Devil May Cry

Dante is a cocky, cigar-smoking demon hunter who mixes streetwise swagger with lethal skill as he clears the streets of supernatural threats. Half demon and half human, he runs a freelance operation that takes on grotesque creatures and odd cases while refusing to play by anyone's rules. Episodes send him after rampaging fiends, occult plots, and underworld figures, and he often clashes and teams up with memorable allies, including Trish, Lady, and the young Patty. The show balances punchy action set pieces, sardonic humor, and moments that hint at Dante's complicated origins, without giving away bigger surprises from the larger franchise.

Released in 2007, the anime adapts the Devil May Cry video game universe created by Hideki Kamiya, with Toshiki Inoue credited on the series. It translated the game's fast-paced combat and stylish visuals into a television format aimed at fans of action animation.

Critics and viewers gave the series mixed to positive reactions, reflected in a 7.6/10 average from 249 votes. Praise often goes to the animation during fight scenes, the lead's brash personality, and the show's visual energy, while some reviewers noted an uneven tone and episodic storytelling that may not satisfy viewers seeking deeper serialization. Central themes include identity, loyalty, and the costs of living between two worlds.

While the anime didn't collect major industry awards, it extended the Devil May Cry brand into a new medium and solidified Dante's image outside the games. For fans it reinforced key character traits and iconic moves, and it helped bring the franchise to viewers who hadn't played the games, contributing to ongoing interest in Dante across media and merchandise.