10 Greatest Demon Slayer Characters Ever, Ranked (One Goes Out With a Bang)

Koyoharu Gotouge’s renowned Weekly Shonen Jump manga, “Demon Slayer,” has ascended to become one of the most memorable and cherished series ever. The sensational anime adaptation by Ufotable added even more luster to its popularity and amassed a global following. Although the manga concluded in 2020 with a bittersweet ending, the anime will bring the story to a close through a film trilogy. The initial part of the trilogy has already been a smash hit in Japan after its debut on July 18th, 2025, and fans in the U.S. can finally watch it starting from September 12th, 2025. With the release date fast approaching, excitement for the film is sky-high.

The concluding segment is split into two distinct portions: “Infinity Castle” and “Sunrise Countdown,” both of which are anticipated to feature prominently in the franchise. The series boasts a multitude of remarkable characters, many of whom will have their moment to excel during the final confrontation. Beyond its renowned action sequences, Demon Slayer is acclaimed for its emotional resonance and captivating personalities. Consequently, which are the top ten Demon Slayer characters that truly stand out?

Warning: This article contains spoilers from the Demon Slayer manga!

10) Tamayo

In the grand tapestry of this series, it’s evident that Tamayo, though often overlooked, holds a pivotal role in the battle against Muzan Kibutsuji, the ancient demon progenitor. Centuries past, struck by a fatal illness, she made the heart-wrenching decision to embrace her own demise as a demon. Her primary desire was to witness her child’s growth, and Muzan, cunningly exploiting her vulnerability, provided an unthinkable choice. Transformed into a demon, Tamayo lost herself, leading to the tragic deaths of her husband and child. Regret filled her every breath until the very end.

Approximately five centuries past, following Muzan’s defeat by Yoriichi, a remarkable event unfolded as Yoriichi managed to liberate herself from Muzan’s control and vanished into obscurity. Over the ensuing centuries, Tamayo dedicated her life to studying various medicines, poisons, and the blood of demons, all with the aim of exacting retribution against the ancestor of demons. Leveraging her extensive knowledge accumulated over those centuries, as well as collaborating closely with Shinobu Kocho, Tamayo developed a potent drug capable of significantly undermining Muzan’s power.

Moreover, it’s worth noting that she willingly offered to administer the deadly dose to Muzan when he was propelled away by the blast at the Ubuyashiki mansion. Tamayo is often underestimated due to minimal screen time, but her dedication towards the victory of the Demon Slayer Corps deserves recognition. Her intellect and centuries of labor bore fruit, even though she didn’t live to witness her greatest adversary turning into nothing more than dust.

9) Zenitsu Agatsuma

In the company I found myself, Zenitsu’s boisterous demeanor and volume were unmatched. He was often viewed as a nuisance, given to hysterics at the mere sight of demons and collapsing if confronted with them directly. Yet, his reactions, though dramatic, felt authentic within the context of the series. Who wouldn’t be startled or terrified by such ominous and formidable creatures? Despite these panicked outbursts, Zenitsu remained steadfast in his goal to become a Demon Slayer. Remarkably, he would accomplish his tasks with a single swift strike, demonstrating an undeniable efficiency.

Rengoku’s demise struck him as deeply as it did Tanjiro and Inosuke, but the transformation that stood out most was when he received word of his master’s death during the Hashira Training. The news that Jigoro Kuwajima, the ex-Rumble Hashira, had chosen Seppuku due to his shame over training Kaigaku, a disciple who turned demon, was heartbreaking. The only recourse Zenitsu felt he had was to seek vengeance against Kaigaku, and this determination became more resolute after reading the letter, evident in the storyline.

In a surprising yet significant turn of events, his confrontation with the recently promoted Upper Rank Six proved to be short-lived but profound. This encounter served as the climax of his journey as a Demon Slayer, where he showcased his unique style of combat – a self-devised version of Thunder Breathing, compensating for his inability to master other forms.

8) Shinobu Kocho

The Insect Master is equally striking in her beauty as she is formidable in her deadliness. To even be considered for the role of a Demon Slayer, one must possess the strength to decapitate a demon. Given Shinobu’s diminutive stature and weak arm strength, becoming a full-blown Demon Slayer seemed improbable, let alone a Hashira. Yet, she persisted and devised an innovative method to vanquish demons by concocting poisons derived from the Wisteria flower.

She had traveled this distance primarily to seek vengeance for her sister, Kanao Kocho, the Flower Hashira, who perished while battling Doma, the Upper Rank Two. Despite all her efforts, Shinobu realized she couldn’t overcome Doma, so she continued ingesting a potion designed for demons that weakened Doma greatly after he consumed her. From the start, Shinobu’s strategy relied on her own sacrifice, allowing Kanae Tsuyuri to eliminate Upper Moon Two once he had lost much of his power.

It’s alarming how swiftly Shinobu devised a method for retaliation without considering her own well-being at all. Overwhelmed by sorrow, she buried her emotions beneath the smile that her sister cherished so dearly. Not once did she hesitate, not even as she ensured Doma’s demise in her last moments.

7) Kokushibo

In the anime, there’s not a lot of information about Kokushibo yet, but in the manga, he stands out as one of the most impressive villains in the series. As the Upper Moon One, his powers are far more extraordinary than fans initially thought, and it’s no mere coincidence that he bears such a strong resemblance to Yoriichi. In fact, Kokushibo was once known as Michikatsu Tsugikuni, Yoriichi’s older twin brother, in human form. His background reveals the intricate bond between the brothers and how events led him to abandon his human path and transform into a demon.

Kokushibo wasn’t inherently wicked, yet his immense feelings of inferiority, jealousy, and fear drove him astray. Eventually, he found himself with no other option but to transform into a demon. This character is more complex than you might initially think, as his history doesn’t elicit sympathy so much as shed light on the motivations behind his actions.

Ultimately, he acknowledged that deep down, he had felt remorse for his choices since the beginning, but it was now past the point of return for him. His battle against Sanemi Shinazugawa, Muichiro Tokito, Gyomei Himejima, and Genya Shinazugawa stood out as one of the most remarkable fights in the series due to its high-octane action, palpable tension, and profound emotional impact.

6) Kagaya Ubuyashiki

In the realm of Demon Slayer, though Kagaya’s screen time may have been limited and his battles scarce, his influence was undeniably powerful. As the esteemed patriarch of the Ubuyashiki family, he bore the weighty responsibility of managing the Demon Slayer Corps, despite his delicate health. His voice, a soothing balm, had an uncanny ability to calm everyone around him, alleviating all anxieties. And here I was, not swayed by duty or obligation, but truly admiring and respecting Kagaya – a man whose very presence left an indelible mark on me.

As an observer, I’ve noticed that this Corps, with its vast membership, has managed to maintain a remarkable unity – a factor that significantly contributed to their triumph over the Upper Moons and Muzan Kibutsuji. This cohesiveness was instrumental in their victories. However, even among such unity, there were unexpected moments that disrupted the status quo, like when Kagaya stunned everyone with his actions during the climax of the Hashira Training Arc, where he encountered Muzan Kibutsuji.

Kagaya was critically ill and close to death when his home exploded. His wife Amane and their two daughters chose to remain by his side during this grim event. This action wasn’t just meant to confuse the Demon Progenitor, but also to provide a powerful incentive for the Demon Slayers, particularly the Hashira, to eradicate Muzan once and for all.

5) Rengoku Kyojuro

Kyojuro may have only appeared in a small storyline, but he quickly captured the affections of many viewers. At first, he was mostly remembered for his eye-catching hairstyle and clothing, alongside the other Hashira. However, during the Infinity Train Arc, he truly shone with his unique character traits and unwavering resolve, surprising everyone.

Throughout his mission, Rengoku’s focus had been singular: to safeguard every life aboard the train. Having Tanjiro’s group as companions significantly aided him, and fortunately, there were no losses among them. However, the situation took a turn for the worse upon Akaza’s arrival, who sought only combat with Kyojuro. As anticipated, even a powerful Demon Slayer like a Hashira couldn’t have single-handedly defeated the Upper Three.

It’s worth noting that the idea of “Demon Slayer” Marks hadn’t been introduced yet. Kyojuro opted for combat instead of transformation into a demon. His closing statement, “Fan the flames within you,” remains one of the most heart-wrenching and memorable instances in the series, reflecting profoundly on his character as he departed, leaving an inspiring message for young Demon Slayers.

4) Yoriichi Tsugikuni

In the past, Yoriichi made an appearance, and it’s clear that he left a profound mark on the tale. Among all characters in the series, none compared to Yoriichi – not even Muzan, who was deeply scarred following centuries-old defeats. Born during the Sengoku Era, Yoriichi played a crucial role in offering Demon Slayers a viable chance against formidable beings. It was he who devised the Total Concentration Breathing Technique and imparted it to his comrades within the Corps.

In another phrasing, here’s how the text could read:

Yoriichi came close to vanquishing the original demon, but was taken aback when Muzan dispersed himself and fled during the battle. Interestingly, the wounds Yoriichi carries have persisted and turned out to be vulnerabilities that Tanjiro and his allies were able to leverage in the Sunrise Countdown storyline. Unfortunately, despite his immense power, Yoriichi’s life was filled with tragedy. Ostracized by his family due to his Mark being seen as a curse, Yoriichi eventually became a Demon Slayer and made substantial contributions to their mission. However, he was ultimately expelled after his brother transformed into a demon.

In this rephrased version, the text maintains its original meaning while using more accessible language for easier reading. The use of emotive language such as “vanquishing” and “ostracized” helps to convey the emotions and tones intended in the original text. The addition of “storyline” clarifies that Sunrise Countdown refers to a specific narrative arc within the broader Demon Slayer story, and the explanation of Yoriichi’s expulsion after his brother became a demon provides more context for readers who may be unfamiliar with the series.

The Corps held him responsible for the escape of Muzan, and additionally, Yoriichi wasn’t present when his wife, who was pregnant, died at the hands of a demon. This tragic event left him with feelings of guilt that lasted a lifetime. He chose to remain unmarried and led a solitary existence, filled only with remorse as he grew older. Tragically, he will never realize that his actions would ultimately lead to Muzan’s downfall.

3) Akaza

Despite being responsible for Kyojuro’s demise, Akaza remains hard to dislike due to his exceptional villain qualities. He spent over a century ascending to the Upper Three rank, with a passion for battling formidable adversaries. Even his appearance – from the hue of his hair and attire, to the design that emerges when he employs his Blood Demon Art, the markings on his body, and his reluctance to harm women and children – reflects the “human” aspects of him that he had long forgotten.

After undergoing a transformation, demons typically lose their sense of self and forget their human lives. However, Akaza was unique in that he retained aspects of his humanity unconsciously, even exhibiting uncontrollable anger towards Doma for enjoying the act of eating women. His past is one of the saddest stories within the series, providing insight into his character that had previously been a mystery.

2) Tanjiro Kamado

A list of standout characters from Demon Slayer is not fully rounded without featuring its cherished lead character. At 13 years old, his tranquil existence was shattered upon returning home to witness his entire family brutally murdered. The lone survivor, Nezuko, had been transformed into a demon. Following an impactful meeting with Giyu, Tanjiro embarked on a daunting quest to restore Nezuko’s humanity. He tirelessly persevered through numerous challenges along the way, never wavering from his aspirations.

Throughout every trial and tribulation, I’ve found myself consistently amazed by Tanjiro’s extraordinary compassion – a quality that extends not just to humans but even to demons. With his heightened sense of smell, he’s capable of deciphering the emotions of those in his presence, allowing him to empathize deeply with their immense sorrow.

I can’t help but be utterly captivated by the incredible journey of this character. From a seemingly powerless child, he transformed into an indomitable Demon Slayer, playing a crucial role in vanquishing Muzan Kibutsuji – a testament to his tenacity, empathy, and unwavering determination.

In the captivating world of anime, Tanjiro’s evolution is far from complete. As we venture through future episodes, we’ll be amazed by how much he has accomplished in just a few short years.

1) Giyu Tomioka

From my perspective, it’s widely acknowledged that Giyu stands out among the characters, but what truly left an indelible mark was his impact, despite limited screen time. His entrance follows close on the heels of the Kamado family’s misfortune, and initially, he only brandished his sword to prevent any more harm towards Nezuko. Yet, neither could he have foreseen the extraordinary impression the sibling duo would make on him.

Tanjiro demonstrated an extraordinary fighting ability unlike any other, and Nezuko, despite being a demon, managed to control her instincts and protect Tanjiro instead. Recognizing their exceptional qualities, Giyu, in a show of great kindness, advised Tanjiro to meet Sakonji Urokodaki, the retired Water Hashira. However, this seemingly kind gesture was actually a significant risk for Giyu, as he put his own life on the line to aid the siblings.

If Nezuko had hurt a human against his instincts, he would feel compelled to perform Seppuku as penance for his error in judgment. Regardless of whether it was due to his inherent nature or his empathy with Tanjiro, this action may have been uncommon among others. As the narrative progressed, we discover his heartrending past and his steadfast determination to shield Tanjiro during their decisive battle.

To ensure you never miss out on the latest geek entertainment news, make sure to add us as your preferred source in Google – just follow this LINK.

https://comicbook.com/anime/news/demon-slayer-most-powerful-corps-members-ranked/embed/#

2025-09-10 19:46