Demon Slayer story timeline: movies & episodes

Explore the complete timeline of Demon Slayer, from its first anime episode release to the movie releases. Discover the reasons that caused the popularity of this beloved anime to skyrocket.

Fawad Ahmed

Fawad Ahmed

Dec 15, 25
Share article:
banner-product

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba has perhaps become one of the most influential anime of its time. Since its release in 2019, it has truly caught the hearts of fans with its stunning animations, emotional storytelling, and unforgettable characters.

It is based on Koyoharu Gotouge’s manga, the series that follows Tanjiro Kamado’s journey from a simple charcoal seller to a demon slayer. He seeks to restore his sister Nezuko’s humanity. Over the years, Demon Slayer has expanded into major film releases, from Mugen Train to Swordsmith Village.

To understand how the series unfolds, here’s a complete Demon Slayer timeline that covers both the movie releases and the story events. Let’s get started!

In this article

Demon Slayer Story Timeline

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba originally began as a manga by Koyoharu Gotouge, and ended up turning into a worldwide sensation. The anime which was produced by Ufotable, amazed fans with its animation, deep emotions, and amazing storytelling.

To see how the Demon Slayer story takes place, let’s go through the story in order, from Tanjiro’s quiet life in the mountains to the final battles that put an end to demons.

Tanjiro’s Ordinary Life

Tanjiro Kamado lives a simple, yet fulfilled life with his family way back in the mountains. He sells charcoal to support them and is really known for his kindness and strong sense of responsibility.

The Tragedy Strikes

One day, Tanjiro comes back home to his family, who were killed off by the demon Muzan Kibutsuji. Only his sister, Nezuko, survives, but she’s turned into a demon herself. Tanjiro takes an oath to find a cure and completely destroy Muzan.

Becoming a Demon Slayer

Under the complete guidance of Sakonji Urokodaki, Tanjiro trains really hard on Mount Sagiri. After years of discipline, he passes the Final Selection exam and ends up earning his Demon Slayer uniform as well as his Nichirin Sword.

Early Missions Arc

Tanjiro starts completing demon-hunting missions and meets two allies, named Zenitsu Agatsuma and Inosuke Hashibira. Together, they end up facing their first major threats and come across members of the Twelve Kizuki, who are some of the most powerful demon ranks.

Natagumo Mountain Arc

Here, the trio ends up facing Rui, Lower Moon Five of the Spider Family. It’s an absolutely brutal fight, but Tanjiro ends up unlocking the Hinokami Kagura technique, which is a skill that will define his path ahead.

Rehabilitation and Training Arc

After the deadly battle, Tanjiro and his friends end up recovering at the Butterfly Mansion under the care of Hashira Shinobu Kocho. Here, fans see that Nezuko begins to gain acceptance from the Corps, which marks a turning point in their journey.

Mugen Train Arc

Tanjiro and his friends end up joining Flame Hashira Kyojuru Rengoku on the Mugen Train mission. They end up fighting against Lower Moon One, Enmu, and later on, end up facing Akaza, who is an Upper Moon demon. Rengoku's tragic sacrifice really inspires Tanjiro to become stronger.

Entertainment District Arc

The trio partners with Sound Hashira Tengen Uzui so that they can take down Upper Moon Six Siblings, Daki and Gyutaro. The intense battle ends in a rare victory for the Demon Slayer Corps. It also proves that teamwork can win against the strongest of demons.

Swordsmith Village Arc

Tanjiro aims to travel to the Swordsmith Village so that he can repair his weapon. He meets Love Hashita Mitsuri Kanroji and Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito. Together, all of them face Upper Moon's Hantengu and Gyokko.

Hashira Training Arc

In order to prepare for the coming showdown with Muzan, the Demon Slayer Corps undergoes really harsh training. Each Hashira teaches their own methods, which strengthen the Corps for the final battle.

Final Battle Arc (Infinity Castle and Sunrise Countdown)

The Corps storm Muzan’s fortress, which is the Infinity Castle. One by one, they end up racing the remaining Upper Moons in brutal fights that test their spirit and sacrifice. In the end, Muzan gets defeated and Nezuko regains her humanity.

Demon Slayer Movie Timeline

The Demon Slayer film series complements the anime really well, expanding key arcs with emotional storytelling. Each movie really digs deep into the narrative’s flow, making sure that viewers experience each battle in great detail. Here’s a complete look at the Demon Slayer movie timeline in release order.

Demon Slayer: Mugen Train (2020)

The first Demon Slayer film, Mugen Train, adapts the Mugen Train Arc from chapters 54 to 69 of the original manga. It picks up right after season 1, following Tanjiro Kamado, Nezuko, Zenitsu, and Inosuke, as they board the Mugen Train so they can investigate mysterious disappearances.

Alongside them is the Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku. The movie then dives deep into the physical struggles of the Demon Slayers, as they battle Enmu (Lower Moon One) and face the dangerous strength of Akaza (Upper Moon Three). Mugen Train became one of Japan’s highest-grossing films of all time.

Demon Slayer: To the Swordsmith Village (2023)

This was released as a theatrical compilation, where To the Swordsmith Village bridged the gap between season 2 (Entertainment District Arc) and season 3 (Swordsmith Village Arc). The film also included the explosive finale of the Entertainment District Arc, where Tengen Uzui and Tanjiro fought the Upper Moon demons Gyutaro and Daki.

The story then transitions to the Swordsmith Village, where Tanjiro wants to repair his sword and comes across two new Hashira, Mitsuri Kanroji (Love Hashira) and Muichiro Tokito (Mist Hashira).

Demon Slayer: To the Hashira Training (2024)

Demon Slayer: To the Hashira Training served as the actual bridge between season 3 and the upcoming Hashira Training Arc, compiling the final moments of the Swordsmith Village Arc and the beginning of the next storyline. It focuses on the Hashira uniting in order to train the Corps members so that they can prepare for the ultimate battle against Muzan Kibutsuji.

How to Make a Similar Timeline?

Creating a timeline for a well-known franchise, movie, anime, or book provides a detailed look into the chronological order and various events that take place. Here’s how to build one:

  • Collect background information: Start by researching important facts, such as names, dates, relationships, and death dates (if any).
  • Identify generations: Find out about the relationships (or arcs for movies and anime), and build a logical structure before you officially begin designing.
  • Create a general outline: Sketch out a simple design. You can decide on the layout that suits your timeline the best.
  • Add names and dates: Fill in the timeline chart from the earliest events to the most recent events. Use connecting lines to describe dates.
  • Include photos: Add photos to make it easy to visualise the person or era you’re describing.
  • Review and verify: Make sure to check each name, date, and event for accuracy.
  • Export: Once everything is complete, save your timeline digitally or print it.

Steps to Make the Demon Slayer Timeline

Try using an online timeline maker rather than simply sketching it out on paper. For my project, I have used EdrawMind to make this timeline. Here’s how:

Get 500 AI tokens free on the app
star icon

Step 1 Get Started
  • Launch your application of choice.
  • Click Create and then select Blank Mind Map.
making a timeline from scratch
Step 2 Select Shape and Colours
  • select your shape and place it in the centre, and write Demon Slayer Timeline on it.
  • Click the fill button next to the shape and select a colour to highlight it as the focus box.
select your desired box shape
Step 3 Create Two Timelines
  • Create a box to the right, and left right below the Demon Slayer Timeline.
  • Label them as:
    • Demon Slayer movie timeline (left).
    • Demon Slayer story timeline (right).
creating demon slayer story and movie timeline
Step 4 Create Demon Slayer Movie Timeline Vertically
  • Create 3 boxes right below the Demon Slayer Movie Timeline box. Colour and shape them as you please.
  • Write down the movie names in chronological order in all boxes as shown above.
complete demon slayer movie timeline
Step 5 Create Demon Slayer Story Timeline Vertically
  • Create 11 boxes right below the Demon Slayer Story Timeline box. Colour and shape them as you please.
  • Write down the arc and season names in chronological order in all boxes, going down.
complete demon slayer story timeline
Step 6 Building Relationships
  • From the toolbar above, select Relationships. Select a straight line relationship option.
  • Connect the:
    • Movie names to the Demon Slayer Movie Timeline box with black arrows going down.
    • Seasons and arc to the Demon Slayer Story Timeline box with black arrows going down.
connecting the timelines
Step 7 Exporting the File
  • Click the File option from the top left corner.
  • Click Save to keep an editable version.
  • To share, select Export and choose different formats such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, PDF, JPG, or PNG.
exporting the timeline and saving it

Wrapping Up

The Demon Slayer timeline shows how a story can really evolve with purpose, emotion, and a lot of balance. Watching Tanjiro’s journey from an ordinary boy to a warrior fighting for humanity really highlights how proper structure and progression make the series unforgettable.

Whether you’re rewatching your favourite Demon Slayer film series or following its story from the start, this sequence offers an expert look into the character growth and emotional development of the characters.

EdrawMind logoEdrawMind Apps
Insert docs & take notes on nodes
30 structures & 52 themes
10,000+ free templates & 750+ cliparts
Summarize docs, videos & webpages
Generate mind maps & slides with AI
edrawmax logoEdrawMind Online
Insert docs & take notes on nodes
Real-time collaboration
30 structures & 52 themes
10,000+ free templates & 750+ cliparts
LaTex formula
Generate mind maps & slides with AI