The world of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is stunningly animated and emotionally gripping, but for new viewers, the mix of movies and TV arcs can be confusing.
Some films retell the same story arcs as the anime with enhanced visuals, while others serve as theatrical bridges between seasons.
This guide gives you a clear watch order, both chronological and release order, plus details for episodes, arcs, and which movies are optional.
It also includes the upcoming Infinity Castle movie trilogy so you can follow Tanjiro’s full journey from start to finish.
Demon Slayer Quick Chronological Watch Order
Here’s how to watch the Demon Slayer story in the correct order, including movies and TV arcs.
| Order | Title | Type | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Season 1 (Unwavering Resolve Arc) | TV | 2019 | Introduces Tanjiro, Nezuko, Muzan, and the Corps. |
| 2 | Demon Slayer: Mugen Train (Movie) or Season 2 Part 1 – Mugen Train Arc | Movie/TV | 2020–21 | Choose one — both tell the same story with minor differences. |
| 3 | Demon Slayer: Season 2 Part 2 – Entertainment District Arc | TV | 2021–22 | Tanjiro and Tengen fight Daki and Gyutaro in Yoshiwara. |
| 4 | Demon Slayer: To the Swordsmith Village (Movie) or Season 3 – Swordsmith Village Arc | Movie/TV | 2023 | Choose one — the film includes S2 finale + S3 premiere. |
| 5 | Demon Slayer: To the Hashira Training (Movie) or Season 4 – Hashira Training Arc | Movie/TV | 2024 | The arc focuses on the slayers’ intense Hashira training. |
| 6 | Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle – Movie Trilogy (Parts 1–3) | Movies | 2025–2026 | The grand finale where the Demon Slayer Corps faces Muzan. |
Demon Slayer Simplified Release Order
If you prefer to watch the series in the order it was released to the public:
| Order | Title | Type | Release Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Demon Slayer Season 1 | TV | 2019 |
| 2 | Demon Slayer: Mugen Train | Movie | 2020 |
| 3 | Demon Slayer Season 2 (Mugen Train Arc + Entertainment District Arc) | TV | 2021–22 |
| 4 | Demon Slayer: To the Swordsmith Village | Movie | 2023 |
| 5 | Demon Slayer Season 3 (Swordsmith Village Arc) | TV | 2023 |
| 6 | Demon Slayer: To the Hashira Training | Movie | 2024 |
| 7 | Demon Slayer Season 4 (Hashira Training Arc) | TV | 2024 |
| 8 | Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Part 1 | Movie | 2025 |
| 9 | Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Part 2 | Movie | TBA |
| 10 | Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Part 3 | Movie | TBA |
Demon Slayer Arc-by-Arc Breakdown
1. Demon Slayer Season 1 (Unwavering Resolve Arc)
- Episodes: 26
- Manga Chapters: 1–54
Tanjiro Kamado returns home to find his family slaughtered by demons and his sister Nezuko transformed.
Determined to cure her and avenge his family, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps.
The season introduces key figures- Giyu, Shinobu, and Muzan and sets the emotional tone for the entire saga.
| Key Points | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Tanjiro’s origin and training | Urokodaki’s guidance and Final Selection |
| First encounter with Muzan | Establishes demon hierarchy |
| Hashira introduction | Sets up later arcs |
2. Demon Slayer: Mugen Train (Movie / TV Arc)
- Movie Runtime: 117 min TV Arc Episodes: 7
- Manga Chapters: 55–69
Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke team up with Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku aboard the Mugen Train to investigate missing passengers.
The film is visually breathtaking and emotionally devastating.
| Choose One | Why |
|---|---|
| Movie (2020) | Cinematic experience, best animation quality |
| TV Arc (2021) | Includes an extra prequel episode featuring Rengoku |
Key Event: Rengoku vs Akaza — one of the most iconic fights in modern anime.
3. Entertainment District Arc (Season 2 Part 2)
- Episodes: 11
- Manga Chapters: 70–97
The Sound Hashira, Tengen Uzui, investigates demon activity in the Yoshiwara red-light district.
Tanjiro faces Upper Moon Six, Daki and Gyutaro, in one of the series’ most explosive battles.
| Focus Characters | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu, Inosuke, Tengen | Tanjiro gains the Demon Slayer Mark; breathtaking final fight |
4. Swordsmith Village Arc (Season 3)
- Episodes: 11
- Manga Chapters: 98–127
Tanjiro travels to the secret swordsmith village to repair his blade.
Joined by the Mist Hashira, Muichiro Tokito, and the Love Hashira, Mitsuri Kanroji, the group faces two Upper Rank demons, Hantengu and Gyokko.
| Major Themes | Notable Events |
|---|---|
| Renewal, teamwork, and hidden strength | Nezuko’s sunlight resistance revealed |
| Tanjiro’s new sword & Hinokami Kagura mastery | Ufotable’s peak visual quality |
5. Hashira Training Arc (Season 4)
- Episodes: 8 (short season)
- Manga Chapters: 128–136
The Hashira organize a rigorous training program for the Demon Slayer Corps to prepare for the final war against Muzan.
This arc is less about combat and more about growth, discipline, and the calm before the storm.
| Focus | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Physical and mental preparation | Tanjiro trains under every Hashira |
| Sets up Infinity Castle Arc | Final strengthening of main characters |
6. Infinity Castle Movie Trilogy (2025–2026)
- Format: Theatrical trilogy
- Manga Chapters: 137–205
This trilogy begins right after the Hashira Training Arc.
The Demon Slayer Corps infiltrates Muzan’s fortress, leading to nonstop battles between Hashira and Upper Moons. It’s the long-awaited finale of Tanjiro’s story.
| Film | Focus | Expected Release |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | First descent into the castle, major Hashira battles | 2025 |
| Part 2 | Upper Moons fall, Muzan’s wrath grows | 2026 |
| Part 3 | The final confrontation with Muzan | TBD |
Demon Slayer Skip or Watch? Quick Guide
| Arc / Film | Watch? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | ✅ | Foundation of the story |
| Mugen Train (Movie or TV) | ✅ | Crucial plot continuation |
| Entertainment District Arc | ✅ | Essential character development |
| To the Swordsmith Village (Movie) | Optional | Same content as Season 3 |
| Swordsmith Village Arc (Season 3) | ✅ | Canon continuation |
| To the Hashira Training (Movie) | Optional | Same as early Season 4 |
| Hashira Training Arc (Season 4) | ✅ | Sets up the finale |
| Infinity Castle Trilogy | ✅ | Series conclusion |
Where to Watch Demon Slayer
All Demon Slayer seasons (1–4) are available on:
Crunchyroll — full catalog including simulcasts.
Netflix — available in select regions (Season 1–3).
Infinity Castle Trilogy — theatrical first, expected to stream later after home release.
Demon Slayer Total Episode Count
| Type | Count |
|---|---|
| TV Episodes (S1–S4) | 63 |
| Movies (Mugen Train + 2 World Tour films + Infinity Castle trilogy) | 6+ |
| Total Canon Content | 69+ hours of story |
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Final Thoughts
Demon Slayer’s timeline is straightforward but visually split across both TV and film. To get the best experience, watch the TV seasons for story and character depth, and see the movies in theaters for spectacle.
The Infinity Castle trilogy marks the final battle of Tanjiro Kamado’s journey, and when it concludes, the anime will have officially adapted the entire manga.
Whether you’re a new fan or rewatching before the finale, this guide gives you the cleanest path through every breathtaking moment of Ufotable’s masterpiece.
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