10 Best Demon Slayer Hashira Fights That Will Leave You Breathless

Warning: Contains spoilers for Demon Slayer. The powerhouse anime Demon Slayer has taken the world by storm and left fans absolutely delighted with it the beautiful visuals, thoughtful dialogue, and extraordinary fight choreography. The Demon Slayer Corps sports unique Breathing Techniques, insane physical and mental ability, and particular personalities, which inevitably lead to some of the best fights and character moments in anime history. More than just exciting though, the series’ fights are incredible tests of will that further character and plot.

Leading the pack, the Hashira exemplify these traits to the highest degree. Dedicated to protecting society, they leave previous aspirations behind and work together to slay the demons plaguing human communities and end the demon king, Muzan Kibutsuji. Although some Hashira are given more screen time to shine, each has had their notable fighting moments that leave watchers wanting more. The best Hashira fights in Demon Slayer show off just why each and every one of the Demon Slayer corps leaders deserves such a high rank.

10

Shinobu vs Spider Demon Daughter Introduced the Frightening Insect Hashira’s Tactics

Season 1, Episode 20, “Pretend Family”

Shinobu Kocho’s delicate agility, quick speed, and unique techniques combine for an interesting battle sequence in Demon Slayer’s first season. While other characters confront different members of this deranged and dysfunctional demon ‘family’, the Insect Hashira takes on the eldest daughter. She hops around the forest while making quick deductions about the Spider Daughter’s horrific web abilities and murders of the Demon Slayer Corps members.

When Shinobu catches her prey and confronts her on the forest floor, fans see Kocho’s apparent kind nature and soft voice be contrasted with a surprisingly sarcastic condescension and callousness. With the Hashira’s immense responsibility and each unfortunate backstory that motivates them to fight, it is understandable why Shinobu holds no sympathy for the demon despite her pitiful past dreams and thus ends her with a beautiful flurry of her signature butterflies and wisteria poison.

9

Giyu vs Tanjiro and Nezuko Started the Series Off With a Moment of Angst & Hope

Season 1, Episode 1, “Cruelty”

Giyu Tomioka’s confrontation against the two protagonists, Nezuko and Tanjiro Kamado, starts off the series with a tense and somber reality check. While Tanjiro carries and fights off the newly changed Nezuko, Giyu Tomioka makes a quiet yet impactful entrance as he glides through the falling snow. The battle takes breaks with introductory explanations of demons, their nature, and the forces that fight against them. Giyu easily overwhelms the younger characters without using his breathing techniques in the end, but this first look at the sword-wielding Demon Slayers is a memorable scene for fans.

Although this scene portrays Giyu’s kindness, it is not out of naivety or ignorance. The Water Hashira understands his responsibility in taking pity on the girl and her brother and the potential damage she could cause, but with his waning hopefulness, he decides to give her a chance to go on. This unprecedented circumstance of letting a demon live in hopes of recovery already marks a groundbreaking shift in the demon-human paradigm, and begins a journey of change, hardship, and justice, and defying fate.

8

Giyu vs Rui was a Surprisingly Quiet End

Season 1, Episode 20, “Pretend Family”

Fans only begin to understand the raw power of a Hashira at the end of season 1, generating excitement for the drama, action, and moving realizations to come. As an inexperienced Tanjiro is backed into a corner and nearly meets his end, the reliable Giyu steps in to save him and take over the battle against the powerful demon son Rui. Tomioka’s breathing technique is fitting to his nature: fluid, graceful, and stunningly serene.​

To match, Demon Slayer’s notable animation perfectly compliments the battle sequences, and as the man calls out Water Breathing: Eleventh form, Dead Calm, the screen is filled with a rush of vivid blue water that stills into a clear, calm pool. The Water Hashira surprises watchers with a quiet slice of his sword, ending the holder of the Lower Moon Five’s life. Giyu is one of the most enigmatic Hashira throughout much of early Demon Slayer, so seeing his true strength on display after so much build-up is absolutely incredible and leaves viewers hungry for more.

7

Obanai vs Sanemi vs Tokito Showed the Hashira’s Insane Upkeep

Season 4, Episode 4, “To Bring a Smile to One’s Face”

Each of the Hashira sports unique and powerful abilities as well as physical strength, intelligent discernment, and equally quirky personalities. When Muichiro Tokito, Obanai Iguro, and Sanemi Shinazugawa decide to have a friendly confrontation, fans are left stunned as neon strips signifying sword slices zip through the air, the three tumbling and clashing at shocking speeds.

Watchers have had the pleasure of seeing Breathing Techniques and confrontations with demons before, but one of the Hashira Training Arc’s best moments gave a unique look at how the Demon Slayer Corps masters keep up, hone their skills, and interact with each other. As the series progressed, Demon Slayer’s anime studio Ufotable definitely honed their craft, giving even more visual detail, beautiful direction, and dynamic choreography than before. With this little sneak peek and the shocking cliffhanger ending of the season, watchers are left on the edge of their seats awaiting how much further the Hashira can push themselves amidst adversity.

6

Gyomei vs Muzan was a Preview to the Stone Hashira’s Strength

Season 4, Episode 8, “The Hashira Unite”

Despite Gyomei Himejima’s backstory of humble beginnings as a monk, fans see a different side to the gentle man at the end of season four. After Muzan Kibutsuji arrives at the Ubuyashiki mansion to wreak havoc, watchers receive a snippet of the burly man’s prowess when confronting the demon king alongside Lady Tamayo. Gyomei slides in with his giant flail axe as debris, stone, and blood fly about. The scene is lit with fire and anger, and watchers are moved by the Hashira’s intensity.

Gyomei and the other Hashira were taken off guard by the sudden appearance of their top adversary, but quickly regained composure despite their grief and jumped into battle. Although viewers were not able to see the Stone Hashira’s strength in full just yet, this quick sequence was enough to generate excitement for the coming final trilogy of Demon Slayer films.

5

Sanemi and Obanai vs the Hoard Begins the Conflict Escalation

Season 4, Episode 1, “To Defeat Muzan Kibutsuji”

Similar to Gyomei, fans have not seen much of a handful of the Hashira. Season four further introduces the Wind Hashira and Serpent Hashira on a scouting mission, following leads about the Demon Corps’ growing unease. Sanemi and Obanai make an impact with their opening as they battle against a hoard of low-ranking demons in an abandoned castle.

The dark surroundings set apart their bright highlights, its eerie setting giving way to the men’s colorful designs and powers. The two flawlessly work together, weaving around one another while individually showing off their unique breathing techniques. Although this particular fight was low stakes, considering the Hashiras’ immense power easily overwhelming the weaker demon force, it foreshadows the darker reality of Muzan’s sinister plan as the series ramps up to its climax.

4

Mitsuri vs Hantengu Portrays the Love Hashira’s Unique Wielding

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

Fans adore Mitsuri Kanroji for her adorable design and bubbly personality, but her battle against the Upper Moon Four demon Hantengu depicts the physical prowess that earned her the Hashira title. She masterfully weaves like a dancer around the crashing wood dragon as it dives to attack, all the while using her unique ribbon-style sword. Its stream of pink and her dazzling Love Technique stands out against the shadowy scene.​

Kanroji does not leave unharmed as she becomes more battered as the fights go on. Despite her obvious ability, she humorously voices her despair, showing a relatable and loveable side to the Love Hashira. Mitsuri has been seen previously in conversational scenes and light-hearted banter, but this pivotal battle was a nice look at her combat skills, which will play a great role in the future.

3

Tokito vs Gyokko Marked a Pivotal Change for the Demon Slayer Corps

Season 3, Episode 9, “Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito”

This battle was another that lacked the flashiness of other Hashira techniques, but showed the young boy’s surprising ability regardless. Even though he’s a child, the Hashira is provenly capable, and this underestimation brings about Gyokko’s undoing. Matching Muichiro Tokito’s reserved nature, his Mist Breathing Techniques are used to obscure and quietly cut through obstacles. Its softness opposes his harsh words and sarcastic quips, adding a haze to the dark setting.

Despite poison, drowning, and external distractions, Tokito manages to overcome his assumed defeat with a newfound strength and defeats the Upper Moon Five. This moment sets the stage for new discovery and a coming shared strength for the Demon Slayer Corps, and fans look forward to its development in later seasons.

2

Tengen vs Daki & Gyutaro Defined the Sound Hashira’s Persistence

Season 2, Episode 17, “Never Give Up”

The final battle for season 2 was adrenaline inducing and jaw-dropping living up to the ‘flashy’ standard. The Entertainment District Arc was shorter in comparison to the rest of the series, but it didn’t disappoint with beautiful visuals and insane combat. The main battle focused on the The Upper Moon 6 demons, a brother-sister duo and the combined forces it took to defeat them.

After already decapitating Daki, Tengen Uzui shocked fans with an explosive reentrance to save Tanjiro in the knick of time. Despite being pushed to exhaustion and having one hand cut off, he parries Gyutaro and continues to fight with awe-inspiring resilience, strength, and agility. The Sound Hashira had already shown off his ninja skill and Sound Breathing, but this astonishing climax solidified the Hashira’s flamboyant expertise. His help allowed for an opening, and Tanjiro stepped in to finish the job.

1

Rengoku vs Akaza Was a Passionate Moment to Propel the Protagonist

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train

The clash between Kyojuro Rengoku and the evil Upper Moon 3 Akaza may be the most memorable of the series. Seen in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train as well as reiterated in season 2’s Mugen Train Arc, watchers and Tanjiro’s gang alike were astonished by the Flame Hashira’s fire abilities and speed.

Mugen Train solidified Rengoku’s place in Demon Slayer fans’ hearts with these scenes, as his love for family and determination to protect his comrades is held above all else. The death of the beloved Flame Hashira left other characters as well as fans in tears, but his death would not be in vain, as it marks a stronger motivation for Demon Slayer’s protagonist to keep fighting and defeat Muzan.