Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba quickly rose in the ranks of Anime legends, arguably giving even the esteemed Big Three a run for their money. The series owes its success to its combination of bold, impressionable visuals with bloodsoaked supernatural stories and strong, sentimental life lessons to create a unique addition to the Shonen genre.
Tanjiro's travels are predominantly focused around the themes of family and friendship, tied together quite efficiently with the appropriate amount of amazing swordsmanship and exaggerated bloodshed. With a plethora of sinister demons and awe-inspiring Hashira introduced throughout the narrative, there is rarely a dull moment in Demon Slayer. Which is the best arc in the Demon Slayer anime?
8 Kidnapper's Bog Arc
Tanjiro's first official "solo" mission is against the elusive Swamp Demon, who uses deceptive clones and puddle portals to confuse and evade his enemies. Thankfully, Nezuko steps in to offer her assistance and the sibling duo successfully completes the mission, but sadly, it is too late for Kazumi's fiancee.
The mystery intensifies as the original demon, Muzan Kibutsuji makes an appearance, along with the convenient skin-walking abilities that allow him to take on anothers' form. Muzan gives a first-hand display of how brutally heartless he can be by turning innocents into demons just so that he can escape amidst the chaos.
7 Rehabilitation Training Arc
This portion of the Demon Slayers' story aims to be more informative than action-packed, as the weary youngsters need time to recover from The Spider Demon Family onslaught. The audience gets the opportunity to assess each elaborately decorated Hashira and get a taste of their different personalities, while they discuss the virtues and liabilities of having a demon enlisted within the Demon Slayer Corps.
Master Kagaya Ubuyashiki helps them make his case against the close-minded Hashira as both Giyu and Tanjiro bet their lives that Nezuko will cause no innocent bloodshed, and she finally earns her spot on the team. The trainees all gather at the Butterfly Mansion to recover and hone their skills even further, while their resolve is tested in the process.
6 Asakusa Arc
At last, Tanjiro finds a glimmer of hope in the most unlikely place; in the demonic forms of Yushiro and Tamayo, a doctor who shows an interest in Nezuko's misfortune. They will, however, need to source blood from a powerful Kibutsuji-created entity - which is easier said than done! Suddenly the ominous Yahaba, Susamaru, and her terrifying Temari arrive and begin tearing apart Tamayo's home.
It seems like the siblings are overwhelmed by the Blood Demon Art combo as the Temari projectiles gain the upper hand, but Tanjiro manages to redirect the flow of the battle, eliminating his opponents with the help of his demonic accomplices. Nezuko's fate is no longer sealed now that Tamayo is on their side!
5 Final Selection Arc
Any anime's debut episodes are vital, as they must set the scene and draw the audience in, without revealing too many overwhelming details. If viewers are not already captivated by the stellar artwork, most are tempted to stick around due to the intriguing and unique storyline.
The Final Selection Art gives the audience a breakdown of the Demon Slayer Corps and follows Tanjiro through his initial training with Urokodaki before coming face-to-face with his first high-leveled monstrosity, The Hand Demon. Tanjiro gets his first Nichirin Sword with a titillating titbit that black blades are believed to bring misfortune upon their wielders.
4 Tsuzumi Mansion Arc
This is when things start to truly get interesting as the Kamado duo adds two new permanent residents to their team. First, Tanjiro finds an accomplice after stumbling across Zenitzu, who has a depressing death wish due to his assumed incompetence. The pair take on a new mission together as they attempt to rescue some youngsters from a "haunted" mansion but they are quickly separated as Kyogai's Blood Demon Art drumbeats take effect.
It turns out that there is a third swordsman in the abode, but Tanjiro butts heads with the boar-headed newbie while Zenitsu is left to fend for himself. Fans get to witness the blonde boy's full potential when Zenitsu's strange superpowered sleepwalking skills are put on full display. After the demons are defeated, the three boys begin to brawl before concluding that they do, in fact, share similar goals, and Zenitsu and Inosuke officially join the Kamados on their journey.
3 Mugen Train Arc
Whether watching the movie version or the first set of episodes in Season 2 of Demon Slayer, most fans couldn't tear their eyes off the screen as Tanjiro and Nezuko tried to save a trainload of people from the potent sleep-inducing attacks. It is tough to say which swordsman stole the show during this arc, as each of the talented warriors earned ample opportunities to shine with the honorable Kyojuro Rengoku leading the way.
As to be expected from this top-ranking shonen anime, the Mugen Train adventures have action, heartache, comedy, thrills, and chills and were arguably the best choice for a stand-alone movie arc. The four travelers prove just how well they can work together as a team, and how deeply they admire(d) their Flame Hashira mentor.
2 Mount Natagumo Arc
One of the most exciting things about this arc is the fact that fans (oh, and Tanjiro) finally get to meet the almighty Hashira, although many are not too welcoming of the concept of allowing Nezuko to live. While most of the audience is trying to get a closer look, arachnophobic viewers are shrinking away in fear after watching the Spider Demons take on the heroes with an army of menacing puppets.
Family is the major theme in the Mount Natagumo Arc, whether it be demonic or otherwise, and fans gain greater insights into the Twelve Kizuki and the young swordsmen's backstories. Tanjiro taps into his Sun Breathing abilities when he is pushed to his limits before Giyu and Shinobu arrive just in time to add the finishing touches to the demon family's demise.
1 Entertainment District Arc
The final installment of Season 2 takes the term "end off with a bang" quite literally, after building the suspense exponentially since the Sound Hashira Tengen Uzui walked onto the scene. The added excitement of the relationship dynamics between his trio of wives allowed fans to root for (and envy) Lord Tengen, whereas initially, he presented quite an unlikeable personality.
Once again the writers play with emotions by persuading viewers to sympathize with the demonic siblings, even after all the death and destruction in their wake. The whole devastating ordeal is not for naught, as Tanjiro finally manages to get his hands on some level six demon blood, and is officially one step closer to finding a cure for dear Nezuko. Lord Tengen and his wives get the happy ending they deserve while the aspiring Hashira prepare for their next task.