Blue Exorcist, known as Ao no Exorcist in Japan, has captured the hearts of anime fans worldwide with its compelling story, dynamic characters, and stunning animation. One of the most common questions asked by new and seasoned viewers alike is: Just how many episodes of Blue Exorcist are there? Understanding the episode count, seasons, and special releases can significantly enhance your viewing experience. This comprehensive guide will delve into the complete episode breakdown, providing you with all the information you need to dive into the world of Rin Okumura and his quest to become an exorcist.
Breaking Down the Blue Exorcist Anime Seasons
To accurately answer the question of how many episodes there are, we need to examine each season of the anime separately. The series has had several installments, each contributing to the overall episode count.
Blue Exorcist (Season 1)
The first season of Blue Exorcist aired in 2011 and quickly established the series’ popularity. It introduced us to Rin Okumura, the son of Satan, who discovers his demonic heritage after a tragic event. Rin, along with his twin brother Yukio, decides to train as an exorcist to protect his friends and defeat Satan.
This first season consists of a total of 25 episodes. These episodes cover the initial story arcs, focusing on Rin’s training at True Cross Academy, his relationships with his classmates, and the growing threats from the demonic world. The season adapts the early chapters of the manga series and sets the foundation for the subsequent seasons.
Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga (Season 2)
Several years after the first season, fans were treated to Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga, which aired in 2017. This season directly adapts the Kyoto Impure King Arc from the manga, providing a more faithful adaptation compared to the latter parts of the first season. The Kyoto Saga is often praised for its tighter storytelling and focus on specific character arcs.
Kyoto Saga comprises 12 episodes. It focuses on the Myōō Dharani, a powerful artifact stolen from the True Cross Order, and the ensuing conflict in Kyoto. This arc provides deeper insights into the characters, particularly Rin’s struggles with his demonic powers and the history of the Okumura family.
Blue Exorcist: Aoharu vs. Meguro (OVA)
Between the second and third seasons, an Original Video Animation (OVA) titled Blue Exorcist: Aoharu vs. Meguro was released. While technically not part of the main seasons, it provides additional content for fans and offers a lighthearted break from the main storyline.
This OVA is a single episode, adding one to the total count of Blue Exorcist content.
Blue Exorcist: Illuminati Saga (Season 3)
The highly anticipated third season, Blue Exorcist: Illuminati Saga, premiered in 2024. This season adapts the Illuminati Arc from the manga, exploring the secrets of the organization led by Michael Gedōin and their plans to revive Satan. This season delves into deeper mysteries and introduces new characters, expanding the scope of the Blue Exorcist universe.
Illuminati Saga consists of 12 episodes. It is known for its complex plot, intense action sequences, and exploration of themes such as science versus religion and the nature of good and evil.
Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga (Season 4)
Building directly off the events of the previous season, Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga, also released in 2024, continues the narrative of the conflict against the Illuminati. This season focuses on the events unfolding in the Shimane Prefecture and further explores the origins and motivations of the Illuminati.
This season also consists of 12 episodes. It is characterized by its intricate plot twists, character development, and intense battles, further enriching the overall Blue Exorcist story.
Total Episode Count: Combining All Seasons
So, let’s sum it all up to answer the initial question: how many episodes of Blue Exorcist are there in total? We need to combine the episodes from each season and the OVA.
- Season 1: 25 episodes
- Kyoto Saga (Season 2): 12 episodes
- Aoharu vs. Meguro (OVA): 1 episode
- Illuminati Saga (Season 3): 12 episodes
- Shimane Illuminati Saga (Season 4): 12 episodes
Therefore, the total number of Blue Exorcist episodes is 25 + 12 + 1 + 12 + 12 = 62 episodes plus the OVA.
This means that fans have a considerable amount of content to enjoy within the Blue Exorcist anime series.
Episode Guide: A Closer Look at Each Season
Let’s take a brief look at some of the key episodes in each season to give you a better understanding of what to expect.
Season 1 Highlights
- Episode 1, “The Devil Resides Within”: Introduces Rin and Yukio Okumura and their extraordinary circumstances.
- Episode 2, “Gate to Gehenna”: Rin’s powers awaken, changing his life forever.
- Episode 17, “Temptation”: Explores Rin’s inner struggles and his relationships with his classmates.
- Episode 24, “Demon’s Lair”: Sets the stage for the season finale, heightening the tension and stakes.
- Episode 25, “Stop the Time”: The climactic battle of the first season, showcasing Rin’s growth.
Kyoto Saga Highlights
- Episode 1, “Suspicion”: Immediately throws viewers into the conflict surrounding the Myōō Dharani.
- Episode 4, “Brothers”: Delves into the complex relationship between Rin and Yukio.
- Episode 8, “Weakness”: Highlights the vulnerabilities of key characters under pressure.
- Episode 12, “Proof”: Concludes the Kyoto Saga with a powerful resolution and character development.
Illuminati Saga Highlights
- Episode 1, “Strike Back”: Reintroduces viewers to the Blue Exorcist world after a gap, setting the stage for a new conflict.
- Episode 6, “Secret Garden”: Unveils more about the Illuminati’s operations and motivations.
- Episode 11, “Lonely Fang”: Features intense character moments and battles as the season builds to its climax.
- Episode 12, “Together”: Concludes the Illuminati Saga with a cliffhanger leading into the next season.
Shimane Illuminati Saga Highlights
- Episode 1, “Each on Their Own Path”: Depicts the characters’ initial reactions to the aftermath of the previous season’s events.
- Episode 5, “Fixed Stars”: Explores the deeper connections between characters and the larger plot.
- Episode 9, “Kindness”: Highlights the importance of compassion amidst the chaos and conflict.
- Episode 12, “The Meaning of Everything”: Wraps up the Shimane Illuminati Saga with resolutions and hints of what’s to come.
Where to Watch Blue Exorcist
Now that you know how many episodes there are and have an idea of what to expect, you might be wondering where you can watch Blue Exorcist. The series is available on several popular streaming platforms, making it accessible to a wide audience.
Popular streaming services like Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Hulu often carry Blue Exorcist. Checking these platforms is the best way to ensure you can watch the series legally and with high-quality streaming. Availability might vary depending on your region, so it’s always a good idea to check your local listings.
Why Blue Exorcist Remains Popular
Blue Exorcist has maintained its popularity for several reasons. The engaging storyline, complex characters, and blend of action, humor, and drama appeal to a broad audience. The animation quality and soundtrack are also highly praised, contributing to the overall viewing experience.
Moreover, the themes explored in Blue Exorcist, such as identity, belonging, and the struggle between good and evil, resonate with viewers on a deeper level. The characters’ journeys and growth throughout the series make it a compelling watch, keeping fans invested in the story. The combination of supernatural elements and relatable human experiences ensures that Blue Exorcist continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
The Manga: An Alternative Experience
While the anime is a popular way to experience Blue Exorcist, the original manga series by Kazue Katō offers a different perspective. The manga provides a more detailed and complete story, as it is the source material for the anime adaptation. Some fans prefer the manga for its nuanced character development and exploration of themes that might be condensed or omitted in the anime.
Reading the manga alongside watching the anime can enhance your understanding and appreciation of the Blue Exorcist universe. It allows you to delve deeper into the story and gain insights into the characters’ thoughts and motivations. Both the anime and manga offer unique experiences, and fans often enjoy both mediums.
Future of Blue Exorcist
As of the latest updates, fans are eagerly awaiting any news about future seasons or adaptations of Blue Exorcist. Given the manga’s continued publication and the positive reception of the existing anime seasons, there is always potential for more content in the future.
The Blue Exorcist universe is rich with stories and characters that could be further explored. Whether through new anime seasons, OVAs, or even a potential movie, the possibilities are vast. Fans remain hopeful for more adventures with Rin, Yukio, and their fellow exorcists, eager to see where the story goes next. Keeping an eye on official announcements and anime news outlets is the best way to stay informed about the future of Blue Exorcist.
In conclusion, Blue Exorcist boasts a substantial number of episodes across its various seasons and OVAs, providing viewers with hours of entertainment and a captivating storyline. With 62 episodes and an OVA, there’s plenty to dive into, whether you’re a new fan or a long-time follower. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be immersed in the thrilling world of Blue Exorcist!
How many episodes are there in the entire Blue Exorcist anime series?
The Blue Exorcist anime series, as of late 2024, consists of four seasons and a movie. Across these installments, the anime has a total of 73 episodes. This count includes all episodes from the initial season, the Kyoto Saga, the Impure King Saga, and the Shimane Illuminati Saga.
It’s important to note that this total only refers to the main anime series episodes. Special episodes, OVAs (Original Video Animations), and any future installments are not included in this 73-episode count. Fans should keep this in mind when planning their viewing schedule and considering the overall length of the Blue Exorcist anime.
What seasons comprise the Blue Exorcist anime series?
The Blue Exorcist anime comprises four distinct seasons, each adapting different arcs from the manga. The first season, simply titled “Blue Exorcist,” adapts the initial storyline and introduces the main characters and core conflicts.
Following the first season, the subsequent seasons are “Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga,” “Blue Exorcist: Impure King Saga,” and “Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga.” Each of these sagas focuses on specific story arcs and develops the characters and overarching plot in unique ways.
Does the first season of Blue Exorcist follow the manga completely?
The first season of Blue Exorcist starts off closely following the manga’s storyline, introducing Rin Okumura and his discovery of being the son of Satan. However, around episode 16, the anime diverges from the manga’s plot, creating an anime-original ending.
This divergence means that the events after episode 16 in the first season are not considered canon within the broader Blue Exorcist narrative as established by the manga. Subsequent seasons, starting with the Kyoto Saga, largely ignore the events of this anime-original ending and realign with the manga’s established storyline.
How many episodes are in the Kyoto Saga?
The Kyoto Saga, also known as “Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga,” spans a total of 12 episodes. This season specifically adapts the Kyoto Impure King arc from the manga, focusing on the threat posed by the Impure King’s Left Eye and the struggle to protect Kyoto from demonic forces.
The concise length of the Kyoto Saga allows for a focused and intense adaptation of this pivotal arc in the Blue Exorcist story. It provides a significant amount of character development and action, making it a popular season among fans of the series.
Is the Impure King Saga a continuation of the Kyoto Saga?
Yes, the Impure King Saga, also known as “Blue Exorcist: Impure King Saga,” directly follows the events of the Kyoto Saga. This season continues the narrative surrounding the Impure King and delves further into the consequences of the events that transpired in Kyoto.
While both sagas center around the Impure King, the Impure King Saga explores different facets of the threat and introduces new challenges for Rin and his fellow exorcists. Together, the Kyoto Saga and Impure King Saga form a cohesive arc within the overall Blue Exorcist narrative.
How long is the Shimane Illuminati Saga?
The Shimane Illuminati Saga is the longest season of the Blue Exorcist anime so far, containing a total of 12 episodes. It adapts the Shimane Illuminati arc from the manga, which focuses on the Illuminati’s activities and their impact on the world of exorcists.
This saga delves deeper into the organization of the Illuminati, unveiling new characters and motivations. The length allows for a more comprehensive adaptation of the complex events and character interactions present in the source material, making it a significant part of the Blue Exorcist anime.
Are there any Blue Exorcist OVAs or special episodes?
Yes, there are several Blue Exorcist OVAs (Original Video Animations) and special episodes that expand on the series’ universe. These generally provide additional content and explore side stories that are not central to the main plot.
These OVAs and specials typically feature lighter, slice-of-life moments or delve into the backstories of specific characters. While they are not essential for understanding the core storyline, they offer a more complete experience for dedicated fans of the Blue Exorcist series.