Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba has grown into one of the most visually stunning and emotionally powerful anime series of the decade—but with multiple TV seasons, movies, compilation specials, and spin-off content, new viewers often find themselves unsure where to begin. This guide breaks down the exact chronological watch order, helping you follow Tanjiro’s journey from the Ufotable-animated beginning to the latest major story arcs. In addition to the complete timeline, you’ll also find a curated overview of where to legally watch every season, movie, and extra, including the best official platforms—and alternative options—to ensure the smoothest viewing experience. Whether you’re a first-time viewer or returning before the Infinity Castle saga, this guide gives you everything you need to watch Demon Slayer in the perfect order.
Demon Slayer Introduction
"Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" (鬼滅の刃) is a shonen manga created by Japanese artist Koyoharu Gotouge, first serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump in 2016. The story follows a young boy, Tanjiro Kamado, who embarks on a journey to become a demon slayer after his sister Nezuko is turned into a demon. The manga concluded in 2020 with a total of 205 chapters and gained global acclaim for its tightly woven plot, deep character development, and the unique “Breathing Styles” combat system.
The anime adaptation, produced by ufotable, premiered in 2019. Its stunning visuals and high-quality fight sequences quickly captured audiences worldwide. The follow-up movie, Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, broke box office records in Japan. The second season, Entertainment District Arc, and third season, Swordsmith Village Arc, continued to depict Tanjiro and his companions’ fierce battles against demons. The fourth season, Hashira Training Arc, focuses on Tanjiro and other Demon Slayer Corps members undergoing intensive training to prepare for stronger enemies, combining thrilling action with themes of growth. In 2025, the final battle film trilogy began, with the first chapter of Infinity Castle Arc: The Return of Akaza released in North American theaters (USA & Canada) on September 12, 2025, continuing the story beyond the original manga.
"Demon Slayer" captivates audiences not only with intense battles but also through themes of family, friendship, sacrifice, and personal growth. Tanjiro’s kindness and perseverance, Nezuko’s resilience, and the strong bonds between companions infuse the series with warmth and emotional depth. With its impact both as a manga and an anime, Demon Slayer has become one of the most popular shonen series in recent years, contributing significantly to the global spread of Japanese anime culture.
1. Chronological Viewing Order
To help you enjoy the story chronologically and avoid spoilers, here's a complete guide based on official release and story timeline.
| Order | Title | Type | Episodes / Duration | Manga Volumes | Manga Chapters | Original Air / Release |
| 1 | Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Tanjiro’s Beginning | TV Anime Season 1 | 26 episodes | Vol. 1 – 7 | Ch. 1 – 54 | Apr 2019 – Sep 2019 |
| 2 | Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Mugen Train | Movie | ~1h 57min | Vol. 7 – 8 | Ch. 55 – 66 | Oct 16, 2020 (optional: theatrical experience) |
| (Optional) | Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Mugen Train Arc (TV Version) | TV Anime | 7 episodes | Vol. 7 – 8 | Ch. 55 – 66 | Oct 2021 |
| 3 | Entertainment District Arc (Yuukaku-hen) | TV Anime Season 2 | 11 episodes | Vol. 8 – 11 | Ch. 66 – 97 | Dec 2021 – Feb 2022 |
| 4 | Swordsmith Village Arc (Katanakaji-mura-hen) | TV Anime Season 3 | 11 episodes | Vol. 11 – 15 | Ch. 98 – 127 | Apr – Jun 2023 |
| 5 | Hashira Training Arc (Pillar Training) | TV Anime Season 4 | 8 episodes | Vol. 15 – 16 | Ch. 128 – 136 | May – Jun 2024 |
| 6 | Infinity Castle Arc – Part 1: Upper Moon Encounter (Mugen Castle) | Movie Trilogy | ~155 min | Vol. 16 – 23 | Ch. 137 – ~155 | Sep 12, 2025 |
| 7 | Infinity Castle Arc – Part 2 | Movie Trilogy | TBD | Vol. 16 – 23 | Ch. 156 – ~179 | 2026 (TBD) |
| 8 | Infinity Castle Arc – Part 3: Final Battle | Movie Trilogy | TBD | Vol. 16 – 23 | Ch. 180 – Final | 2026 (TBD) |
Detailed Explanation of the Watch Order：
Tanjiro’s Beginning: This is the starting point of the story. Tanjiro’s family is slaughtered by demons, and his sister Nezuko is turned into a demon. Determined to find a way to turn her back into a human and avenge his family, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps. Essential viewing.
Mugen Train: Follows immediately after Season 1. Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu, and Inosuke join Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku on a mission aboard the Infinity Train.
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Movie Version: Contains the core story (equivalent to TV episodes 2–7), providing a cinematic and tightly paced experience.
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TV Version: Episode 1 is an original prelude focusing on Rengoku’s journey before boarding the train, plus an ending teaser. Provides a fuller narrative.
- Recommendation: Watch the TV version for detailed story, or the movie for a smooth cinematic experience.
Entertainment District Arc: After the Infinity Train events, the group follows Sound Hashira Tengen Uzui to the red-light district of Yoshiwara, battling Upper Moon Six. Notable for intense fights and top-tier animation quality.
Swordsmith Village Arc: Tanjiro travels to the Swordsmith Village and fights alongside Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito and Love Hashira Mitsuri Kanroji against Upper Moon Four and Five. The arc reveals more about demon patterns and powers.
Hashira Training Arc: In preparation for the final battle against Muzan and the Upper Moons, all Hashira train the Demon Slayer Corps members to improve overall strength. Serves as the last preparation phase.
Infinity Castle Arc: The final showdown between the Demon Slayer Corps and Muzan Kibutsuji with the Upper Moons in the Infinity Castle. Presented as a three-part movie trilogy:
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Part 1: Upper Moon Encounter, already released.
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Parts 2 and 3: TBD, expected in 2026.
2. Demon Slayer TV Compilation Specials
Compilation specials recap previous content with added scenes or narrations. They are best for quick recaps but not recommended for first-time viewers. Notable specials include:
| Special | Focus |
| Sibling's Bond | Tanjiro’s family tragedy and early training with Sakonji Urokodaki |
| Asakusa Arc | Tanjiro’s first encounter with Muzan |
| Drum House Arc | Battles with demons at the Drum Mansion |
| Natagumo Mountain Arc | Intense fights with the Spider Demon clan |
| Hashira Meeting & Butterfly House Arc | Recovery and training post-Natagumo Mountain |
3. Demon Slayer Movies
The main theatrical releases:
| Title | Year | Summary |
| Mugen Train | 2020 | Tanjiro & team fight Enmu (Lower Rank 1) and Akaza (Upper Rank 3) on the Infinity Train |
| Infinity Castle Trilogy | 2025–2026 | Continuation from Hashira Training to final battle with Muzan and Upper Moons |
4. Special Compilation Releases
In addition to the main movies and TV seasons, there are special cinematic edits bridging arcs:
| Title | Year | Summary |
| Upper Moon Assembly: Advance to Swordsmith Village | 2023 | Includes climax episodes 10–11 of the Entertainment District Arc (theatrical premiere) and episode 1 of the Swordsmith Village Arc (early preview). Serves as a special bridge between arcs. |
| Miracle of Bonds: Towards Hashira Training | 2024 | Released before the Hashira Training Arc TV broadcast. Includes episode 11 of the Swordsmith Village Arc (final episode) and episode 1 of Hashira Training Arc (early preview), designed to smoothly connect storylines. |
5. Spin-Offs & Extras
Demon Slayer has many spin-offs and extras, including animated shorts, manga side stories, and official light novels. These provide additional context, character backgrounds, or fun non-canon stories.
1. Animated / Short Form Spin-Offs
| Title | Format | Summary | Notes |
| Kimetsu Academy Story (中高一貫!! キメツ学園物語) | Animated Short | Reimagines all Demon Slayer characters as modern school students, focusing on their school life. | Most famous spin-off; usually updated on April Fool’s Day or special events |
| Kimetsu Academy (きめつのあいま！) | Chibi / Mini Animation | Q-version super-short episodes included in BD/DVD releases; lighthearted and funny. | BD/DVD bonus content |
| Demon Slayer Mini Anime | Animated Short | Irregularly released chibi-style shorts, often for promotions or special events; cute mini-stories. | Non-canon, fun mini-stories |
2. Manga Side Stories / Short Spin-Offs
| Title | Format | Summary | Notes |
| Giyu Tomioka Side Story (冨岡義勇外伝) | Short Manga | Follows Water Hashira Giyu Tomioka and Shinobu Kocho on a mission prior to main story events. | Ryoji Hirano (artist) |
| Kyojuro Rengoku Side Story (煉獄杏寿郎外伝) | Short Manga | Follows Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku before and after becoming a Hashira on one of his missions. | Ryoji Hirano (artist) |
| Early Works by Koyoharu Gotouge (吾峠呼世晴初期短篇集) | Short Manga Collection | Four early short stories by the author, outside the Demon Slayer universe; shows the creator’s style. | Koyoharu Gotouge (author) |
3. Official Novel Spin-offs (Light Novels)
| Title | Format | Summary |
| Flowers of Happiness (鬼滅の刃 しあわせの花) | Official Novel | Daily life stories of Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Inosuke, and Giyu; e.g., a mission with Giyu and Tanjiro. |
| Single Winged Butterfly (鬼滅の刃 片羽の蝶) | Official Novel | Explores the past of the Kocho sisters (Kanae and Shinobu) and other Butterfly Mansion members like Kanao. |
| Wind’s Guiding Mark (鬼滅の刃 風の道標) | Official Novel | Focuses on Wind Hashira Sanemi Shinazugawa, his joining the Demon Slayer Corps, and his relationship with brother Genya. |
Tip: Watch the main anime and movie trilogy first (Season 1: Tanjiro’s Beginning, Mugen Train, Entertainment District, Swordsmith Village, Hashira Training, and Infinity Castle Trilogy), then explore these spin-offs for extra insights.
Where to Watch Demon Slayer?
1. Official & Legal Channels (Recommended)
These platforms hold the proper licenses, ensuring high quality and financially supporting the creators of Demon Slayer.
| Platform | Content Available | Notes |
| Crunchyroll | TV Seasons 1–4, Mugen Train (TV version), Entertainment District, Swordsmith Village, Hashira Training | Subtitles in multiple languages; simulcast for new seasons; subscription required |
| Netflix | Season 1 (Tanjiro’s Beginning arc), Mugen Train movie/arc, Entertainment District arc, Swordsmith Village arc, Hashira Training arc | Subtitles and English dub available; availability varies by region |
| Hulu | TV Seasons（S1 through S4 ）, select movies | English dub/sub; subscription required |
| Amazon Prime Video | All Seasons (S1 - S4) and Mugen Train Movie. | Not included in standard Prime subscription; rental or purchase required to watch |
| YouTube | Short clips, PVs, promotional content | Not full episodes; good for catching previews or trailers |
2. Unofficial & Piracy Channels (Use with Caution)
These sites often host content without authorization. While they are "free," they carry significant risks and are not recommended by the copyright holders.
| Platform | Content Available | Notes |
| 9anime | All Seasons & Movies (Often immediately after release) | Free streaming with ads; unofficial, content may be removed; region-dependent |
| Aniwatch | All Seasons & Movies(Often immediately after release) | Free, ad-supported; unofficial, legality varies by region |
| Kissanime | All Seasons & Movies (Often immediately after release) | Free but unofficial; sites may be unsafe or blocked in some regions |
Detailed Overview of Platforms to Watch Demon Slayer
1. Crunchyroll
Official Website：https://www.crunchyroll.com/
Basic Overview：Crunchyroll is one of the most comprehensive platforms for watching Demon Slayer. It offers all major TV seasons, including Season 1: Tanjiro Kamado: The Beginning, Season 2: Entertainment District Arc, Season 3: Swordsmith Village Arc, and Season 4: Hashira Training Arc, as well as the Mugen Train TV version. The platform is expected to stream the Infinity Castle Arc when it is officially released. Crunchyroll also provides access to various spin-offs and extras, such as the Kimetsu Academy Story, Chibi/Mini Anime shorts, and other promotional episodes, giving fans additional fun content outside the main storyline. It supports multi-language subtitles and simulcasts new seasons shortly after Japanese broadcast. With a premium subscription, users can enjoy ad-free HD streaming, while a free version is available with limited ads. The platform is compatible with devices like Roku, Fire TV, and smart TVs, making it accessible on multiple devices. Crunchyroll is ideal for fans who want a complete, legal, high-quality viewing experience of the Demon Slayer universe.
Subscription Plans & Pricing：Starting January 1, 2026, Crunchyroll will fully transition to a paid subscription model, discontinuing its free ad-supported viewing option. There are three paid membership tiers with increasing benefits, allowing users to choose based on viewing habits and desired perks.
| Plan | Monthly Price (USD) | Key Features |
| Fan Plan | $7.99 | Ad-free viewing, full anime library access, simulcast (same-day Japan release), streaming on 1 device |
| Mega Fan | $9.99 | All Fan Plan perks, offline downloads, streaming on 4 devices, early access to merch/events |
| Ultimate Fan | $15.99 | All Mega Fan perks, exclusive merch discounts, premium member gifts, extra device support (up to 6) |
2. Netflix
Official Website：https://www.netflix.com/
Basic Overview：Netflix, available in selected regions, provides a curated selection of Demon Slayer content. This includes Season 1: Tanjiro Kamado: The Beginning, the Mugen Train movie, Season 2: Entertainment District Arc, Season 3: Swordsmith Village Arc, and Season 4: Hashira Training Arc. Netflix currently does not have the Infinity Castle Arc (theatrical trilogy) and does not generally host the official Spin-Offs & Extras (like Kimetsu Gakuen). The platform supports multiple languages, including subtitles and English dubs, allowing international fans to enjoy the series comfortably. Netflix is subscription-based, and content availability varies depending on your region, so some episodes or movies might not be accessible in all countries.
Subscription Plans & Pricing：
Netflix offers three main paid plans, each with different streaming quality and device limits. Users can watch anime and all other Netflix content under any plan without additional fees.
| Plan | Monthly Price (USD) | Key Features |
| Standard with Ads |
$7.99 | Limited ads, HD quality, 2 concurrent streams. |
| Standard (Ad-Free) |
$17.99 | No ads, HD quality, 2 concurrent streams, downloads. |
| Premium (Ad-Free) |
$24.99 | No ads, Ultra HD (4K) quality, 4 concurrent streams, downloads. |
3. Hulu
Official Website：https://www.hulu.com/
Basic Overview：Hulu, available only in the United States, offers an extensive selection of Demon Slayer content. This includes Season 1: Tanjiro Kamado: The Beginning, Season 2: Entertainment District Arc, Season 3: Swordsmith Village Arc, Season 4: Hashira Training Arc, and the Mugen Train movie. Similarly to Netflix, Hulu does not typically host the official Spin-Offs & Extras. Hulu provides English dubs and subtitles, allowing viewers to enjoy the series comfortably. A subscription is required, and Hulu supports HD streaming across multiple devices, including Roku, Fire TV, smart TVs, computers, and mobile devices. While spin-offs like mini anime or promotional shorts are limited, Hulu remains a reliable option for fans looking to legally stream the main storyline and movies in high quality. Its interface is user-friendly, and the platform often updates content soon after Japanese releases, making it a popular choice for US viewers.
Subscription Plans & Pricing：
Hulu offers several plans, including a basic on-demand streaming service and Hulu + Live TV Plans, giving users flexibility based on budget and viewing preferences.
| Plan | Monthly Price (USD) | Key Features |
| Hulu (With Ads) | $11.99 | Access to full on-demand library with ad breaks. |
| Hulu (No Ads) | $18.99 | Ad-free streaming of on-demand content. Offline downloads available. |
| The Hulu Bundle | Starts at ~$12.99 | Combines Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. |
| Hulu + Live TV (With Ads) | $89.99 (price may vary slightly by source) | 95+ live channels, unlimited cloud DVR, two simultaneous streams, and the ad-supported versions of Hulu and Disney+. |
| Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV | $95.99 (price may vary slightly by source) | includes live TV, ad-free Hulu, and ad-free Disney+ for around $95.99/month. |
4. Amazon Prime Video
Official Website：https://www.primevideo.com/
Basic Overview：Amazon Prime Video offers the Mugen Train movie and a few special episodes, but it does not currently provide the Infinity Castle Arc, TV seasons, or most spin-offs. Content on Prime Video may require rental or purchase and can be region-locked. HD streaming is available, and Amazon supports multiple devices, including smart TVs, computers, mobile devices, and Roku. While the platform’s selection for Demon Slayer is more limited compared to Crunchyroll or Hulu, it allows fans to legally access key movie content and special episodes. It is especially useful for viewers who prefer owning or renting specific movies rather than subscribing to a full streaming service. Spin-offs such as mini anime or promotional shorts are generally not included on Prime Video.
Subscription Plans & Pricing：
Amazon Prime Video is available either as part of an Amazon Prime membership or as a standalone subscription. You can get free trial for 30 days.
| Plan | Monthly Price (USD) | Key Features |
| Prime Video (Standalone) | $8.99 | Up to 4K HDR. Access to entire Prime Video library. Offline downloads |
| Amazon Prime Membership | $14.99 | Includes Prime Video, free shipping, Prime Music, and more |
Note: Even with an active Amazon Prime membership, you cannot watch Demon Slayer for free. The series is not included in the standard Prime Video library. To watch the show on this platform, you must pay extra through one of the following methods:
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Purchase or Rental (Amazon Video Store): You must independently purchase or rent episodes, full seasons, or the Mugen Train movie via the Amazon Video store. This is a one-time fee per item.
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Channel Subscription (Amazon Channels): You can pay an additional monthly fee to subscribe to the Crunchyroll Channel through Amazon. This grants you access to the entire Demon Slayer TV series library (S1-S4) directly within the Prime Video application.
5. YouTube
Official Website：https://www.youtube.com/
Basic Overview：YouTube provides official clips, PVs, promotional shorts, and mini spin-offs, such as Kimetsu Academy Story and other Chibi/Mini Anime. Full episodes, including the Infinity Castle Arc, are not available. The platform is free and legally accessible in most regions, making it ideal for fans to watch previews, trailers, or fun short content. YouTube also serves as a convenient source for official announcements and event-related releases. While it does not replace full streaming platforms, it complements them by providing bite-sized, promotional content to keep fans engaged with the Demon Slayer universe.
Subscription Plans & Pricing：
YouTube itself is free to use, with content monetized through ads. However, users can upgrade to YouTube Premium, which removes ads, allows offline downloads, and enables background playback. Pricing may vary slightly by region.
| Plan | Monthly Price (USD) | Key Features |
| Free (Ad-supported) | $0 | Watch with ads, access all free anime channels |
| YouTube Premium | $11.99/month | Ad-free viewing, offline downloads, background play, YouTube Music included |
6. 9anime
Official Website：https://9animetv.to/
APP Download：iOS & Android
Basic Overview：9anime is a popular free streaming site that offers a wide range of anime, including Demon Slayer. Users can watch TV seasons, movies, and sometimes special episodes. The platform typically provides multiple video sources and resolutions, along with subtitles in various languages. However, 9anime is not an official or licensed service, which means content may be removed at any time, and the quality and legality can be inconsistent. Users should also be cautious of pop-up ads and potential malware risks when visiting the site.
Subscription Plans & Pricing：no subscription and free to watch.
7. 9anime
Official Website：https://aniwatchtv.to/
APP Download：iOS & Android
Basic Overview：Aniwatch is another free streaming site for anime fans. It hosts Demon Slayer TV seasons, movies, and occasionally shorts or specials. Like 9anime, Aniwatch is unofficial, so there are risks regarding copyright, adware, and pop-ups. While it allows viewers to watch anime without subscription fees, the availability of Demon Slayer episodes may be inconsistent, and video quality can vary.
Subscription Plans & Pricing：no subscription and free to watch.
8. Kissanime
Official Website：https://kissanime.com.ru/
APP Download：/
Basic Overview：Kissanime was historically one of the most famous anime streaming platforms, offering a massive library of TV series, movies, and OVAs. Although the original Kissanime website has been permanently shut down, many Kissanime mirror or clone sites now exist across the internet. These mirrors attempt to replicate the original platform and often provide access to popular titles, including Demon Slayer. However, the availability, video quality, and episode completeness can vary widely from one mirror to another.
Subscription Plans & Pricing：no subscription and free to watch.
How to Choose the Right Platform to Watch Demon Slayer？
1.Official / Licensed Platforms First
To support the creators and enjoy high-quality video and subtitles, prioritize Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube. These platforms provide stable streaming, HD video, multiple subtitle options, and timely access to new seasons and movies.
2. Choose Based on Content
TV Seasons 1–4, Mugen Train (TV version), Entertainment District Arc, Swordsmith Village Arc, Hashira Training Arc: Crunchyroll and Hulu typically cover all TV seasons.
Mugen Train Movie: Available on Netflix (selected regions), Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video (purchase/rent), and theaters.
Infinity Castle Arc: Upcoming, likely first available on Crunchyroll and Hulu.
Spin-Offs & Extras (mini anime, shorts, official novels): Some may be available on official channels or streaming platforms, but availability is not always complete.
3. Subscription vs. One-Time Purchase
Crunchyroll and Hulu require a subscription for full access.
Amazon Prime Video requires separate purchase or rental for most movies; subscribing to Prime alone does not grant free access to Demon Slayer.
Netflix availability depends on regional licensing; some seasons or movies may be missing in certain regions.
4. Free / Unofficial Platforms
Sites like 9anime, Aniwatch, Kissanime allow free viewing but carry risks of pop-ups, malware, and copyright issues, and episode updates may be inconsistent.
5. Other Considerations
Device support: Check if the platform supports your TV, mobile, or streaming device (e.g., Roku, Apple TV).
Language / Subtitles: Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Netflix generally offer multiple subtitle and dub options.
Recommendation: For a safe, high-quality, and complete viewing experience, use Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video (purchase/rent), and official YouTube for previews or shorts. Only consider free unofficial platforms if official options are not accessible. Watch the main TV seasons and movies first, then explore spin-offs and extras to follow the story chronologically and enjoy the full narrative impact.