There are few beings in fiction more decidedly evil than devils. In anime, the term "devil" can often be used synonymously with demons, monsters, or other such terrifying other worldly beings. However, in some series in particular, devils exist as their own distinct entities entirely separated from the more general use of the term.
These kinds of devils are unique to demons in that they're in some ways more powerful, higher on the proverbial food chain, or even just exist independently of the more basic demonic creatures. Devils usually come straight from Hell, the underworld or other such parallel dimension with the sole goal of imposing their evil whims on those they perceive as weaker. In many series, the protagonist appropriates the devil's powers or even merges with them completely in order to utilize their supernatural strength to eradicate the devils using their own powers.
10 The Devil is a Part-Timer
38 Episodes
In The Devil is a Part-Timer, Mr Mao is a worker at a local fast food restaurant who is dead-set on moving up the ranks in the corporate ladder. What his patrons don't realize is that he is actually the Devil King, Satan, who only traveled to modern day Japan in order to escape the hero who would have surely vanquished him in his own world.
The Devil is a Part-Timer takes the terrifying concept of the classical devil and blends it with fantasy tropes to create an amalgamation of what the devil could be like in the modern world. Mr. Mao's story is less about his true nature as any specific kind of devil, and more about starting from the very bottom in modern society, which can humble even the most devilish of beings.
9 Devil May Cry
12 Episodes
Devil May Cry is a franchise that is more known for its videogames than its anime adaptation, though that all may change with a brand-new adaptation recently announced on Netflix. In DMC, devils and demons are viewed interchangeably, and they tend to take on humanoid forms to pass as regular people, only to quickly shed their outer skin to unveil their terrifying true forms.
DMC's Dante is like the perfect mix between Trigun's Vash the Stampede and Hellsing's Alucard, and he's just as powerful as either of them. It's a good thing too, because he'll need all the strength he can get to exact revenge on the devilish legions that tore his family apart.
8 High School DxD
53 Episodes
High School DxD is certainly a series better suited to sinners than those pure of heart. Beneath its frequent fan service, High Scool DxD is a series that follows the story of Issei, a boy who is saved by the leader of his High School's Occult Research Club. Little does he know, she's also a devil locked in a war between heaven and hell.
The devils of High School DxD have superhuman abilities and magical powers that are amplified by their Demonic Power—the opposite of the Holy Power used by the soldiers of heaven. These powers include the ability to release a blazing Hell Fire, and even complete immortality.
7 Black Clover
170 Episodes
Asta and Yuno's classic shonen rivalry takes a unique turn in Black Clover. Both want to be Wizard King but while Yuno has a prodigal talent for magic, Asta was born unable to use magic at all. In fact, Asta's grimoire allows him to negate magic completely—a powerful ability in a world where magic rules.
The source of Asta's powerful anti magic is actually none other than a devil. Devils take on an interesting and unique role in Black Clover. As creatures from another dimension, they can be summoned into a human's grimoire using Forbidden Magic to provide the host with unique and powerful abilities.
6 Dropkick On My Devil!!
12 Episodes
In a world where summoning devils is a normal thing, a young witch named Yurine inadvertently summons the "Evil God" Jashin. Dropkick On My Devil!! uses imagery often associated with the darker things in life and applies it to comical, even endearing moments that almost make summoning a devil sound like fun.
Devils take on all shapes and sizes in DOMD, mostly serving as a blanket term to describe creatures who come from the underworld as opposed to heaven. Their powers can largely vary according to their personal form, with a serpent god like Jashin using her serpent-like lower body to strike her enemies, while Medusa's own ability is indicative of her name.
5 Devils' Line
12 Episodes
The Devil's line is definitely not one anybody should want to cross. Nevertheless, Tsukasa Taira just can't seem to help herself. Devils' Line is a seinen romance series about the coexistence of devils and humans, and how love can break down barriers even between races.
In Devils' Line, devils are essentially the same as vampires. The devils can usually live normally around humans—though when one sees blood, they lose all control as their most base instincts take over.
4 Blue Exorcist
25 Episodes
In Blue Exorcist, students train at the True Cross Academy to learn how to destroy demons under the control of the devil, Satan. Among those students is Rin, who wants nothing more to exorcise demons—even if he is one himself.
Unlike other exorcists, Rin's desire to exorcise Satan is personal. As he inadvertently comes to find out under the worst circumstances possible, Rin is actually the devil's son, but if anything, that fact only serves to amplify his desire for revenge.
3 Devilman Crybaby
10 Episodes
Devilman Crybaby's brand of surreal, psychedelic body-horror resembles what it would be like if the worst of psilocybin trips came to life. Akira is a gullible young man who is far too innocent and naive, so nothing he's ever been through could have prepared him for the moment when he would become possessed by a devil.
In Devilman Cry Baby, devils are terrifying monstrous beings that have been around far longer than humanity itself. They don't have physical bodies, and therefore can only exist by possessing living beings, including animals, plants, and especially humans.
2 Dragon Ball
291 Episodes
Dragon Ball is definitely not the first series most fans think of when the term "devil" comes to mind, but it nevertheless has a few of its own takes on the concept. As with its own brand of demons such as Debura and Janemba, Dragon Ball has had at least a few characters who are considered devils.
Perhaps most prominent among DB's devils is Spike The Devil Man: one of Fortuneteller Baba's warriors who claims that he has risen directly from hell. Of course, there's also the interesting fact to consider that DBZ's Hercule, aka Mr Satan, is named after the Christian version of the Devil himself. Not only that, but his daughter's name, Videl, is just an anagram of the word devil.
1 Chainsaw Man
12 Episodes
Chainsaw Man has become the quintessential devil anime as of late. Its entire premise revolves around the existence of Devils who are created thanks to the deepest fears felt by humanity. The more intense the fear held by the greatest number of people, the more powerful the devil becomes in the process.
Not only is Chainsaw Man a great series overall, but its system of Devils and Devil Hunters makes for one of the most interesting and unique battle systems in shonen anime today. Of all those devils though, none is more powerful than Chainsaw Man, whose true strength comes from the fact that he's the one thing devils fear the most.
