If you are new to anime, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is probably one of the first shows you have heard about. It has taken the world by storm since its release in 2019, with breathtaking animation, emotional storytelling, and some of the best fight scenes ever created. But if you try to start watching it today, you might get confused. There are multiple seasons, a movie, and upcoming arcs. The question almost every beginner asks is: What is the correct Demon Slayer watch order?
- 1. Demon Slayer Season 1 (2019)
- 2. Demon Slayer: Mugen Train (Movie, 2020) or Season 2 Part 1
- 3. Demon Slayer Season 2 (Entertainment District Arc, 2021–22)
- 4. Demon Slayer Season 3 (Swordsmith Village Arc, 2023)
- 5. Demon Slayer Movie – To the Hashira Training (2024)
- 6. Demon Slayer Season 4 (Hashira Training Arc, 2024–25)
- What Comes After?
- Recommended Watch Order in Short
- Final Thoughts
As someone who has followed the anime since its debut, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step order to watch Demon Slayer. This guide will keep things simple, explain why the movie is important, and help you avoid skipping anything essential.
“If you are new to anime, Demon Slayer is probably one of the first shows you’ve heard about, just like classics such as Naruto Watch Order.”
1. Demon Slayer Season 1 (2019)
Start your journey with the very first season. It has 26 episodes and introduces Tanjiro Kamado, his sister Nezuko, and the dangerous world of demons. The season covers everything from Tanjiro’s training to the Natagumo Mountain battle. By the end of Season 1, you’ll know the main characters, their goals, and why the fight against Muzan Kibutsuji matters.
Tip: Do not skip this season or try to start later. The emotional core of the story lies here.
2. Demon Slayer: Mugen Train (Movie, 2020) or Season 2 Part 1
After finishing Season 1, you must watch Mugen Train. This movie broke box office records worldwide and is a direct continuation of the story. It follows Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Inosuke, and the Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku on a mission inside a mysterious train.
If you prefer episodic content, you can watch Season 2 Part 1 (Mugen Train Arc), which retells the same story with some added details. However, most fans recommend watching the movie first because it delivers the action and emotions in one continuous experience.
3. Demon Slayer Season 2 (Entertainment District Arc, 2021–22)
Once you’ve completed Mugen Train, move straight into Season 2’s Entertainment District Arc. This is where the anime truly shines with stunning visuals and high-stakes battles. The story focuses on the Sound Hashira Tengen Uzui as he teams up with Tanjiro and friends to face the Upper Moon demon Daki and her brother Gyutaro.
Many fans call this one of the best arcs in shonen anime because of its emotional weight and incredible final fight sequence.
4. Demon Slayer Season 3 (Swordsmith Village Arc, 2023)
Next comes the Swordsmith Village Arc. This season introduces two Hashira in detail—Mitsuri Kanroji (Love Hashira) and Muichiro Tokito (Mist Hashira). Tanjiro also gains new strength as he continues his journey to become stronger for Nezuko. The animation here once again set a benchmark, proving why Demon Slayer is considered one of the best modern anime.
5. Demon Slayer Movie – To the Hashira Training (2024)
Before moving into the latest season, there was a theatrical release that recapped the end of Season 3 and gave a glimpse into the upcoming Hashira Training Arc. While not mandatory, watching it helps with a smoother transition.
6. Demon Slayer Season 4 (Hashira Training Arc, 2024–25)
The ongoing season focuses on Tanjiro and his allies training under the guidance of the Hashira. This is the preparation for the grand finale against Muzan Kibutsuji. If you are watching Demon Slayer now, this is the latest point in the timeline.
What Comes After?
For manga readers, the story continues with the Infinity Castle Arc and the Sunrise Countdown Arc. These arcs will eventually be adapted into anime, completing Tanjiro’s journey. While we wait, Season 4 is the perfect way to stay engaged with the story.
Recommended Watch Order in Short
- Season 1 (2019)
- Mugen Train Movie (or Season 2 Part 1)
- Season 2 (Entertainment District Arc)
- Season 3 (Swordsmith Village Arc)
- To the Hashira Training Movie (optional)
- Season 4 (Hashira Training Arc)
Final Thoughts
Demon Slayer is one of those rare anime where the order actually matters. The movie is canon, the arcs follow a clear timeline, and skipping anything can leave you confused. If you stick to the order above, you’ll experience the story exactly as the creators intended.
“This movie broke box office records worldwide, much like some of the legendary Dragon Ball Watch Order films.”
Whether you are a first-time viewer or rewatching before the final arcs arrive, Demon Slayer offers a thrilling ride full of action, emotion, and unforgettable characters. If you are serious about anime, this is one series you absolutely should not miss.
