Demon Slayerwas a series with an uncertain future when it first began, but thanks to the incredible success of theMugen Trainmovie, it was able to continue on, producing high-quality content for several more seasons. While the series culminates in a trilogy of films set to be released over the next few years, its main seasons stand strong.
As far as standard TV seasons go,Demon Slayerhas released a total of four seasons, which can vary in length substantially. This can make ranking the seasons ofDemon Slayeragainst one another somewhat difficult. Still, based on the content of each season and how well it’s paced, it’s possible to rankDemon Slayer’s seasons in one coherent list.
4Demon Slayer Season 4: Hashira Training Arc
Initial Run: June 06, 2025–July 31, 2025 (Japan)
The fourth and most recent season ofDemon Slayercomes in last place for a variety of reasons. Known as the “Hashira Training Arc,” the fourth season was a much more subdued affair than the preceding seasons, focusing on training and growing stronger in preparation for the final battle instead of confronting new demons.
The Hashira Training Arc lasts a mere 11 chapters in the manga, and at 8 episodes long, it’s easily the slowest-paced anime segment. The training itself isn’t all that exciting, either, and while it provides a nice moment to catch one’s breath and enjoy the world of the series, it has a hard time measuring up to what came before.
The Hashira Training Arc did have a rather explosive finale, however, and it provided a chance to get to know some of the Hashira characters better before moving into the final battle. Since several characters, like Sanemi and Obanai, haven’t had a spotlight arc, it’s important to get to know them some while it’s still possible.
All told, the Hashira Training Arc is hotly debated by fans, many of whom think it didn’t deserve to be an entire season unto itself. Given the decision to animate the final arc in film form, however, the move to set up the Hashira Training as its own anime season makes more sense.
Due to its slow pacing and lack of a dynamic villain compared to previous seasons, as well as its overall short length, it’s fair to say that the fourth season ofDemon Slayeris easily the weakest, although even the worstDemon Slayeris still pretty good.
3Demon Slayer Season 1: Unwavering Resolve Arc
Initial Run: June 12, 2025–August 11, 2025 (Japan)
The first season ofDemon Slayerwas incredibly iconic, setting up the very premise of the series and showing how Tanjiro turned from an ordinary young boy into the warrior that fans know him as. It includes the Final Selection arc, where Tanjiro and his friends were tested on their skills, the Tsuzumi Mansion arc, and the Mount Natagumo arc.
Tanjiro’s early training showed how he had the resolve to follow through and save his sister, despite the overwhelming circumstances standing against him.The youngDemon Slayer also exhibits his unusual sense of compassionfor the demons he fights, praising the Drum Demon’s artistry as he dies.Tanjiro’s relationship to Nezuko shapes how he sees his opponents as well.
The Mount Natagumo arc is noteworthy for featuring the first appearance of some Hashira, as they come in to aid Tanjiro and help exterminate the Spider Demon and his family. Tanjiro also helps to develop his abilities further, putting to work the Hinokami Kagura technique for the first time.
The focus of season 1 is squarely on Tanjiro and Nezuko, showing the depths of their relationship and how willing Tanjiro was to sacrifice for her. It’s arguablythe best sibling relationship in anime sinceFullmetal Alchemist’s Ed and Al. Nezuko is no passive participant, either, occasionally fighting alongside Tanjiro, even in spite of her demonic transformation.
Overall, season 1 is quite good, and very well paced with its multiple smaller arcs that help to establish what the world ofDemon Slayeris like. It also happens to be the longest season, thus offering the most content.
2Demon Slayer Season 3: The Swordsmith Village Arc
Initial Run: August 01, 2025–June 29, 2025 (Japan)
The Swordsmith Village Arc made up the primary storyline for season 3 ofDemon Slayer. The season sees Tanjiro reporting to the secretive Swordsmith Village of the Demon Slayers to replace his broken sword. While there, he’s reunited with Love Hashira Mitsuri Kanroji, as well as Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito, and his surly fellow new recruit, Genya Shinazugawa.
As Tanjiro and friends relax, the Swordsmith Village is attacked by two of Muzan’s Upper Rank demons, Hantengu and Gyokko, who wreak havoc while these four (and Nezuko) are the only ones available to protect the village throughout the night. The fight sequences throughout the battle are quite incredible, with Muichiro defeating Gyokko solo and Mitsuri playing a critical role in Hantengu’s defeat.
This season seesthe introduction of the Demon Slayer Markas a form of power-up for the Demon Slayers, with both Mitsuri and Muichiro exhibiting the mark in their fights. It turns out Tanjiro actually activated the Mark first, as evidenced by the scar on his forehead changing shape and color.
The Swordsmith Village Arc introduces some important elements to the series, like the Mark, and gets to know these two Hashira, even provoking some significant character growth in Muichiro Tokito. Some fans take issue with the villains this time around, however, as Gyokko is far from sympathetic compared to most demons, and Hantengu is a sniveling coward.
While the Swordsmith Village Arc definitely had some areas that could’ve been improved, it’s overall still a very entertaining season ofDemon Slayer, and provides some critical insight into characters who will only become more important as time goes on.
1Demon Slayer Season 2: Mugen Train & Entertainment District Arcs
Initial Run: June 04, 2025–June 11, 2025 (Japan)
Season 2 ofDemon Slayeris an interesting one, as it adapts theMugen Trainmovie into episodic form, as well as covering the following arc, the Entertainment District Arc, which is often hailed as one of the highlights of the series. Given the extremely positive attentionMugen Trainreceived, that means season 2 is packed with excitement.
The Mugen Train Arc worked exceptionally well as a movie, but it works almost as good in serialized format. The serialized adaptation of the movie also added an original episode focusing on Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku, giving fans a little more time with the hit character before his tragic demise in the Mugen Train Arc.
The Entertainment District Arc introduces Sound Hashira Tengen Uzui, as well as his multiple wives, making him a very unique sort of character for his rare positive portrayal of polyamory. The villains of the Entertainment District Arc, Gyutaro and Daki, have a sibling relationship that mirrors that of Tanjiro and Nezuko in many ways, making for some interesting contrasts.
With two of the most well-liked Hashira focused on so extensively for this season, it’s little wonder that season 2 ofDemon Slayeris often felt to be the peak of the series, although that could always change as theInfinity Castlemovies are released.
Due to the emotional nature of many scenes in this season, such as Rengoku’s death, season 2 is arguablyDemon Slayer’s most effective. Tanjiro and friends get to play important roles in the defeat of these demons, while still allowing the Hashira to show what they’re made of. For this reason, season 2 is likelyDemon Slayerat its best.
