Why do dmc fans hate the anime

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Devil May Cry fans dislike the 2007 anime adaptation primarily because it diverges significantly from the game series' tone and style. The anime features minimal action sequences, with only about 15% of its runtime dedicated to combat compared to the games' 70-80% focus. It introduces original characters like Patty Lowell who feel disconnected from the established lore, and it received mixed reviews, scoring 6.5/10 on IMDb versus the games' average 8.5+ ratings. The anime's slower, more episodic storytelling contrasts sharply with the fast-paced, stylish combat that defines the franchise.

Key Facts

The Devil May Cry anime aired in 2007 with 12 episodes produced by Madhouse studio
The anime features only about 15-20 minutes of total combat across its 4.5-hour runtime
It introduced original character Patty Lowell who does not appear in any mainline games
The anime scored 6.5/10 on IMDb compared to Devil May Cry 3's 9.0/10 user score
Director Shin Itagaki stated the anime intentionally focused more on character drama than action

Overview

The Devil May Cry anime adaptation, produced by Madhouse studio and directed by Shin Itagaki, premiered in Japan in June 2007 with 12 episodes totaling approximately 4.5 hours. This adaptation marked the first major anime treatment of Capcom's popular video game franchise that began in 2001. The series follows demon hunter Dante between the events of Devil May Cry 1 and Devil May Cry 4, operating his "Devil May Cry" agency while taking on various supernatural cases. Unlike the games which feature continuous action sequences, the anime adopts a more episodic structure with self-contained monster-of-the-week stories. The production involved key staff from previous Madhouse projects, with character designs by Atsushi Takeuchi and music by r.o.r/s. The anime was licensed for North American release by ADV Films in 2007 and later by Funimation in 2015.

How It Works

The anime's divergence from game expectations operates through several key mechanisms. First, it drastically reduces combat frequency - where Devil May Cry games typically feature combat in 70-80% of gameplay, the anime contains only about 15-20 minutes of fight scenes across all episodes. Second, it shifts narrative focus from high-stakes demonic conflicts to smaller-scale urban supernatural cases, with Dante solving mysteries rather than engaging in epic battles. Third, it introduces original characters like Patty Lowell, a young girl who becomes Dante's client, creating relationships not present in game canon. Fourth, it employs a more subdued visual style with fewer of the games' signature "Stylish" combat rankings and exaggerated animations. Finally, it uses episodic storytelling where most conflicts resolve within single episodes rather than building toward larger narrative arcs.

Why It Matters

The anime's reception matters because it represents a significant case study in video game adaptation challenges. For the Devil May Cry franchise specifically, it demonstrated how core gameplay elements (like combat frequency and style mechanics) translate poorly when removed from interactive media. The mixed response (6.5/10 on IMDb) influenced later Capcom adaptations, with subsequent projects like the 2019 Devil May Cry 5 being more faithful to game elements. For the anime industry, it highlighted the difficulty of balancing original storytelling with fan expectations when adapting established properties. The anime's existence also expanded the franchise's lore, with some elements like character designs later appearing in crossover games like Project X Zone 2 in 2015.