You're probably here because you just finished a binge session or you're staring at a Crunchyroll queue wondering if you can finish this thing in a single weekend. Honestly, the answer to how many episodes are in Chainsaw Man is a bit of a "good news, bad news" situation.
As of right now, there are exactly 12 episodes.
That’s it. Just twelve. You could knock the whole thing out in about four and a half hours if you skip the intros and endings—though skipping the endings in this specific show is basically a crime against art. MAPPA, the studio behind the madness, decided to give every single episode a unique ending theme and animation. It’s a flex. A massive, expensive flex that most studios wouldn't dream of attempting.
The Current State of the Chainsaw Man Episode Count
The first season, which ran from October to December 2022, covers the Public Safety Arc. Specifically, it gets us through the Katana Man arc. If you're a manga reader, you know that’s basically just the appetizer. The season ends on a cliffhanger that feels like a punch to the gut, mostly because it stops right before the story goes from "weird and violent" to "existentially devastating."
Why only 12?
Usually, big-name shonen hits like Jujutsu Kaisen or Demon Slayer start with a 24-episode "two-cour" run. MAPPA went a different route here. They treated these 12 episodes like a prestige HBO drama. The production value is through the roof. The cinematic framing, the lighting, the way Denji eats toast—it all looks better than most anime movies.
If you are looking for more content, you're currently waiting for Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc. Announced at Jump Festa 2024, this film will pick up exactly where episode 12 left off. It’s going to cover one of the most beloved (and tragic) arcs in the entire manga. Instead of a "Season 2" right away, we're getting a theatrical release.
Breaking Down the 12 Episodes We Have
Each episode isn't just a chapter adaptation; it’s a mood. Here is a rough look at how those 12 episodes occupy your time.
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The first three episodes are basically the "Intro to Misery" phase. You meet Denji, you meet the best boy Pochita, and you get introduced to the Bureau. Episode 1, "Dog & Chainsaw," is a masterclass in establishing a desperate tone. By the time you hit episode 4, the show shifts. We get Power. We get the Bat Devil. The scale starts to ramp up.
The middle stretch, episodes 5 through 8, handles the Eternity Devil arc. This is where the show really finds its legs. It’s claustrophobic and bizarre. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be stuck in an infinite hotel hallway with coworkers you don't particularly like, this is the arc for you.
Then comes the finale. Episodes 9 through 12.
This is the Katana Man showdown. It’s fast. It’s bloody. It features a training montage that is actually just Denji and Power getting murdered repeatedly by Kishibe. It’s great. By the time episode 12 rolls around, titled "Katana vs. Chainsaw," you realize that the chainsaw man how many episodes question is actually a trick. It feels like there should be more because the pacing is so relentless.
Why the Episode Count Feels So Short
There is a specific reason why fans are constantly searching for more episodes. Tatsuki Fujimoto, the creator of the manga, doesn't write like a typical mangaka. He writes like a guy who watches too many Western movies. His pacing is cinematic.
In a typical anime, you might have long-winded monologues explaining how a power works. Not here. In Chainsaw Man, a character gets their head cut off and the story just keeps moving. You don't get five minutes of internal dialogue about the philosophy of the blade. Because the story moves so fast, 12 episodes feel like they cover a massive amount of ground, yet leave you starving for the next beat.
Also, let's talk about the manga. Part 1 of the manga is 97 chapters. The first 12 episodes only covered about 38 of those chapters.
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Mathematically, we aren't even halfway through the first major saga.
What Comes After Episode 12?
The Reze Arc movie is the next official entry. In the anime world, movies have become the new way to bridge seasons—think Mugen Train for Demon Slayer. It allows the studio to put a massive budget into a specific high-stakes storyline.
After the movie? We don't have a confirmed "Season 2" date yet, but it’s inevitable. The manga is currently in "Part 2" (the Academy Saga), and it is selling millions of copies. MAPPA CEO Manabu Otsuka has been vocal about the series, even if he admitted the financial returns weren't quite what they expected compared to Jujutsu Kaisen. Don't let that scare you, though. The series is a global phenomenon.
If you're wondering if you should wait for more episodes or just read the manga—read the manga. Honestly.
Fujimoto’s art style is scratchy, chaotic, and beautiful in a way that even the best animation can't quite replicate. Start at Chapter 39 if you want to pick up right after episode 12. You’ll probably finish the remaining 50+ chapters of Part 1 in a single night because it's impossible to put down.
Common Misconceptions About the Episode Total
I've seen rumors floating around TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) about "hidden episodes" or a "Part 2" that already aired in Japan.
None of that is true.
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Sometimes people get confused because of the "Ending Songs." Since there are 12 different music videos for the endings, some automated databases or messy streaming sites might list them as separate entries or OVAS. They aren't. They are just the credits.
There are no OVAs (Original Video Animations) currently available for Chainsaw Man. No "beach episode," no side stories. Just the core 12.
How to Watch and What to Look For
If you are starting your journey now, you can find all 12 episodes on Crunchyroll, Hulu, or Netflix (depending on your region).
Keep an eye out for the subtle details in the background. MAPPA packed these episodes with movie references. The opening sequence alone is a love letter to cinema, referencing everything from Pulp Fiction to The Big Lebowski. This high-density storytelling is why there are so few episodes—every frame is packed with intent.
The Verdict on the Episode Count
Is 12 episodes enough? For most shows, no. For Chainsaw Man, it’s a perfect introductory season that sets the stakes. It introduces the concept of the "Primal Fears," establishes Denji’s tragic motivation (which is basically just wanting to touch a boob or eat a burger), and shows you that no character is safe.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve before the Reze Arc movie drops, here are your next steps. First, watch the 12 episodes. Pay attention to the door Denji keeps seeing in his dreams. It’s important. Second, if you can't wait, grab the physical volumes of the manga or a Shonen Jump subscription.
The Reze Arc movie will likely cover chapters 40 through 52. Following that, a potential Season 2 would likely tackle the "International Assassins" arc, which is arguably the peak of the entire series.
Stay away from spoilers. This is one of those stories where knowing who lives or dies completely changes the experience. Just enjoy the 12 episodes we have. They’re a rare example of a studio being given the freedom to make something truly weird and high-budget.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Watch the post-credits scene: Episode 12 has a teaser that introduces a new character. Don't close the tab as soon as the music starts.
- Check out the "Chainsaw Man" manga (Part 1): It’s finished at 11 volumes. You can read the whole thing in a weekend.
- Follow MAPPA's official social media: This is where the movie release dates and potential Season 2 announcements will actually happen first.
- Listen to the Soundtrack: Kensuke Ushio's score is on Spotify. It's industrial, grimey, and perfect for understanding the vibe of the show.