Few anime in recent years have captured the chaotic energy of human desire and despair quite like Chainsaw Man. Adapted by MAPPA Studio, the series transforms Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga into a visceral, visually dazzling spectacle.
With its raw violence, dark humour, and unforgettable characters—especially Denji and the dangerously magnetic Makima—the story explores what it means to crave love, freedom, and power in a world ruled by devils.
If you’re ready to get into Denji’s blood-soaked world, here’s the proper order of the Chainsaw Man anime adaptations and what to expect from each instalment.
Chainsaw Man Watch Order
1. Chainsaw Man (2022) – Season 1
- Episodes: 12
- Release Window: Fall 2022
The first season introduces Denji, a poverty-stricken teenager saddled with his late father’s crushing debt. To survive, he hunts devils alongside his pet and partner, Pochita—the Chainsaw Devil. When betrayal leads to Denji’s brutal death, Pochita sacrifices himself to save him, fusing their bodies and resurrecting Denji as Chainsaw Man, a hybrid capable of transforming into a chainsaw-wielding powerhouse.
As Denji joins Public Safety’s Devil Hunter Division under Makima’s watchful eye, the series balances gory battles with moments of emotional vulnerability. The striking animation, realistic tone, and experimental music direction established MAPPA’s adaptation as one of the most cinematic anime productions of the decade.
2. Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc (2025)
- Format: Feature Film
- Release Period: Japan – September 2025 | Worldwide – October 2025
Instead of launching a traditional second season, MAPPA chose to adapt the “Bomb Girl / Reze Arc” as a standalone movie, allowing for more detailed visuals and an emotional, self-contained storyline.
The film picks up where the first season ends. Now working as a full-fledged devil hunter in Special Division 4, Denji’s life takes a tender turn when he meets Reze, a charming café worker who seems to understand him better than anyone else. What begins as a sweet, rain-soaked romance quickly spirals into tragedy as Reze’s true nature is revealed.
The Reze Arc movie showcases some of MAPPA’s finest animation yet—explosive action sequences, rain-drenched cityscapes, and haunting emotional beats that highlight the fragility of Denji’s hopes. The film became a box-office hit across Japan and overseas, solidifying Chainsaw Man as one of MAPPA’s signature franchises.
3. What’s Next for Chainsaw Man?
While an official Season 2 announcement hasn’t yet been confirmed, fans are confident it’s only a matter of time. With the Reze Arc concluding one emotional chapter, the next arcs in the manga—such as the International Assassins Arc and Gun Devil Arc—are expected to expand the series on a global scale. These storylines delve deeper into Denji’s moral conflicts, his relationships, and the true nature of devils in the world.
As of 2025, Chainsaw Man continues to rank among Japan’s best-selling manga, with more than 31 million copies in circulation. The combination of sharp storytelling and MAPPA’s fearless animation choices has made it a defining series of this anime generation.
To fully experience Chainsaw Man, begin with the 2022 season and then watch The Movie: Reze Arc (2025). Together, they paint a complete picture of Denji’s transformation—from a desperate boy dreaming of simple pleasures to a tragic hero caught between love and carnage.
With new arcs on the horizon and MAPPA’s reputation for breathtaking animation, the Chainsaw Man universe is far from finished. Whether the next instalment arrives as a series or another cinematic release, one thing is certain: Denji’s story will continue to slice straight into the hearts of anime fans worldwide.
