Castlevaniais a vivid tapestry of dark fantasy that brings the legendary video game franchise to life, offering viewers a haunting dive into a world of battling vampiric terrors. The series has become a benchmark in mature animation with its blend of gothic atmospheres, intricate narrative, and compelling characters.
Castlevania: 10 Best Protagonists In The Series, Ranked
The Castlevania games are known for their tough bosses, varied levels, and great heroes and villains. Here are the best protagonists from the series.
For fans seeking stories that resonate with Castlevania’s eerie charm and relentless action, there’s a trove of similar anime waiting to be discovered. Notable anime series such asChainsaw Man, Dota: Dragon’s Blood, and Hellsing Ultimate delve deep into realms of darkness, exploring humanity’s grit and challenging the boundaries of their genre.
Updated by Dev Tugnait on June 04, 2025:We have updated this article with five new entries. Explore the latest additions and see which recent top picks have joined the ranks. For fans of Castlevania and dark fantasy stories with gripping narratives, this refreshed list is a must-read.
15Trinity Blood
Trinity Blood is set in a post-apocalyptic future where Earth is caught in a prolonged conflict between humans and vampires. Amidst the ruins, two primary factions emerge: the Vatican, representing humanity, and the Methuselah, representing the vampire race.
There are also Crusniks, vampires who feed on the blood of other vampires. The story follows Father Abel Nightroad, a traveling priest and a Crusnik, who works for a special Vatican department fighting against the Methuselah. The series combines politics and religious allegory against the backdrop of an epic battle between races.
14Claymore
Claymore unfolds in a medieval world plagued by shape-shifting, human-eating creatures known as Yoma. However, a mysterious organization creates Claymores - half-human, half-Yoma female warriors to combat Yoma. Recognizable by their silver eyes and large swords, Claymores roam from town to town, eradicating Yoma for a fee.
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The narrative follows Clare, a stoic Claymore who saves a young boy, Raki. After his family’s demise and Clare’s intervention, Raki joins her on her journey. As they travel, Clare’s past is unveiled, revealing her quest for vengeance against a former comrade, Priscilla.
13Garo: The Animation
Garo: The Animation takes place in the Valiante Kingdom, where a massive witch hunt led by Mendoza, a malicious advisor, results in the deaths of many Makai Knights and Alchemists. These protectors defend humanity against Horrors, evil creatures that feed on human despair.
The story follows Leon Luis, a young Makai Knight with the title Garo, and his father, German Luis. Both are on a mission to exterminate Horrors and avenge the burning of Leon’s mother at the stake. The series beautifully blends dark fantasy with medieval settings.
12Sirius The Jaeger
Sirius the Jaeger is set in 1930s Tokyo, where the city becomes a battleground for Jaegers, a group of vampire hunters, and their sworn enemies, the vampires. The protagonist, Yuliy, is a werewolf and a member of the Jaegers.
He possesses the Sirius bloodline, making him a prime target for the vampires who seek the Ark of Sirius, a mysterious treasure connected to Yuliy’s lineage. Amidst the intense battles, political intrigue, and a city in chaos, Sirius the Jaeger weaves a tale of loyalty and revenge.
11Black Clover
Black Clover follows Asta and Yuno, two orphans raised together in Hage Village. In a world where magical ability determines one’s status, Yuno possesses immense power, while Asta seemingly has none. However, when they’re both 15, Yuno receives a prestigious four-leaf clover grimoire, attracting dark forces.
In the ensuing conflict, Asta awakens the ability to harness anti-magic. Determined to become the Wizard King, the highest magical position, Asta and Yuo embark on their respective journeys. The story blends intense battles and friendship, emphasizing hard work to achieve greatness.
Shiki is ahorror animeset in the quiet village of Sotoba, where mysterious deaths begin to occur. As panic and paranoia spread among the villagers, it’s discovered that these deaths are the work of Shiki or corpse demons, who are similar to vampires.
As the Shiki secretly rise in numbers, turning more villagers into their kind, the story delves deep into the psychology and morality of both humans and vampires. The series features rich character development and escalating tension, culminating in a haunting climax.
Drifters is a fascinating anime series that weaves history and fantasy by transporting real-life historical figures at the brink of their death to a mysterious, fantastical realm embroiled in war. These figures, termed Drifters, include the likes of samurai Shimazu Toyohisa, Oda Nobunaga, and Nasu Suketaka Yoichi.
They find themselves pitted against other historical personalities, the Ends, who have embraced dark powers and seek the world’s destruction. Amidst sprawling battles and clashing civilizations, Drifters has intense action sequences, leaving audiences anticipating each twist and turn.
Blood+ is a gripping anime series that delves into the life of Saya Otonashi, an ordinary schoolgirl with amnesia who discovers she’s anything but ordinary. When a bloodthirsty creature attacks her, Saya’s dormant abilities awaken, revealing her as the only one capable ofslaying terrifying monsters, known as Chiropterans.
Saya uncovers dark secrets about her past and crucial role in the age-old battle against the Chiropterans. Accompanied by her family and loyal allies, she traverses the globe, confronting these creatures and the shadowy organization behind them.
7Goblin Slayer
Goblin Slayer is a dark fantasy anime and manga that delves into the brutal realities of a world infested by goblins. These creatures, often dismissed as weak by adventurers, are an evil force, wreaking havoc and tormenting villagers. An armored protagonist, the Goblin Slayer, has dedicated his life to exterminating goblins.
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His relentless focus stems from a traumatic past, where goblins devastated his village and family. The narrative intensifies as he forms a group with other adventurers, including a Priestess, a High Elf, a Dwarf, and a Lizardman.
6Dota: Dragon’s Blood
Dota: Dragon’s Blood is an animated series on Netflix rooted in the expansive universe of the popular video game Dota 2 by Valve. The series chronicles the journey of Davion, a renowned Dragon Knight sworn to hunt and eradicate the dragon menace.
His life takes a turn when he becomes intertwined with a powerful, ancient eldwurm dragon and the noble Princess Mirana, who harbors her own secrets. As the narrative unfolds, viewers are treated to a rich tapestry of magic, gods, dragons, and mortals, all clashing in epic battles.
