Top 10 Demon Possession Anime To Watch

Hey everyone! Ever get that spooky, thrilling feeling from a good story? Well, today we're diving deep into the dark and twisted world of demon possessed anime. You know, the ones where characters suddenly gain insane powers, or maybe lose control to an ancient evil? Yeah, those! We're talking about epic battles, psychological horror, and sometimes, even a touch of dark humor. It’s a genre that really lets creators explore the duality of human nature and the terrifying power of the supernatural. So grab your popcorn, maybe a good luck charm, and let's get into some of the most compelling tales of humans battling or succumbing to demonic forces.

This genre isn't just about jump scares, guys. It often delves into profound themes like struggle against inner demons, the corrupting influence of power, and what it truly means to maintain your humanity when faced with overwhelming evil. We see characters wrestling with their own desires and the insidious whispers of otherworldly entities. The visual storytelling in these anime can be absolutely stunning, with detailed character designs that shift from human to monstrous, and action sequences that are both brutal and breathtaking. It's a fantastic way to explore the darker side of fantasy and horror, offering a unique blend of action, drama, and supernatural elements that keeps you hooked from the very first episode. Whether you're looking for a tale of a hero who uses demonic power for good, or a cautionary story about the price of forbidden knowledge, there's something in this genre for everyone.

1. Blue Exorcist (Ao no Exorcist)

Let's kick things off with a classic that many of you probably know and love: Blue Exorcist. This anime throws us into the world of Rin Okumura, a seemingly ordinary, albeit rebellious, teenager who discovers he's actually the son of Satan himself! Talk about a dramatic family reunion, right? When Satan tries to drag Rin to the demon world, Rin's adoptive father, a renowned exorcist, sacrifices himself to protect his sons. This tragic event awakens Rin's demonic powers, turning him into a vessel for the flames of hell. But here's the twist: instead of becoming evil, Rin decides to fight against his demonic heritage. He enrolls in True Cross Academy, a school dedicated to training exorcists, determined to become stronger and defeat his father. It’s a really compelling premise, seeing a guy literally struggling with the devil inside him, choosing the path of good. You get incredible action sequences where Rin unleashes his blue flames, but you also get a lot of character development as he grapples with his identity and the prejudice he faces from others who fear his demonic bloodline. The relationships between Rin, his twin brother Yukio (who is a prodigy exorcist), and their friends are also a huge part of the charm. It's a great blend of action, drama, humor, and supernatural battles that makes Blue Exorcist a must-watch for any fan of the demon possessed theme. The animation is top-notch, the characters are relatable, and the story keeps you invested in Rin's journey to protect humanity from his own father.

2. Chainsaw Man

Alright, buckle up, because Chainsaw Man is the new kid on the block that’s shaking things up! This anime is wild, violent, and absolutely brilliant. We follow Denji, a super poor and desperate young man who works as a devil hunter, essentially owing a massive debt to the yakuza. His only companion is his devil-dog, Pochita, who is actually the Chainsaw Devil. In a tragic turn of events, Denji is betrayed and killed, but Pochita, in a selfless act, merges with Denji's heart, reviving him as a human-devil hybrid. Now, Denji can transform into the fearsome Chainsaw Man, a being with chainsaws erupting from his head and arms! The anime follows Denji as he joins a public safety devil hunter organization, teaming up with quirky and dangerous characters like Power and Aki Hayakawa. What makes Chainsaw Man so unique is its sheer absurdity and its surprisingly heartfelt moments. Denji isn't some noble hero; he's driven by simple desires like eating good food and maybe, just maybe, getting a girlfriend. The action is incredibly gory and creative, showcasing the visceral nature of fighting devils. It’s a story about survival, found family, and the bizarre consequences of making pacts with devils. The demon possession aspect here is less about being controlled and more about a symbiotic or parasitic relationship, where humans and devils coexist, often violently. The animation by MAPPA is phenomenal, bringing the manga's distinct art style and chaotic energy to life. It’s a refreshing take on the genre, full of dark humor and shocking twists that will leave you breathless.

3. Jujutsu Kaisen

Prepare yourselves for Jujutsu Kaisen, a series that has taken the anime world by storm! This show is packed with incredible action, fascinating characters, and a unique magic system centered around cursed energy. The story begins with Yuji Itadori, a high school student with superhuman physical abilities, who one day swallows a cursed object – a finger belonging to the legendary and terrifying curse, Ryomen Sukuna. By doing this, Yuji inadvertently becomes Sukuna's vessel, gaining immense cursed energy and the ability to perform incredible feats, but also risking being completely taken over by the King of Curses. To make matters worse, Yuji becomes a target for other curses and sorcerers who want to eliminate him before Sukuna can fully awaken. He's eventually brought into Tokyo Jujutsu High, a school for sorcerers, where he trains under the enigmatic Satoru Gojo. The concept of demon possession in Jujutsu Kaisen is handled masterfully. It's not just about a demon taking over; it's about a constant battle of wills between Yuji and Sukuna. Yuji has to learn to control this immense power without losing himself, all while fighting terrifying cursed spirits that manifest from negative human emotions. The series excels in its fight choreography, which is fluid, dynamic, and incredibly satisfying to watch. The character dynamics, the exploration of different cursed techniques, and the overarching plot create a world that is both dark and strangely hopeful. If you love seeing characters grapple with immense, dangerous power and the threat of losing their identity, Jujutsu Kaisen is an absolute must-see. It’s a true modern classic in the making.

4. Hellsing Ultimate

Now, let's delve into something a bit more gothic and mature: Hellsing Ultimate. This is an OVA series that adapts the manga with incredible fidelity and a level of violence that is frankly astounding. We follow the Hellsing Organization, a British paramilitary group dedicated to hunting down vampires and other supernatural threats. Their secret weapon? Alucard, a ridiculously powerful ancient vampire who serves the Hellsing family. But Alucard isn't just any vampire; he's a being of immense power, capable of incredible transformations and feats of destruction. The twist? Alucard is actually Dracula himself, bound to serve the Hellsing family after being defeated centuries ago. The anime explores the concept of demon possession and vampirism through Alucard's existence. He's a creature of darkness, yet he fights for humanity, albeit in his own brutal and terrifying way. The story gets really intense as Hellsing faces off against a rogue Nazi sect, Millennium, who seek to wage eternal war. The animation is breathtakingly detailed, the action sequences are brutal and bloody, and the atmosphere is thick with gothic dread. Alucard is one of the most iconic anti-heroes in anime, and his internal struggles and the sheer force of his power make him a fascinating character. If you enjoy dark, violent stories with complex characters and a mature take on supernatural horror, Hellsing Ultimate is an absolute masterpiece you won't want to miss. It's a gory, thrilling ride from start to finish.

5. Devilman Crybaby

Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster and some truly disturbing imagery with Devilman Crybaby. This is a Netflix original and a modern reimagining of Go Nagai's classic manga. The story follows Akira Fudo, a kind-hearted and sensitive young man who is deeply worried about his best friend, Ryo Asuka, who has gone missing. Ryo reappears claiming that demons are about to return to Earth and overthrow humanity. He convinces Akira to join him in a satanic ritual to merge with a demon, believing that only a Devilman can fight them. Akira successfully merges with the powerful demon Amon, becoming a Devilman – a being with the power of a demon but the heart of a human. However, this newfound power comes at a terrible cost. The anime is renowned for its explicit content, intense violence, and heartbreaking narrative. The demon possession here is central to Akira's transformation, but it also explores how fear and prejudice can drive humanity to its own destruction. As Akira fights demons, he also faces the wrath of a society that fears and misunderstands him. The animation style is unique and striking, and the story is incredibly tragic and thought-provoking. It pushes boundaries and isn't afraid to explore the darkest aspects of human nature and the supernatural. Devilman Crybaby is a brutal, beautiful, and unforgettable experience that stays with you long after the credits roll. It’s a masterpiece of dark fantasy.

6. The Case Study of Vanitas

Switching gears slightly, let's talk about The Case Study of Vanitas, a visually stunning and intriguing series that blends steampunk aesthetics with vampire lore and a dash of supernatural mystery. The story is set in 19th-century Paris, where vampires live secretly among humans. However, a plague known as the 'Bloody Curse' is driving them into a feral state, turning them into monstrous creatures called 'Buru' vampires. Our protagonists are Noé, a young vampire, and Vanitas, a mysterious human doctor who claims to have inherited a forbidden grimoire, the Book of Vanitas, which holds the power to restore or steal vampires' true names and, consequently, their souls. Vanitas uses his powers to 'cure' afflicted vampires, but his methods are often questionable and tied to a darker agenda. The demon possession aspect isn't as straightforward as others; it's more about the corruption and loss of self that the 'Bloody Curse' inflicts upon vampires, essentially making them puppets of their own distorted desires. Vanitas himself might have a demonic connection, given his origins and his ability to manipulate souls. The anime is incredibly stylish, with gorgeous animation and a captivating soundtrack. The dynamic between the stoic Noé and the flamboyant, often manipulative Vanitas is a highlight. It's a fascinating exploration of vampire lore, cursed beings, and the blurred lines between good and evil, all wrapped up in a beautifully animated package. If you're looking for something with a bit more elegance and mystery alongside your supernatural battles, this one is definitely worth checking out.

7. Tokyo Ghoul

Now, for a series that delves into the horror of identity and the monstrous within: Tokyo Ghoul. This anime plunges us into a world where ghouls, creatures that resemble humans but must feed on human flesh to survive, live in secret among us. Ken Kaneki, a shy and bookish college student, has a life-altering encounter when he falls for a woman named Rize, who turns out to be a ghoul. After a near-fatal accident, Kaneki receives organ transplants from Rize to save his life, inadvertently turning him into a half-ghoul. This transformation forces Kaneki to grapple with his new, insatiable hunger and the duality of his existence. He struggles to maintain his humanity while being torn between the ghoul world and the human world. The demon possession element here is metaphorical, representing the internal struggle against monstrous urges and the loss of one's identity. Kaneki’s journey is a brutal and often tragic exploration of what it means to be human when you possess monstrous power. The series is known for its dark atmosphere, psychological depth, and intense, gory fight scenes. As Kaneki navigates this dangerous new reality, he encounters various factions of ghouls and the CCG, an organization dedicated to exterminating them. The anime is praised for its thematic complexity and its unflinching look at the consequences of violence and prejudice. If you enjoy stories about characters struggling with their monstrous side and the existential horror of losing oneself, Tokyo Ghoul is a compelling watch, despite its later seasons receiving mixed reception.

8. Owari no Seraph (Seraph of the End)

Let's dive into a post-apocalyptic world with Owari no Seraph, or Seraph of the End. In this anime, a mysterious virus wipes out most of humanity, leaving only children below the age of 13 to survive. However, these surviving children are then enslaved by vampires who emerge from the depths of the earth, treating them as livestock. Our protagonist, Yuichiro Hyakuya, along with his orphanage companions, attempts to escape their vampire captors. Tragically, their escape fails, and Yuichiro is the sole survivor, filled with a burning desire for revenge against the vampires. He joins the Japanese Imperial Demon Army, a military organization fighting against the vampire menace. Here, he learns to wield cursed gear, weapons powered by the souls of demons. The demon possession theme is explored through these cursed weapons, which grant immense power but come with the risk of the user being consumed by the demon's will. Yuichiro himself eventually forms a pact with a demon named Asuramaru. The anime blends intense action, military intrigue, and a compelling story of found family and revenge. The world-building is quite interesting, with a clear conflict between humans and vampires, and the introduction of angels and seraphs adding another layer to the mythology. If you like stories about demonically powered weapons, post-apocalyptic settings, and characters driven by a thirst for vengeance, Owari no Seraph offers an engaging experience with plenty of supernatural battles and emotional depth.

9. Hell Girl (Jigoku Shoujo)

Moving into a more supernatural and psychological realm, we have Hell Girl. This anime presents a unique take on demon possession, or rather, demonic intervention. The premise is chilling: there's a website called the 'Hell Correspondence' that people can only access at midnight. If you type in the name of someone you wish to exact revenge upon, Ai Enma, the Hell Girl, will appear. She will ferry the target's soul to hell, but in return, the person who summoned her will also be sent to hell once they die. Ai Enma herself is a mysterious entity, a girl who lives in a parallel dimension with her grandmother and two servants, Renkotsu and Wanyu. She is bound by a curse to ferry souls to hell as punishment for past transgressions. While not a direct possession of a living human in the traditional sense, the series explores the demonic influence and the irreversible consequences of hatred and revenge. Each episode typically features a different story of someone seeking revenge, and we witness Ai Enma's cold, detached intervention. The anime has a distinctive episodic structure, delving into the dark aspects of human nature and the cyclical nature of suffering. The visual style is eerie and atmospheric, perfectly complementing the dark themes. It's a more contemplative and unsettling take on the supernatural, focusing on the moral and psychological toll of demonic pacts and revenge. If you're looking for something that explores the darker side of humanity through a supernatural lens, Hell Girl is a fascinating and haunting series.

10. Dororo

Finally, let's end with a critically acclaimed historical fantasy anime: Dororo. Set in feudal Japan, this series tells the story of Hyakkimaru, a young man who was born during a demonic ritual performed by his father, a warlord named Daigo Kagemitsu. Daigo sacrificed Hyakkimaru's body parts to 48 demons in exchange for land and power. As a result, Hyakkimaru was born without eyes, ears, nose, or limbs, and his very existence was rejected. However, a sympathetic divine doctor saved him, creating prosthetics for him, and he was raised by thieves. The true kicker? Hyakkimaru can absorb the flesh and power of the demons that were stolen from him, and each time he defeats a demon, he regains a part of his body and senses. The demon possession here is literal: his body was possessed and dismembered by demons from birth. His quest is to hunt down these 48 demons to reclaim his stolen body and humanity. He is accompanied by Dororo, a young, mischievous orphan who becomes his companion. The anime is a brilliant blend of action, adventure, and dark fantasy, exploring themes of identity, humanity, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. The animation is beautiful, capturing the gritty atmosphere of feudal Japan and the terrifying designs of the demons. Hyakkimaru's journey is one of profound struggle and self-discovery. It’s a story about fighting back against the darkness that has consumed you and reclaiming what was unjustly taken. If you're into historical settings, folklore, and epic tales of demon hunting and reclaiming one's body, Dororo is an absolute gem.

So there you have it, guys! Ten incredible anime that delve into the thrilling and often terrifying world of demon possession. Whether it's a hero battling an inner demon, a hybrid fighting for survival, or a soul paying the price for revenge, this genre offers some of the most compelling narratives out there. Which ones have you seen? Any favorites we missed? Let us know in the comments below! Stay spooky!