Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution (2025) marks a pivotal moment in anime storytelling. It’s a visceral, emotional culmination of one of anime’s most harrowing arcs and a bold leap into the chaos of the next.

As a theatrical event that fuses the final chapters of the Shibuya Incident arc with the opening of the Culling Game arc, the film captures the essence of Jujutsu Kaisen: the cost of power, the fragility of humanity, and the relentless pursuit of purpose amid darkness.

The Inspiration Behind Execution

The film draws its core inspiration from Gege Akutami’s manga, particularly volumes 11 through 16, which chronicle the Shibuya Incident—a turning point in the Jujutsu Kaisen universe. Akutami, known for blending horror, philosophy, and emotional depth, crafted this arc as a crucible for his characters. The Shibuya Incident was designed not just as a battle royale of curses and sorcerers, but as a psychological gauntlet that would test the limits of heroism, sacrifice, and identity.

Akutami has cited influences ranging from Neon Genesis Evangelion to Hunter x Hunter, both of which explore trauma and moral ambiguity. In Execution, these themes are amplified. The descent of a cursed veil over Shibuya on Halloween is symbolic—a festive day turned into a nightmare, where the masks people wear are stripped away. Gojo’s sealing, Yuji’s emotional collapse, and the rise of Sukuna’s terror all reflect Akutami’s interest in duality: strength and vulnerability, love and destruction, humanity and monstrosity.

Studio MAPPA’s decision to adapt this arc into a theatrical release was driven by its scale and emotional gravity. The Shibuya Incident is not just a fan favorite—it’s a narrative earthquake. By pairing it with the beginning of the Culling Game arc, Execution becomes a cinematic relay: passing the baton from devastation to rebirth, from loss to vengeance.

Significance in the Anime Landscape

Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution marks a pivotal moment in anime storytelling. It’s rare for a series to receive a theatrical compilation that isn’t a recap or filler. Instead, Execution is a curated experience—designed to immerse viewers in the emotional climax of Season 2 while teasing the philosophical and strategic warfare of Season 3.

The film’s significance lies in its structure. By blending two arcs, it mirrors the emotional whiplash of the manga: the grief of Shibuya followed by the cold calculation of the Culling Game. This juxtaposition forces viewers to confront the consequences of power. Gojo’s absence, the death toll, and Yuji’s guilt are not just plot points—they’re emotional anchors that redefine the stakes.

Moreover, Execution elevates the medium. With cinematic animation, a haunting score, and theatrical pacing, it transforms serialized storytelling into an event. It invites fans and newcomers alike to witness the evolution of anime as both art and catharsis.

Character Arcs and Emotional Depth

At the heart of Execution is Yuji Itadori. His journey—from hopeful vessel to broken warrior—is the emotional spine of the film. The Shibuya Incident shatters his innocence. He watches friends die, civilians suffer, and Sukuna wreak havoc using his body. His breakdown is raw, unfiltered, and deeply human.
Gojo Satoru, often seen as invincible, faces his own reckoning. His sealing is not just a tactical loss—it’s a spiritual one. The film explores his isolation, his burden as the strongest, and the consequences of his choices. His absence forces others to rise, falter, and redefine their roles.

The introduction of the Culling Game arc adds new layers. Characters like Kinji Hakari, Yuta Okkotsu, and Hiromi Higuruma bring fresh perspectives. The game itself—a battle royale with philosophical undertones—asks what it means to fight, to kill, and to survive. It’s not just about power—it’s about ideology.

Visual and Narrative Innovation

Directed by Shouta Goshozono, Execution is a masterclass in visual storytelling. Goshozono, known for his dynamic direction in Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2, brings kinetic energy and emotional nuance to the screen. His use of color, framing, and silence amplifies the horror and heartbreak of Shibuya. The cursed veil becomes a character in itself—oppressive, omnipresent, and symbolic of despair.

The writing, led by Hiroshi Seko, balances exposition with emotion. Seko, who also penned Attack on Titan: Final Season and Mob Psycho 100, excels at adapting complex manga into coherent, impactful scripts. His dialogue captures the existential dread of Akutami’s world while allowing moments of levity and hope.

Together, Goshozono and Seko craft a film that is both faithful and transformative. They honor the source material while elevating it through cinematic language.

Shouta Goshozono is a rising star in anime direction. After working on key episodes of Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man, he took the helm for Season 2 and Execution. His style is marked by fluid animation, emotional resonance, and bold visual choices. Goshozono’s ability to choreograph complex battles while maintaining character focus has earned him acclaim across the industry.

Hiroshi Seko is a veteran screenwriter with a portfolio that includes Ajin, Banana Fish, and Vinland Saga. His strength lies in adapting dense source material into emotionally compelling scripts. In Execution, Seko balances horror, philosophy, and action, crafting a narrative that is both thrilling and thought-provoking.

Gege Akutami, the creator of Jujutsu Kaisen, remains the soul of the franchise. Known for their reclusive nature and philosophical depth, Akutami has built a world where curses are metaphors for trauma, and sorcerers are warriors of empathy. Their writing blends shonen tropes with psychological realism, making Execution not just a battle film, but a meditation on grief and growth.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution is poised to become a cultural touchstone. It’s not just a film—it’s a reckoning. It forces viewers to confront loss, question morality, and embrace transformation. In a world grappling with uncertainty, Execution offers catharsis through chaos.

Its theatrical release signals a shift in anime distribution—where key arcs are treated as cinematic events. It also reaffirms Jujutsu Kaisen’s place among the greats, alongside Naruto, Bleach, and Attack on Titan. But more importantly, it reminds us that even in a world of curses, hope can bloom.