Demon Slayer: 5 Best Tanjiro Episodes, Ranked (2025)

Ever since Tanjiro Kamado lost his family and his sister was turned into a demon, he has dedicated every day to avenging the loss by killing Muzan Kibutsuji. Inspired by the eponymous manga written by Koyoharu Gotouge, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba revolves around him as he joins the Demon Slayer Corps in pursuit of his dangerous goal while putting his life on the line for the greater good.

Throughout his journey, Tanjiro encounters some of the most powerful demons in existence and fights them along with his comrades. While some of these battles are tests of his physical endurance, others test his mental fortitude. Some of the best episodes of Demon Slayer are memorable because of the role Tanjiro plays in them.

5 Season 3, Episode 5: "Bright Red Sword"

Muichiro Fights Gyokko As Tanjiro Awakens The Demon Slayer Mark

• Released: May 7, 2023
• Director: Takuya Nonaka
• Storyboard: Takuya Nonaka

Following an unexpected attack, Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito faces Upper-Rank Five in the Swordsmith village. Meanwhile, Love Hashira Mitsuri Kanroji gets the horrifying news that the mysterious settlement has been ambushed. As she rushes to defend the inhabitants of the village, she is shocked to witness the barbarity of the demons there. Remaining professional as a true Hashira and not letting her emotions get to her, Mitsuri fights exceptionally well and saves countless lives.

Meanwhile, Tanjiro and Nezuko fight Urogi, Karaku, and Sekido. The brother-sister duo is struggling until the latter uses her powers to turn the former's blade into the Bright Red Nichirin Sword. As Tanjiro unleashes Hinokami Kagura, he simultaneously activates his Demon Slayer Mark and manages to behead the three demons alone. This episode is a visual spectacle that is filled with emotion, drama, and action. On the other hand, the unlocking of the Demon Slayer Mark leaves much to viewers' imagination by giving them a glimpse of what the mysterious power can allow a warrior to achieve.

4 Season 3, Episode 11: "A Connected Bond: Daybreak And First Light"

Tanjiro Decapitates The Upper-Rank Four Hantengu

• Released: June 18, 2023
• Directors: Jun'ichi Minamino, Ken Nakazawa, Seiji Harada, and Takashi Suhara
• Storyboard: Haruo Sotozaki and Takashi Suhara

In the Swordsmith Village Arc, Tanjiro arrives at the secretive settlement to get his sword fixed after the historic battle in the Entertainment District. As he becomes acquainted with the people there, the mysterious village is suddenly attacked by Upper-Rank Four Hantengu and Upper-Rank Five Gyokko. The battle that ensues pushes Nezuko, Love Hashira Mitsuri Kanroji, Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito, Tanjiro, and Genya to their limits.

The most exciting moments in the battle unfold as Upper-Rank Four Hantengu makes a last-ditch effort to save himself by attacking and consuming the villagers so that he can recover from his injuries and escape. Tanjiro faces a difficult challenge in that instance, as Nezuko finds herself stranded in the middle of an open field, unprotected from the sun. As he struggles to make a decision, his sister makes the brave call and pushes him to go after Hantengu.

Tanjiro eventually manages to get close to the Upper-Rank Four and decapitates him before he can reach the villagers, but he assumes that Nezuko must have perished because of the sun and can not help but cry helplessly. In a strange turn of events, Nezuko survives and manages to conquer the sun, allowing her to walk outside freely during the day. This becomes a turning point in the centuries-old human-demon war, prompting Muzan to go all out in his pursuit to become immortal. This Tanjiro episode is especially memorable because of how it portrays the protagonist in one of his most vulnerable moments while still presenting him as incredibly powerful.

3 Season 2, Episode 13: "Layered Memories"

Yoriichi's Memories Shake Daki To The Core

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• Released: January 9, 2022
• Director: Jun'ichi Minamino
• Storyboard: Takahiro Miura

When the battle in the Entertainment District ensues, Tanjiro, at one point, faces Daki all alone. As the demon unleashes ruthless attacks and causes many casualties, she infuriates Tanjiro, who cannot excuse such mindless murders. Driven by emotions, he utilizes Hinokami Kagura to release a barrage of attacks on Daki.

Tanjiro's agitated and suddenly evolved fighting style overwhelms Daki and evokes memories buried deep in her subconsciousness. She witnesses a man like her adversary challenging and overwhelming Muzan. This makes her realize that the memories are actually borrowed from the Demon King himself. The fight then becomes more intense, and in a strange twist, Nezuko gets involved. The drama that unfolds in this episode is incredibly exciting, packing in unexpected twists and turns to keep viewers hooked until the very end.

2 Season 1, Episode 19: "Hinokami"

Tanjiro Takes On A Member Of The Twelve Kizuki By Himself

• Released: August 10, 2019
• Director: Toshiyuki Shirai
• Storyboard: Toshiyuki Shirai

On Mount Natagumo, Zenitsu fights bravely against a spider demon by putting his life on the line. Meanwhile, Inosuke is luckily saved by Giyu's timely arrival when things appear to be going south for him. Sadly, Tanjiro is not as fortunate as him, ending up facing Lower Rank Five Rui. The fight that ensues is overwhelming for Kamado, who hasn't yet faced as strong a demon as this.

Just when it looks like all hope is lost, Tanjiro recalls the night-long ritualistic dance his father used to perform. It turned out to be a unique breathing style known as the Hinokami Kagura that has been preserved by the Kamado family for generations. As Tanjiro mimics his father's movements, he is able to unleash a barrage of attacks that turns the tide of the battle, almost killing Rui in the process. Not only does this episode of Demon Slayer offer a brief glimpse into Tanjiro's mysterious upbringing, but it also reveals him to be much more powerful than fans would have initially thought at this point in the story.

1 Season 2, Episode 17: "Never Give Up"

Tanjiro Braves His Fears To Confront Gyutarou

• Released: February 6, 2022
• Director: Toshiyuki Shirai
• Storyboard: Toshiyuki Shirai

During the Entertainment District Arc, Sound Hashira Tengen Uzui confronts Gyutaro and Daki with the help of Tanjiro, Inosuke, Zenitsu, and Nezuko. However, the battle does not go as expected, since Gyutaro overwhelms the demon slayers with his eccentric fighting style. At one point, Tanjiro appears to be the only conscious member of his group and Gyutaro mocks him for his miserable state. But surviving extraordinary odds and keeping his head clear, Kamado launches a stealth attack by stabbing the demon with a laced kunai.

In the moments after Tanjiro's brave comeback, his comrades join him with renewed confidence and suddenly turn the tables. The battle that appeared to be lost does not seem as hopeless as before. Inosuke and Zenitsu bravely fight Daki, while Tengen and Tanjiro take on the bloodthirsty Gyutaro. In one of the most spectacular displays of swordsmanship, the demon slayers manage to decapitate the brother-sister duo at the same time, ending their reign of terror and further showcasing how much of a force to be reckoned with Tanjiro truly is.

Demon Slayer

Action

Adventure

Release Date

April 6, 2019

Studio

ufotable

Creator

Koyoharu Gotoge