All 11 Jujutsu Kaisen Arcs, Ranked From Worst to Best

Explore the top Jujutsu Kaisen arcs ranked from Fearsome Womb to Shinjuku Showdown. Which arc stands out the most?

Jujutsu Kaisen Arcs, Ranked From Worst to Best
Jujutsu Kaisen Arcs, Ranked From Worst to Best (Source: Studio MAPPA)

No one can compare the flawless mixture of spirited battles, thrilling characters, and a dark storyline like Jujutsu Kaisen. Since its debut, the series has equipped some of the most amazing arcs in modern shonen anime. Like Yuji Itadori’s first meeting with Sukuna and the epic battles in Shibuya and Shinjuku, each Jujutsu Kaisen arc has something to contribute to the table. 

But which ones truly stand out? Check out all 11 Jujutsu Kaisen arcs as we rank them from worst to best, analyzing what makes each one special in this cursed world of Jujutsu sorcerers.

11) Fearsome Womb Arc

Special-grade Cursed Spirit vs. Yuji and Megumi
Special-grade Cursed Spirit vs. Yuji and Megumi (Source: Studio MAPPA)

The Fearsome Womb Arc marks Jujutsu Kaisen‘s first major mission for our protagonists. After Yuji’s “death,” Nobara and Megumi face the cursed wombs of the Death Paintings alone. While it introduces important concepts about cursed objects and special-grade curses, this Jujutsu Kaisen arc feels somewhat underdeveloped compared to later storylines.

The villains, while creepy, don’t leave lasting impressions like future antagonists. Despite these shortcomings, the arc sets up crucial plot points and showcases Nobara’s combat abilities for the first time. It also establishes the dangerous nature of curse manipulation and foreshadows bigger threats to come.

10) Death Painting Arc

Itadori and Nobara's teamwork
Itadori and Nobara’s teamwork (Source: Studio MAPPA)

The Death Painting Arc picks up where the Fearsome Womb left off, with Yuji’s surprising return to the fold. This Jujutsu Kaisen arc centers close to the three Death Painting brothers—Eso, Kechizu, and Choso—who symbolize a unique danger as half-human, half-curse hybrids.

The arc’s stability lies in its spectacular tag-team battles, especially the Yuji and Nobara vs. Eso and Kechizu fight that showcases their growing teamwork. We also get vital disclosures about Yuji’s weird connection to the Death Paintings.

However, this Jujutsu Kaisen arc suffers from its rather short length and placement between more significant storylines. While it introduces Choso, who becomes an important character later, the other brothers feel somewhat disposable. 

9) Itadori’s Extermination Arc

Okkotsu gets order from higher-ups to kill Itadori
Okkotsu gets order from higher-ups to kill Itadori (Source: Studio MAPPA)

The Itadori’s Extermination Arc tosses viewers into emotional unrest as Jujutsu Kaisen‘s higher-ups order Yuji’s execution. This arc brilliantly probes the moral ambiguity within the jujutsu world, showing how even “good” sorcerers can make merciless decisions. Yuji’s vulnerability and readiness to accept death expose his character growth, while Gojo’s defiance highlights his protective nature toward his students.

The introduction of Toge Inumaki and Panda grows the cast with unique personalities. However, this Jujutsu Kaisen arc feels transitional, bridging the introduction to more substantial storylines.

The limited action sequences and focus on jujutsu politics might not appeal to fans who prefer the series’ battle aspects. It also establishes the complex power dynamics within Jujutsu society that become crucial to understanding later arcs and their world-changing consequences.

8) Perfect Preparation Arc

Itadori recruit Hakari
Itadori recruit Hakari (Source: Shueisha)

The Perfect Preparation Arc serves as a critical setup phase for the massive Shibuya Incident. This Jujutsu Kaisen arc focuses on Gojo gathering allies and making preparations to counter Geto’s plan, while also delivering us insight into Mechamaru’s tragic backstory and treason. The strategic facets shine here, with characters conspiring and positioning themselves for the coming conflict.

We get fascinating glimpses into the villains’ organization and motivations, particularly Mahito and Geto’s dynamic. The arc introduces key characters like Mei Mei and Ui Ui while extending existing ones like Panda and Maki.

However, the Perfect Preparation Arc suffers from pacing issues and its obvious nature as a setup for bigger events. This arc also contains crucial character moments and foreshadowing that pay off spectacularly in later storylines.

7) Kyoto Goodwill Event Arc

Kyoto Jujutsu School Students
Kyoto Jujutsu School Students (Source: Studio MAPPA)

The Kyoto Goodwill Event Arc carries a classic tournament-style setup to Jujutsu Kaisen as Tokyo and Kyoto Jujutsu schools face off. This arc well balances exciting battles with meaningful character development, presenting fan favorites like Todo and Mechamaru. The standout moment—Todo and Yuji’s bizarre “best friend” dynamic—equips both comedy and an impressive fight.

The arc showcases various fighting styles and curse techniques, expanding the series’ power system while maintaining battles’ strategic and thoughtful. Nonetheless, this Jujutsu Kaisen arc suffers from its blunt interruption by villain attacks, which prevents some anticipated matchups from happening. Despite this, the Goodwill Event delivers crucial relationship development between characters and sets up important dynamics that pay off in later arcs. 

6) Hidden Inventory/Premature Death Arc

Toji Fushiguro as seen in the series
Toji Fushiguro as seen in the series (Source: Studio MAPPA)

The Hidden Inventory/Premature Death Arc takes Jujutsu Kaisen fans back in time, revealing Gojo and Geto’s past as close friends and fellow students. This prequel arc delivers emotional depth by showing how Geto’s idealistic nature gradually twisted into villainy, while Gojo transformed from an arrogant teen into the untouchable special grade we know.

The arc masterfully develops these complex characters while introducing important figures like Toji Fushiguro, whose incredible physical abilities challenge even Gojo. Some viewers might find the temporary shift away from Yuji and his classmates jarring, but the compelling narrative quickly overcomes this hurdle.

For many fans, this flashback arc provides the essential background that makes the present-day conflicts more meaningful and the characters’ motivations clearer.

5) The Cursed Child Arc

Yuta the cursed child
Yuta the cursed child (Source: Studio MAPPA)

The Cursed Child Arc is one of Jujutsu Kaisen‘s most emotionally assessed storylines, focusing on Yuta Okkotsu and his cursed relationship with Rika. This arc shows Yuta as a timid boy haunted by his childhood friend Rika, who became a powerful special-grade curse after her death. Under Gojo’s direction at Tokyo Jujutsu High, Yuta toils to control Rika’s immense power while forming bonds with classmates Maki, Toge, and Panda.

The antagonist, Suguru Geto, delivers a tantalizing philosophic counterpoint with his disdain for non-sorcerers. This Jujutsu Kaisen arc tops in a spectacular battle that depicts Yuta’s evolution and discloses the painful reality behind Rika’s curse.

4) The Vs. Mahito Arc

Mahito vs. Yuji and Nanami
Mahito vs. Yuji and Nanami (Source: Studio MAPPA)

The Vs. Mahito Arc boosts Jujutsu Kaisen from good to great via its flawless villain and devastating emotional impact. Mahito, with his immature brutality and terrifying soul manipulation, arises as one of anime’s most chilling antagonists. The arc brilliantly devises Junpei’s character, driving viewers to care about him before showing a heartbreaking moment.

This storyline pulls no punches in depicting the psychological toll of battle, with Yuji undergoing genuine trauma and questioning his purpose. The fights showcase the tactical combat system, with Nanami’s overtime technique and Mahito’s shift making for intense, strategic battles. Its unflinching approach to tragedy and trauma sets the series apart.

3) Culling Game Arc

Yuta as seen during Culling Games
Yuta as seen during Culling Games (Source: Studio MAPPA)

The Culling Game Arc represents Jujutsu Kaisen at its most ambitious, with a complex battle royale setup that pushes the series into new territory. Heeding the Shibuya Incident’s world-changing outcomes, this arc presents a deadly game staged by Kenjaku that pulls sorcerers and cursed spirits into brutal combat. The stakes reach phenomenal heights as characters fight not just for survival but for the future of jujutsu society itself.

This Jujutsu Kaisen arc shines through its opening of fascinating new characters with unique abilities whilst giving secondary characters like Hakari and Panda their moments to shine. The rules of the Culling Game create tension and strategic depth, with points systems and colonies. Some blame this arc for its sophistication and scattered focus across multiple battlefields, but this approach allows for diverse fights and character moments.

2) Shibuya Incident Arc

A glimpse of Shibuya Incident
A glimpse of Shibuya Incident (Source: Studio MAPPA)

The Shibuya Incident Arc is Jujutsu Kaisen‘s most deadly and game-changing storyline, recasting both the series and its characters forever. This arc juggles numerous combats across various zones while sustaining ideal pacing and emotional impact. The villains’ plan to seal Gojo devises actual tension, and his absence forces other characters to step up in astonishing style.

Every fight feels substantial, with endless stakes and shocking deaths that ascertain no one is safe. Character development gains new heights, mainly for Yuji, who faces unusual trauma and burden. The arc’s conclusion departs the jujutsu world fundamentally changed, molding up conflicts that will define the series’ future.

1) Shinjuku Showdown Arc

Gojo vs. Sukuna
Gojo vs. Sukuna (Source: Studio MAPPA)

The Shinjuku Showdown Arc claims the top spot among Jujutsu Kaisen arcs by furnishing the ultimate brawl everyone has been waiting for: Gojo vs. Sukuna. This arc depicts the completion of everything the series has built toward. The battle choreography gets new peaks, with techniques and strategies that showcase why these characters are viewed as the strongest in the series.

Exceeding the headline fight, this arc bears crucial character moments for the entire cast, with everyone playing integral roles in the final strategy. The stakes have never been higher, with the future of Japan and potentially the world dangling in the balance.

Conclusion

Jujutsu Kaisen has tremendous growth in both storytelling and graphical exposition. Each Jujutsu Kaisen arc assembles upon the last, slowly expanding the world and heightening our connection to its characters. Even the lower-ranked arcs hold moments of brilliance that contribute to the general narrative. There’s something in these arcs for every anime fan. These eleven arcs form the footing of this dark fiction story in modern anime.


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