Summary
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaibahas amassed a loyal fan following with its captivating storytelling, quirky characters, and brilliantly animated episodes that leave a lasting impression.Each arc in the series follows Tanjiroand his friends as they embark on adventures driven by their shared desire to fight demons and make the world a better place.
It should come as no surprise that every arc features a special episode that elevates the series and leaves fans anticipating what comes next. From high-stakes battles to emotional sacrifices,these episodes have helped eachDemon Slayerarc stand out.
10Season 1, Episode 4, “Final Selection”
Final Selection Arc
“Final Selection"follows Tanjiro as he arrives on Mt. Fujikasane along with other candidates, tasked with surviving seven days surrounded by demons. Organized to test the resolve and character of the candidates, the trials push competitors to their limits to prepare them for the harsh life a demon slayer is expected to live.
I’ve been here so long that dynasties have risen and fallen, again and again! All while I’ve been trapped here! Unforgivable! Unforgivable! ~ Hand Demon
Filled with action, drama, and emotionally charged moments, this episode highlights Tanjiro’s drive for success as a demon slayer and his never-give-up attitude. Hisbattle with the Hand Demonis intense, and an unexpected twist just adds more even more excitement to the episode.
9Season 1, Episode 7, “Muzan Kibutsuji”
Kidnapper’s Bog Arc
Ever since Tanjiro lost his family and his sister was turned into a demon, he has been consumed by thedesire to meet the Demon King, who was responsible for unleashing untold misery on humanity. Surprisingly, his wish is fulfilled in a bizarre fashion, as he senses Muzan’s presence in a market and confronts him. Although the Demon King manages to get away, he is visibly infuriated by the brief conversation.
All that lives must die. Only feelings are eternal and undying. That is true. I do not remember a single human being I have killed. Flesh dies, and that is the end. However, their feelings passed on and never fell to ruin, and have even defeated me. I have witnessed that fact with my own eyes, and I was so moved that I trembled. ~ Muzan Kibutsuji
“Muzan Kibutsuji"exposes the extent of psychological trauma inflicted on the titular character from a battle he fought many centuries ago, while also revealing that he might not be invincible after all. Although not as action-packed as other episodes in the series, it still delivers a chilling insight into Muzan’s psyche and his cruel nature.
8Season 1, Episode 9, “Tanjiro Vs Temari Demon And Arrow Demon”
Asakusa Arc
After he is confronted by Tanjiro, the Demon King sends Temari Demon and Arrow Demon to hunt down the demon slayer with the hanafuda earrings.
Around the same time,Kamado and Nezuko befriend Tamayo, not knowing the deadly fight that awaits them. When Muzan’s underlings track down Tanjiro, a battle for survival ensues, forcing the latter to go beyond his physical limits to survive, making for an exceptional episode.
7Season 1, Episode 12, “The Boar Bares Its Fangs, Zenitsu Sleeps”
Tsuzumi Mansion Arc
“The Boar Bares Its Fangs, Zenitsu Sleeps"is a special episode that reveals the true potential of Zenitsu by allowing him to do what he does best. Until this arc,Agatsuma is portrayed as a cowardly characterwith no special powers, but that changes inside the Tsuzumi Mansion when he is confronted by the Tongue Demon with Shoichi by his side.
In a desperate situation, Zenitsu falls asleep as if crushed by the psychological pressure of the approaching demon. However, little do the Tongue Demon and Shoichi know that Agatsuma truly awakens only when he is in an unconscious state.
6Season 1, Episode 19, “Hinokami”
Mount Natagumo Arc
In the Mount Natagumo Arc, Tanjiro and his friends are faced with the dangerous spider family. When Lower Rank Five Rui notices Nezuko and Tanjiro’s unique bond, he becomes obsessed with the idea of keeping Nezuko as his sister.
Since I was the one with the most power, there was no one who could protect me, who could shield me. The more powerful I became, the less I remembered about being a human. And I was losing sight of what it was that I wanted to do. Seeking a bond that I could never claim for myself. ~ Rui
Naturally, this is unacceptable to her brother, who confronts the demon for having such outlandish wishes. Rui, being stubborn and unempathetic, forces the brother-sister duo to fight for their bond. The battle that ensues is captivating and sets the standard for the animation against which the series is judged to this day.
5Season 1, Episode 26, “New Mission”
Rehabilitation Training Arc
“New Mission"is one of the first episodes that offers a glimpse into Muzan’s secret lair and reveals the extent to which he is willing to go when he is furious. While Tanjiro and his friends are busy with their rehabilitation training, Kibutsuji summons the Lower Moons to the Infinity Castlefollowing Rui’s defeat on Mount Natagumo.
What follows is Muzan’s ruthless and violent massacre of his minions as he vents out his frustration over their consistent defeats. This episode also sets the stage for Kamado’sadventures aboard the Mugen Train.
4Season 2, Episode 7, “Set Your Heart Ablaze”
Mugen Train Arc
“Set Your Heart Ablaze"is arguably the most emotional episode in the anime. It revolves around the epic clash between Akaza and Kyojuro Rengoku following thedemon slayer’s victory over Enmuin the Mugen Train.
Life is a series of decisions. You never have unlimited options or unlimited time to think, but what you choose in that instant defines who you are. ~ Kyojuro Rengoku
With Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke already injured, theFlame Hashira takes it upon himselfto stop the Upper-Rank Three of the Twelve Kizuki. The fight is intense and concludes on an emotional note, leaving Kamado and his friends with a lifelong lesson.
3Season 2, Episode 17, “Never Give Up”
Entertainment District Arc
After Gyutaro and Dakiturn the tables in the Entertainment District battle, Tanjiro finds himself in a desperate situation with his comrades lying motionless in pools of their own blood. Confident that Kamado is destined to lose, Gyutaro mocks the demon slayer, not realizing that he has some cunning tricks up his sleeve.
As soon as the opportunity presents itself, Tanjiro takes it upon himself to take down the Upper-Rank Six brother-sister duo. But he is not alone. In a dramatic turn of events, Tengen,Inosuke, and Zenitsu join the battle, leading to one last push that culminates in one of the most beautifully choreographed battles in the entire series.
2Season 3, Episode 11, “The Connected Bonds: Daybreak And First Light”
Swordsmith Village Arc
After the Swordsmith Village is ambushedby Hatengu and Gyokko, Tanjiro, Kanroji, Nezuko, Tokito, and Genya put up a valiant fight to protect innocent villagers.“The Connected Bonds: Daybreak and First Light"turns its attention to the final moments of the battle as Tanjiro desperately tries to behead Hatengu, not realizing that his demon sister has conquered the sun.
You’re just too poor and uncultured to understand my beauty, refinement, and elegance. Even if you show a cockroach a book, it can’t read it! ~ Gyokko
WhileNezuko’s achievement is an unheard-of miracle,it dramatically shifts Muzan Kibutsuji’s plans as he senses that immortality is within his grasp.
1Season 4, Episode 8, “The Hashira Unite”
Hashira Training Arc
Muzan Kibutsuji’s arch-enemy, Kagaya Ubuyashiki, has always been an elusive figure for the Demon King.But when Nakime eventually tracks downhis location, Kibutsuji decides to visit him personally. Little does he know that Kagaya is aware that Muzan is coming and is well-prepared for their meeting.
“The Hashira Unite"revolves around the epic moment when the two arch-enemies confront each other. Having lost their close allies because of one another, a deep-rooted disgust and hatred simmer inside them. Their confrontation sets the stage for an all-out war between demons and humans that changes the world forever.
