Blue Exorcist (Ao no Exorcist) blends supernatural battles, intricate power systems, and heartfelt underdog storytelling, all while twisting genre expectations. Following Rin Okumura—a boy who learns he’s the son of Satan—it explores loyalty, identity, and the struggle to control one’s own fate.
For fans craving more anime with a similar mix of emotional stakes, layered worldbuilding, and character growth, here are 15 lesser-known gems that deserve far more attention. These picks echo Blue Exorcist’s mix of thrilling supernatural combat, flawed yet determined protagonists, and worlds that reward deep dives.
1. Chrono Crusade (2003)
- Streaming: Funimation, Crunchyroll (sub & dub)
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 7.58
- Studio: Gonzo
- Awards: Animage Anime Grand Prix Nominee
Plot: In 1920s America, exorcist Rosette Christopher teams up with Chrono, a repentant demon, to battle supernatural threats and search for her missing brother.
Similarities to Blue Exorcist: Combines exorcism-based combat with personal stakes, explores bonds between humans and demons, and mixes high-action with heartfelt drama.
2. Black Blood Brothers (2006)
- Streaming: Hulu, Funimation
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.04
- Studio: Group TAC
Plot: Jirou, a legendary vampire, returns to a changed world to protect his younger brother while navigating dangerous vampire factions.
Similarities: Brotherhood-driven plot, supernatural politics, and moral gray areas in battles—mirroring Rin’s struggle between human and demonic worlds.
3. 07-Ghost (2009)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 25
- MAL Rating: 7.29
- Studio: Studio DEEN
Plot: Teito Klein, an amnesiac cadet with mysterious powers, becomes embroiled in a battle between the church and the Barsburg Empire.
Similarities: Religious orders, magical combat systems, and themes of identity and hidden lineage resonate with Blue Exorcist’s narrative style.
4. The Devil Is a Part-Timer! (2013)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
- Episodes: 13 (Season 1) + 12 (Season 2)
- MAL Rating: 7.77
- Studio: White Fox (S1), Studio 3Hz (S2)
Plot: Satan himself is transported to modern Tokyo and forced to work at a fast-food restaurant while plotting his return to power.
Similarities: Subverts expectations of “demon = villain,” blends humor with supernatural conflict, and humanizes demonic characters.
5. Noragami (2014)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Episodes: 12 (S1) + 13 (S2)
- MAL Rating: 7.96
- Studio: Bones
Plot: Struggling god-for-hire Yato takes odd jobs to gain followers, while battling spirits and his mysterious past.
Similarities: Urban supernatural setting, charming yet flawed protagonist, and a balance of humor, action, and emotional beats.
6. Rokka: Braves of the Six Flowers (2015)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.27
- Studio: Passione
Plot: Six chosen warriors are destined to defeat the Demon God, but when seven appear, suspicion and mistrust rise.
Similarities: Team dynamics under pressure, mystical powers, and tension between allies echo the exorcist team’s challenges in Blue Exorcist.
7. Twin Star Exorcists (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Episodes: 50
- MAL Rating: 7.05
- Studio: Studio Pierrot
Plot: Two young exorcists are prophesied to marry and produce the ultimate warrior against monsters called Kegare.
Similarities: Demon-slaying missions, academy-style training, and prophecy-driven character arcs closely parallel Blue Exorcist.
8. Dies Irae (2017)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 11 + specials
- MAL Rating: 5.68
- Studio: A.C.G.T.
Plot: A young man becomes entangled with a secret society of supernatural Nazi officers aiming to bring apocalypse.
Similarities: Heavy lore, dark magical powers, and protagonist caught in a supernatural war he barely understands.
9. D.Gray-man Hallow (2016)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 13 (Hallow) + 103 total with original
- MAL Rating: 7.63 (Hallow)
- Studio: TMS Entertainment
Plot: Allen Walker, an exorcist with a cursed eye, fights Akuma—machines powered by human souls—under the Black Order’s guidance.
Similarities: Exorcist organization, tragic pasts, and cursed abilities create thematic echoes with Rin’s journey.
10. Devilman Crybaby (2018)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Episodes: 10
- MAL Rating: 7.78
- Studio: Science SARU
Plot: Akira Fudo merges with a demon to protect humanity, only to face the brutal truth of human and demonic natures.
Similarities: Protagonist caught between two worlds, morally complex conflicts, and emotional gut punches.
11. To the Abandoned Sacred Beasts (2019)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 6.40
- Studio: MAPPA
Plot: Soldiers transformed into beasts to win a war are hunted down when they lose control of their powers.
Similarities: Themes of humanity vs. monstrous nature, military-supernatural blend, and tragic antiheroes.
12. Kemono Jihen (2021)
- Streaming: Funimation, Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.45
- Studio: Ajia-do Animation Works
Plot: A boy shunned for his half-human, half-ghoul heritage joins a detective agency handling supernatural crimes.
Similarities: Hybrid protagonist, found family themes, and investigative supernatural missions akin to Blue Exorcist’s exorcist hunts.
13. Sakugan (2021)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.15
- Studio: Satelight
Plot: A father-daughter duo navigate dangerous underground labyrinths while uncovering hidden truths about their world.
Similarities: Parent/child-like bonds, adventure through perilous worlds, and strong emotional cores within action-packed settings.
14. The Faraway Paladin (2021)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12 (Season 1)
- MAL Rating: 7.25
- Studio: Children’s Playground Entertainment
Plot: A boy raised by three undead guardians embarks on a journey to discover his destiny in a divine world.
Similarities: Unique upbringing, mentor relationships, and a protagonist navigating divine vs. mortal responsibilities.
15. Call of the Night (2022)
- Streaming: HIDIVE
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 8.02
- Studio: LIDENFILMS
Plot: A restless boy meets a vampire girl, exploring the allure of the night while questioning human connections.
Similarities: Dark yet stylish atmosphere, human-monster bonds, and a protagonist lured toward a supernatural life.
Why These Anime Work for Blue Exorcist Fans
Each of these series captures key ingredients that make Blue Exorcist stand out—whether it’s an intricate supernatural power system, characters torn between two worlds, or relationships that anchor high-stakes conflicts. By mixing older underappreciated gems with recent releases, this list ensures fans have a diverse range of emotional and action-packed experiences while avoiding overly mainstream picks. Whether you’re here for deep lore, morally complex heroes, or simply gorgeous fight animation, these anime will scratch the same itch while surprising you with fresh perspectives.
