Blue Exorcist has become one of the most popular anime and manga series of recent times, with the seventh volume of the manga becoming the first Shonen Jump comic to hit a million copies in its first print run. The anime is arguably even more popular. Both critics and audiences love its blend of Japanese and Western cultures, unique magic system, animation, and mix of comedy and action.

Fans currently enjoying the highly anticipated third season of the anime may crave more stories about demons and exorcists, with a dash of religious imagery. Fortunately, there are plenty of action anime out there that have a similar look and feel to Blue Exorcist.

10 Chrono Crusade

MyAnimeList Score: 7.61

• Release Date: November 24, 2003
• Creator: Moriyama Daisuke
• Genres: Action, Historical, Supernatural
• Studio: Gonzo
• No. of Episodes: 24

Chrono Crusade follows the adventures of two exorcists, Sister Rosette Christopher and her demon partner Chrono, in the United States in the 1920s. They work for the Order of Magdalene, an organization dedicated to fighting demons and other malevolent entities. Rosetta and Chrono are also haunted by their dark pasts, with the former desperate to find her missing brother.

Both this series and Blue Exorcist feature overt Christian imagery, with the protagonists being part of exorcist organizations dedicated to combating demons. Rosette and Rin Okumura both embark on journeys related to their family members. Rin tries to find the truth about his father, Satan, while Rosette tries to find out what happened to her brother.

9 07-Ghost

MyAnimeList Score: 7.19

• Release Date: April 7, 2009
• Creator: Amemiya Yuki and Ichihara Yukino
• Genres: Action, Fantasy, Military
• Studio: Deen
• No. of Episodes: 25

Set in a fantasy world ruled by the military, 07-Ghost follows a former slave, Teito Klein, who has no memory of his past. He discovers he carries a supernatural talisman called the Eye of Mikhail, which allows him to contact the God Mikhail and gain his powers. Teito becomes entangled in a conspiracy involving the military and the Church, leading him on a quest for his true identity.

Related

Best Josei Anime, Ranked

Josei anime is home to some really endearing stories. Fans shouldn't miss out on these examples.

While Blue Exorcist and 07-Ghost have distinct settings and plots, and are aimed at different demographics, there are plenty of subtle similarities. Both series have supernaturally powered protagonists involved with mysterious organizations, with plenty of references to Christianity and the Bible.

8 Twin Star Exorcists

MyAnimeList Score: 7.30

• Release Date: April 6, 2016
• Creator: Sukeno Yoshiaki
• Genres: Action, Supernatural, Fantasy
• Studio: Pierrot
• No. of Episodes: 50

In a world where malevolent creatures called Kegare threaten humanity, Rokuro Enmado and Benio Adashino are exorcists tasked with eliminating these creatures. Rokuro and Benio are destined to be the parents of the ultimate spiritual warrior, Miko, who is prophesied to defeat the most powerful Kegare.

The similarities between Twin Star Exorcists and Blue Exorcist may be obvious from the description alone. Both are shonen stories about young exorcists fighting against supernatural entities, and the former will appeal to fans of the latter.

7 Seraph of the End

MyAnimeList Score: 7.49

• Release Date: April 4, 2015
• Creator: Takaya Kagami
• Genres: Action, Supernatural, Drama
• Studio: Wit Studio and MAPPA (season 2)
• No. of Episodes: 24

Seraph of the End features a post-apocalyptic setting with vampires. A mysterious virus has wiped out most of humanity, leaving only children under 13 alive. Vampires, once thought to be a myth, enslave these children under the pretense of 'protection.' Yuichiro Hyakuya, a 12-year-old orphan, vows to take revenge on these vampires after witnessing the death of his family and friends. He joins the Japanese Imperial Demon Army, an organization dedicated to eradicating these beings.

Like Blue Exorcist, Seraph of the End is a shonen anime with plenty of action. Both series feature revenge-seeking protagonists facing supernatural threats and joining secret organizations dedicated to fighting them.

6 Blood+

MyAnimeList Score: 7.64

Loosely inspired by the 2000 anime film Blood: The Last Vampire, Blood+ tells the story of Sayu Otonashi, an anemic amnesiac who discovers she's the only one who can defeat vampiric creatures known as Chiropterans. She arms herself with a special katana to fight these monsters, along with a mysterious man named Haji and the aid of a secret organization called Red Shield.

Blood+ is a lot darker and more violent than Blue Exorcist, but if they're up for the more mature tone, fans of the latter will find a lot to like. Both series feature protagonists fighting supernatural threats, with organizations working to combat them.

5 Noragami

MyAnimeList Score: 7.95

A Delivery God named Yato dreams of only one thing: to have his own shrine and collect numerous followers. Deciding to take on a few odd jobs to save enough money for that goal, he is saved from an oncoming bus by a girl named Hiyori Iki. Unfortunately, her soul gets knocked out of her body in the process, allowing her contact with the spirit world. Along with a Regalia named Yukine, the three go on many adventures.

Noragami is a bit more lighthearted than Blue Exorcist, but they definitely have a similar feel. Both series feature supernatural and mythological themes. It's worth checking out for a lighter change of pace.

4 Beyond the Boundary

MyAnimeList Score: 7.72

Beyond the Boundary kicks off when Mirai Kuriyama, a spirit world warrior tasked to kill 'youmu' (creatures manifested from negative human emotions), stabs a half-youmu named Akihito Kanbara. To her shock, Akihito is actually immortal. He allows Mirai to use him as practice, so she can get over her fear of killing youmu.

Related

Jujutsu Kaisen & 19 Other Best Anime About Exorcism

Killing demons and banishing spirits has always been a popular topic for anime. Jujustu Kaisen is among these popular animes with exorcism themes.

Like Blue Exorcist, Beyond the Boundary features a half-human and half-supernatural protagonist. However, the latter is more concerned with the romance between Mirai and Akihito. It's perfect for romance anime fans who enjoy the supernatural themes of Blue Exorcist.

3 Shaman King

MyAnimeList Score: 7.75

Shaman King is a classic battle shonen series about a young shaman named Yoh Asakura. As a teenager who can communicate with spirits and use their abilities in battle, he seeks to win the Shaman Fight tournament and become the Shaman King, who can communicate with the Great Spirit and change the world as they see fit.

Both Blue Exorcist's Rin Okumura and Yoh Asakura are carefree, easy-going teenage protagonists with supernatural powers who want the best for the people around them. In classic shonen fashion, both face challenges related to self-discovery and growth.

2 Soul Eater

MyAnimeList Score: 7.84

In the fictional Death City, students attend the Death Weapon Meister Academy to become Meisters and Demon Weapons. Shinigami, a.k.a. Death, runs the Academy. His goal is to create 'Death Scythes,' powerful weapons for the Shinigami to wield against the world's evils.

Related

10 Anime That Ended Up Overtaking The Manga

Adapting a still ongoing manga series can be a tricky endeavor. Here are some anime that dealt with the issue in a myriad of ways.

Obvious supernatural themes aside, both Blue Exorcist and Soul Eater feature students training in a specialized school to battle against supernatural entities. They both feature prominent roles by famous mythological characters, making them perfect for anime fans who love mythology.

1 D.Gray-man

MyAnimeList Score: 8.01

Exorcists? Check. Organizations dedicated to eradicating supernatural threats? Check. Teenage protagonists who use their unique powers to defeat an ultimate evil? Check. Biblical references? Check.

D.Gray-man tells the story of a young exorcist named Allen Walker. His cursed eye allows him to see Akuma, mechanical weapons created by the Millennium Earl from the souls of the deceased to destroy the world. Allen, with the help of an anti-Earl organization known as the Black Order, must learn to use special weapons called Innocence to defeat the Akuma and put a stop to the Earl's plans.

Related

16 Best Gambling Anime

These shows feature high-stakes games and developing narratives that often involve gambling.