The Ultimate Demon Slayer Watch Order [2025] – Chronological & Release Order

🔥 Don’t Know Where to Start? Here’s the Best Watch Order for Demon Slayer!

Let’s get straight to the point!
If you’re new to Demon Slayer, the recommended watch order is the release (airing) order!

✅ Watching out of order might ruin the emotional impact of the story…
But don’t worry—this article will guide you through everything you need to know, including:

• The best watch order (both release order & chronological order)
• Season-by-season highlights and must-see moments
• Streaming availability in Japan

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🎬 What is Demon Slayer?

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is a hugely popular anime based on the manga by Koyoharu Gotouge.
Since the TV anime premiered in 2019, the series has captured the hearts of fans around the world—especially after the record-breaking Mugen Train movie and its action-packed follow-ups.

The story follows Tanjiro Kamado and his sister Nezuko, as they join forces with powerful allies to fight against demons. It’s a gripping tale filled with breathtaking action, deep emotions, and unforgettable characters.

Watch Order

✅ Recommended Viewing Order (by Release)

If you’re watching Demon Slayer for the first time or rewatching it, the release order is the best way to enjoy the pacing, production, and emotional flow of the series:

1. TV Anime: Demon Slayer – Kimetsu no Yaiba: Tanjiro Kamado, Unwavering Resolve Arc (2019)
   26 episodes. The beginning of Tanjiro’s journey, from tragedy to becoming a Demon Slayer and meeting his companions.
2. TV Anime: Mugen Train Arc (2021)
   7 episodes. Retells the Mugen Train film with added scenes. Episode 1 is an anime-original prequel about Rengoku’s mission.
3. TV Anime: Entertainment District Arc (2021)
   11 episodes. Tanjiro and team join the flamboyant Sound Hashira, Tengen Uzui, on a dangerous mission in the red-light district.
4. TV Anime: Swordsmith Village Arc (2023)
   11 episodes. Set in the hidden Swordsmith Village, featuring battles alongside Mist Hashira Muichiro and Love Hashira Mitsuri.
5. TV Anime: Hashira Training Arc (2024)
   8 episodes. A training-focused arc where the Hashira help Tanjiro and others prepare for the final battle.
6. Movie Trilogy: Infinity Castle Arc (2025–)
   A three-part film saga starting July 18, 2025, covering the dramatic climax of the series inside the Infinity Castle.

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🕰 Chronological Viewing Order

If you want to follow the story according to the timeline of events, watch in the following order:

1. TV Anime: Tanjiro Kamado, Unwavering Resolve Arc
   The beginning of Tanjiro’s story as he becomes a Demon Slayer.
2. TV Anime: Mugen Train Arc – Episode 1 (Rengoku’s Prequel)
   A special episode showing Flame Hashira Rengoku’s mission before boarding the train.
3. TV Anime or Movie: Mugen Train Arc
   Covers the emotional and action-packed mission on the Mugen Train.
4. TV Anime: Entertainment District Arc
   Features flashy battles in the Yoshiwara red-light district.
5. TV Anime: Swordsmith Village Arc
   Showcases two major Hashira in action as the group defends the village.
6. TV Anime: Hashira Training Arc
   A quieter arc where the group undergoes intensive training under the Hashira.
7. Movie Trilogy: Infinity Castle Arc (from July 2025)
   The final showdown begins—expect dramatic developments and major revelations.

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🎬 Differences Between TV & Movie Versions

• Mugen Train Arc:
  The TV version includes a new Episode 1 (Rengoku’s prequel), while the movie version dives directly into the train mission. The rest of the story is nearly identical in both versions.
• Infinity Castle Arc:
  Will be released as a theatrical trilogy starting July 18, 2025.

✅ How to Read the Chart

• 🔴：Available for unlimited streaming
• ⭐：Rental only
• ❌：Not available

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📺 Streaming Availability on Japanese VOD Platforms (Demon Slayer Series)

Streaming Service	Season 1: Tanjiro Arc	Mugen Train Arc (TV)	Mugen Train (Movie)	Entertainment District Arc	Swordsmith Village Arc	Hashira Training Arc	Infinity Castle Movie (Coming)
d Anime Store	🔴	🔴	🔴	🔴	🔴	🔴	― (TBD)
U-NEXT	🔴	🔴	🔴	🔴	🔴	🔴	― (TBD)
Abema Premium	🔴	🔴	🔴	🔴	🔴	🔴	― (TBD)
Hulu Japan	🔴	🔴	🔴	🔴	🔴	🔴	― (TBD)
Amazon Prime Video JP	🔴	🔴	🔴	🔴	🔴	🔴	― (TBD)
Netflix Japan	🔴	🔴	❌	🔴	🔴	🔴	― (TBD)
DMM TV	🔴	🔴	🔴	🔴	🔴	🔴	― (TBD)

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💡Note:

• The Infinity Castle Arc movie trilogy begins in theaters from July 18, 2025. Streaming availability has not yet been announced.
• Availability may change, so please check the official websites of each platform for the latest information.

⚠️ Important Notes for Watching Demon Slayer on Japanese Streaming Services

• 📍 Region Lock (Japan Only):
  The streaming services listed (e.g., U-NEXT, d Anime Store, Abema Premium) are primarily intended for viewers residing in Japan. You may not be able to access these platforms from overseas without a Japanese IP address.
• 🗣 Japanese Audio & Subtitles:
  Most services provide the anime in Japanese audio. Subtitles are usually available in Japanese only. English subtitles or dubs are not guaranteed unless stated by the platform.
• 💳 Japanese Payment Methods May Be Required:
  Some services might require Japanese credit cards, mobile carrier billing, or domestic payment apps (e.g., PayPay, Rakuten Pay) for subscription or rental.
• 🌐 VPN Usage:
  If you’re outside of Japan and want to access these platforms, you may need to use a VPN service that provides a reliable Japanese server. However, this may violate the terms of service of some platforms, so proceed at your own discretion.
• 📅 Availability May Change:
  Titles can be rotated in or out of availability without prior notice. We recommend checking the official site of each VOD platform for the latest information before subscribing or renting.

✨Ultimate Highlight Guide: Why Demon Slayer Is So Incredible! ✨

👺 A breathtaking mix of Japanese-style dark fantasy, sword-fighting action, and sibling love — this global hit anime has it all! ⚔️🌸

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👣 ① Season 1: Tanjiro Kamado, Unwavering Resolve Arc

📍 Episodes: 26
📅 Aired: 2019

🔥 Summary & Highlights:

The story begins with tragedy—after his family is slaughtered by demons, kind-hearted Tanjiro sets off to save his only surviving sibling, Nezuko, who has been turned into a demon.

• 🍀 The deeply emotional bond between Tanjiro and Nezuko will tug at your heartstrings
• 😭 Shows the pain and sorrow on both the demon and human sides, with empathy
• ⚡ Introduction of unforgettable characters: cowardly genius Zenitsu and wild-child Inosuke
• 🕸️ The Mount Natagumo Arc delivers jaw-dropping animation and heart-pounding battles

💬 “Can an action anime really make you cry?” The answer is YES. This season offers tears, laughter, suspense—and a whole lot of heart.

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🔥 ② Mugen Train Arc (Movie & TV)

📍 Movie: Released in 2020 / TV Version: 7 episodes (2021)

🎬 Story & Must-See Moments:

A direct continuation of Season 1. Tanjiro and friends board the mysterious Mugen Train to face a new mission—and meet the Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku.

• 🔥 Rengoku’s powerful life philosophy and iconic line “Set your heart ablaze” moved a nation to tears
• 🌙 The dream-vs-reality battle against Enmu is haunting and visually stunning
• 😱 The sudden arrival of Akaza (Upper Rank Three) turns the tide dramatically
• 🎼 The movie’s theme song “Homura” by LiSA will hit you right in the feels

💥 Everything—from animation to music to emotional weight—is truly theatrical quality. This arc left millions in tears and became a cultural milestone.

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🌃 ③ Entertainment District Arc

📍 Episodes: 11
📅 Aired: 2021–2022

🌟 Setting & Highlights:

Tanjiro teams up with flamboyant Sound Hashira Tengen Uzui to battle demons hiding in the bustling Yoshiwara red-light district.

• ✨ Tengen’s explosive charisma and deep love for his wives = ✨ pure style & substance
• 😈 The sibling demons Daki and Gyutaro offer a dark mirror to Tanjiro and Nezuko
• 🔥 Tanjiro’s Hinokami Kagura evolves spectacularly—new moves, new power!
• ⚡ Zenitsu and Inosuke also shine with amazing tag-team battles
• 🎨 Cinematic-level battle scenes with stunning colors, speed, and emotion

💬 Many fans said: “This arc felt like a movie every episode.” Epic battles + tearjerker moments = a must-watch.

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🗡️ ④ Swordsmith Village Arc

📍 Episodes: 11
📅 Aired: 2023

💡 What Makes It Special:

While visiting the swordsmith village to repair his blade, Tanjiro finds himself in a new battle—this time alongside two Hashira: Muichiro Tokito (Mist) and Mitsuri Kanroji (Love).

• 🌫️ Muichiro’s hidden past and character growth will leave you in tears
• 💘 Mitsuri’s dazzling fighting style blends power with elegance
• 👹 Upper Rank Four Hantengu and Five Gyokko bring bizarre, terrifying powers
• 🌟 Tanjiro unlocks new sword techniques and unleashes upgraded attacks
• 🔥 Nezuko’s awakening scene is a true emotional masterpiece

💬 This arc dives deep into memory, identity, and beauty vs. horror—with jaw-dropping visuals and emotional highs.

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🏋️ ⑤ Hashira Training Arc

📍 Episodes: 8
📅 Aired: 2024

🧠 Why This Arc Matters:

As the final battle looms, Tanjiro and his comrades must train under the most powerful fighters in the Demon Slayer Corps—the Hashira.

• 💪 See the “true faces” and unexpected sides of the Hashira!
• 🧘‍♂️ Stone Hashira Gyomei’s brutal yet spiritual training is deeply moving
• 💫 Wind Hashira Sanemi’s emotional layers = surprising depth!
• 🫂 This peaceful “training period” ironically increases the tension for what’s to come…

💬 Though action-light, this arc is rich in growth, relationships, and quiet intensity. A fan-favorite for its emotional core.

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🎬 ⑥ Infinity Castle Arc (Movie Trilogy)

📍 In Theaters from July 18, 2025

💥 The Beginning of the End:

The Demon Slayer Corps invades the enemy’s domain—Infinity Castle. Every storyline converges, and every fight is a life-or-death battle.

• ⚔️ Epic face-offs: Hashira vs. Upper Moons
• 🩸 Heart-wrenching fates and noble sacrifices await the pillars…
• 😭 Tanjiro and Nezuko’s destiny reaches its climax
• 🎼 With movie-level visuals and sound, every moment hits hard

💬 The grand finale begins. Everything built up until now is unleashed in one unforgettable showdown.

🗂️ Summary: Demon Slayer Watch Order at a Glance

To wrap things up, here’s a quick recap of the best ways to watch Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba in the right order:

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✅ Recommended (Release) Order – Best for First-Time Viewers:

1. Season 1: Tanjiro Kamado, Unwavering Resolve Arc (2019)
2. Mugen Train Arc (TV Version, 2021) or Mugen Train Movie (2020)
3. Entertainment District Arc (2021–2022)
4. Swordsmith Village Arc (2023)
5. Hashira Training Arc (2024)
6. Infinity Castle Arc (Movie Trilogy, from July 2025)

📝 Note: If you choose the movie version of Mugen Train, you can skip TV Episode 1 (Rengoku’s prequel).

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🕰️ Chronological Order – For a Timeline-Based Experience:

1. Season 1
2. Mugen Train Arc Episode 1 (Rengoku Prequel – TV only)
3. Mugen Train (TV or Movie)
4. Entertainment District Arc
5. Swordsmith Village Arc
6. Hashira Training Arc
7. Infinity Castle Arc (Upcoming)

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🎉 Now You’re Ready!

Now that you know exactly how to watch Demon Slayer, you can enjoy the story the way it was meant to unfold—full of emotional highs, breathtaking battles, and powerful character arcs.

💬 Save this list for reference, share it with friends, and most of all—
Enjoy your journey through one of the most beloved anime series of all time!

✨ “Set your heart ablaze!” – Rengoku
🔥 Your adventure starts here.

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