10 Inuyasha Episodes That Are the Hardest to Rewatch
Inuyasha remains one of the most recognisable anime series of the early 2000s, combining Japanese folklore, supernatural battles, romance and memorable characters. Its journey through the Sengoku period has entertained fans for decades, but not every episode delivers the same quality. While the series features some outstanding emotional moments and exciting confrontations, certain instalments struggle to justify their place in the larger story.
Filler adventures, repetitive romantic misunderstandings and underdeveloped storylines can make some episodes frustrating to revisit. A few introduce promising ideas that receive little attention afterwards, while others revisit conflicts that have already tested the audience's patience. These 10 episodes stand out as some of the more difficult instalments to rewatch, even for fans who continue to appreciate the series as a whole.
Instead, the training focuses on mundane tasks that do little to demonstrate meaningful progress. Although the episode leans on comedy, its jokes cannot entirely compensate for the lack of substantial character development.
With Naraku continuing to threaten the group, the slow pace makes the training feel like an unnecessary interruption. The premise could have explored Inuyasha's limitations and determination more effectively, but the episode struggles to turn that potential into a memorable milestone.
However, the woman's obsession dominates the story, leaving Sesshomaru with surprisingly little meaningful development. The events do not substantially change his relationships or influence his wider character arc.
The episode also has little lasting connection to the central conflict with Naraku. Once the adventure ends, the broader narrative continues largely unchanged.
For a character whose gradual development is one of the series' more compelling elements, this side story feels like a missed opportunity. Its focus on an inconsequential romance makes it less rewarding than episodes that offer genuine insight into Sesshomaru.
The idea initially seems promising. Shippo has spent much of the series providing comic relief, so giving him a new ability offers a chance to develop his character and demonstrate his potential.
Unfortunately, the technique makes little difference to the events that follow. Shippo remains largely on the sidelines during later confrontations, and the episode's apparent breakthrough receives limited payoff.
The problem is not the idea itself, but the lack of follow-through. What could have become a meaningful step in Shippo's development instead feels like a brief diversion.
Much of the episode returns to romantic misunderstandings and jealousy involving Inuyasha and Kagome. By this stage, their unresolved feelings have already generated numerous conflicts, making another variation on the same theme feel repetitive.
The larger threat posed by Naraku also takes a back seat while the characters become involved in a side adventure with limited consequences for the main story.
For viewers hoping to see the central narrative advance, Episode 137 can feel like an unnecessary detour. Its familiar relationship drama does little to distinguish it from earlier episodes.
However, Episode 95 does not develop the concept enough to make it particularly memorable. Izumo's fate remains largely separate from Naraku's broader schemes, and the events have little influence on the group's continuing quest.
The episode contains the ingredients for a compelling supernatural tragedy, but its limited connection to the wider narrative weakens its impact.
For viewers invested in the mythology surrounding the Sacred Jewel, the storyline may feel like an interesting idea that ends before it can become truly significant.
Episode 99 brings the two characters together, but the encounter does not make enough use of their differences. Although their personalities provide the foundation for an engaging rivalry, the confrontation offers limited development for either demon.
The fight alone is not enough to make the episode stand out, particularly when its consequences have little influence on their respective journeys.
Inuyasha features several memorable rivalries and battles, making this encounter feel comparatively underwhelming. The episode establishes an appealing matchup but does not turn it into a particularly consequential moment.
The premise offers an opportunity to explore their resentment, insecurity and complicated relationship without Inuyasha directly dominating the situation. Both women have reasons to struggle with their circumstances, making their interactions potentially revealing.
However, the episode spends much of its time on the immediate predicament rather than exploring the deeper emotional conflict between them. Their situation does little to produce a meaningful change in their understanding of one another.
For a storyline built around such an unusual connection, the lack of emotional progress makes the episode feel less substantial than it could have been.
Kagome pushes back against his assumptions, but the story also uses his pursuit to intensify the rivalry between Koga and Inuyasha. Their arguments and jealousy provide much of the episode's comedy.
The problem is how the story frames possessiveness and unwanted romantic attention. Koga's behaviour is frequently treated as part of an entertaining romantic rivalry, even though his actions give Kagome legitimate reasons to object.
Viewed today, the episode reflects relationship tropes that have aged poorly. Kagome does challenge Koga, but the surrounding humour can make the situation feel less convincing than intended.
The storyline gives Kagome's insecurities genuine emotional weight. Her feelings are understandable, particularly given Inuyasha's continuing attachment to Kikyo and the complicated history connecting all three characters.
However, the episode once again places romantic insecurity at the centre of Kagome's character. Her compassion, spiritual strength and other qualities receive less attention while the plot concentrates on her pain over Inuyasha's feelings.
This creates a frustrating contrast with the capable character Kagome can be in other situations. The episode explores her vulnerability, but it also highlights how frequently the series allows its central romantic triangle to overshadow her wider development.
Kikyo ultimately uses her remaining spiritual power to strike at Naraku, leaving herself beyond saving. The aftermath becomes one of the series' most emotional sequences as Inuyasha holds her during their final moments together.
Their farewell and final kiss give the characters a moment of tenderness after years of tragedy, resentment and unresolved feelings. Kikyo's soul collectors eventually carry her spirit into the night sky, bringing her story to a close.
Unlike the filler episodes on this list, Episode 175 is not necessarily a weak instalment. Its place here is different: it is one of the hardest episodes to revisit because of its emotional weight and the finality of Kikyo's fate. The scene remains a painful reminder of the relationship that shaped so much of Inuyasha's journey.
Filler adventures, repetitive romantic misunderstandings and underdeveloped storylines can make some episodes frustrating to revisit. A few introduce promising ideas that receive little attention afterwards, while others revisit conflicts that have already tested the audience's patience. These 10 episodes stand out as some of the more difficult instalments to rewatch, even for fans who continue to appreciate the series as a whole.
1. Totosai's Training Becomes a Frustrating Detour
In Episode 72, Inuyasha needs to improve his abilities if he hopes to stand a chance against Naraku. Totosai's training therefore appears to offer an opportunity to show the half-demon developing the skills necessary for the battles ahead.Instead, the training focuses on mundane tasks that do little to demonstrate meaningful progress. Although the episode leans on comedy, its jokes cannot entirely compensate for the lack of substantial character development.
With Naraku continuing to threaten the group, the slow pace makes the training feel like an unnecessary interruption. The premise could have explored Inuyasha's limitations and determination more effectively, but the episode struggles to turn that potential into a memorable milestone.
2. Sesshomaru's Filler Romance Wastes a Character Opportunity
Episode 134 centres on a woman who develops an infatuation with Sesshomaru. Given his reserved personality and limited interest in human affection, the premise could have explored an unusual aspect of the powerful demon lord.However, the woman's obsession dominates the story, leaving Sesshomaru with surprisingly little meaningful development. The events do not substantially change his relationships or influence his wider character arc.
The episode also has little lasting connection to the central conflict with Naraku. Once the adventure ends, the broader narrative continues largely unchanged.
For a character whose gradual development is one of the series' more compelling elements, this side story feels like a missed opportunity. Its focus on an inconsequential romance makes it less rewarding than episodes that offer genuine insight into Sesshomaru.
3. Shippo's New Technique Quickly Loses Its Importance
Shippo is often the least powerful member of the group, particularly when the gang faces dangerous demons. Episode 130 attempts to address this weakness by introducing the Heart Scar, a technique that could give the young fox demon a more useful role in battle.The idea initially seems promising. Shippo has spent much of the series providing comic relief, so giving him a new ability offers a chance to develop his character and demonstrate his potential.
Unfortunately, the technique makes little difference to the events that follow. Shippo remains largely on the sidelines during later confrontations, and the episode's apparent breakthrough receives limited payoff.
The problem is not the idea itself, but the lack of follow-through. What could have become a meaningful step in Shippo's development instead feels like a brief diversion.
4. The Naginata of Kenkon Arc Repeats Familiar Romantic Conflicts
Episode 137 features Akitoki Hojo, an ancestor of Kagome's modern-day friend, as the group becomes involved in the Naginata of Kenkon storyline. The historical connection adds an interesting detail, but the adventure struggles to make full use of it.Much of the episode returns to romantic misunderstandings and jealousy involving Inuyasha and Kagome. By this stage, their unresolved feelings have already generated numerous conflicts, making another variation on the same theme feel repetitive.
The larger threat posed by Naraku also takes a back seat while the characters become involved in a side adventure with limited consequences for the main story.
For viewers hoping to see the central narrative advance, Episode 137 can feel like an unnecessary detour. Its familiar relationship drama does little to distinguish it from earlier episodes.
5. Izumo's Sacred Jewel Experiment Lacks a Lasting Impact
The Sacred Jewel is central to much of Inuyasha, making Izumo's attempt to create a genuine version of it an intriguing premise. His experiments involving demonic power and human souls introduce the possibility of a darker, more tragic story.However, Episode 95 does not develop the concept enough to make it particularly memorable. Izumo's fate remains largely separate from Naraku's broader schemes, and the events have little influence on the group's continuing quest.
The episode contains the ingredients for a compelling supernatural tragedy, but its limited connection to the wider narrative weakens its impact.
For viewers invested in the mythology surrounding the Sacred Jewel, the storyline may feel like an interesting idea that ends before it can become truly significant.
6. Koga and Sesshomaru's Clash Fails to Deliver
Koga and Sesshomaru have contrasting personalities that could make for an entertaining confrontation. Koga is impulsive and confident, while Sesshomaru is controlled, proud and often dismissive of others.Episode 99 brings the two characters together, but the encounter does not make enough use of their differences. Although their personalities provide the foundation for an engaging rivalry, the confrontation offers limited development for either demon.
The fight alone is not enough to make the episode stand out, particularly when its consequences have little influence on their respective journeys.
Inuyasha features several memorable rivalries and battles, making this encounter feel comparatively underwhelming. The episode establishes an appealing matchup but does not turn it into a particularly consequential moment.
7. Kagome and Kikyo 's Cave Adventure Misses Its Emotional Potential
Episode 98 places Kagome and Kikyo together in a cave, creating an unusual situation for two characters whose connection is complicated by shared spiritual origins and their feelings for Inuyasha.The premise offers an opportunity to explore their resentment, insecurity and complicated relationship without Inuyasha directly dominating the situation. Both women have reasons to struggle with their circumstances, making their interactions potentially revealing.
However, the episode spends much of its time on the immediate predicament rather than exploring the deeper emotional conflict between them. Their situation does little to produce a meaningful change in their understanding of one another.
For a storyline built around such an unusual connection, the lack of emotional progress makes the episode feel less substantial than it could have been.
8. Koga's Approach to Romance Feels Dated
Koga's introduction to Kagome's life creates another source of conflict in Episode 37. After kidnapping her and using her ability to locate Sacred Jewel shards, he declares that he wants her to become his woman, largely disregarding her own feelings.Kagome pushes back against his assumptions, but the story also uses his pursuit to intensify the rivalry between Koga and Inuyasha. Their arguments and jealousy provide much of the episode's comedy.
The problem is how the story frames possessiveness and unwanted romantic attention. Koga's behaviour is frequently treated as part of an entertaining romantic rivalry, even though his actions give Kagome legitimate reasons to object.
Viewed today, the episode reflects relationship tropes that have aged poorly. Kagome does challenge Koga, but the surrounding humour can make the situation feel less convincing than intended.
9. Inuyasha's Feelings for Kikyo Overshadow Kagome's Character
Episode 125 focuses on Kagome's emotional struggle as Inuyasha searches for Kikyo following her apparent death. Her jealousy and uncertainty become central to the conflict when the Infant, one of Naraku's incarnations, attempts to exploit the darkness in her heart.The storyline gives Kagome's insecurities genuine emotional weight. Her feelings are understandable, particularly given Inuyasha's continuing attachment to Kikyo and the complicated history connecting all three characters.
However, the episode once again places romantic insecurity at the centre of Kagome's character. Her compassion, spiritual strength and other qualities receive less attention while the plot concentrates on her pain over Inuyasha's feelings.
This creates a frustrating contrast with the capable character Kagome can be in other situations. The episode explores her vulnerability, but it also highlights how frequently the series allows its central romantic triangle to overshadow her wider development.
10. Kikyo's Final Goodbye Is Heartbreaking but Difficult to Rewatch
Episode 175 brings Kikyo's long and painful conflict with Naraku to a devastating conclusion. After Kagome obtains the sacred bow from Mount Azusa, the group attempts to save Kikyo, but Naraku's actions turn the confrontation into another cruel trap.Kikyo ultimately uses her remaining spiritual power to strike at Naraku, leaving herself beyond saving. The aftermath becomes one of the series' most emotional sequences as Inuyasha holds her during their final moments together.
Their farewell and final kiss give the characters a moment of tenderness after years of tragedy, resentment and unresolved feelings. Kikyo's soul collectors eventually carry her spirit into the night sky, bringing her story to a close.
Unlike the filler episodes on this list, Episode 175 is not necessarily a weak instalment. Its place here is different: it is one of the hardest episodes to revisit because of its emotional weight and the finality of Kikyo's fate. The scene remains a painful reminder of the relationship that shaped so much of Inuyasha's journey.
Next Story