Netflix’s new Devil May Cry anime makes a fiery entrance with its debut season, capturing the essence of the beloved video game series while adding fresh depth and cinematic flair. Led by Barbarian director Zach Cregger, the show blends chaotic action, raw emotion, and slick visuals into a stylish, high-energy adaptation that respects its source material while carving out new ground.
From the opening episode, viewers are thrown into a war between demons, the U.S. government’s elite hell-hunting team, and a mysterious figure known as the White Rabbit. At the center of it all is Dante—half-demon, all-attitude—who finds himself caught in a web of ancient conflicts and deadly conspiracies. But he doesn’t ride solo; Lady, the fan-favorite from Devil May Cry 3, shares the spotlight in a co-lead role that gives the story added emotional weight and character contrast.
The series leans into a buddy-action dynamic between Dante’s carefree chaos and Lady’s hardened pragmatism, offering layered storytelling that balances outrageous fight scenes with deeper character arcs. Lady, in particular, shines with a narrative arc exploring grief, legacy, and inner demons—figurative and literal.
Stylistically, Devil May Cry is a love letter to early-2000s action films, with nods to The Matrix Reloaded, The Raid, and Dredd. It’s loud, bold, and often feels like a high-octane music video, especially with its aggressive soundtrack featuring Rage Against the Machine and Papa Roach. One standout scene sees Dante fighting mercenaries while dancing to “Guerrilla Radio”—a moment as absurd as it is iconic.
The show also boasts strong supporting characters, including a hauntingly calm U.S. Vice President Baines, voiced by the late Kevin Conroy, and a complex antagonist in the White Rabbit. A standout sixth episode tells backstories with contrasting art styles and minimal dialogue, showcasing the show’s creative storytelling chops.
Aside from a few moments of jarring CGI, the animation from Studio Mir is fluid and dynamic. The visual style, combined with the gritty soundtrack and explosive action, makes Devil May Cry a must-watch for fans of both the games and animated action.
With a cliffhanger ending and all the pieces in place for a gripping second season, Devil May Cry sets a bold, bloody new bar for video game adaptations.
