As the Jujutsu Kaisen manga reaches its completion (which came from nowhere), it’s the perfect time to offer those who haven’t yet seen the anime a place to start and make sense of everything that went on.
Let’s face it, the anime adaptation can be a bit tricky to follow at times.
In this spoiler-free blog post, we’ll explore what makes Jujutsu Kaisen so popular. Is it overrated, as some claim, or truly worth your time? We’ll also break down the ideal watch order to ensure you enjoy the series to the fullest.
Consider this your guide to diving into the world of Jujutsu Kaisen for maximum fun.
Origins
Jujutsu Kaisen emerged from the imaginative depths of Akutami Gege’s mind, but how exactly?
Akutami has been inspired by the works of a plethora of super authors like Yoshihiro Togashi (the author of Hunter X Hunter and Yu Yu Hakusho), Tite Kubo (the author of Bleach) and Masashi Kishimoto (the author of Naruto), to name a few.
Many of the events that played out in Jujutsu Kaisen have been inspired by these legendary works.
The abilities of the characters and fight scenes also echo the essence of Hunter X Hunter to a certain extent, but what stands out is that, despite these influences, Akutami has successfully developed a style uniquely his own.
In an interview with Japan Digest, Akutami mentioned that he was drawn towards scary things since a very young age, which is pretty much evident if you pay close attention to the art style in Jujutsu Kaisen.
Is the Jujutsu Kaisen anime adaptation Overrated and Overhyped?
This question seriously needs to be addressed as there has been a lot of talk about Jujutsu Kaisen being overrated. The arguments made are quite intriguing and worth exploring.
The series is set in a world where people emanate cursed energy through negative emotions, which give birth to curses—creatures that pose a threat to humanity.
Unlike your average individuals, Jujutsu Sorcerers can control their cursed energy and use special techniques to combat the curses as well.
While you could argue that the plot of Jujutsu Kaisen isn’t particularly unique, as many other anime share similar themes, the show’s real strength lies in its characters.
They are well-developed and have quickly become fan favourites. Names like Gojo, Sukuna, Itadori, and Toji are widely recognized, even by those who haven’t seen much of the series, reflecting the strong impact these characters have had on audiences.
The world-building is solid, and the fight scenes are beautifully animated. Even mid-level villains have distinct personalities, further emphasizing the show’s excellent character development.
However, one drawback is the complexity of the fight scenes. The abilities and logic behind them can be hard to follow, often requiring multiple viewings to fully understand.
Overall, Jujutsu Kaisen is a decent watch, though the hype largely stems from the popularity of its characters. Is it worth watching? Absolutely—it’s a highly entertaining series that will keep you engaged.
Do not follow the chronological order in which it was released!
When I watched it, especially the second season, I felt confused. I couldn’t figure out where it picked up from. Season 1 ended on a completely different note, and Jujutsu Kaisen 0 was its own thing.
The start of the second season didn’t make sense at first—until it did. While the connection becomes clear later in the season, it feels disjointed and uncomfortable.
Going through the first few episodes was a real task. But don’t you worry fellas, I am right here to suggest you the best watch order so that you do not have to go through what I did. Thank me later.
JUJUTSU KAISEN – The Perfect Watch Order
1. Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 – Episodes 1 to 5
These had to be the first episodes because this is where everything truly begins. The relationship between Gojo and Geto, their eventual fallout, and the trauma that ensues are all introduced here. It lays the entire groundwork for the rest of the story. This arc is called “The Hidden Inventory” arc.
2. Jujutsu Kaisen 0 – The Movie
This movie takes place after the events of “The Hidden Inventory” arc and bridges the gap before the start of Season 1. It gives the needed context and helps build on the narrative introduced in the first few episodes of the second season.
3. Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1
Watching this after the movie and Season 2’s early episodes will provide a thorough understanding of the entire first season. You’ll see how the events from the previous arcs influence the characters and storyline here.
4. Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 – Episodes 6 to 23
I still don’t quite understand why it was released this way, but from Episode 6 onward in Season 2, the story finally continues from where it left off at the end of Season 1.
I really do not wish to hear you all whining 😂, this is what makes the most sense.
So, do yourself a favor and just watch it like this – you will bless me someday.
Stay in the loop folks!
Picture Credits: TOEI Animation