Jujutsu Kaisen watch order: seasons, JJK 0 and the Culling Game (2026)

Everyone online has an opinion on how to start Jujutsu Kaisen, and you just want to know whether the movie comes first, whether the Shibuya film counts, and how far behind you would be on the Culling Game. Here is the short answer: watch Season 1, then the Jujutsu Kaisen 0 film, then Season 2, then Season 3 (The Culling Game Part 1). We are an Australian-owned anime store with a Jujutsu Kaisen collection and plenty of fans on the team, and this route is built from Wikipedia's Jujutsu Kaisen page and its Season 3 page, checked on 20 October 2026. It is spoiler-free: titles, counts and dates only.

What is the Jujutsu Kaisen watch order?

Watch it in release order: Season 1, the Jujutsu Kaisen 0 film, Season 2, then Season 3.

That is the order the anime came out in Japan, and it is the order we would hand a friend. There is one wrinkle: Jujutsu Kaisen 0 is a prequel. It is based on the 2017 manga that serves as a prologue to the main series, so you could also watch it first. Why do we still put it second? Because release order is how every fan before you experienced it, and the film sits neatly between Season 1 and Season 2. If you want the other route, nothing breaks by starting with the film. Pick one and stick with it.

Season 1: the starting line

Season 1 is 24 episodes, and it aired in Japan from 3 October 2020 to 27 March 2021.

This is where Yuji Itadori's story starts, and nothing earlier is needed. If you only watch one block before deciding whether Jujutsu Kaisen is for you, make it this one, because every later season builds on it. Why does that matter for the order? Because later seasons carry on from where it leaves off, so skipping ahead leaves you guessing.

Where does Jujutsu Kaisen 0 fit?

Jujutsu Kaisen 0 fits between Season 1 and Season 2, and it is a single film you can watch in one sitting.

It runs 105 minutes and was released in Japan by Toho on 24 December 2021, after Season 1 had finished. Story-wise it is a prequel to the TV series, which is why some guides tell you to watch it first. We say watch it second, for two reasons. First, it is how the film reached audiences: after Season 1 and before Season 2. Second, it is a single film, so it works as a break between two TV seasons.

Season 2 and the Shibuya Incident

Season 2 has two parts that play back to back, and together they are 23 episodes.

• Hidden Inventory / Premature Death: 5 episodes, which aired in Japan from 6 July to 3 August 2023.
• The Shibuya Incident: 18 episodes, from 31 August to 28 December 2023.

Just keep going from one to the other, with no film or special in between. If you want to know who you are cheering for before you get there, our strongest Jujutsu Kaisen characters ranking is a fun companion, though it contains manga spoilers.

Season 3: The Culling Game Part 1

Season 3 is the newest TV season, with 12 episodes that aired in Japan from 9 January to 27 March 2026.

It adapts the first half of the Culling Game arc, and it opened with a one-hour premiere of the first two episodes. Wikipedia also lists a recap special that aired on 20 February 2026 (numbered 54.5 in the overall count). You do not need it if you are watching weekly or binging, but it is there if you want a refresher. That is 24 + 23 + 12 = 59 TV episodes in total, plus the Jujutsu Kaisen 0 film.

What about the compilation films?

You can skip them. Two compilation films exist, and both are optional.

• Hidden Inventory / Premature Death: a compilation film in Japanese theatres on 30 May 2025.
• Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution: a compilation of the Shibuya Incident, in Japanese theatres on 7 November 2025. It also included the first two episodes of The Culling Game Part 1.

We leave them off the main route because the TV episodes already carry the full story. They are a nice rewatch if you have finished the arcs. If you are short on time, they are not a substitute for the series, so check what each one covers before you plan around it.

What is next after Season 3?

Season 4, The Culling Game Part 2, has been announced, but it has no premiere date yet.

Wikipedia reports that it was announced right after the Season 3 finale, with Takeru Sato directing and Shota Goshozono as chief director. As of 20 October 2026, no premiere date is listed on the pages we checked. We will not guess one. Where to watch in Australia changes by service, so check your streaming service for the latest.

The full route on one screen

Here is the screenshot-friendly version. Follow it from top to bottom.

1. Season 1: 24 episodes.
2. Jujutsu Kaisen 0: the film, 105 minutes.
3. Season 2: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death (5), then the Shibuya Incident (18).
4. Season 3: The Culling Game Part 1, 12 episodes.
5. Season 4: announced, no date yet.

Common questions

Do I have to watch Jujutsu Kaisen 0 before Season 2?

We think it is worth it, but you can start Season 2 without it. It is a separate film, so you will not lose the thread of the TV seasons by saving it for later.

Do I need the compilation films?

No. They compile the TV story, and the TV episodes already cover it.

Is Jujutsu Kaisen Season 4 out yet?

No. Season 4, The Culling Game Part 2, is announced, but no premiere date was listed as of 20 October 2026.

How many Jujutsu Kaisen episodes are there?

There are 59 TV episodes across three seasons, plus the Jujutsu Kaisen 0 film.

Where to start

If you remember one thing, make it this: start at Season 1, slot the film in second, and keep going in release order.

Skip the compilation films unless you want a rewatch, and treat The Culling Game Part 1 as the latest chapter for now. Once you are watching, our Jujutsu Kaisen collection has tees, figures, cosplay and more for every sorcerer, with 30-day returns. If you would like a different kind of starting guide, try our Demon Slayer watch order.

Featured image: © Gege Akutami / Shueisha, Jujutsu Kaisen Production Committee, via jujutsukaisen.jp.