Demon Slayer: Best Hashira Episodes, Ranked

Summary

• Hashira are key defenders in Demon Slayer Corps, facing life-or-death situations against demons.
• Episodes shed light on Hashira pasts, showcasing unique experiences and unwavering spirits.
• Various Hashira-focused episodes reveal their origins, decisions, and contributions.

As humanity’s strongest warrior, the Hashira serve as the last line of defense against Demon King Muzan Kibutsuji and his evil underlings. Because of the nature of their work, they frequently find themselves in life-or-death situations that test their resolve and commitment to the Demon Slayer Corps.

Each Hashira has also been through a series of tragedies and misfortunes that have shaped them into the person that they are today. Their unique experiences are captured in some of the most highly rated Demon Slayer episodes that might interest fans who love the show. Each of these Hashira-focused adventures sheds light on their past, reveals their perspective on life, and showcases their indomitable spirit in action.

8

Season 1, Episode 1: “Cruelty”

Giyu Tomioka Makes a Consequential Decision

• IMDb rating: 8.3
• Arc: Final Selection Arc

Moments after Tanjiro returns to his home and witnesses the heart-wrenching aftermath of his family’s massacre, he is attacked by his sister Nezuko, who is now turned into a demon. As he struggles to subdue her, Water Hashira Giyu Tomioka intervenes swiftly, determined to protect Tanjiro, not understanding the situation he is about to put himself in.

Don’t cry. Don’t despair. Now’s not the time for that.

As he is going to kill Nezuko, Tanjiro puts up a valiant fight for his sister but is easily overwhelmed by the Hashira. Before Giyu can make a drastic decision, he witnesses something that challenges his worldview. “Cruelty” sets the stage for Tanjiro’s transformation into a demon slayer and focuses on Tomioka’s radical decision that changes the course of the centuries-old human-demon conflict.

7

Season 1, Episode 21: “Against Corps Rules”

Water Hashira Defeats Rui and Defends Nezuko

• IMDb rating: 8.6
• Arc: Mount Natagumo Arc

Moments before Rui is about to overwhelm Tanjiro, Water Hashira Giyu Tomioka arrives at the scene to decapitate the demon without breaking a sweat. As his body disintegrates, Rui recalls his human life and feels regret for some of his poor decisions.

Meanwhile, Insect Hashira Shinobu Kocho and Kanao Tsuyuri corner Nezuko, ignorant of her past. Going against Corps rules, Giyu decides to protect her with Tanjiro’s help.

6

Season 3, Episode 10: “Love Hashira Mitsuri Kanroji”

Mitsuri’s Emotional Life Story

• IMDb rating: 8.3
• Arc: Swordsmith Village Arc

After demons target innocent people in the Swordsmith Village, Mitsuri comes to the rescue of villagers. Once she has saved many lives, she heads to the battlefield to help her comrades and confronts Hantengu’s powerful manifestation, Zohakuten.

Is it okay for a girl to be this strong? I still worry that someone may ask that, as though I’m not human. In my fear, I was suppressing my strength. But not anymore. Leave this to me. I will protect everyone.

With the battle against Zohakuten serving as the climactic backdrop, “Love Hashira Mitsuri Kanroji” reveals the painful rejections and failures that Kanroji has to endure to eventually find her life purpose.

5

Season 1, Episode 22: “Master of the Mansion”

Tanjiro Meets the Hashira

• IMDb rating: 8.4
• Arc: Rehabilitation Training Arc

Following the victory over Rui and his twisted underlings on Mount Natagumo, demon slayers are officially instructed to take Tanjiro and Nezuko to the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters. Before Kagaya Ubuyashiki’s arrival, the situation remains hostile for the brother-sister duo as the Hashira don’t trust them.

Faced with almost invincible battle-hardened fighters, Tanjiro refuses to back down as the Hashira test his bond with Nezuko.

4

Season 4, Episode 7: “Stone Hashira Gyomei Himejima”

The Tragic Life of Demon Slayer Corps’ Gentle Giant

• IMDb rating: 8.6
• Arc: Hashira Training Arc

Until the Hashira Training Arc, Gyomei remains a mystery to the viewers. But that changes in “Stone Hashira Gyomei Himejima,” which finally brings his origin story into focus and reveals his humble roots. The emotionally charged episode highlights the sacrifices he has made in his life for the greater good and the loss he has contended with to become the greatest Hashira of his generation.

3

Season 2, Episode 15: “Gathering”

Tengen Uzui Confronts Gyutaro and Daki

• IMDb rating: 9.4
• Arc: Entertainment District Arc

As Gyutaro and Daki join hands to attack the demon slayers, Sound Hashira Tengen Uzui takes charge. With his blinding speed and years of combat experience, he fights with his life on the line despite being poisoned. “Gathering” captures some of the most exciting moments of the battle in the Entertainment District by concentrating attention on Uzui’s determination and its roots.

2

Season 3, Episode 8: “The Mu in Muichiro”

Muichiro Tokito’s Tragic Past

• IMDb rating: 8.7
• Arc: Swordsmith Village Arc

When the Swordsmith Village is ambushed, Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito is separated from his peers and finds himself up against Gyokko. The battle is tipped in the demon’s favor initially as he is able to put his rival in the Water Prison Pot.

Remember that boiling anger. Even if I lose my memories, my body will remember that anger that will not leave me until I die. It’s why I trained so hard that I vomited blood to destroy demons. And more, to eradicate them!

However, the situation somehow triggers memories from Tokito’s life before he joined the Demon Slayer Corps. As the emotionally charged moments rush through his brain, Muichiro awakens his demon slayer mark, completely transforming himself in the process.

1

Season 2, Episode 7: “Set Your Heart Ablaze”

Kyojuro Rengoku vs. Akaza

• IMDb rating: 9.7
• Arc: Mugen Train Arc

After Tanjiro and his friends successfully defeat Enmu, they are ambushed by the Upper-Rank Three of the Twelve Kizuki. Having sustained serious injuries already, they are weak and vulnerable, making them an easy target for Akaza. But determined to keep the young demon slayers safe, Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku steps in to fight Muzan’s underling all alone.

“Set Your Heart Ablaze” focuses on the epic battle between Akaza and Rengoku while shedding light on their incompatible worldviews.