Demon Slayer Watch Order 2026: The Complete Kimetsu no Yaiba Guide

Demon Slayer took the anime world by storm when it premiered in 2019, and in 2026 it remains one of the most visually spectacular anime ever created. Studio Ufotable’s breathtaking animation, combined with Koyoharu Gotouge’s emotional story of family and determination, created a phenomenon that broke box office records and sold millions of manga volumes worldwide.

The story follows Tanjiro Kamado, a kind-hearted boy whose family is slaughtered by demons—with his sister Nezuko being transformed into a demon herself. Rather than killing her, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps to find a way to turn Nezuko back into a human while protecting others from the same fate.

With multiple seasons, a blockbuster movie, and the finale approaching with the Infinity Castle arc, this guide will ensure you experience Demon Slayer in the perfect order. The animation alone is worth the watch, but the heart of the story will keep you hooked.

Quick Answer: Demon Slayer Watch Order

Demon Slayer Season 1 (26 episodes)
Demon Slayer: Mugen Train Arc (Movie OR TV episodes)
Demon Slayer Season 2: Entertainment District Arc (11 episodes)
Demon Slayer Season 3: Swordsmith Village Arc (11 episodes)
Demon Slayer Season 4: Hashira Training Arc (8 episodes)
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle (Movie trilogy, 2025-2026)

Complete Demon Slayer Watch Order Explained

Season 1: Tanjiro Kamado, Unwavering Resolve Arc (2019)

The first season introduces the world of Demon Slayer, Tanjiro’s training under Sakonji Urokodaki, and his acceptance into the Demon Slayer Corps. The season culminates in the spectacular battle against the Lower Moon demon Rui on Mount Natagumo.

Episodes: 26
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu, Funimation
Key Events: Family massacre, Final Selection, Nezuko’s demon transformation, meeting Zenitsu and Inosuke, Mount Natagumo battle

Episode 19, “Hinokami,” became a viral sensation for its animation quality during Tanjiro’s battle with Rui. This episode single-handedly convinced many viewers that anime had reached a new visual standard.

Filler: Demon Slayer has ZERO filler episodes. Every episode adapts the manga faithfully.

Mugen Train Arc (2020 Movie / 2021 TV)

Here’s where it gets slightly complicated. The Mugen Train arc was released in two formats:

Option 1: Demon Slayer: Mugen Train Movie (2020)

Runtime: 117 minutes
The original theatrical release that became the highest-grossing anime film ever (at the time)
Paced as a movie experience

Option 2: Mugen Train TV Arc (2021)

Episodes: 7 (including Episode 0)
Expanded scenes, additional content
Episode 0 features original Rengoku backstory not in the movie

Which Should You Watch?

We recommend the TV version for first-time viewers. The additional Episode 0 provides valuable Rengoku backstory that enhances the emotional impact of the arc. However, the movie is perfectly acceptable—just don’t watch both back-to-back as they cover the same content.

Where to Watch: Crunchyroll (both versions), Netflix (movie)
Key Events: Introduction of Flame Hashira Rengoku, battle against Lower Moon One Enmu, Akaza confrontation

The Mugen Train arc is phenomenal regardless of format. Have tissues ready.

Season 2: Entertainment District Arc (2021-2022)

The second full season takes Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke to the Yoshiwara Entertainment District under the guidance of Sound Hashira Tengen Uzui. They’re hunting Upper Moon Six—actually a pair of demons: Gyutaro and Daki.

Episodes: 11 (Note: “Episode 1” of Season 2 is actually the TV version of Mugen Train; Entertainment District starts at Episode 8 of the season broadcast)
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix
Key Events: Undercover mission, Upper Moon Six battle, awakened demon powers

The finale of this arc is often considered the peak of Demon Slayer’s animation. The Gyutaro fight in episodes 10-11 is a visual masterpiece that took Ufotable’s already incredible work to another level.

Season 3: Swordsmith Village Arc (2023)

The Swordsmith Village arc follows Tanjiro as he recovers and obtains a new sword while the village comes under attack from Upper Moons Four and Five. This season focuses heavily on Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito and Love Hashira Mitsuri Kanroji.

Episodes: 11
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix
Key Events: Swordsmith Village attack, Nezuko’s sun conquest, Upper Moon defeats

This season adapts one of the shorter manga arcs but includes the crucial development of Nezuko conquering the sun—a major plot point for the finale.

Season 4: Hashira Training Arc (2024)

The shortest season but essential setup for the finale. All Demon Slayers undergo intense training with each Hashira as they prepare for the final battle against Muzan Kibutsuji.

Episodes: 8
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Key Events: Hashira individual training, preparation for final battle, Muzan’s plans

This arc is more character-focused with less action than previous seasons, but it provides crucial development for the Hashira before the finale.

Infinity Castle Arc (2025-2026 Movies)

The grand finale! Rather than a TV season, Ufotable announced the Infinity Castle arc would be adapted as a theatrical movie trilogy, given the scale and intensity of the battles.

Movie 1: Infinity Castle (2025)

The first installment covering the initial descent into Muzan’s fortress

Movie 2 & 3: TBA (2025-2026)

Continuation and conclusion of the series
Where to Watch: Theatrical release, then Crunchyroll
What to Expect: Final battles against Upper Moons, conclusion of Tanjiro’s journey

The Infinity Castle arc is the most action-packed section of the manga, featuring simultaneous battles against remaining Upper Moons and the final confrontation with Muzan. Ufotable’s decision to make these theatrical films ensures maximum animation quality.

Where to Watch Demon Slayer

Crunchyroll — All seasons, both Mugen Train versions
Netflix — Season 1-3, Mugen Train movie
Hulu — Complete series
Funimation (merged with Crunchyroll) — All content

For the manga: Demon Slayer Vol. 1 on Amazon

Demon Slayer Movie Guide

Title	Type	Canon?	When to Watch
Mugen Train	Movie	Yes	After Season 1
Infinity Castle Pt. 1	Movie	Yes	After Season 4
Infinity Castle Pt. 2	Movie	Yes	After Part 1
Infinity Castle Pt. 3	Movie	Yes	After Part 2

All Demon Slayer movies are canon and essential to the story—there are no spinoff films.

Should You Read the Manga?

The manga is complete (23 volumes) and offers:

The full story without waiting for anime releases
Additional author notes and character details
Slightly faster pacing in some arcs

However, Ufotable’s anime adaptation is exceptional enough that many fans prefer waiting for the animated version. The breathing technique visualizations and fluid combat add tremendous value to the source material.

Recommendation: Watch the anime for the experience, read the manga if you can’t wait for Infinity Castle or want more content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take to watch all of Demon Slayer? A: Currently available content is approximately 24 hours (including Mugen Train movie). Once Infinity Castle releases, expect around 30 hours total.

Q: Is Demon Slayer kid-friendly? A: Despite its colorful animation, Demon Slayer features significant violence, gore, and dark themes (family murder, decapitation). Rated TV-MA. Not recommended for young children.

Q: Should I watch Mugen Train movie or TV version? A: TV version for the extra Rengoku content, movie if you prefer theatrical pacing. Both are excellent.

Q: Why is Demon Slayer so popular? A: The combination of Ufotable’s industry-leading animation, accessible story, lovable characters, and emotional depth created perfect mainstream appeal. It’s beautiful, easy to follow, and genuinely moving.

Q: Is there any filler? A: No. Demon Slayer has zero filler episodes. Every episode adapts manga content.

Final Thoughts

Demon Slayer proves that exceptional execution can elevate a straightforward story into something special. Tanjiro’s journey isn’t revolutionary in concept—boy seeks revenge and redemption—but the presentation is unparalleled. Every frame demonstrates Ufotable’s commitment to making Demon Slayer the most visually stunning anime possible.

With the Infinity Castle finale on the horizon, 2026 is the perfect time to experience the complete journey. From Tanjiro’s first steps as a demon slayer to the final battle against Muzan, every arc delivers action, emotion, and spectacle. The breathing techniques await—time to start slaying.