The Perfect Demon Slayer Watch Order to Follow!
Watch One of the Most Influential Modern Shonen Anime in the Perfect Chronological Order in 2024!
Reviewed by Huzaifa Haroon
From reigning over the Japanese box office to setting trends in anime theatrical releases, Demon Slayer has truly made its mark. With the latest movie now out, it might be just the right moment to rewatch the entire Demon Slayer anime in chronological order.
Whether you’re a die-hard DS fan or just beginning your journey into the amazing world of Kimetsu no Yaiba, this article will guide you on the perfect Kimetsu no Yaiba watch order for 2024! Before we dive into our ideal sequence for watching your favorite Ufotable anime, don’t miss our recent article on the 30 Best Anime on Funimation to Watch Before It Shuts Down!
Table of Contents:
Demon Slayer Perfect Watch Order to Follow
Below, we’ve listed all the Demon Slayer releases in order, including the number of episodes in each release and a brief description of the events in each part. We’ll also address some of the most frequently asked questions by fans.
If you want to avoid spoilers, feel free to skip the following sections. You can check out our highlights section for a quick overview of the watch order. And if you’re new to the Kimetsu no Yaiba universe, be sure to read our article on Who Killed Muzan at the End of Demon Slayer?
1. Demon Slayer Season 1
Demon Slayer Season 1 debuted in 2019 with 26 episodes. This initial season introduces viewers to the world of Kimetsu no Yaiba, focusing significantly on the DEMONS!! It explores the lethal nature of demons and their ability to permanently transform humans into demons.
The narrative follows Tanjiro, a diligent youngster who sells coal in the village at the base of the mountains where he resides. However, his life takes a tragic turn when he returns home one day to find his family slaughtered by demons, leaving his sister Nezuko critical and transformed into a demon.
As Tanjiro seeks help for his sister, he realizes her transformation into a demon is irreversible. Determined to revert her to human form and eradicate demons, Tanjiro sets out to join the Demon Slayer Corps. If you’re interested in understanding Tanjiro’s character as the protagonist of Kimetsu no Yaiba, read our article on Tanjiro Kamado & The Beauty of Altruism in Demon Slayer!
2. Demon Slayer Season 2, Part 1: The Mugen Train Arc (Show + Movie)
Kimetsu no Yaiba Season 2: The Mugen Train Arc is the first segment of the second season, released in 2020, as both a movie and a TV series, encompassing episodes 27 to 33. It features Tanjiro, now joined by the courageous Flame Hashira, Kyōjurō Rengoku, on an assignment.
During their journey, they face a formidable opponent, Lower Moon One, Enmu, who challenges them in a violent confrontation to win favor with the Demon Lord, Muzan. Tanjiro discovers the Hinokami Kagura, leading to an intense struggle between Kyōjurō Rengoku and the fan-favorite demon, Akaza.
This installment is renowned for its extraordinary CGI, captivating storyline, and breathtaking animation by Ufotable. Moreover, it succeeded in tugging at our heartstrings, making us fall for Rengoku, a character whose time was all too brief.
3. Demon Slayer Season 2, Part 2: The Entertainment District Arc
Kimetsu no Yaiba Season 2: The Entertainment District Arc is the second part of the series, released in 2021. It consists of 10 episodes that continue the story from episodes 34 to 44. In this arc, Tanjiro, alongside Inosuke and Zenitsu, teams up with the flamboyant Sound Hashira, Tengen Uzui.
The group travels to the entertainment district, where Tengen’s shinobi spies have been gathering intelligence on a formidable demon. However, the mission becomes perilous when they encounter Upper Moon Six, Gyutaro, and Daki, twin demons with exceptional combat and demonic abilities.
This season caused Crunchyroll’s servers to crash, thanks to the phenomenal animation and the electrifying battle between Tengen and Gyutaro, giving DS fans serious GOOSEBUMPS! Speaking of goosebumps, the Demon Lord never fails to inspire them every time he graces the screen.
If you’re intrigued by Kimetsu no Yaiba’s smooth criminal, check out The Pure Evilness of Muzan Kibutsuji in Demon Slayer!
4. Demon Slayer Season 3: The Swordsmith Village Arc (Show + Movie)
The Swordsmith Village Arc is a second movie in the Kimetsu no Yaiba series, released in 2023, and it includes episodes 10 and 11 of the Entertainment District Arc, alongside the first episode of Season 3 of Kimetsu no Yaiba.
However, we recommend skipping the movie in favor of the episodic version, which offers a more enjoyable experience. In the episodic Swordsmith Village Arc, the story unfolds after the Entertainment District events.
Tanjiro recovers from his coma, and the team must visit the village where the Demon Slayer swords are crafted. We get a sneak peek of the Upper Moon meeting and Muzan’s frustration with Gyutaro’s death. Meanwhile, Upper Moon 4 Hantengu makes plans to attack the hidden village alongside Upper Moon 5, Gyokko to please Muzan.
This season also features two skilled Hashira. First, the Love Hashira, Mitsuri, with her incredible Love Breathing skills, and second, the Mist Hashira, Muichiro, who masters Mist Breathing techniques. (Psst! This season includes a cameo from the legendary Yorichi and showcases Nezuko-chan conquering the sun!)
For an in-depth exploration of this season, read our article on Everything You Need to Know About Demon Slayer: Swordsmith Arc!
5. Demon Slayer Season 4: The Hashira Training Arc (Show + Movie)
The Hashira Training Arc is the third movie in the Kimetsu no Yaiba series. With TV episodes for Season 4: The Hashira Training Arc set to release in May of this year, fans can watch the movie to get a glimpse of the story’s direction.
This season, The Hashira Training Arc, is the concluding segment before the Final Arc commences. Tanjiro undergoes training under the guidance of the strongest pillar of the Demon Slayer Corps, Stone Hashira, Himejima, in his quest to become a Hashira. Meanwhile, Muzan continues to search for Nezuko and Ubuyashiki.
Where to Start the Manga after Watching the Hashira Training Arc?
After watching the complete Hashira Training Arc, fans can begin reading the manga from Chapter 137, titled Indestructible. This chapter initiates the Final Arc Part 1, known as the Infinity Castle Arc. In this arc, readers will witness epic battles between the Hashiras and the remaining Upper Moons, including the demise of Shinobu Kocho and Doma’s downfall.
If you’re curious about how Shinobu Kocho managed to defeat Doma despite being one of the weaker Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps, make sure to read How Is Shinobu Kocho Strong Without a Demon Slayer Mark?
How Many Arcs does Demon Slayer have in Total?
Demon Slayer comprises a total of 12 arcs, each introducing new challenges, demons, Hashira, and a whole lot of excitement. We’ve listed all the arcs below for our readers to choose their favorite from the manga.
- Unwavering Resolve Arc
- Final Selection Arc
- Kidnapper’s Bog Arc
- Asakusa Arc
- Tsuzumi Mansion Arc
- Mount Natagumo Arc
- Rehabilitation Training Arc
- Mugen Train Arc
- Entertainment District Arc
- Swordsmith Village Arc
- Hashira Training Arc
- Final Battle Arc
Does Demon Slayer Have a Happy Ending?
Answering this is not straightforward. If your main hope is for Muzan’s defeat and for Tanjiro to lead a joyful life, then YES, Demon Slayer does have a happy ending. On the other hand, if you’ve developed a strong attachment to other characters like the Hashira or even Upper Moon 3 Akaza, then NO, the ending might leave you heartbroken.
In the final arc, numerous characters meet their end, and the journey is filled with emotionally charged moments. Depending on your perspective, the ending is bittersweet, likely to leave a tear or two.
What Made Kimetsu no Yaiba So Successful?
Demon Slayer stands as a shining example of narrative magic, transforming simple concepts into extraordinary tales. At its heart, the story might seem basic, involving a boy who loses his family to demons, with his only hope resting on his sister, now a demon.
His mission is to restore her humanity, but Demon Slayer pulls you into Tanjiro’s world, ensuring you experience every moment with him. The battles are animated to keep you rooting for the characters every step of the way, gripping you with tension and hoping against hope they’re not lost to another demon threat.
Ultimately, Demon Slayer blends compelling storytelling with exceptional animation. These elements combine to create an anime phenomenon that resonates with audiences globally, leaving a lasting impression even after the screen goes dark.
Which Hashira has the Saddest Backstory?
It’s none other than SANEMI SHINAZUGAWA, The Wind Hashira!! His backstory is among the most tragic in the Demon Slayer universe. He lost 5 siblings when his mother turned into a demon. To protect his younger brother Genya Shinazugawa, he had to kill her.
Sadly, Genya accused him of murdering their mother. Later, Sanemi’s heart was torn as he lost his love, Kanae Kocho, the Flower Hashira, to Doma. Without ever getting a chance to express his love, Sanemi visits her grave to confess what he could never say.
And finally, during the Infinity Castle Arc, Sanemi’s heartbreak continues as he loses his last brother, Genya, to Kokushibo, the Upper Moon One, leaving Sanemi holding his disintegrated form. Imagine the agony of having to kill your mother to save a sibling, only to lose them to demons in the end, under the most harrowing circumstances.
Reviewed by Huzaifa Haroon
