Demon Slayer: You NEED to See These Episodes Before the New Movies!

Based on the unprecedented triumph of the movie “Demon Slayer’s Mugen Train”, animation studio Ufotable plans to create a trilogy film from the Infinity Castle Arc. Although no formal announcement has been made, it’s anticipated that this trilogy will also encompass the Sunrise Showdown Arc. The series is set to depict the climactic battle against the Upper Moons and Muzan Kibutsuji. The anime concludes the Hashira Training Arc on a dramatic cliffhanger, as the demon slayers are mysteriously drawn into the Infinity Castle, facing off against some of its most formidable demons. However, with the story nearing its conclusion, we’ve compiled a list of our top ten favorite anime episodes to date.

Demon Slayer isn’t just celebrated for its amazing action, heartfelt narrative, and captivating characters, but also for its top-notch animation. This anime has been highly acclaimed as one of the finest adaptations in recent times, and with good reason. From Tanjiro trekking through snow with a near-lifeless Nezuko on his back to him battling Upper Rank demons, the story has progressed significantly. So, let’s rewind and relive some of the best Demon Slayer episodes as we eagerly anticipate the movie’s release in May 2025 for Japanese viewers and September 2025 in North America.

Season 4, Episode 2: “The Sorrows of the Water Hashira, Giyu Tomioka”

Giyu Tomioka was the initial demon slayer that Tanjiro and Nezuko met, and it’s possible to say they had good fortune in encountering him instead of someone else. Generally, any demon slayer would aim to eliminate Nezuko once they discovered she was a demon. However, it seems he may have hesitated due to compassion, unable to kill her immediately. Later on, he realized that she wasn’t like the other demons. This marked the start of their story, and ever since then, Giyu has been a beloved character among fans. But until this particular episode, viewers were unaware of his personal battles.

Giyu Tomioka not only felt a profound sense of personal inadequacy, but also bore the heavy burden of guilt from his sister and closest friend’s deaths, which were somehow linked to him. This tragic past explains his consistently somber demeanor, giving the impression he was laden with an enormous weight. Overwhelmed, he opted out of training. Kagaya Ubuyashiki, head of the Demon Slayer Corps and a man grappling with his own mortality, couldn’t help but worry about Giyu. Given his fragile state, he asked Tanjiro to assist the Hashira instead, which ultimately proved beneficial.

In stark contrast, Tanjiro’s energetic and optimistic demeanor clashes with Giyu’s reserved personality, yet it seems that’s exactly what Giyu required. Despite the absence of spectacular battles in this episode, it still carries significant weight, making it one of the most impactful in the series. The bond between Giyu and Tanjiro is profound within the narrative, which makes this episode indispensable before the impending climactic battle.

Season 1, Episode 5: “My Own Steel”

Following the devastating slaying of his loved ones and a life-altering encounter with Giyu, Tanjiro finds himself under the tutelage of Urokodaki, who imparts upon him the Water Breathing Technique to aid in battling demons. Yet, to fully embody a Demon Slayer, Tanjiro must join the Demon Slayer Corps and successfully navigate its treacherous final selection test. After two grueling years of preparation, he takes the challenge, encountering along the way the spirits of Sabito and Makomo. Historically, most students of Urokodaki had perished while combating the hand demon, who held a personal vendetta against Urokodaki.

Although the monster had an unusual shape and an exceptionally bulky neck, Tanjiro managed to defeat it. Rather than harboring anger for the deaths caused by this demon, Tanjiro felt empathy as the demon offered a gesture of peace before disintegrating. Even after losing his family due to demons, Tanjiro retained his kindness and mercy.

Despite the monster’s strange appearance and thick neck, Tanjiro overcame it. Instead of being angry about the deaths, he felt sorry for the demon as it reached out in its last moments. Even though demons killed his family, Tanjiro continued to be kind and understanding.

I came to understand that while these demons ruthlessly claim human lives, they are, in essence, pitiful beings who were unfortunately transformed into such terrifying creatures. The ensuing events of the episode revolved around the protagonist successfully completing his test and acquiring a unique nichirin sword, one marked by its black hue – an ominous sign as per ancient legends.

Season 2, Episode 18: “No Matter How Many Lives”

In the Entertainment District storyline, the battle between Gyutaro and Daki remains one of the most impressive fights in the series. Prior to Uzui, Tanjiro, Inosuke, Zenitsu, and Nezuko joining the fray, defeating an Upper Moon demon was a task that hadn’t been achieved by the Demon Slayer Corps for more than a century. Initially, it seemed like Daki was the Upper Moon Six; however, it was actually her brother, Gyutaro. Winning against an Upper Moon without any losses is a significant victory for the demon slayers, but much of the credit goes to Nezuko, whose flames are lethal only to demons.

The fight between Gyutaro and Daki in the Entertainment District Arc remains one of the top fights in the series. Before Uzui, Tanjiro, Inosuke, Zenitsu, and Nezuko got involved, it had been over a hundred years since the Demon Slayer Corps managed to defeat an Upper Moon demon. At first glance, it appeared that Daki was Upper Moon Six, but in reality, it was her brother, Gyutaro. Defeating an Upper Moon without any casualties is a big win for the demon slayers; however, Nezuko’s flames, which can only harm demons, deserve much of the credit.)

In the season finale, Uzui engages in a fierce battle, gravely wounded by multiple injuries and further poisoned by Gyutaro. However, Nezuko swiftly neutralizes the poison with her unique abilities, effectively saving Uzui’s life. This incident underscores the extraordinary nature of Nezuko’s powers that are hard to overlook. Moreover, we delve into the emotional past shared by Gyutaro and his sister Daki.

They spent their entire life, both birth and death, confined within the pleasure district, never venturing out of its gloom, despite being as formidable as demons. Even following their defeat, Tanjiro intervened to prevent Gyutaro from uttering something regrettable in a subsequent quarrel. Ultimately, the Demon Slayer Unit arrived on the scene to manage the remnants of the intense battle.

Season 3 Episode 8: “The Mu in Muichiro”

Initially, Muichiro Tokito didn’t seem particularly captivating when I first encountered him, but as the Swordsmith Village Arc unfolded, he quickly became a character I grew fond of. After enduring a horrific demon attack that left him with amnesia and took his twin brother, Yuichiro, the Demon Slayer Corps was the one who saved his life. Interestingly, even though they were given the opportunity to join the Corps due to their lineage as direct descendants of the Sun Breathing Style, it was Yuichiro who declined the offer in the past.

Upper Moons Four and Five combine their powers to devastate Swordsmith Village, resulting in heavy losses. Fortunately, two Hashira were already on site, accompanied by Tanjiro, Nezuko, and Genya, who stepped forward into the fray. Amazingly, Muichiro found himself battling Upper Moon Five alone – a task considered unfeasible for even a Hashira. In what seemed like his last stand, Muichiro regained his memories and reclaimed a demon slayer mark, a feat not seen since Yoruichi’s passing.

This event was pivotal in the narrative because it shows that if a Demon Slayer fulfills certain criteria and exhibits a distinct mark, they can attain the power to overpower the Upper Moons. The reappearance of light in his eyes suggests that his previously foggy consciousness has been clarified, and he has ultimately grasped his true identity.

Season 3, Episode 5: “Bright Red Sword”

The tranquil Blacksmith Village, known for centuries for crafting unique nichirin swords for the Demon Slayer Unit, frequently faces danger due to these swords attracting demon attention. This forces the villagers to live covertly. Unfortunately, when Gyokko discovered the village, Muzan dispatched him and Hantengu with a mission to eliminate every resident. The peace was shattered as the Demon Slayers fought against their adversaries. Despite there being only two Upper Moon demons initially, Hantengu’s skill in creating clones complicated matters.

Each clone demonstrated immense power, yet Tanjiro held his ground admirably against them due to his unique Sun Breathing technique. This ancient breathing style was created by Yoriichi, and while it requires significant expertise to master, Tanjiro, though not as proficient as the legendary demon slayer, continues to refine his ability to wield it. In his final confrontation with demons, he showcased this skill. Even during his learning phase in the Swordsmith Village Arc, he was able to fell a few of Hantengu’s clones with a single strike.

Absolutely, Nezuko’s actions played a significant role in igniting his sword and making it glow red, granting him the necessary power. All Upper Moons carry Muzan’s blood, which means they share his thoughts and memories. When the clones witness Tanjiro wearing Hanafuda earrings and brandishing a fiery red sword, it evokes in them memories of the fear Muzan felt during an encounter with Yoriichi some five centuries back.

Season 2, Episode 14: “Transformation”

In most circumstances, even when transformed into a demon, Nezuko maintains her composure. But the fight in the Entertainment District was an exception, pushing her to the brink. After rescuing Tanjiro from Daki, Nezuko sustained multiple injuries in quick succession. Despite healing them all, this battle caused her to transform into a more mature form with intricate vine tattoos covering her body and a single horn growing on her forehead.

In just a few swift seconds, Nezuko effortlessly outmatches Daki, demonstrating remarkable regenerative abilities, far surpassing hers. This fight, both epic and stunning, outshines any other moment Nezuko has had so far. Yet, there’s a catch: this transformation strips her of her reason, making her actions unpredictable to the point that Tanjiro had to soothe her with a lullaby to regain her composure.

In this episode, not only do we discover that the genuine Upper Moon Six isn’t Daki, but her elder brother Gyutaro is. Until then, the series had largely led us to believe that Daki was the true Upper Moon. This unexpected plot twist was quite shocking. As one might anticipate, matters became chaotic when Gyutaro entered the fray.

Season 4, Episode 8: “The Hashira Unite”

Prior to a dramatic turn of events, the Hashira Training Arc had maintained a relatively tranquil atmosphere compared to the rest of the narrative. However, this peace was shattered when Muzan, an arch-nemesis never previously encountered, infiltrated the Ubuyashiki manor, home of the Demon Slayer Corps’ leader. Since the location was meant to be concealed from demons, Muzan had spent several centuries searching for it, a task made possible only due to Kagaya intentionally revealing himself to further his plans. In a fateful encounter, Kagaya ultimately sacrifices not just his home but also two of his children and his wife in the ensuing explosion.

In the unexpected assault, Muzan was taken aback, finding himself surrounded by the demon slayers, particularly the Hashira, eager to attack. Not only were they mourning the sudden calamity, but they also stood against their greatest adversary – the mightiest demon of them all. Even after being scorched, Muzan held the advantage until Tamayo injected a toxic substance into him, giving her life for the cause. The demon slayers encircling him were pulled into the Infinity Castle, leaving the final episode of the season hanging in suspense.

Season 1, Episode 19: “Hinokami”

In the initial series of Demon Slayer, we saw the longest season yet, filled with a mix of highs and lows. The Mount Natagumo storyline brought Tanjiro and his group face-to-face with one of the 12 powerful demons known as Lower Moon Five – Rui, who was under Muzan’s influence. Not only was Rui exceptionally strong, but he also commanded a number of other powerful demons. In their encounter with Rui, Tanjiro and Nezuko found themselves in a tight spot, struggling to devise an effective counterattack.

In a flash, Tanjiro resorts to the Sun Breathing Method, a dance-like technique his father had shown him. This scene in the animation is striking and often praised for its breathtaking beauty, standing out among many modern anime sequences. At the critical instant before the attack, Nezuko activates her Blood Demon Art, lending Tanjiro a helping hand.

It’s truly impressive that despite wielding a damaged sword, Tanjiro demonstrates remarkable growth as a demon slayer. Combined with a calming soundtrack, the scene where he unleashes his full power against one of the strongest demons creates an unique impact. The episode concludes memorably, offering delightful visuals of Tanjiro and his family, set to a gentle tune.

Season 3, Episode 11: “A Connected Bond: Daybreak and First Light“

In the climactic hour of Swordsmith Village’s arc, I witnessed a pivotal moment in Nezuko’s journey – a glimmer of hope that Tanjiro’s vow might be fulfilled. The tumultuous battle against Upper Moon Four finally subsided as daybreak approached, but it was Nezuko who made this victory possible. Indeed, when the going gets tough, Nezuko stands steadfast by Tanjiro’s side, ready to risk everything for his sake.

During Hantengu’s pursuit of the villagers, Tanjiro opted to shield Nezuko from the daylight rather than confront the demon. When Nezuko pushed him aside to fulfill her duty, it nearly cost her life. As Tanjiro vanquished the demon, he was filled with grief, believing his sister had been reduced to ashes. Yet, he never imagined she would be standing before him, free from the muzzle and basking in the sunlight.

Nezuko has become the first demon to claim victory over the sun in a millennium, and Muzan finds this development incredibly pleasing. This moment serves as a chilling foreshadowing of what’s to come, as Muzan yearns for Nezuko more intensely than ever before. Furthermore, it marks an emotional culmination to a significant battle against a formidable demon. Regardless if it’s the Infinity Train or the Entertainment District, the Demon Slayer Corps has sustained severe casualties due to the Upper Moons. Overcoming two of them in one night without a single slayer loss is nothing short of extraordinary.

Season 2, Episode 17: “Never Give Up“

Few contemporary fight sequences hold a candle to the electrifying clash between Tengen and Gyutaro. Despite being at a significant disadvantage, the demon slayers refused to succumb to Gyutaro and Daki’s attacks. With Inosuke, Zenitsu, and Uzui momentarily incapacitated, Tanjiro found himself engaged in combat with the Upper Six alone, teetering on the brink of death. However, losing a limb is no match for the indomitable spirit of demon slayers. Zenitsu and Inosuke managed to distract Daki, while Uzui miraculously regained his strength despite his severe injuries.

Given that he’s adept at wielding two swords, he employs his mouth to strike with one of them. Working together, the team successfully beheads both siblings concurrently, a crucial action to eliminate them. Yet, the storyline concludes on an ominous note as Gyutaro’s body detonates, posing a grave threat to everyone in the Entertainment District.

2025-04-20 19:12