Koyoharu Gotouge’s Weekly Shonen Jump hit series, Demon Slayer, has touched many hearts with not just the incredible main cast but also the nuanced villains. The film has recently released the first installment of the Infinity Castle trilogy, and it’s smashing box office records across the globe. The arc commences the final showdown between the Corps members and the demons, as the night-long battle will determine who will come out on top. Now that Muzan Kibutsuji, the demon progenitor, has found the Corps’ headquarters, he doesn’t plan on letting them see another sunrise. While the final battle is packed with intense action, it also has many heartbreaking moments.
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Ever since Tanjiro’s experience in the Final Selection Exam, we have seen countless tragic demons who are also Muzan’s victims, since many of them didn’t even have a choice before becoming demons. Not to mention that even if some did choose Muzan’s help, characters like Akaza, Gyutaro, Daki, Doma, and Kokushibo are some of the most beloved villains in the series, even though they have taken countless lives after transforming into demons. However, just as the series has many iconic villains, there’s no denying that a large number of them are just as forgettable. These villains do have major impacts on the story, but it doesn’t change the fact that they are the least bit likable in every possible way.
Warning: This article contains spoilers from the Demon Slayer manga!
5) Muzan Kibutsuji
Muzan is perhaps the most shocking entry in this list, but his inclusion actually makes sense considering how he is so easily overshadowed by the rest of the Upper Ranks, the very demons he looks down on. The final antagonist often comes off as one-dimensional, with no depth or purpose to speak of, except achieving “eternity.” Not to mention that the strongest creature alive being so unimaginably cowardly is a major turn-off. During the final stretch, he even tried to run away from the Demon Slayers, which further plummeted his reputation as a final antagonist.
4) Hantengu
Hantengu, Upper Rank Four, had the most troublesome ability, making him worthy of his rank. Unfortunately, his true personality was so underwhelming that it was just unbearable to look at him on the screen. His backstory further highlights his cowardly and deceiving nature, almost to the point of making one’s skin crawl. Upper Moons are supposed to carry some sort of presence, enough to even shake a Hashira, just like Akaza and Gyutaro did. However, Hantengu was too busy crying and running away while letting his clones do all the work to even do something interesting that could make him a little memorable.
3) Enmu
The main antagonist of the Infinity Train Arc was Enmu, Lower One, who somehow survived the annihilation of the Lower Ranks, thanks to his eccentric personality that piqued Muzan’s interest. However, it doesn’t take long for Enmu to be overshadowed by Akaza, Upper Rank Three, who made a brief appearance and killed Kyojuro Rengoku, the Flame Hashira. Akaza isn’t the only reason that not many people have a particular interest in Enmu. His backstory aside, the villain doesn’t leave a lasting impression in any way. His goal is simply to rise through the ranks of the Twelve Kizuki, and while it does fit his character, it also makes him less compelling.
2) Gyokko
Gotouge clearly missed a golden opportunity with Gyokko, who could’ve been so much more appealing if only he had a little depth. Everything from his design to his Blood Demon Art confirms how terrifying he must look in front of people. Not to mention that his obsession with art instead of power sets him apart from other demons. The fanbook also mentions that he particularly targeted children, so it’s ironic that he met his end at the hands of a 14-year-old kid, Muichiro Tokito, the Mist Hashira. Unfortunately, everything we know about Gyokko is merely surface-level, which isn’t enough to make him seem appealing.
1) Kaigaku
It’d be surprising if Kaigaku had fans, not because he was a demon, but because he was evil to his very core. He was someone who had so many people who cared about him, only for him to trample on them just to fulfill his own greed. When Kaigaku was kicked out of the temple, he led the demon to where Gyomei and the other orphans were staying. Kaigaku later met Jigoro Kuwajima, who taught him Thunder Breathing and made him a Demon Slayer. Jigoro even wanted Kaigaku and Zenitsu to share the title of successor, an honor that every Demon Slayer could ever wish for. However, instead of repaying Jigoro’s kindness, Kaigaku chose to become a demon. He retained his memories, but his personality didn’t change one bit, highlighting how rotten he was from the beginning.
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