10 best anime about monster hunters

Anime about monster hunters has always captured fans' imagination. The fight sequences are gripping with high stakes, as the hunters risk their lives to take down creatures threatening humanity.

Many popular anime integrate elements of dark fantasy and horror into their narrative, making for a unique watching experience. This article discusses the 10 best anime about monster hunters. Some of the shows featured have intricate plotlines beyond the fight scenes, exploring thought-provoking themes.

The anime covers a wide range for fans to choose from historical adventures to modern settings.

10 must-watch anime about monster hunters

1. Claymore

Claymore is set in a medieval world plagued by shapeshifting demons called Yoma that feed on human flesh. To combat this threat, the organization Claymore creates Human-Yoma hybrid warriors.

The anime about monster hunters follows the Claymore warrior Clare and her quest for vengeance against the Yoma. She joins forces with a young boy named Raki, who, like her, is ostracized by society. The anime has slickly animated and intense fight sequences as Clare and fellow warriors battle powerful demons.

Clare makes for an empathetic non-human protagonist trying to hold on to her humanity.

2. Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan (Image via Wit Studio/MAPPA)

Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Attack on Titan follows Eren Yeager as humanity battles man-eating Titans while sheltered within massive walled cities. After Titans breach the walls and devastate his hometown, Shiganshina. Eren vows to destroy every titan and enlists in the military.

Viewers witness the Scout Regiment embark on expeditions beyond the walls to study the mysterious Titans and establish outposts to prepare for a future counterattack. Eren and his comrades face terrifying Titans, using omni-directional gear and teamwork to battle relentless foes against impossible odds.

Attack on Titan heightens tension with constant threats and unraveling mysteries about the Titans' origins, building toward a dramatic showdown. Each revelation about the titans' powers and the secrets hidden in Eren's basement leaves viewers on the edge of their seats.

3. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

Set during Japan’s Taisho Era, it follows kindhearted teenager Tanjiro Kamado whose life is shattered after returning home to find his family murdered by a demon named Muzan, except for his sister Nezuko, who has turned into a demon.

After caring for his sister while seeking a cure for her condition, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps to track down Muzan and avenge his family. Tanjiro and Nezuko then journey alongside allies while battling their way up the demon slayer ranks and confronting Muzan’s powerful subordinates who threaten humanity.

Demon Slayer builds an engrossing narrative around Tanjiro as he fights to protect the last family member he has left while struggling with ethical dilemmas over just how far he’ll go pursuing his ideals in such a cruel world.

4. Hellsing Ultimate

In Hellsing Ultimate, powerful vampire Alucard is charged with hunting deadly undead creatures preying upon the living as the elite anti-vampire paramilitary group Hellsing’s most effective agent of destruction.

Alucard and Hellsing’s roster of human slayers must save England from invasion by Millennium, an advancing army of vampire Nazis led by a diabolical artificial vampire. Millennium’s goal is global genocide to create a new order of undead rule.

Hellsing Ultimate ramps up vampiric violence and visceral action to the extreme in no-holds-barred blood feuds spanning episodes chronicling this ultimate struggle for humanity’s survival. The animation quality and detail of the gothic, shadowy art style lends itself perfectly to the dark battles and macabre atmosphere.

5. The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf

The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf (Image via Studio Mir)

While tracking mutant beasts in a grisly string of murders, experienced witcher Vesemir mentors his experienced and pragmatic trainer Deglan in this anime film spun off from Netflix’s live-action The Witcher series.

When political tensions heat up regarding magic users, Vesemir and Deglan are caught in the middle as war breaks out between kingdoms. Here they uncover a shocking connection between the killings and an impending scheme with far-reaching supernatural consequences.

Stylized animation immerses the audience within The Witcher’s dark fantasy setting as Vesemir and Deglan employ swords, spells, potions, and cunning teamwork battling their way through hordes of ghastly vestiges, vile barghests, and a vicious monster harvester. This thrilling prequel story enriches the main saga.

6. Tokyo Ghoul

The anime about monster hunters is set in an alternate Tokyo, where Ghouls blend among humans while feeding on their flesh for sustenance. When the protagonist, Ken Kaneki, is attacked by a Ghoul named Rize, doctors save him by transplanting her organs into his body.

This transforms Kaneki into a half-Ghoul struggling to retain his humanity. After this shocking change, he gets drawn into conflicts among Ghouls, and the Commission of Counter Ghoul (CCG), a government organization, works to eradicate Ghouls to maintain order.

7. Parasyte - The Maxim

Parasyte - The Maxim (Image via Madhouse)

One night, parasitic creatures called Parasytes appear on Earth, to take over human hosts by merging with their brains. However, when a Parasyte attempts to enter teenager Shinichi Izumi's body, it only manages to parasite his right hand.

Shinichi retains self-awareness despite his partial takeover, entering an uneasy alliance with the Parasyte in his hand now named Migi. Together, they confront other Parasytes threatening human lives while battling existential dread.

This anime about monster hunters delivers body horror visuals while exploring human nature through its unusual premise.

8. Blue Exorcist

The supernatural adventure anime follows Rin Okumura, who discovers he and his brother Yukio are the sons of Satan. While Yukio manages to show exceptional talent as an exorcist, Rin trains as an exorcist to control his demonic powers, protect loved ones, and oppose his father, Satan.

Rin and Yukio may have chosen different paths, but still share an unbreakable bond against the forces of evil. However, Satan has his complex plans for Rin, creating conflict between father and son. As Rin hones his abilities, he must fight against powerful forces threatening the world.

Along with impressive visuals during action and horror elements like demons and gruesome possessions, Blue Exorcist focuses on themes of brotherhood and friendship.

9. Monster Hunter Stories: Ride On

Monster Hunter Stories: Ride On (Image via David Production)

In a fantasy world where warriors known as Riders tame and battle alongside monsters, young boy Lute, sets out to become a Rider. He forms a close bond with the monster, Rathalos, after saving its egg from hunters.

When more dangerous and rare monsters begin emerging, Lute partners with fellow Riders to take them down. But he soon realizes there may be a conspiracy behind the threats posing a broader existential danger.

This anime about monster hunters blends Monster Hunter game elements with an original story. The story retains interest with likable characters and themes about the significance of relationships. The bond between Lute and his monster kin Rathalos becomes central to overcoming the challenges ahead.

10. Seraph of the End

Seraph of the End (Image via Wit Studio)

A catastrophic virus kills most of humanity over the age of 13, leaving primarily children behind. Vampires emerge to enslave the surviving kids in a vampire-ruled dystopia.

The story focuses on young orphans Yuichiro Hyakuya and Mikaela Hyakuya planning their escape from vampire overlords. After joining the Japanese Imperial Demon Army fighting vampires with advanced weaponry, Yuichiro dedicates himself to revenge against the vampires that massacred his family.

Seraph of the End features an exciting plot and stellar animation during action sequences. Yuichiro's unwavering drive makes him a strong lead to root for. The story explores the bonding between characters as they support each other through trauma inflicted by the merciless vampires.

Conclusion

The anime about monster hunters explored here showcases some of the most thrilling stories following warriors hunting all beasts and ghouls to protect humanity from utter annihilation.

Despite different settings, they unite viewers with intense action and escalating stakes as monsters grow fiercer against the brave heroes. As these warriors uncover dark secrets about their shadowy enemies and themselves, difficult choices lie ahead.