If there’s one anime that’s consistently blown us away in recent years, it’s Demon Slayer. From its stunning animation to its unforgettable characters, the show has set the standard for modern anime. Whether you're a new fan who just started watching or a veteran who knows every fight scene by heart, Demon Slayer has something for everyone. But what makes it truly stand out is its cast of characters—each one unique, powerful, and downright iconic.

As we head into 2025, it's time to take a fresh look at the Demon Slayer universe and rank some of its best characters. Who’s still holding down the top spot, and which characters have managed to climb the ranks? Let’s dive into the 2025 update of the best Demon Slayer characters and see where your favorites land!

1. Before we jump into the rankings, let’s talk about what makes a Demon Slayercharacter truly great. Sure, they all have cool abilities and flashy moves, but the best characters in the series are more than just strong. They’re complex, relatable, and leave a lasting impact on us as fans.

   We’ve based our rankings on three main factors:

   1. Character Development – How much they’ve grown throughout the series.

   2. Fighting Skills – Who doesn’t love a good fight scene?

   3. Emotional Impact – Whether they made us laugh, cry, or cheer, emotional connection is key.

2. Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into the rankings!

Demon Slayer has introduced us to a lot of incredible characters, but only a few can be considered the best of the best. Here’s our ranking of the top Demon Slayer characters in 2025:

1. Tanjiro Kamado Tanjiro is the heart and soul of Demon Slayer, and even in 2025, he’s still the best character in the series. His unwavering determination, his kindness, and his incredible growth make him the perfect protagonist. Whether he’s learning new Water Breathing techniques or fighting to protect Nezuko, Tanjiro continues to inspire fans with every episode. Plus, who could forget his iconic Sun Breathing techniques?

2. Nezuko Kamado Nezuko isn’t just Tanjiro’s little sister; she’s one of the strongest and most beloved characters in the series. Her demon form might make her a threat to others, but she constantly fights to hold onto her humanity. Nezuko’s badass moments, like the time she unleashed her full demonic power to protect her brother, cement her as one of the top-ranked characters. Plus, her ability to kick some serious demon butt while still being adorable? Priceless.

3. Kyojuro Rengoku The Flame Hashira burned brightly in our hearts, and even though his time in the series was tragically short, Rengoku's impact is undeniable. His heroic sacrifice and heartwarming speech to Tanjiro have kept him a fan favorite well into 2025. His flame-breathing techniques and endless optimism make him one of the most memorable and inspiring characters in the entire anime.

4. Zenitsu Agatsuma Let’s be real—Zenitsu’s cowardice might annoy some fans at first, but when he goes into Thunder Breathing mode, it’s impossible not to love him. His lightning-fast attacks and his battle with his fears have earned him a solid spot in the rankings. And let's not forget that iconic first time we saw him unleash his full power during his fight with the demon in the house. Zenitsu's transformation from scaredy-cat to thunder god is one of the best character arcs out there.

5. Inosuke Hashibira Inosuke, the wild boar-headed warrior, brings much-needed energy and comedy to the series. His brutal fighting style, combined with his hilarious antics and rivalry with Tanjiro, make him unforgettable. Whether he’s screaming insults at his enemies or learning how to work with others, Inosuke’s journey is just as entertaining as his Beast Breathing techniques. And who doesn’t love a character who can charge headfirst into battle (literally)?

6. Giyu Tomioka The Water Hashira is the very definition of cool. With his calm demeanor and unmatched skill with Water Breathing, Giyu has earned a special place in fans’ hearts. He was one of the first characters to recognize Tanjiro’s potential and showed compassion towards Nezuko when others wouldn’t. Giyu’s incredible strength, paired with his deep sense of justice, makes him one of the most well-rounded and respected characters.

While characters like Tanjiro and Nezuko get a lot of attention (rightfully so), there are a few underrated gems in Demon Slayer that deserve more recognition. Here’s a shoutout to some of the most underappreciated characters in the series:

1. Shinobu Kocho The Insect Hashira may not be as physically strong as some of the other Hashira, but don’t let that fool you—Shinobu is a force to be reckoned with. Her unique fighting style, which uses poison instead of brute strength, makes her one of the most innovative fighters. Her calm, smiling exterior hides a tragic backstory, and her desire for revenge against demons gives her character a depth that’s often overlooked.

2. Genya Shinazugawa Genya doesn’t get as much screen time as the other characters, but his journey is incredibly compelling. His strained relationship with his brother, Sanemi, and his unique ability to consume demon flesh to gain powers, make him one of the more interesting characters in the series. Genya's raw determination and complex personality deserve way more love from the fandom.

3. Kanao Tsuyuri Kanao may be soft-spoken, but she’s an absolute beast in battle. Her growth from a quiet, emotionless girl to a determined and strong fighter is one of the more subtle character arcs in the series, but it’s no less impactful. Kanao’s bond with Tanjiro and her skill with the sword make her one of the most underrated characters in Demon Slayer.

There are just too many great characters in Demon Slayer to include them all in the top rankings, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention a few honorable mentions:

1. Sanemi Shinazugawa – The Wind Hashira’s abrasive personality hides a tragic past, and his complex relationship with his brother Genya is one of the most emotional in the series.

2. Muzan Kibutsuji – The main antagonist of Demon Slayer may be pure evil, but his charisma and power make him a villain we love to hate.

3. Tengen Uzui – The Sound Hashira’s flamboyant personality and flashy fighting style make him an unforgettable part of the Demon Slayer Corps.

Ranking the best Demon Slayer characters is no easy task, especially when there are so many incredible options to choose from. Whether it's Tanjiro’s relentless determination, Nezuko’s duality as a demon and protector, or the fiery passion of Rengoku, each character brings something special to the table.

As we move into 2025, the love for Demon Slayer and its characters continues to grow, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this phenomenal series. But for now, these are our top picks for the best characters in the Demon Slayer universe. Agree with our list? Got some characters you think should’ve made the cut? Let us know! #DemonSlayerForever