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When Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba first aired in 2019, it sent shockwaves through the anime world. Produced by ufotable and adapted from Koyoharu Gotouge’s manga, the series quickly became a global phenomenon. With jaw-dropping visuals, a heartfelt story, and a dedicated fanbase, it climbed the ranks as one of the most talked-about modern anime.
But with popularity often comes polarization.
Is Demon Slayer truly one of the greatest anime of the decade, or is it just really well-animated with a simple storyline? For every fan who praises its brilliance, there’s another who questions the depth of its plot, characters, and worldbuilding. The “overrated” label has followed the series in online forums, think pieces, and heated anime debates.
So here’s the paradox: Demon Slayer might be overrated by some standards—but it’s still absolutely worth watching.
In this piece, we’ll explore:
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The reasons Demon Slayer is considered overrated
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What it undeniably excels at
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Why the criticism doesn’t cancel out its value
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How it has impacted the anime industry
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Why both new and seasoned fans should give it a chance
The Overrated Argument: Why Some Fans Push Back
1. A Simple, Predictable Story
One of the most common critiques is that Demon Slayer follows a very traditional shonen formula. Tanjiro Kamado loses his family, sets off on a quest for justice and healing, and gains allies along the way. It’s a story structure we’ve seen in Naruto, Bleach, Attack on Titan, and others.
For fans craving complex plot twists, morally gray characters, and intricate worldbuilding, Demon Slayer might feel shallow or overly simplistic. The villains are mostly evil for evil’s sake, and the moral dilemmas are rarely as layered as in other series.
2. Pacing Issues and Repetition
The anime’s rhythm can feel uneven. Long stretches of exposition or fight scenes may drag, and arcs like the Mugen Train and Entertainment District follow a similar pattern: new villain appears, extended battle ensues, tearful backstory is revealed, and resolution follows.
While the emotional beats are effective, the formula can grow predictable, lessening impact for some viewers.
3. Character Development Is Uneven
While Tanjiro and Nezuko Kamado are given consistent growth, some supporting characters—like Zenitsu Agatsuma or Inosuke Hashibira—can feel one-note or gimmicky. Their comic relief roles, although funny at times, don’t always evolve beyond surface-level quirks.
Critics argue that compared to ensemble-heavy series like My Hero Academia or Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Demon Slayer doesn’t give enough narrative space to its side characters.
4. Riding the Animation Hype
Let’s be honest: part of what made Demon Slayer explode was Episode 19 of Season 1. The stunning, fluid choreography and emotional climax broke the internet. Since then, Demon Slayer has become synonymous with visual excellence.
But critics argue that its visual beauty overshadows its narrative simplicity, and that without ufotable’s animation magic, the story would not receive as much acclaim.
Why It’s Still Absolutely Worth Watching
1. The Animation Is Industry-Defining
Even its harshest critics can’t deny the animation quality. Ufotable’s use of digital effects, vibrant colors, and dynamic camera angles has raised the bar for what anime can look like. It’s not just pretty—it’s kinetic, immersive, and emotionally resonant.
Scenes like Tanjiro’s Water Breathing forms or Rengoku’s final stand in Mugen Train aren’t just spectacles—they’re moments of deep character expression, made unforgettable through art.
2. Emotional Simplicity Isn’t a Flaw
What some call “shallow,” others call “pure.” Demon Slayer wears its heart on its sleeve. The love between Tanjiro and Nezuko, the bond of comrades, the pain of loss—these are universal emotions told sincerely and accessibly.
The anime doesn’t pretend to be overly complex. Instead, it leans into timeless themes: grief, perseverance, and the human cost of vengeance.
3. Memorable Antagonists with Tragic Backstories
Though some villains follow a set pattern, many are genuinely affecting. Akaza, Rui, and Daki and Gyutaro are all layered with tragedy. Their humanity adds weight to the battles, turning each encounter into more than just a physical clash.
The idea that demons were once victims too is a running theme, allowing the story to show empathy in unlikely places.
4. Its Influence on the Anime Industry
Demon Slayer didn’t just win awards—it shattered records. The Mugen Train movie became Japan’s highest-grossing film ever. It also sparked renewed interest in anime globally, pulling in casual viewers who’d never watched anime before.
Its success has influenced other studios to prioritize quality animation, theatrical releases, and shorter but more refined seasons.
5. It’s a Gateway Anime That Delivers
For newcomers to anime, Demon Slayer is the perfect entry point: accessible story, stunning visuals, emotional highs, and clear moral arcs. It opens the door to deeper series while standing strong on its own.
Even for seasoned fans, it offers a refreshing reminder of why we fell in love with anime in the first place.
Striking a Balance: Admire the Beauty, Question the Hype
Yes, Demon Slayer can be overhyped. No, that doesn’t mean it’s bad.
There’s room for critical appreciation in anime fandom. It’s okay to question why a show gets so much attention. But it’s also okay to love something for what it is—a beautifully crafted, emotionally earnest journey through loss, love, and resilience.
The best way to watch Demon Slayer is not to expect the most profound anime ever made—but to let it pull you into its world and move you with its sincerity.
Conclusion: More Than Hype
Demon Slayer may not be the most innovative story in the anime canon, but it doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with elegance, heart, and staggering technical brilliance. The argument that it’s overrated stems from sky-high expectations—but when you step back, it’s clear why it resonates with millions.
Its characters may be simple, but they are genuine. Its story may follow a familiar path, but it walks it with grace. And its animation? Truly a landmark in anime history.
Whether you’re a fan looking to revisit it with fresh eyes or a skeptic curious about the hype, Demon Slayer is worth your time—just don’t expect it to redefine storytelling. Expect it to move you, and it just might.