How to Watch Jujutsu Kaisen in Chronological Order (2026): TV Series, Movies & Spin-Offs

Jujutsu Kaisen has become one of the most popular anime series of recent years, captivating fans worldwide with its high-stakes battles, unforgettable characters, and dark supernatural world. Whether you are a newcomer or a returning fan, following the story in chronological order offers the best way to understand character development, plot twists, and key events.From the prequel movie Jujutsu Kaisen 0 to the main TV series, spin-offs, and future movies, the franchise can be a little confusing to navigate. This guide will help you watch every episode and movie in the order that the events actually happen, ensuring a seamless and thrilling viewing experience.By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly where to start, what to watch next, and which spin-offs are optional but worth seeing, making your journey through the world of sorcery as smooth as possible.

Overview: The World of Jujutsu Kaisen

Jujutsu Kaisen (咒术回战), created by Gege Akutami, is a cornerstone of modern dark fantasy. Following the manga's high-profile conclusion in September 2024 (spanning 271 chapters and 30 volumes), the franchise has transitioned into its final animated eras under Studio MAPPA.

Set in a world where human emotions manifest as deadly "Curses," the story follows Yuji Itadori, a high school student who swallows a rotting finger belonging to Ryomen Sukuna, the King of Curses. As of 2026, the anime has moved past the world-shattering events of the Shibuya Incident and has officially entered the Culling Game Arc, where the stakes have shifted from saving individuals to surviving a nationwide ritual of slaughter. With multiple timelines, high-stakes movies, and special recaps, navigating this world requires a clear roadmap.

TV Series: Core Arcs & Streaming Advice

The TV series is the main artery of the story. In 2026, new episodes are releasing weekly, making it the perfect time to catch up.

Season / Part Official Arc Title Manga Chapters Episodes Watch Necessity Streaming Advice & Pro Tips
Season 1 JJK Season 1 Ch. 1 – 64 1 – 24 Essential Foundation: Focus on Ep. 19’s "Black Flash"—it’s the benchmark for understanding the power system.
Season 2 (Pt 1) Hidden Inventory / Premature Death Ch. 65 – 79 25 – 29 Essential Context is King: Only 5 episodes long, but vital to understanding Geto’s descent. Don't skip the "Blue Spring" vibes.
Season 2 (Pt 2) Shibuya Incident Ch. 80 – 136 30 – 47 Essential Binge-Watch Recommended: A non-stop gauntlet of tragedy. Best watched in large chunks to maintain the emotional intensity.
Season 3 The Culling Game (Part 1) Ch. 137 – 221 48 – Ongoing Essential Current 2026 Simulcast: New episodes every Thursday. Review Movie 0 first, or Yuta’s return will be confusing!

Note: Season 3 premiered on January 8, 2026. It marks the return of Yuta Okkotsu to the main series and the start of Kenjaku’s deadly game.

Movies: Theatrical Milestones

In 2026, fans have the luxury of choosing between the original TV episodes or the polished theatrical recaps.

Movie Title Manga Source Timeline Focus Watch Necessity Streaming Advice & Pro Tips
JUJUTSU KAISEN 0 (2021) Vol. 0 (Ch. 0.1-0.4) 2017 (Prequel) Essential Must-Watch: This is Yuta Okkotsu’s origin story. It is a "bridge" between Season 1 and Season 3.
JJK: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death – The Movie (2025) Ch. 65 – 79 2006 (Gojo's Past) Optional For Purists: A theatrical re-edit of S2’s start with minor visual touch-ups. Great for a quick Gojo fix.
JUJUTSU KAISEN: Execution (2025/26) Ch. 120 – 138 2018 (Shibuya/S3) Recommended The Catch-Up Tool: Perfect if you want to jump straight into Season 3 with a fresh memory of the Shibuya

Spin-offs & Specials: For the Completionist

These are lighter or supplementary entries designed to provide humor, recap content, or additional context outside the main storyline.

Title Content Type Focus Watch Necessity Streaming Advice
Juju Stroll (Jujutsu Sanpo) Comedy Shorts Character interactions Optional / Recommended These air at the end of Season 1 episodes. Watch these for lighthearted moments before the story turns dark.
Recap Specials / Compilation Episodes Recap Episodes Plot summaries Optional Sometimes labeled as “Kanwa” in Season 2 broadcasts. These are only useful if you’re returning to the series after a long break and need a refresher.

Recommended Watch Orders

Depending on whether you are a first-time viewer or a fan looking for a deep-dive rewatch, there are two primary ways to experience the saga of Jujutsu Sorcerers.

Option 1: The "Spoiler-Free" Order (Release Order)

Best for: First-time viewers. This is the way the creators intended you to experience the story. It preserves the mystery surrounding Gojo’s past and the sudden impact of Yuta Okkotsu’s introduction.

1. Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1 (Eps 1–24)

2. Jujutsu Kaisen 0 (Movie) — Prequel introducing key characters and the world; recommended.

3. Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 – Part 1: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death (Eps 25–29) — Gojo & Geto’s youth, Blue Spring era.

4. Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 – Part 2: Shibuya Incident (Eps 30–47) — Major climax of the main story.

5. Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3: The Culling Game (Ongoing 2026 Release) — Continuation of main events.

Option 2: The "Timeline Master" Order (Chronological Order)

Best for: Fans who want to see the characters grow from 2006 to 2018. Watching in this order allows you to follow the tragic evolution of Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto before seeing how their legacy affects Yuji Itadori.

Year Title
Notes
2006 Season 2 – Part 1: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death Gojo & Geto’s youth (Blue Spring era)
2017 Jujutsu Kaisen 0 (Movie) Yuta Okkotsu prequel; sets up the world and Night Parade of a Hundred Demons
2018 (Jun–Sept) Season 1 (Eps 1–24) Yuji Itadori consumes Sukuna’s finger; main story begins
2018 (Oct 31) Season 2 – Part 2: Shibuya Incident (Eps 30–47) Major turning point of the series
2018 (Nov) – Present Season 3: The Culling Game (2026 Ongoing) Immediate aftermath and nationwide ritual

Feature Comparison: Release Order vs Chronological Order

To help you decide which watch order suits you best, here’s a comparison of the two main ways to experience Jujutsu Kaisen.

Feature
Release Order Chronological Order
Mystery / Suspense ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ High — preserves surprises, especially Gojo’s past and Yuta’s introduction ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate — reveals certain plot points earlier
Character Development Focus Yuji Itadori Gojo & Geto, full timeline perspective
Best For First-time viewers / New fans Returning viewers / Rewatchers
2026 Readiness Fully aligned with current releases Ideal for chronological deep-dive and timeline understanding

Bonus: Where do the Extras & Specials fit?

If you want the full 2026 experience, here is exactly where to slot in the optional content:

  • During Season 1: Watch Juju Stroll (Juju Sanpo) after every episode. These comedic shorts are built into the credits and provide a much-needed break from the horror.

  • Before Season 2: If it has been a long time since you watched Season 1, watch the Recap Special (Kanwa Episode 29.75). It efficiently summarizes the first 24 episodes.

  • Between Season 2 (Pt 1) and Season 2 (Pt 2): Watch Kanwa (Episode 29.25). This special recap bridges the gap between Gojo’s past in 2006 and the present-day tragedy in Shibuya.

  • Alternative to S2 Part 1: Instead of episodes 25–29, you can watch the Hidden Inventory / Premature Death – The Movie (2025). It offers the same story but with a seamless theatrical flow.

  • Before starting Season 3 (2026): Watch the movie JUJUTSU KAISEN: Execution. It serves as a high-octane "Previously On" for the Shibuya Incident and perfectly sets the stage for the Culling Game.

Quick Guide: Should You Skip the "Optional" Content?

If you are... Recommendation
A "Speed-Runner" Skip everything labeled "Optional." Just stick to S1 → Movie 0  → S2 → S3.
A Lore Enthusiast Watch Juju Stroll. It adds depth to the characters' personalities that you won't see in the main high-stakes battles.
A Returning Fan Watch the Compilation Movies. They are the fastest way to refresh your memory on the complex plot before tackling the new 2026 episodes.

Where to Watch: Regional Guide

In 2026, the streaming landscape for Jujutsu Kaisen is split between the "Simulcast" (weekly new episodes of Season 3) and the "Library" (Season 1, Season 2, and Movies). Here is the definitive guide to where you can watch based on your location.

Regional Streaming Platforms at a Glance

Region Primary Platform(s) Season 3 (Culling Game) Status Best for Seasons 1 & 2 / Movies
Japan  Netflix, Prime Video, U-NEXT Simulcast (Immediate) All Platforms (Full Library)
North America  Crunchyroll (Exclusive) Simulcast (Thursdays) Netflix, Hulu, Disney+
Europe  Crunchyroll Simulcast Netflix (Select Countries)
Southeast Asia  Netflix, Ani-One (YouTube) Simulcast / Fast-track Netflix, Bilibili
Taiwan  Bahamut Anime Crazy, Netflix Simulcast (Free w/ Ads) Netflix, Bilibili

Platform Deep-Dive: Knowing Your Sources

1. Southeast Asia & Taiwan (The "Ani-One" Network)

Ani-One Asia is the main distributor for this region. They don't just have a YouTube channel; they provide the episodes to many other apps.

  • Ani-One ULTRA (YouTube): This is the most reliable way to watch Season 3. By joining their YouTube membership, you get the highest quality stream the moment it drops.

  • Bahamut Anime Crazy (巴哈姆特动画疯): If you are in Taiwan (or using a Taiwan VPN), this is a "gold standard" platform. It offers Season 3 for free (with ads) and has a massive community with live "Danmu" comments.

  • Netflix (Asia): Currently, Netflix has simulcast rights for Season 3 in select Asian markets (Singapore, Malaysia, India, etc.). It is the best "all-in-one" app if you want everything in one place.

  • Bilibili Global: Primarily serves Southeast Asia. It carries the library but usually gets the new Season 3 episodes slightly later than Netflix or Ani-One ULTRA.

2. North America & Europe (The Crunchyroll Monolith)

For Western fans in 2026, Crunchyroll is the only legal way to watch Season 3 as it airs.

  • Season 3: Exclusive to Crunchyroll. New episodes drop every Thursday at 9:00 AM PT.

  • Backlog (S1 & S2): You can find these on Netflix and Hulu. If you aren't caught up yet, check these platforms first before subscribing to Crunchyroll for the new stuff.

3. Japan (The Home Market)

Fans in Japan have the widest selection. Netflix Japan is the gold standard, often updating hours after the TV broadcast. U-NEXT is the go-to for hardcore fans as it includes "Stage Events" and voice actor specials (like Juju-Fes).

2026 Pro-Tips for Viewers

1. Watch for Free (Legally): If you are on a budget, Bahamut Anime Crazy (Taiwan) is your best friend for a legal, free experience of Season 3, though you'll have to sit through a few ads.

2. The "One-Stop Shop": For most fans in Asia, Netflix remains the best value because it carries the movies (JJK 0), the older seasons, and the current Season 3 weekly episodes.

3. Check the Version: Most major platforms (Netflix, Crunchyroll, Bilibili) have now updated their Season 2 episodes to the Blu-ray version, which fixed many of the lighting and animation issues from the original TV broadcast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I start Season 3 if I haven't watched JJK 0?

 Technically yes, but it’s a bad idea. Jujutsu Kaisen 0 introduces Yuta Okkotsu, who is the primary protagonist of the early Culling Game arc. If you skip the movie, you will be very confused about who he is, why he’s so powerful, and his complicated relationship with Gojo and Geto. Watch JJK 0 first.

2. What’s the difference between watching Season 2 (Part 1) and the Hidden Inventory movie?

The Hidden Inventory / Premature Death arc in Season 2 (Part 1) and the Hidden Inventory movie cover the same content, but the movie provides a more cinematic, condensed version of the story. Watching the movie instead of the episodes might provide a smoother, faster experience, while the episodes offer a more detailed, episodic narrative.

3. Are there any must-watch episodes or scenes that are not in the main series?

Yes, the Juju Stroll episodes, though lighthearted, give extra character moments and fun interactions that are not present in the main series. They are great for fans who want to see a different, comedic side of the characters.

4. Season 3 moves very fast. Do I need to re-watch Season 1 to keep up?

 We highly recommend reviewing the "Kyoto Sister-School Goodwill Event" arc from Season 1. Season 3 brings back many minor characters (like Noritoshi Kamo and various Zen'in clan members) who play pivotal roles in the Culling Game. If you’ve forgotten who they are, the high-stakes drama of the new season might not hit as hard.

5. Is Jujutsu Kaisen available in multiple languages? 

Yes. Both Crunchyroll and Netflix offer subtitles and dubbed versions in multiple languages, including English, Japanese, French, German, Spanish, and more.

6. Is the Jujutsu Kaisen manga finished in 2026?

Yes. Gege Akutami officially concluded the Jujutsu Kaisen manga in September 2024. This means the anime production team (MAPPA) now has the full story available to adapt, ensuring that the remaining seasons will have a complete and cohesive roadmap to the series finale.

7. Will Jujutsu Kaisen be available in 4K?

Currently, Jujutsu Kaisen is available in HD, with some platforms offering higher resolution. There is no official 4K version yet. 

8. Can I watch Jujutsu Kaisen on mobile?

Yes! Both Crunchyroll and Netflix offer mobile apps for watching Jujutsu Kaisen on smartphones and tablets.

Conclusion

As we navigate through 2026, Jujutsu Kaisen has evolved from a simple "shonen" anime into a global cultural phenomenon. With the manga already concluded and MAPPA pushing the boundaries of animation in The Culling Game (Season 3), there has never been a more thrilling—or emotional—time to be a sorcerer.

Whether you are here for the breathtaking battles, the tragic philosophy of Gojo and Geto, or the sheer adrenaline of the ritual games, this series reminds us why we fell in love with anime in the first place. The rules of the world are changing, and the stakes have never been higher. So, pick your platform, choose your watch order, and dive back into the shadows.