Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the most talked-about action shonen anime of the decade. Based on Gege Akutami's manga, MAPPA brings the world of jujutsu sorcerers and curses to screen with elaborately staged fights that blend action and horror.
The series so far has season 1 (2020–2021), the film Jujutsu Kaisen 0 (2021), season 2 with the Shibuya Incident (2023) and season 3 "The Culling Game: Part 1" (January–March 2026), with the next part already announced.
Quick Facts
- Studio: MAPPA
- Source: Manga by Gege Akutami, Weekly Shonen Jump, March 5, 2018–September 30, 2024, 30 volumes
- Broadcast: Season 1: 24 episodes (October 3, 2020–March 27, 2021); film 0: December 24, 2021; season 2: 23 episodes (July 6–December 28, 2023); season 3: 12 episodes (January 9–March 27, 2026)
- Awards: Manga: Tsutaya Comic Award 2019, Mandō Kobayashi Manga Grand Prix 2020
- Sales: Over 150 million copies by December 2025
Story
The story revolves around a world where curses are born from human negative emotion and jujutsu sorcerers fight to protect ordinary people. The manga is described as a combination of battle manga and horror comic, with its characters, plot and internal mythology praised by critics.
Season 2 is split into two parts: Hidden Inventory/Premature Death (the first five episodes) and the Shibuya Incident (episodes 6 to 23). Season 3 moves to the Culling Game, a large-scale survival game, and season 4, "The Culling Game: Part 2", has been announced.
Behind The Scenes
MAPPA produced the whole anime, from season 1 in October 2020 to season 3 ending in March 2026. The manga won the 2019 Tsutaya Comic Award and the 2020 Mandō Kobayashi Manga Grand Prix and was nominated for the Shogakukan Manga Award and the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize.
By December 2025 the franchise exceeded 150 million copies in circulation including novels, digital editions and Jujutsu Kaisen 0, placing it among the world's best-selling manga.
Experience
Action and staging
The anime's biggest draw is its fights: fast movement, varied techniques and staging that turn jujutsu confrontations into cinematic spectacle. This is why the series is mentioned alongside MAPPA's modern action milestones.
Characters and mythology
Critics praised the source's characters, plot and internal mythology. The fact that it recalls familiar works yet develops into a whole with its own character is also often noted.
Multi-season structure
The anime is a long journey, so newcomers should begin with season 1, watch the film Jujutsu Kaisen 0 and then move to the Shibuya Incident. Season 3 with the Culling Game has a complex pace and many new characters.
Strengths
- Elaborately staged, fast-paced fights
- Characters and internal mythology are praised
- A blend of action and horror
- Plenty of content: three seasons, a film and a follow-up announced
Weaknesses
- A long structure, so newcomers must watch in order
- Season 3 has a complex pace and many new characters
- Violence and a dark tone are not for every audience
What Critics Say
The manga is praised for its characters, plot, settings and internal mythology, described as a combination of battle manga and horror comic. The series won the 2019 Tsutaya Comic Award and the 2020 Mandō Kobayashi Manga Grand Prix, along with several major nominations.
MAPPA's anime brought the series to a global audience, with books exceeding 150 million copies in circulation as of December 2025.
Who Is It For
For fans of supernatural action with character depth who do not mind violent scenes. If you are new, start with season 1 and watch film 0 before the Shibuya Incident.
OtaHub Score
Verdict
Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the decade's defining shonen anime thanks to MAPPA's production and one of the best-selling source manga. OtaHub scores it 9.2/10.
FAQ
Where should I watch Jujutsu Kaisen 0?
After season 1 and before season 2 (the Shibuya Incident) makes the most sense.
What is season 4?
"The Culling Game: Part 2", announced after season 3.
Has the manga ended?
Yes, on September 30, 2024, in 30 volumes.