Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, a global sensation since its manga debut in 2016, has captivated audiences with its compelling story and breathtaking animation. With over 150 million copies in circulation, it claimed its spot as the ninth best-selling manga series of all time. The manga’s meteoric success paved the way for an inevitable anime adaptation.
The anime, based on Koyoharu Gotouge’s manga, made its debut in 2019 and quickly transcended borders, captivating audiences both in Japan and internationally. The narrative revolves around Tanjiro Kamada and his sister’s quest to become demon slayers, seeking vengeance for the atrocities inflicted upon their family.
After the premiere of Season 1 in 2019, the franchise expanded with additional TV seasons and movies, culminating in 2020 with a total of 23 volumes of the original manga. The series’ allure lies in its exceptional action sequences, breathtaking art style, and surprisingly emotional narrative.
While Demon Slayer is available on Netflix and Crunchyroll internationally, Netflix’s unique numbering system for the show’s seasons can befuddle fans. Despite the confusion, it’s worth noting that not every installment must be watched, as certain parts cover similar ground or compress episodes into feature-length presentations.
The heart of the story follows Tanjiro Kamado, a teenage aspirant in the demon slayer ranks. His journey unfolds as he scales the ranks, driven by the tragic transformation of his sister into a demon and the brutal loss of his family.
In case you are in a hurry to watch, here is the essential order to watch Demon Slayer
1. Demon Slayer Season 1: Tanjiro Kamado, Unwavering Resolve Arc (2019)
2. Demon Slayer Season 2 Part 1: Mugen Train Arc (2022)
3. Demon Slayer Season 2 Part 2: Entertainment District Arc (2022)
4. Demon Slayer Season 3: Swordsmith Village Arc (2023)
What order to watch Demon Slayer
Embarking on the journey of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba can be both exhilarating and perplexing due to its diverse releases. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the series in chronological order:
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (season 1) – Tanjiro Kamado, Unwavering Resolve Arc (2019)
Airing from April 6, Season 1 of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is also recognized as the Tanjiro Kamado, Unwavering Resolve Arc. This season adeptly adapts the first seven volumes of the manga, encompassing chapters 1 to 54. The narrative revolves around Tanjiro Kamado, whose family falls victim to a demon attack. Driven by an unwavering resolve, Tanjiro embarks on a perilous journey with the dual mission of avenging his family and finding a cure for his sister, Nezuko, who is undergoing a transformation into a demon.
Comprising a total of 26 episodes, Season 1 delves into Tanjiro’s resolute determination as he encounters various demons during his quest. The series captures the essence of his challenges, growth, and the intricate world of demon slayers. For those seeking more in-depth information, the Wikipedia page on Demon Slayer Season 1 provides a comprehensive resource.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train: Mugen Train (2020)
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train is a 2020 Japanese animated dark fantasy action film directed by Haruo Sotozaki. With a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes, the movie is an adaptation of the “Mugen Train” arc from the shōnen manga series.
The plot follows the Demon Slayer Corps, led by Kagaya Ubuyashiki, as they mourn fallen warriors at a graveyard. Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu, and Inosuke join Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku on the Mugen Train. Enmu, a demon, induces sleep in passengers to attack in dreams. Tanjiro disrupts the plan, and with Nezuko’s help, defeats Enmu. They face Akaza, who fatally injures Kyojuro. Tanjiro attempts to stop Akaza but fails. Kyojuro encourages Tanjiro before passing away. The group mourns, and Kagaya praises Kyojuro’s dedication to protecting others.
Demon Slayer Season Two – Mugen Train & Entertainment District Arc (2022):
The second season of Demon Slayer aired from 2021 to 2022 and is split into two parts: the Mugen Train Arc and the Entertainment District Arc. The Mugen Train Arc, a seven-episode compilation, reprises the 2020 anime film. Following this, the Entertainment District Arc comprises 11 original episodes. The season covers manga chapters 54 to 97 (volumes 7–11) and consists of 18 episodes, available on Netflix since January 21, 2023.
Some suggest skipping the Mugen Train arc if you’ve recently watched the movie, but we would recommended watching it for better context. The second season adapts manga chapters from the 7th to the 11th volume (chapters 54–97) and spans two continuous cours. The first part, titled Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Mugen Train Arc, is a seven-episode recompilation of the “Mugen Train” arc, featuring new music and an all-new anime original episode set just before the main story.
The Entertainment District Arc of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba aired from December 5, 2021, to February 13, 2022, comprising eleven episodes. This arc is part of the second season, following the protagonist Tanjiro Kamado and his companions as they face challenges in the entertainment district. After the death of Flame Hashira, Tanjiro’s team, led by the Sound Hashira Tengen Uzui, investigates the disappearances of his three wives. To infiltrate, they disguise themselves as women. The season, including the Entertainment District Arc, has a total of 11 episodes. The storyline revolves around Tanjiro and his companions on a mission to the Entertainment District, a place filled with demons and desires. Notably, the arc introduces new theme songs by Aimer, featuring the opening theme “Zankyosanka” and the ending theme “Asa ga kuru.”
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – To the Swordsmith Village (2023):
In “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – To the Swordsmith Village,” Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke assist Hashira Tengen Uzui against demons Gyutaro and Daki. They discover the only way to defeat the demons is simultaneous beheading. A fierce battle ensues, resulting in the beheading of the demons. Tanjiro, heavily poisoned, encounters Gyutaro and Daki in the afterlife, urging them to reconcile. Meanwhile, Muzan Kibutsuji scolds the remaining Upper Rank demons for their failures.
In the concluding part, Tanjiro, still recovering from his injuries, heads to the Swordsmith Village with Nezuko. There, he encounters other Hashiras and learns about a “secret weapon” that could enhance his strength. While relaxing in hot springs, Tanjiro and Nezuko come across Genya, the younger brother of Wind Hashira Sanemi Shinazugawa. Genya angrily strikes Tanjiro and leaves. Back at the village, Mitsuri hints at Tanjiro about the hidden power and bids farewell. The next day, Tanjiro meets Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito and sees a figure resembling the one from his dream, setting the stage for new developments in his journey.
Demon Slayer Season Three – Swordsmith Village Arc (2023):
“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Swordsmith Village Arc” serves as the third season of the Demon Slayer series, spanning from April 9 to June 18, 2023. This season adapts chapters 98–127 of the manga, comprising 11 episodes, mirroring the episode count of the previous Entertainment District arc.
The main cast, including Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Inosuke, and Nezuko, continues its journey in the Swordsmith Village arc. Notably, Zenitsu and Inosuke seem to take more of a sideline role this season. New characters, such as Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito and Love Hashira Mitsuri Kanoji, join the ensemble. Kotetsu, a new addition, is seen training Tanjiro and was introduced in the movie “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – To the Swordsmith Village” (2023).
The cast of Upper Moons features Kokushibo, Hantengu, and Gyokko, with the latter two established as the arc’s primary antagonists. Notable additions in the first episode of the season include Akaza, Doma, Nakime, and their leader Muzan Kibutsuji.
Demon Slayer Season Four – Hashira Training Arc (2024):
The Hashira Training Arc is the tenth story arc of Kimetsu no Yaiba. Tanjiro seeks guidance from the Stone Hashira, Gyomei Himejima, to prepare for upcoming battles. The training, rigorous and challenging, aims to elevate Tanjiro to the rank of Hashira, a prestigious position in the Demon Slayer Corps. Despite the seemingly impossible task of earning Himejima’s approval, Tanjiro remains determined. Meanwhile, the demon lord Muzan, accompanied by the new Upper Rank 4, Nakime, persists in the search for the whereabouts of Nezuko and Ubuyashiki.