‘Demon Slayer’ Watch Order (Series & Movie, Chronologically)

If you’re diving into the world of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, figuring out the correct watch order can feel like preparing for a battle against Muzan himself. With its breathtaking animation, gripping storyline, and a mix of seasons and movies, understanding the Demon Slayer watch order is key to fully enjoying Tanjiro Kamado’s journey from a heartbroken boy to a skilled demon slayer.
This guide is designed to help both newcomers and returning fans navigate the chronological sequence, ensuring you don’t miss a single sword swing or emotional moment. Whether you’re searching for the best Demon Slayer watch order or just curious about how the series and films connect, we’ve got you covered.
Editor’s Note: This watch order is regularly updated to reflect the current state of the Demon Slayer anime, which is, at the moment, still ongoing.
Demon Slayer chronological watch order (at a glance)
Here is a chronological watch order for Demon Slayer anime:
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (Season 1)
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (Season 2 Mugen Train and Entertainment District Arcs)
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba To the Swordsmith Village
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (Season 3 Swordsmith Village Arc)
Now that you know in what order to watch Demon Slayer, let’s dive deeper into the article and further explain the reasoning behind this order.
How many seasons does Demon Slayer have?
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba has four completed seasons. The first season kicked off in 2019, introducing Tanjiro’s tragic backstory and his initial steps as a demon slayer. Since then, the series has expanded with additional seasons, each adapting a new arc from the manga, growing its fanbase with every release.
The count of four seasons includes the Unwavering Resolve Arc (Season 1), the Mugen Train Arc and Entertainment District Arc (both part of Season 2), the Swordsmith Village Arc (Season 3), and the Hashira Training Arc (Season 4). While Season 2 is technically split into two distinct arcs, it’s still considered one season in the official lineup. With the manga concluded, the anime’s future lies in its final arc, which is taking a unique cinematic route instead of a traditional fifth season.
Demon Slayer in order (fully explained)
Here’s where we dive into the full chronological watch order for Demon Slayer. This section lays out the sequence of seasons and movies so you can follow Tanjiro’s journey from start to finish without confusion. Below, each part is detailed with its role in the story, helping you see how the series and films fit together seamlessly.
Season 1: Unwavering Resolve Arc (Episodes 1–26)
Start here with the foundation of the series, released in 2019. This 26-episode arc introduces Tanjiro Kamado, whose family is slaughtered by demons, leaving his sister Nezuko as a half-demon survivor. Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps, training under Sakonji Urokodaki and meeting allies like Zenitsu and Inosuke. It’s a must-watch to understand the stakes and characters.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train
Next up is the 2020 film, a direct sequel to Season 1. Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu, and Inosuke board the Mugen Train with Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku to investigate disappearances caused by the demon Enmu. This canon movie is a pivotal moment, showcasing intense battles and Rengoku’s tragic fate. Alternatively, you can watch the TV version (Season 2, Episodes 1–7), which adapts the movie with extra scenes, but the film is the original experience.
Season 2: Entertainment District Arc (Episodes 8–18)
After the Mugen Train events (skip Episodes 1–7 if you’ve seen the movie), Season 2 continues with this 11-episode arc, starting December 2021. Tanjiro and his friends team up with Sound Hashira Tengen Uzui to investigate demon activity in the Entertainment District, facing off against the Upper Rank demons Daki and Gyutaro. It’s a thrilling escalation of the story.
Season 3: Swordsmith Village Arc (Episodes 1–11)
Premiering in April 2023, this 11-episode arc follows Tanjiro to the Swordsmith Village to repair his blade. Joined by the Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito and Love Hashira Mitsuri Kanroji, he battles Upper Rank demons Hantengu and Gyokko. It’s a visually stunning chapter that deepens the Corps’ struggle.
Season 4: Hashira Training Arc (Episodes 1–8)
Released in May 2024, this shorter 8-episode arc focuses on Tanjiro and the Corps training under the Hashira to prepare for the final battle against Muzan. It’s a slower, character-driven buildup to the climactic end, setting the stage for what’s next.
Upcoming: Infinity Castle Arc (Movie Trilogy)
Instead of a Season 5, the final arc will be adapted as a trilogy of films, with the first expected on July 18, 2025. These movies will cover the Infinity Castle Arc, the manga’s epic conclusion, pitting the Demon Slayer Corps against Muzan and his strongest demons.
Note: There are compilation films like To the Swordsmith Village (recapping Season 2’s end and Season 3’s start) and To the Hashira Training (Season 3’s end and Season 4’s start), but they’re optional since their content is in the TV series.
Do you need to watch Demon Slayer in order?
Yes, watching Demon Slayer in chronological order is highly recommended. The story is linear and serialized, with each arc building on the previous one—Tanjiro’s growth, the introduction of new Hashira, and the looming threat of Muzan all unfold progressively. Skipping around risks missing key emotional and plot developments.
Is it necessary to watch the Demon Slayer movies?
It depends. The Mugen Train movie is essential as it’s canon and advances the main story, though you can opt for its TV adaptation in Season 2. However, compilation films like To the Swordsmith Village and To the Hashira Training are skippable since they recap TV episodes. The upcoming Infinity Castle trilogy will be unmissable, as it’s the only way to see the finale.
Will there be more Demon Slayer seasons?
No, there won’t be more traditional seasons after Season 4. The anime has adapted most of the manga, and the final Infinity Castle Arc is being released as a movie trilogy starting in 2025. This cinematic conclusion will wrap up Tanjiro’s story, marking the end of the Demon Slayer anime as we know it—though spin-offs or specials could emerge later.