The world of Koyoharu Gotoge's "Demon Slayer" has captivated millions of audiences of all ages since its explosive anime debut in 2019. With the highly anticipated "Infinity Castle" movie beginning its cinematic rollout, many new viewers are wondering where to begin their journey into this incredible world. If you're looking to experience the epic story of Tanjiro Kamado from the very beginning, you've come to the right place. We'll provide a comprehensive guide to the “Demon Slayer” watch order, so you can enjoy every moment and be fully prepared for the latest cinematic adventure.
“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” Synopsis
Tanjiro Kamado is the eldest son of a family that makes a living selling charcoal. Although not wealthy, Tanjiro lived happily surrounded by his kind mother and younger siblings. However, one fateful night when Tanjiro was away from home, his family was attacked by a demon, leaving them brutally slaughtered.
The only survivor was his eldest sister, Nezuko, but she had been transformed into a man-eating demon and attacked Tanjiro as well. Desperate, Tanjiro calls out to Nezuko, helping her regain a small part of her human consciousness. Determined to find a way to turn his sister back into a human and to avenge his family by slaying the demon responsible for their deaths, Tanjiro sets out on a journey with Nezuko on his back.
#1 "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” Season 1: Unwavering Resolve Arc
The first part you should watch is the "Tanjiro Kamado, Unwavering Resolve Arc," which covers Tanjiro's journey from his departure to becoming a member of the Demon Slayer Corps, an organization dedicated to slaying demons. This arc also includes his battle against one of the Twelve Kizuki, the most powerful demons.
Initially, Tanjiro was completely unaware of demons' existence and had no skills to fight them. By chance, he meets Giyu Tomioka, one of the Hashira (elite swordsmen) supporting the Demon Slayer Corps. Giyu introduces Tanjiro to Sakonji Urokodaki, a former Hashira who becomes Tanjiro's mentor in swordsmanship.
After undergoing rigorous training, Tanjiro faces the Demon Slayer Corps' entrance exam, where he must confront real demons. Pay close attention to how Tanjiro manages to overcome this challenging test.
Having successfully joined the Demon Slayer Corps, Tanjiro completes several missions before receiving his next assignment: demon extermination on Mount Natagumo. The demons lurking there are far more powerful than any he has faced before. This is because one of them is a member of the Twelve Kizuki, the highest-ranking demons under Muzan Kibutsuji. As his fellow corps members fall one by one, Tanjiro and his companions must face these formidable foes head-on.
#2 "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train" or "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" Season 2: Mugen Train Arc
The second title you should watch is either "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train" or the anime version of the Mugen Train Arc from "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" Season2.
Tanjiro's new mission involves investigating the Mugen Train, where over 40 people have mysteriously disappeared. Accompanied by his fellow Demon Slayer Corps members, Zenitsu Agatsuma and Inosuke Hashibira, Tanjiro boards the Mugen Train. There, they join forces with the Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku, to tackle the mission together.
However, in the midst of their assignment, Tanjiro suddenly finds himself at home, spending blissful moments with his family who should be dead. This turns out to be the work of a demon who has devoured over 40 people on the Mugen Train using a powerful technique. The question is: Can Tanjiro resist this dream of happiness that he can never truly return to and defeat the demon?
Mugen Train: Movie vs. Anime Series - Which Should You Watch?
The movie version was released first, followed by the anime version. The anime includes re-edited footage from the movie cuts, as well as original content such as a prequel story showing Kyojuro Rengoku's journey before boarding the Mugen Train.
While the core content remains the same in both versions, there are some differences to consider. If you prefer an uninterrupted viewing experience, the movie version might be your best bet. For those who're interested in more episodes and additional storylines, the TV anime version would be the way to go.
Of course, the ideal option would be to watch both versions and compare them! This way, you can fully appreciate the nuances and additional content in each adaptation.
#3 "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” Season 2 Part 2: Entertainment District Arc
The third storyline is the "Entertainment District Arc." After completing their mission on the Mugen Train and spending time recuperating, Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke receive their next assignment. They are tasked with infiltrating the entertainment district, where demons are believed to be lurking, alongside the Sound Hashira, Tengen Uzui. And so, the three boys disguise themselves as women to sneak into the district's establishments.
There, they encounter Warabihime, an Oiran (high-ranking courtesan) of such extraordinary beauty that men faint at the sight of her. She's the star attraction of the Kyogoku House. Shortly after Zenitsu makes contact with her, he mysteriously disappears without a trace. The entertainment district, bustling with nightlife, proves to be the perfect hunting ground for demons. In this dazzling and vibrant setting, fierce battles erupt, scattering sparks of conflict throughout the glittering streets.
#4 "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" Season 3: Swordsmith Village Arc
Following the "Entertainment District Arc" comes the "Swordsmith Village Arc." After the fierce battle in the red-light district, Tanjiro's sword is badly damaged. Upon learning that Hotaru Haganezuka, the swordsmith responsible for his blade, is furious, Tanjiro decides to visit the Swordsmith Village to apologize in person.
There, he encounters the Love Hashira, Mitsuri Kanroji, and the Mist Hashira, Muichiro Tokito, as well as his fellow Demon Slayer trainee, Genya Shinazugawa. As Tanjiro interacts with them and the local swordsmiths, the village is suddenly attacked by Upper Rank Four: Hantengu and Upper Rank Five: Gyokko.
Tanjiro and his allies find themselves struggling against the simultaneous assault by two Upper Rank demons. Be sure to watch as the Demon Slayer Corps unite to face this formidable threat head-on.
#5 "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" Season 4: Hashira Training Arc
The anime series concludes with the "Hashira Training" arc. As the final battle against Muzan Kibutsuji, the progenitor of all demons, draws near, the Demon Slayer Corps decides to implement intensive training sessions led by the Hashira. While the corps members endure grueling exercises that push them to their limits, we also get glimpses into the pasts and motivations of each Hashira.
As the Demon Slayer Corps unites in preparation for the all-out war against Muzan, Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the leader of the corps, sets the final battle in motion with a shocking strategy. The breathtaking visuals in this arc rival those of a feature film, leaving viewers in awe of their sheer power and beauty.
#6 “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba The Movie: Infinity Castle” Part 1: Akaza Returns
The highly anticipated sequel is "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba The Movie: Infinity Castle." While "Part 1: Akaza Returns" just premiered in Japan on July 18th, audiences around the globe are still eagerly awaiting its release.
This marks the long-awaited beginning of the final battle against Muzan Kibutsuji! The Demon Slayer Corps is scattered throughout the bizarre, ever-shifting Infinity Castle, an otherworldly fortress that seems to be alive. Forced into desperate and brutal combat, they'll face their most formidable foes yet. Prepare to witness their valiant, life-or-death struggle on the big screen!
©Koyoharu Gotoge / SHUEISHA, Aniplex, ufotable
※Some parts of this text have been translated using machine translation
