Netflix and Adi Shankar’s highly anticipatedDevil May Cryanime has officially debuted on the streamer on April 3, and it’s already turning heads. Some fans are even calling it Netflix’s ownSolo Leveling, a bold comparison that speaks volumes about the series’ explosive action, stylish direction, and faithful nods to its source material. Based on the Japanese video game franchise of the same name,Devil May Cryhas earned positive review from critics, scoring an impressive 95% on Rotten Tomatoes
Crunchyroll has already had a bonafide hit withSolo Leveling,and Netflix could use a similar win. With comparisons in regard to its action, animation highlights, and baked in fanbase,DmCcould improve Netflix’s standings in the 2025 anime season.
Devil May Cry Is On Par With Castlevania Season 1
Adi Shakar Incorporates Many Similar Elements
Following Adi Shankar’s breakout success withCastlevania,Devil May Cryhad high expectations—and it delivers. LikeCastlevania, its debut is strong, continuing Shankar’s streak of stylish, faithful adaptations for Netflix. Johnny Yong Bosch, known for voicing Nero in the games, a character designed to reflect a younger Dante, takes on the role of a less experienced Dante in the anime and shines.While Richard Armitage was praised for his portrayal of Trevor Belmont inCastlevania,Devil May Cryone-ups it by casting Bosch directly from the game series, lending an added layer of authenticity and fan appeal to the production.
Netflix’s Next Castlevania Is Going to Be Devil May Cry and We Know Why
Netflix proved with Castlevania that they are good with video game adaptations, so it is no surprise that the Devil May Cry anime looks amazing.
Excellent voice casting isn’t the only elementAdi Shankar carried over fromCastlevania, asbothCastlevaniaandDevil May Cryfeature dark, demonic themes and fast-paced action, demanding equally intense animation. From first-person shots of Dante firing his pistols to dynamic angles reminiscent ofCastlevania’s later seasons, the attention to detail is clear. Most importantly, both series tap into beloved, long-standing franchises with devoted fan bases. Rather than feeling like just another anime, each show serves as a faithful continuation and tribute to the legacy of its source material.
DmC Could Be Netflix’s Own Solo Leveling
The Animation Is Just As Strong
Similarly,Solo Levelinghas a loyal fanbase dating back to the original manhwa, and the anime builds on that foundation by elevating the source material, especially its side characters. As a result, the series has attracted new viewers who were introduced to the story through the anime alone.Devil May Cryis following a similar path, especially with episode six, which has been widely praised as a standout installment.Many fans consider it a beautiful short film in its own right, an artistic high point that the franchise has never reached before, drawing in both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Solo Leveling Season 2 Is So Good That It’s Reminding Me of Jujutsu Kaisen: Here’s Why
Season 2 of Solo Leveling shows that the anime is following in the footsteps of JJK, and that’s a good thing
Solo Levelinghad an impressive first season, and now that season 2 has officially wrapped, it’s easy to say it’s even better than before, thanks to its elevated action, fast pace, and attention to secondary characters. AlthoughSakamoto Dayshad an impressive debut episode, the Netflix exclusive couldn’t stack up againstSolo Levelingseason 2. But perhapsDevil May Crycan fill that void in its stead. And with someone with a track record like Shankar at the helm, it may have a bit more direction, tender love, andcare than whatSakamoto Dayshas received.
DMC Is A Fan-Faithful Adaptation
It Has An Excellent Soundtrack Just Like The Games
There are fans in equal measures who have played all the games, read all the manga, and watched the previous anime adaptation, who love the Netflix series, and others who feel the opposite. There are changes to the origins of the series that are explained in more scientific terms than fans are used to, but it doesn’t necessarily disqualify the possibility that there are real Demons and Hell is not just another dimension. However, much likeCastlevaniahad to, there must be some changes when a work of art shifts mediums in order to craft a better story.
How perfect is Johnny Yong Bosch as Dante in the Netflix Devil May Cry series?
Johnny Yong Bosch has perfectly captured the spirit of Devil May Cry’s Dante from the video games, bringing him to life in the new Netflix series. As someone who is a massive gamer, I was worried that this anime would not live up to my expectations, and yet it exceeded them. Bosch does a wonderful job of weaving in Dante’s one-liners and unseriousness when he needs to, but is also able to capture his more serious tone when the time calls for it.
Adi Shankar clearly understands whatDevil May Cryis all about, especially as a product of the same 2000s era the franchise represents. He knows how vital music is to the series, not just in terms of style but storytelling.The anime’s soundtrack features tracks from artists that embody both the franchise and the decade, creating a synergy between music and action that mirrors the games. Dante even fires his guns in rhythm with the OST, with the music intensifying alongside the combat. If you loveSolo Levelingand are looking for an anime to match its dynamic action,Devil May Cryis the perfect follow-up.
