Jujutsu Kaisen season 3 review: Anime A-lister returns to cull the competition

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This review is based on Jujutsu Kaisen season 3 episodes 1-2.

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

The third season of Jujutsu Kaisen begins with a surprisingly calm and peaceful scene for the show’s main character, a teenage sorcerer.

Yuji Itadori scrubbed at his hands, trying to wash away the blood, but there was simply too much. Red streaks swirled down the drain, impossible to fully remove.

Lots of bloodshed is typical in both the show and the original manga it’s based on, but this situation feels different than just a regular fight.

The second season of Jujutsu Kaisen concluded with the incredibly intense and heartbreaking Shibuya Incident. This arc saw the deaths of many beloved characters, both by demons and tragically, by Yuji Itadori himself when Ryomen Sukuna gained control.

After everything that happened, Yuji feels deeply burdened by his actions, and a sense of hopelessness hangs over everyone.

Haunted by the fact he lived while others didn’t, and burdened by the destruction he caused, he sees Tokyo transformed – the city bathed in a hazy, pink sunrise that reminds him of the blood on his hands.

Suddenly, a huge and frightening monster attacks Yuji, forcing a fight. But it’s clear Yuji isn’t fully engaged. Even when he’s performing incredible moves – jumping, spinning, and flying through the air – his body language shows he’s deeply troubled and a far cry from the determined hero we met at the beginning of the series.

A sense of dread hangs over every scene, from the long shots of empty staircases to the ruins of buildings. The show is genuinely eerie and atmospheric, showcasing animation quality that rivals feature films. The team at MAPPA proves they’re capable of incredible work, going beyond even the impressive action sequences in Jujutsu Kaisen.

The action is just as intense as always, starting with Yuji fighting gruesome monsters and then continuing with Yuta Okkotsu showing up to eliminate him, as ordered by the Jujutsu Council. While we’ve only briefly seen Yuta in the main story so far, this is where he truly gets to shine. The episode sets up a deadly battle between the franchise’s two main heroes.

This popular sorcerer is incredibly strong, and every attack feels impactful. The fight fans have been waiting for is both brutal and beautifully choreographed, with amazing, acrobatic moves. The contrast in how each fighter approaches the battle adds a fresh dynamic to the series, combined with Jujutsu Kaisen’s signature fast-paced action and dynamic camera work.

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It’s satisfying to watch Yuta’s growth – he’s much more confident than the shy student we first met. His development, along with new characters like Naoya Zenin – who seems interested in Megumi Fushiguro and could become a clan leader – is taking Jujutsu Kaisen in exciting new directions, even amidst all the intense action.

In the first two episodes of Jujutsu Kaisen, we see shifting power dynamics and quickly forming relationships between enemies and allies. The story moves at a fast pace, setting the stage for the upcoming Culling Game, and sometimes feels even quicker than the action on screen.

For those familiar with the manga, the current story arc is the longest one yet, lasting 63 chapters. It has the potential to be even more significant than the popular Shibuya Incident. However, the anime adaptation needs to carefully balance covering the story and keeping a good pace. The first two episodes suggest this might be a challenge, as the show has less breathing room than before and risks feeling rushed.

Jujutsu Kaisen has always been a bit complicated, quickly introducing complex storylines and rules. This was especially true at the end of episode two when the rules of ‘The Culling Game’ were revealed. It’s hard to call it an explanation, though, because so much text appeared on screen for only a few seconds before disappearing.

The show sometimes presents a lot of information at once, but it usually allows viewers to grasp what’s happening. Beyond the initial focus on Yuji’s struggles, other character moments also make an impact, though they can be overshadowed by the exciting action.

Fans excited for the new season will likely be very happy. The first two episodes of Jujutsu Kaisen season 3 really deliver, taking everything fans already love and turning it up a notch. The animation and music are incredibly strong, creating a powerful and intense atmosphere. This makes it easy to look past any minor problems with the story.

Despite Satoru Gojo’s absence, the third season of Jujutsu Kaisen is already proving to be exceptional. The music and voice acting are top-notch, and with the massive Culling Game about to begin, expect intense battles and high stakes for anyone opposing Yuji or the world of Jujutsu Kaisen.

Jujutsu Kaisen is streaming weekly on Crunchyroll.

Authors

David OpieFreelance Writer

David Opie is a freelance writer covering TV and film for publications like TopMob, Indiewire, and Empire. He’s a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ representation, often speaking on panels and championing queer stories. Beyond TV and film, he loves comics, animation, and horror – and he’s particularly hoping to see a Buffy the Vampire Slayerthemed musical challenge on RuPaul’s Drag Race*. Before becoming a full-time freelancer, David worked as a Deputy TV Editor at Digital Spy and holds a degree in Psychology.

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2026-01-08 20:37