Demon Slayeris one of the most popular anime, and for good reason. Each new arc brings cinematic masterpieces to the screen and beautifully choreographed battles with powerful emotional arcs to top it all off. However, despite the buzz around the most recent arcs, Swordsmith Village and Hashira Training, theyhaven’t managed to recreate the same impact as the Entertainment District arc.
The Entertainment District set a nearly unreachable benchmark for the rest of the series, leaving later arcs to fall short of their massive expectations. Tanjiro and his allies’ battle against their first Upper-Rank demon set a precedent for what fans would expect going forward. Yet, while the anime is far from disappointing, neither of its following arcs quite managed to outdo the Entertainment District.
The Entertainment District Arc Set a High Standard
From the Tension to the Choreography, the Entertainment District Was Demon Slayer’s Best Arc Yet
The Entertainment District arc reigns as one ofDemon Slayer’sbest yet. While previous arcs like Mugen Train were extremely successful,the Entertainment District offered the most perfect blend of action, storytelling, and eye-catching animation. This arc used its runtime to flesh out characters,especially the Sound Hashira, Tengen Uzui, and the Upper Moon demons, Gyutaro and Daki. Their tragic backstory added to the depth of their roles, making them some of the most compelling villains in the series. In doing so, this arc raised the emotional stakes and impact of the finale.
If Demon Slayer Wants to Do Infinity Castle Right, It Must Nail My Favorite Battle of the Series
Demon Slayer’s Infinity Castle battles are the best in the series, but one in particular beats all the others for a significant reason.
Visually, the animation alone pushedDemon Slayer’sstandards for the following arcs.Ufotable put their ability as animators on full display with the fluidity of the battles and the detailed backdrop of the red-light district. The fight choreography between Tengen and Gyutaro wasmore than just visually stunning, as it added to the tension from start to finish. The arc’s climax showcased some of the best-directed action sequences in modern anime. Despite later arcs delivering their own stunning animation, none have fully replicated the success of the Entertainment District.
Demon Slayer Struggled With Consistent Pacing in the Next Two Arcs
One Arc Was Far Too Fast, While the Other Stalled the Series
The Swordsmith Village arc, while sporting impressive visuals, struggled with pacing issues that made it feel rushed. After the explosive conclusion of the Entertainment District, the transition toSwordsmith Village and the battle against two Upper Moons felt abrupt. The buildup, which should have deepened the narrative and set the stakes, was instead quickly brushed over in a few episodes. Due to this, it felt as though the plot was accelerating without giving the characters enough time to develop or create any significant emotional impact that would stick with fans after the finale.
On the reverse side,the Hashira Training arcsuffered from a slower pace that hindered the series’ momentum. Though it served as an important arc for Tanjiro’s growth as a fighter,the excessive focus on training sequences made the pacing feel sluggish, as most episodes focused on exposition and training methods. While this provided insights into some of the characters, it bogged down the anticipation and sense of urgency that was steadily growing. This slower buildup made it harder for fans to remain as invested as the arc lacked the intensity thatDemon Slayerestablished in previous arcs.
The Stakes Didn’t Feel as Intense as the Entertainment District
The Payoff of the Entertainment District Made It the Best Arc Yet
Another reason the Entertainment District stands out is for its relentless and consistent intensity that later arcs failed to replicate. The threat posed by Gyutaro and Daki feltoverwhelming for the heroes and pushed them to their very limits. The Demon Slayer’s victory over the Upper Moon demons,after fans received a glimpse of their past, was bittersweet, making the payoff feel much more significant. In contrast, the Swordsmith Village and Hashira Training arcs failed to generate the same tension or emotional stakes.
While later arcs have their merits and breathtaking animation,neither perfected the blend of action nor emotional stakes. Whether through inconsistent pacing, a diminished sense of urgency, or less compelling antagonists, the arcs following the Entertainment District could not provide the same experience. While both Swordsmith Village and Hashira Training were enjoyable with visually memorable scenes, neither could topDemon Slayer’sbest arc yet, the Entertainment District.
