10 Best Demon Slayer Villains

Demon Slayer’s best villains are memorable and terrifying, causing havoc and heartbreak in others’ lives. No two villains in the series are alike, with their Blood Demon Art powers, petrifying character designs, and unforgettable personalities. These evildoers’ motivations also vary; some are evil out of pure curiosity and callousness, while some hate humanity with a passion.

The best among these villains have interesting character arcs, spirited personalities, attacks that make fans’ jaws drop, and unmistakable designs that are so fearsome, they can never be forgotten. The origin stories of these top Demon Slayer villains are as diverse as the characters themselves. Born human, these demons followed very different paths that led them to the same despicable goal: killing as many humans as possible.

10

Rui Is the Strongest of the Spider Demon Family, With the Most Unfortunate Backstory

He Feels Remorseful About Killing His Parents, But Expresses His Sorrow by Attacking Others

Rui is one of the first demons Tanjiro faced and the strongest of the Spider Demons. Despite his laidback manner and small stature, he is a dangerous demon capable of utilizing the Blood Demon Art, Thread Manipulation. Using this skill, he slices his enemies with razor sharp threads.

Not only is Rui physically strong and a member of the Twelve Kizuki, he has a tragic origin story. Rui killed his own parents with his demon abilities, a decision he would come to regret dearly. He is envious of anyone with a loving familial bond, taking out his jealousy on Tanjiro and Nezuko because of their close sibling relationship.

9

Nakime Uses Her Biwa Instrument and Eyes To Rule Over the Infinity Castle

Her Distinctive Abilities Help Her Catch Trespassers if They Dare To Enter Her Fortress

Nakime is one of the key players in the Infinity Castle arc and a truly abhorrent villain. She works closely with Muzan and rules over the Infinity Castle, where some of Demon Slayer’s most intense battles take place. The biwa instrument she holds allows her to move people anywhere she pleases and adjust details of the Infinity Castle.

Nakime’s removable eyes are another one of her best weapons, making her a proficient spy. The possible uses of Nakime’s Blood Demon Art are limitless, and she is one of the series’ most unpredictable villains. Although she is not particularly gifted in combat like the other Upper Rank demons, she did fight skillfully against Yushiro, Mitsuri, and Obanai.

8

Gyokko’s Creative, Artistic Fighting Style Makes His Battles Intriguing To Witness

His Porcelain Vase Spells Use an Unassuming Ceramic Object to Gruesomely End Lives

In the Swordsmith Village arc, Gyokko proved he was truly terrifying, nearly killing Mist Hashira, Muichiro. Gyokko is outwardly bubbly compared to other demons, viewing his Blood Demon Art as a form of art and self-expression. His primary motivators are destroying humans, who he sees as feeble, unremarkable creatures, and pleasing his master, Muzan.

Gyokko’s skills are some of the most impressive in the entire series, specifically his Porcelain Vase Spells. He can fight inside or outside these pots, and can use them to spawn other ferocious creatures like enormous fish. Muichiro, who eventually killed Gyokko, was faced with a difficult task, since Gyokko’s strength, scorn towards humanity, and creative fighting style made him a tough opponent to beat.

7

Hantengu Is a Coward Deep Down, but Hides His Fear by Using Strong Clones

His True Timidity Became Clear When He Faced Tanjiro, an Unstoppable Opponent

The two sides of Hantengu’s personality clash. His Emotion Manipulation clones are mighty, muscular, and brave, charging into battle without a second thought. However, Hantengu’s small and weak real body is characterized by fear.

He utilizes these clones to do his bidding, protecting him from demon slayers since his true form is nimble but frail. Hantengu lived his human life as a thief running from justice, and in his new demon form, he continues cowering from those with integrity like Tanjiro. He is one of the series’ most fascinating villains, and it was satisfying to watch Tanjiro finally behead the cowardly character who harmed others.

6

Gyutaro Is Plagued by Jealousy, Allowing It To Shape His Actions

His Outward Strength Is Marred by His Inner Bitterness, Making Him a Fascinating Character To Watch

Gyutaro’s resentful outlook on life is the one trait he held onto during both his human and demon lives. He was plagued by jealousy, envious of everyone else’s belongings and situations. For example, when he learned Tengen Uzui had three wives, he was disgusted and tried even harder to murder the Sound Hashira, bitter that he couldn’t even find one wife while this man had multiple.

Gyutaro’s Blood Demon Art turns blood into a weapon, allowing him to shape the substance into deadly tools. Gyutaro may be a cruel, covetous individual, but he also fought to protect Daki, his beloved younger sister. His seething temper makes him fascinating, and his fights, such as his final battle with Tanjiro and Tengen, are some of Demon Slayer’s best, due to his quick thinking and fits of rage.

5

Enmu Takes Sick Joy in Causing Pain, Wielding Sleep as a Weapon

After Lulling His Victims Into a Tranquil Slumber, He Swiftly Ends Their Lives

The Lower Rank One demon, Enmu, has a riveting story explaining how he became a demon. Muzan did not choose him intentionally and actually intended on killing him instead, but the powerful villain changed his mind and transformed him anyway. His choice was a wise one, since Enmu became one of Demon Slayer’s strongest and most fearsome evildoers.

Aboard the Mugen Train, he showed off his Sleep Inducement Blood Demon Art, lulling train passengers and demon slayers alike into an unavoidable slumber. His foolproof ability is virtually impossible to overcome, since he can murder his enemies while they peacefully sleep. Enmu’s expressive but uncaring personality is memorable, but as bubbly as he may be, the Demon Slayer villain is evil incarnate and is wickedly fascinated with harming others.

4

Kokushibo Has Been Both a Demon and a Demon Slayer

The Villain Has an Unparalleled Perspective Due to Experiencing Both Sides, Good and Evil

Just looking at Kokushibo with his hulking musculature and sinisterly glowing eyes is enough to strike pure fear into anyone. Awareness of what the Upper Rank One is capable of should cause that terror to heighten, since the demon is second only to Lord Muzan. Facing Kokushibo is a death sentence, evidenced by the fact that his brother Yoriichi, the strongest demon slayer ever, died during a fight with him.

Apart from Kokushibo’s achievements and petrifying design, the demon has an unmatched skill set. Since he worked as a demon slayer during his human life and joined forces with formidable demons after death, he reaps the benefits of learning from the strongest heroes and villains. His sheer power makes him one to watch, and his fights are absolutely jaw-dropping.

3

Muzan Kibutsuji Is the Leader of Demons, Provoking Fear

He Is a Ruthless Villain Who Became a Demon by Accident, but Embraced His New Dangerous Form

Muzan Kibutsuji is not just the strongest demon of all time, he is the first demon. He was sick during his youth, and an accident occurred during one of his treatments. He ingested Blue Spider Lily intended to cure his ailment, but it turned him into the world’s most horrifying demon instead.

Muzan leads the Twelve Kizuki of demons, refusing to show mercy to anyone who crosses him, human or demon. Muzan can regenerate limbs, heal injuries, and shapeshift, offering him endless potentialities when faced with an enemy. Between Muzan’s cold demeanor, shocking backstory, and the aura of fear he radiates, he is one of Demon Slayer’s best villains.

2

Doma Is a Charismatic Cult Leader With Dark Intentions

He Uses His Friendly, Positive Attitude To Ensnare Victims

Doma, the Upper Rank Two demon, is the most charismatic and upbeat of the demons, and that makes him particularly deadly. By running the Eternal Paradise Cult, he deceives hundreds of humans into doing his bidding and sacrificing their lives so he can feed off of them. Miraculously, humans rarely run in fear from him as they do when faced with other demons, because most of his followers have been tricked into seeing him as a benevolent god.

Doma’s Blood Demon Art, Cryokinesis, allows him to manipulate ice to ensnare and murder his victims. He is one of Demon Slayer’s most positive characters, but deep down, he is a twisted monster and his happiness is a facade to dupe more victims. Because of his clever, conniving persona and jaw-dropping skill, few Demon Slayer characters are quite as despicable and entertaining as Doma.

1

Akaza’s Human Life Was Filled With Painful Experiences

He Is Among the Most Powerful Demons Ever, Killing Multiple Hashira

Akaza is Demon Slayer’s most compelling villain. Although other demons may be stronger, his well-written backstory and captivating personality place the villain in a league of his own. Akaza killed Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku, and the previous Water Hashira, proving himself to be an accomplished demon.

His origin story is heartbreaking, causing fans to feel sorry for the evildoer. Akaza lost his ill father who he deeply loved, and later, also lost the dojo owner who raised him as his own and his daughter, who Akaza was engaged to marry. After living a life plagued by grief, Akaza’s memories faded for a brief time after becoming a demon. During his final Infinity Castle battle, every detail of his human existence was restored to his mind and he ended his own life due to unbearable sorrow. Akaza is Demon Slayer’s best, and most tragic, villain.