It's no surprise to anime viewers when Demon Slayer is discussed as one of the best anime in recent history. The show has gained fame due to its emotional storytelling and exceptional animation. But it wouldn't be fitting to call yourself a true Demon Slayer fan if you haven't seen these 6 remarkable episodes.
The episodes perfectly capture the spirit of this beloved anime. Whether it's fast-paced action combined with unparalleled animation, or heartwarming emotions told through the backstories of protagonists and antagonists, these episodes deliver some of the most beloved moments in anime to date.
Demon Slayer: Saddest Deaths In The Series, Ranked
As Demon Slayer's story continues, many more characters meet tragic ends. But which deaths hit the hardest at the end of this story?
A Connected Bond: Daybreak and First Light (Season 3, Episode 11)
The finale of the Swordsmith Village Arc is a fitting end to a large part of Tanjiro's journey. Tanjiro's journey was never as simple as just fighting demons. After his life was trampled by demons, he not only lost his family but also his beloved sister turned into a demon. He needed to become stronger, not only to defeat demons, but also to protect his sister, who was a threat in the eyes of both demons and humans.
This episode sees Tanjiro leading the charge to defeat an Upper Rank Demon, which is a testament to how far he's come. But as it neared the end, fans found themselves in disbelief as Nezuko was on the brink of death. As Tanjiro chased Hantengu, the sun rose, putting Nezuko's life in danger. As Tanjiro struggled to make a decision, he was pushed away by Nezuko so he could save others.
As a result, it seemed that the siblings' story finally came to an end. Despite defeating Hantengu, Tanjiro breaks down at the loss of his sister. But when he looks back, he finds a Nezuko who is not only alive but has overcome the danger of the sun. What follows is an emotional scene where the siblings and their beloved companions embrace. This scene signifies the fulfillment of all the hardships the siblings went through, and also highlights Nezuko's importance to the story moving forward.
The Hashira Unite (Season 4, Episode 8)
This episode begins with one of the best encounters in the anime so far. Muzan's entry into the Ubuyashiki Mansion is epic and sends chills down the viewer's spine. The following conversation between Muzan and Kagaya not only reveals the vanity behind Muzan's existence but reintroduces Tanjiro and the other Hashiras as a real threat to him. Kagaya's self-sacrifice is a shocking but effective conduit into a brief but heated battle between Muzan and Himejima. These moments alone make the episode memorable, but this 40-minute episode is further enhanced by setting up the movie Infinity Castle.
Muzan, for the first time in the series, finds himself in a vulnerable position. Severely injured and locked up, he finds himself surrounded by enraged Hashiras and Tanjiro. But the episode takes a turn when things once again play right into the demon lord's hands. He and the countless demon slayers are transported to the mortal domain called “Infinity Castle”. Here we get a glimpse of the massive battlefield and various fan-favorite characters, like Zenitsu, who seem ready for what lies ahead.
No Matter How Many Lives (Season 2, Episode 2, Episode 11)
After the heated battles of the Entertainment District Arc, the finale gives fans a painful yet peaceful reminder of what makes Demon Slayer truly special. We see the battered bodies of Tanjiro and his companions, finally able to exhale after defeating the Upper Moon siblings. Still, Tanjiro, restless, searches for the demons' heads. He discovers that the disintegrating siblings are spewing hatred at each other.
He immediately stops them and reminds them to be on each other's side because no one else is. This leads to a flashback from Gyutaro's perspective. The flashback shows the grueling reality of human society. It also helps draw a parallel between Tanjiro & Nezuko and Daki & Gyutaro. This makes fans wonder if things had been different. Maybe Gyutaro and Ume could have lived happier lives too. This touching flashback humanizes the demons and allows fans to remember them not with contempt and hatred but with sympathy.
Never Give Up (Season 2, Episode 2, Episode 10)
The Entertainment District Arc is the highest rated season of Demon Slayer, and it's obvious with episodes like this. Barely able to get up from exhaustion, Tanjiro finds himself surrounded by flames, and his companion nears death. Still, Gyutaro continues to stand tall and taunt him. Tanjiro fakes running away and manages to grab a kunai, which he uses to poison Gyutaro. He proceeds to use the opportunity to chop off Gyutaro's head while Zenitsu makes a surprise attack on Daki and tries to do the same.
But the poison wasn't enough to keep the demon down, and he counterattacks, and Tanjiro finds himself in danger again. In the nick of time, Uzui rejoins the battle and engages Gyutaro in one of the most action-packed and well-animated sequences in the show. With everyone's combined efforts, they manage to chop off the demon siblings' heads at the same time, ending the grueling battle. But Gyutaro's exploding body leaves fans on the edge of their seats as the fate of their beloved heroes is left untold. As the episode ends, fans see the perspective of a fainting Tanjiro unsure if they succeeded or not.
Set Your Heart on Fire (Season 2, Episode 1, Episode 7)
The finale of the Mugen Train Arc has an emotional and tear-jerking yet inspiring ending. It highlights the final moments of the epic battle between Rengoku and Akaza. Despite being beaten down and pushed to the limits of the human body, Rengoku continues to fight to fulfill his duty. This leaves Akaza puzzled and surprised, and his desire to turn Rengoku into a demon increases.
Rengoku channels all his energy to make a decisive attack. However, despite using the Ninth Form, Rengoku's attack fails as Akaza regenerates the damage. On the other hand, Rengoku receives a fatal blow that goes right through his body. As he finishes dying, Rengoku remembers his mother, and the emotional flashback explains the responsibility strong people have towards the weak. This scene helps fans understand Rengoku as a character better. Even in his final moments, his resilience leaves a lasting impression on everyone. To end the demon, he holds down Akaza as the sun rises. But a desperate Akaza finally manages to escape.
The latter half of the episode is slow and builds solely on emotion. Rengoku continues to speak, offering soothing and kind words to the young demon slayers surrounding him. Nothing flashy or shocking happens; this episode simply connects with fans with strong feelings of honesty and sincerity. Finally, Rengoku sees his mother's spirit and walks away with a smile. His passing becomes a driving factor for Tanjiro and other characters in the coming seasons.
Hinokami (Season 1, Episode 19)
That this episode is at the top of the list wouldn't be a surprise to anyone. That was really the point where Demon Slayer first established itself as one of the best anime of recent times. Amidst the dangers of Mount Natagumo, Tanjiro encountered a member of the formidable twelve Kizuki for the first time. Despite his rigorous training, he is wiped out. But as he nears death, countless memories flash before his eyes.
Recalling memories of his father, he unleashes the Hinokami Kagura dance, which allows him to approach Rui and deliver a fatal blow, but he also risks being cut at the same time. Meanwhile, Nezuko also sees memories of her mother, who tries to wake her up so she can save her brother. These memories help Nezuko use the Blood Demon Art: “Exploding Blood”, which protects Tanjiro.
This scene is perfectly executed. The combination of the detailed animation and the beautiful song makes it the most memorable episode of Demon Slayer yet. Fans also get to see Tanjiro and Nezuko fight together for the first time, promising better teamwork in the coming seasons.
Demon Slayer: Best episode in each arc, ranked
Demon Slayer is made up of iconic and memorable story arcs, and for every episode there is a single episode that stands above the rest.
Demon Slayer has a reputation for being a brilliant shonen anime. These episodes justify that claim as they not only fill fans with emotion but are also some of the best media, consisting of top-notch animation and music.
Demon Slayer is available to watch on Crunchyroll and Netflix.
- Release date
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April 6, 2019
- Network
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Swimming for adults
