Video game movie adaptations have become increasingly popular over the years with hits like Minecraft, Sonic and Mario movies all having positive feedback. However, when it comes to video game series adaptations, Netflix has been the go-to platform, releasing popular series such as Castlevania, Sonic Prime and Arcane. With many successful hits, it was finally time for another popular video game franchise to be brought into stardom.
This game is “Devil May Cry” or just DMC. DMC is a science fantasy, action-adventure game created by Hideki Kamiya. The first game was released Aug 23, 2001, and it wasn’t really until DMC 3 that the franchise really took off, giving it a grand total of five games and its new anime adaptation hosted by Netflix.
Netflix released its new series on April 3, 2025. Many DMC fans looked forward to its release, but they were left with something completely different from the original games. The main story of DMC follows the devil hunter Dante, who fights to stop demonic invasions of earth. The games are known for their stylish action, entertaining cutscenes, unique combat styles and boss fights. Many assumed the anime would take a similar approach, but it instead used full advantage of its creative liberties.
The Netflix series is only loosely based off the games, mainly DMC 3, with a totally original story that doesn’t take place in the same timeline. This definitely makes it easy to just get into without any previous knowledge of the games. Since the series is mostly based on DMC 3, which is a fan favorite due to its playstyle and compelling story, it does share core elements like the characters Dante, Lady and Vergil. However, some things are definitely different.
DMC 3 has a variety of bosses and villains that carry the story, but Netflix chose none of these to be the main antagonist. Instead, White Rabbit, or simply, The Rabbit, is the main antagonist of the first season. This character is not found in any of the games but rather the DMC 3 inspired manga series. This manga, while exploring events before the game, isn’t considered canon (officially recognized and accepted lore). The creator saw this as a great opportunity to turn this character into the main villain.
What makes DMC 3 such a great game is its story. In the timeline, this game technically takes place before the other games, making it great for the series to take inspiration from. The game starts by introducing the cocky character Dante, and what soon becomes his business, Devil May Cry. However, we are quickly interrupted and introduced to his older brother Vergil—which is done similarly in the series. Dante has a driving rage towards his older brother because of their different views on what it means to be human.
For all Dante knows, he is just another human, but little does he know he is a half demon and the son of Sparda. His brother also shares this, but he seeks power and wants to merge with his demonic side. This leads to lots of sibling rivalry and epic fights within the game. The anime series doesn’t dive very deep into this brother relationship, or at least it hasn’t yet. Within one week of the series release it has already been announced that a second season is in the works.
Another big difference between the series and game is the environment. The game takes place in a more urban decay, gothic architecture revolving around an imposing tower. The series is found in an urban fantasy city, more or less the opposite of the game. Another major difference is who Dante fights against. In the game it is a constant slashing of demon creatures, but in the show he is against the government as well as some demonic creatures. Now the environment might seem like there’s a few slight differences, until we turn our attention to one of the main protagonists, Lady.
Lady was first introduced in DMC 3 as a lone demon hunter driven by revenge against her father. She is confident, fierce and harbors a deep internal hatred for demons. Since Dante is a half demon, Lady’s first interactions with him are full of snarky comebacks but they soon form a relationship where they can fight alongside each other. Lady is overall loved by fans because of her stylish combat, attitude and fashion.
This changes in the anime. Now, Lady is hunting demons for the government and her motivations shift to a broader, ambitious approach. Her personality is described as an angry and explosive force that some fans feel overshadows Dante. It is said in the series that Lady’s dad is already dead which draws away from the emotional turmoil that is her motivation for what she does.
Hopefully, the second season of “Devil May Cry” will clear up some things and bring the focus back onto Dante and his brother. This game franchise is like none other and is a great game to play. With an engaging story to guide the combo based fighting style, it is definitely not for the weak of heart and can prove to be difficult. If you want an easier approach, the show is definitely a good watch besides all the differences.
