The Culling Games kick off on December 5 with the wide U.S. release of the film Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution. The movie includes a condensed recap that bridges the Shibuya Incident arc — essentially covering episodes 30 through 47 — and then presents the first two episodes of season 3, setting the scene for the tournament that follows.
If you want a deeper refresher on the series before diving in, here are the key episodes worth revisiting to understand the stakes and character beats heading into the Culling Games.
Spoiler warning: The following contains plot details from Jujutsu Kaisen seasons 1 and 2.
Jujutsu Kaisen 0
Chronologically a prequel, Jujutsu Kaisen 0 supplies crucial context for the Culling Games. The film traces Yuta Okkotsu’s transformation from a frightened teenager into a top-tier jujutsu sorcerer. After season 2’s finale and the teasers for season 3, it’s clear Yuta will be a pivotal force — and seeing his origin clarifies his motivations and relationship to Yuji.
“For Myself” (Episode 2)
Episode 2 establishes how the jujutsu community views Yuji: more as a vessel than as a person. Leaders are quick to consider eliminating him to prevent Sukuna’s full return, and Gojo’s intervention is the primary counterweight. That early dynamic — and the seeds of later political decisions — are set here.
“Curse Womb Must Die -2-” (Episode 5)
This episode is a turning point: Sukuna fully takes over Yuji for the first time and decisively defeats a special cursed spirit while Megumi retreats. Sukuna’s cold question, “Why did you run?” foreshadows his growing fixation on Megumi — a thread that becomes increasingly important later on.
“Small Fry and Reverse Retribution” (Episode 9)
Episode 9 deepens Yuji’s psychological landscape — grief, guilt, and the pressure of being a vessel. It also introduces Kento Nanami as a pragmatic, disciplined mentor whose approach contrasts sharply with Gojo’s. Nanami’s guidance and his eventual fate cast a long shadow over Yuji’s development and responsibilities going forward.
“Sage” (Episode 18)
The Kyoto Goodwill Event is where the show’s momentum accelerates. The sudden cursed spirit invasion flips expectations, and Megumi’s debut of Max Elephant gives viewers insight into how the Ten Shadows Technique functions and hints at the power ceiling of his abilities.
“The Origin of Blind Obedience -2-” & “Accomplices” (Episodes 23 & 24)
The Death Paintings make their visceral debut in these episodes. The 2v2 confrontation with Yuji and Nobara is a season highlight and showcases Nobara’s technique as a match-winning asset against Eso’s corrosive, blood-based abilities. The reveal that Yuji shares an unexpected familial tie to these enemies complicates the victory with haunting emotional weight.
