps you coming back for more episodes?

If you ask me, it’s the survival instincts of the heroes. If they can escape and survive the carnage of the dystopian societies they’re living in, then I’m in for a “Halloween Trick-or-Treat”!

Not only will I read the original source material, but I am also going to collect figurines and purchase posters of the demon anime and manga series!

Today, allow me to present the best and new demon animes of 2020! Whether you watch the show because of the action, monsters, or plotlines, you’re gonna find all these elements in this list!

Disclaimer: I will be discussing the plotlines of several demon genre animes while hinting on minor spoilers. So please, read carefully.

10. Wan Sheng Jie / All Saints Street (Season 2)

Wan Sheng Jie is a web manga made into an anime. Not only is it delivered in a unique way; it’s also very short — 4 to 5 minutes only per episode!

The plot is very lighthearted! Neil Bowman is a demon who left hell because he can’t conduct any evil deeds.

He is an odd demon because he has an affinity with humans. So, he decided to leave home and meet up with an online friend living in the human world.

Unbeknownst to him, his online friend (Ira) is a vampire! And he lives in Apartment 1031 (a pun for October 31) with otherworldly beings popular during Halloween (“All Saints Day” in other nations).

Hijinks ensue as Neil interacts with Ira’s other roommates: Vladimir (a werewolf), and Abu (a mummy). And in the second season of this original net animation (ONA), we see Neil being visited by his older brother from hell!

The story is fun, but I also love the bold colours and lines used in this anime!

9. Jashin-chan Dropkick’ / Dropkick on My Devil!! Dash (Season 2)

Despite the adorable and cute female protagonists associated with this anime, this show is very brutal.

In the OP, you see a gothic red-haired girl massacre to death the titular blonde-haired character of the show. And after completing episode 1 of Season 1, I’ll bet you that you’re going to rewatch that opening again to get a detailed look.

This anime references creatures like the gorgon Medusa and minotaur from Greek mythology. Jashin-chan herself is an Echidna, one of the deadliest beasts in Greek mythology. It is a monster that is half-human and half-snake.

Jashin-chan’s body and face often gets censored after her sadistic master, Yurine, finishes torturing her. The tortures don’t stop just at the beating; sometimes, the demon summoner (Yurine) electrocutes her prey (Jashin-chan).

Based on a web comic, the original net animation (ONA) is categorized in the comedy genre.

While Season 2 focuses on the cohabitation between demon Jashin-chan and occultist Yurine, the anime finds more humorous ways to spice up their relationship (even if it means more crippling of a fictional character).

8. Somali and the Forest Spirit

This Winter 2020 began with class in the form of “Somali to Mori no Kamisama”, which premiered on January 10. And I say “class” because of the slice-of-life genre of this show despite its rich casts of forests creatures.

The show is about a young girl (Somali) and his adopted father (Golem). Both travel around the world in search of humans. In their adventures, they meet other forests or spirit creatures who help them in their quests.

“Human-like elves”, “golems”, “witches”, “spirits” — no matter how you describe them, Yako Gureishi (the author of the manga) is trying to tell us to appreciate diversity. And that’s what makes the world of Somali so enriching even if the show is tagged in the “demon” genres!

The title of the anime is based on Somalia, a country located east of Ethiopia in Africa. The Muslim citizens of Somalia are called “Somali”, which could also refer to their language.

Just like Somalia, the manga transports readers to foreign and exotic places; but the anime excels in bringing these lovely locations to life!

The OST is also on point because Inori Minase (the voice actress of Somali, the show’s female protagonist) also performed the anime’s heartwarming ending theme song, “Kokoro Somali” (or “Somali Heart”).

7. Dorohedoro

Carnage, mutilated arms, decapitated bodies, monsters — what more could you ask for? With a touch of comedy, supernatural, magic, and body horror blended in the Seinen genre, Dorohedoro gives it all!

Dorohedoro (2020) - Official Trailer

MAPPA truly is the king of animation when it comes to Shōnen fantasy! After finishing episode 1, you’ll ask yourself whether you want to follow Kaiman and Nikaido’s journey as they search for the truth in Hole district.

Kaiman has the head of a lizard but the body of a man. A sorcerer transfigured Kaiman’s head into a reptilian one.

Therefore, his reptilian instincts affect him big time — from his physical prowess to his appetite! Only Nikaido’s cooking (such as her gyoza dumplings) can satisfy his cravings.

There’s a lot of blood splattering, skeletons, bayonets, and cesspools in this show. So, if you’re courageous to watch this show, bring it on!

The manga is complete, but who knows if there will be a second season to this gory anime. Many adult viewers like this show, which is why Netflix licensed it.

6. The Misfit of Demon King Academy

It’s amazing how magic and academy are the only basic ingredients you need to ensure The Misfit of Demon King’s Academy continues to rise in popularity.

The show gives viewers the basic premise of teenagers attending a magic school and saving the world. But it’s more than that because of the several subplots surrounding it: a magic sword tournament; royals fighting for the throne; and magical troops pledging their allegiances to their leaders.

Aside from the Harry Potter vibes and My Hero Academia similarities that viewers get and feel in the first few episode, the personality and romance of the women in this show are incredible! 😊

Misha and Sasha have lingering feelings for Anos, the protagonist of the show and the real Demon King of Tyranny. Meanwhile, Misa and Lay’s love could give viewers the idea of romance fan fictions! Even Zeshia and Eleonore’s debut by the end of the series is a treat!

Even if the show concluded with just only 13 episodes, 8 volumes of the light novel (the anime’s source material) have been published to date.

5. Kimetsu no Yaiba: Mugen Ressha-hen

This list is not complete without “Demon Slayer Movie: Infinity Train”, (released on October 16).

Demon Slayer - Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Movie: Mugen Train Official Trailer

With the franchise’s surging popularity in the demon anime genre, Mugen Train has already earned over US $198 million on Japanese ticket sales in its fourth week.

This is more than double Kimi no Na Wa’s numbers, which only earned over US $83 million Japanese ticket sales during Week 4.

If it weren’t for the social distancing restrictions, I’m sure Mugen Train would have grossed higher ticket sales! After all, it adapted one of the most exciting arcs in the manga — the Mugen Train arc (covering Chapter 53 up to Chapter 69).

At Shinobu’s advice, Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu, and Inosuke hopped onto the Mugen Train (or Infinity Train) to inquire the original user of the Flame Breathing technique — Kyojuro Rengoku.

Fans will get to know Rengoku more because he is the Flame Hashira. Rengoku’s technique intrigues Tanjiro because he himself uses the Fire Breathing technique.

And in their adventures, the casts will encounter two demons of the “Twelve Kizuki” (or “Twelve Moon Demons”).

1. Enmu (Lower Moon # 1);
2. Akaza (Upper Moon # 3)

The OST in the movie “Homura” is also a showstopper! After all, it is performed by LiSA and composed by Yuki Kajiura, a music composer for Sword Art Online (2018 – 2020) and Fate/Zero (2011-2012).

4. Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon

If you like the InuYasha series, then why not give Hanyô no Yashahime: Sengoku Otogizoushi, its sequel, a chance? Set in the Warring States Era of Japan, “Hanyô no Yashahime” is filled with demons rooted in Japanese folktales and other Southeast Asian myths.

Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon | Official Announcement | VIZ

And with Rumiko Takahashi heavily supervising the sequel from scriptwriting to character designs, you can bet it’s making a lot of noise in the anime community!

InuYasha is a classic action-packed franchise since the early 2000s. So, even if there are new characters on Yashahime, adult fans who grew up with InuYasha still look forward to it!

The sequel highlights the adventures of Sesshōmaru and InuYasha’s 14-year old daughters. And what a bold move it is for a classic Shōnen franchise such as InuYasha!

Three girls taking the driver’s seat in Yashahime may turn off many fans who grew up with the original series. But Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha inspire many young female viewers to pursue their dreams despite gender differences.

The adventures still take place in the Sengoku Jidai. But with the Queen of Manga putting the spotlight on three fighting beauties, expect this journey to be fresh! What a treat it is to look forward to Yashahime episodes every Saturday morning! 😄

3. Fire Force

Watching Fire Force helps me realize more heroes of our community: firefighters! That’s right! Firefighters are not given the limelight in the anime industry unlike soldiers serving in the military; that is, until the arrival of Fire Force.

Just look at the outcome when this anime was released back in 2015:

• 2 seasons of the anime (2^nd season is still ongoing!)
• 25 manga volumes (Kodansha is still publishing it even after 5+ successful years)

The second season of Fire Force no doubt makes a lot of noise in the anime community. Thanks to Shinra, Arthur, Maki, Iris, Tamaki, and many more friends from Company 8, the anime pulls hundreds of thousands of viewers into the show!

In the first episode of the second season, viewers will find Shinra in deep thought. He’s thinking how he can unravel the mystery of the Evangelist and Adolla Bursts. It’s thanks to Captain Burns after all that he was able to gather intel about Evangelist’s motivations.

This second season, viewers should anticipate:

• the appearance of the pyrokinetic “First Pillar”;
• how Shinra attempts to save Shō Kusakabe from the White-Clad; and
• another Great Cataclysm from the Evangelist!

It’ll be a heated battle for sure!

2. Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle

Out of all the animes I’ve watched this season, this show is the most adorable and kid-friendliest of them all! It’s listed in the demon genre but it’s not terrifying. In fact, its comedic and slice-of-life themes pulls me into reading the manga! 😁

This anime introduces us to the vain and spoiled kid, Syalis, an abducted princess whose goal is to simply get a good night’s sleep in the demon castle.

While Syalis succeeds in making pillows, sewing bed sheets, and creating mosquito nets, medals and awards popped up in the tv screen as if viewers won a role-playing game!

The silly antics going through Syalis’ head leads her to trouble and perilous quests! In just two episodes, she died three times! But she’s sadistic enough to use large scissors to cut off demon’s body parts so she can make a comfortable mattress! 🤣

I also love the fact that Inori Minase sung the OP and voiced princess Syalis in this show. She’s a wonderful voice actress because she also sung the ED and voiced the female protagonist in “Somali and the Forest Spirit”.

The series has a medieval Sleeping Beauty shōjo vibe in it when I looked up its visuals. It’s full of Halloween monsters, but I enjoyed watching every minute of it!

Before we get to number one, here are some honourable mentions. Some ofthem are popular, but I didn’t include them in the list because AniList.co classified these demon genre shows at 50% or less.

1. Jujutsu Kaisen

The best (and new) demon anime to watch in 2020 is Jujutsu Kaisen (“Sorcery Fight”)! Not only is this show jammed-packed with action scenes; it’s also filled with a funky OST that enriches its already colorful casts!

The storyline of Jujutsu Kaisen revolves in cursed spirits (these are the “demons” in the show). But don’t fret! This is not an anime filled with overpowered characters beating demons.

In fact, with 7 episodes so far, this two-cour anime is a hot topic in the anime community because of its multi-layered and cool set of characters pursuing justice!

As we head towards a cooler temperature this Fall and Winter, be ready for Jujutsu Kaisen to spice things up! This show is the very definition of fire in the Shōnen genre! And I’m rooting for it because of the important tone and relevant message it has set since Episode 1.

The storyline may be similar to many Shōnen animes that viewers have seen already. However, the world-building and story concept are what glued viewers to their seats!

As an anime-only, I can see what makes each character shine! For example, Fushiguro is a mystery even if he is just a deuteragonist. His backstory is not yet fully revealed, but it intrigues many viewers.

Itadori, the show’s protagonist, is quirky, fun, and a reliable guy. And his character development is something to look forward to in the show! 😁

Both have their own reasons to become Jujutsu Sorcerers; but exploring their mindsets throughout the series excites me with each new episode!

Jujutsu Kaisen also stands out from the rest because of the clean and smooth animated fight scenes. It’s directed by MAPPA studio after all! And in the hands of Sunghoo Park (who is also the director of “The God of High School” anime), Jujutsu Kaisen is cementing itself to be a popular anime contender this year! 😆

Well, there you have it! What do you think? Which of these demon genre shows have you watched? And which of them will you be watching? Let us know in the comments section below! 😁

About Demon Anime

Demon animes are popular because of the thrill and suspense they bring to the viewers. Without them, neither Shōnen nor Seinen demographics would exist.

Many manga and anime series used monsters, curses, robots, and demons to enhance the quality of their stories. With so many to choose from and so little time, it’s already difficult to pick which shows to watch!