Ultimate Anime Watching Order Cheat Sheet

Introduction to Anime Watch Orders

Anime series often have complex viewing sequences due to multiple seasons, movies, OVAs (Original Video Animations), spin-offs, and alternate timelines. Following the optimal watch order enhances the viewing experience by ensuring proper story progression, character development, and thematic coherence. This cheat sheet provides definitive viewing sequences for popular anime franchises with complex continuities, helping both newcomers and returning fans navigate these expansive series. Whether you prefer chronological storytelling, release order viewing, or optimized story paths, this guide will help you experience these beloved anime universes in the most enjoyable way possible.

Naruto Complete Watch Order

Main Series Viewing Path

1. Naruto (Episodes 1-135)

   • Core storyline following young Naruto’s journey
   • Skip filler episodes: 26, 97-100, 102-106, 136-220 (optional)

2. Naruto Shippuden (Episodes 1-500)

   • Time-skip continuation following older Naruto
   • Major filler arcs to consider skipping:
     • Episodes 57-71, 91-112, 144-151, 170-171, 176-196
     • Episodes 223-242, 257-260, 271, 279-281, 284-295
     • Episodes 303-320, 347-361, 376-377, 388-390, 394-413
     • Episodes 416-417, 422-423, 427-450, 464-468, 480-483

3. Boruto: Naruto Next Generations

   • Sequel series focusing on Naruto’s son
   • Manga canon episodes: 1-15, 19-24, 39, 53-66, 148-151, 157-220

Naruto Movies (Standalone)

• Naruto Movies (Can be watched after original series):

  1. “Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow”
  2. “Legend of the Stone of Gelel”
  3. “Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom”

• Naruto Shippuden Movies (Best watched after corresponding episodes):

  1. “Naruto Shippuden: The Movie” (After episode 32)
  2. “Bonds” (After episode 71)
  3. “The Will of Fire” (After episode 121)
  4. “The Lost Tower” (After episode 143)
  5. “Blood Prison” (After episode 176)
  6. “Road to Ninja” (After episode 251)
  7. “The Last: Naruto the Movie” (After episode 493) – Canon to main storyline

• Boruto Movie:

  • “Boruto: Naruto the Movie” (Retold in Boruto anime episodes 53-66)

Essential Naruto OVAs

• “Sunny Side Battle” (Comedy special)
• “The Day Naruto Became Hokage” (After Shippuden, before Boruto)
• “Hashirama Senju vs. Madara Uchiha” (Historical background)

Fate Series Watch Orders

Beginner-Friendly Order (Story Experience)

1. Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works (TV series by ufotable, 2014-2015)

   • Prologue + 2 seasons, 26 episodes total
   • Best entry point for newcomers

2. Fate/Zero (2 seasons, 25 episodes total)

   • Prequel with darker tone and complex themes

3. Fate/Stay Night: Heaven’s Feel (Movie trilogy)

   • “Presage Flower” (2017)
   • “Lost Butterfly” (2019)
   • “Spring Song” (2020)
   • Darker route exploring different themes

4. Fate/Grand Order Series:

   • “First Order” (special)
   • “Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia” (21 episodes)
   • “Moonlight/Lostroom” (special)

Chronological Order

1. Fate/Zero (Chronological beginning)
2. Fate/Stay Night (Original 2006 series by Studio DEEN – optional)
3. Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014-2015)
4. Fate/Stay Night: Heaven’s Feel (Movie trilogy)
5. Fate/hollow ataraxia (No anime adaptation yet)
6. Fate/Grand Order (Various adaptations, complex timeline)

Expanded Fate Universe (After Main Series)

• Fate/Apocrypha (24 episodes) – Alternate timeline
• Fate/Extra: Last Encore (13 episodes) – Digital world setting
• Lord El-Melloi II Case Files (13 episodes + special) – Mystery spin-off
• Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya (Multiple seasons) – Magical girl spin-off
• Today’s Menu for Emiya Family (13 episodes) – Slice of life cooking spin-off
• Carnival Phantasm (12 episodes + specials) – Comedy crossover with Tsukihime

Monogatari Series Watch Order

Novel Release Order (Recommended)

1. First Season:

   • “Bakemonogatari” (15 episodes)
   • “Kizumonogatari” (3 films) – Can be watched after Owarimonogatari for mystery preservation
   • “Nisemonogatari” (11 episodes)
   • “Nekomonogatari: Kuro” (4 episodes)

2. Second Season:

   • “Monogatari Series: Second Season” (26 episodes)
   • “Hanamonogatari” (5 episodes) – Included in Second Season but can be watched after

3. Final Season:

   • “Tsukimonogatari” (4 episodes)
   • “Owarimonogatari” Season 1 (12 episodes)
   • “Koyomimonogatari” (12 short episodes)
   • “Owarimonogatari” Season 2 (7 episodes)
   • “Zoku Owarimonogatari” (6 episodes)

Chronological Order (For Rewatches)

1. “Kizumonogatari” (Films I, II, III)
2. “Nekomonogatari: Kuro”
3. “Bakemonogatari”
4. “Nisemonogatari”
5. “Kabukimonogatari” (Second Season arc)
6. “Onimonogatari” (Second Season arc)
7. “Nekomonogatari: Shiro” (Second Season arc)
8. “Owarimonogatari” (Episodes 1-2)
9. “Koyomimonogatari”
10. “Otorimonogatari” (Second Season arc)
11. “Owarimonogatari” (Episodes 3-7)
12. “Tsukimonogatari”
13. “Owarimonogatari” Season 1 (Episodes 8-12)
14. “Owarimonogatari” Season 2
15. “Zoku Owarimonogatari”
16. “Hanamonogatari”

Dragon Ball Complete Watch Order

Main Series Sequence

1. Dragon Ball (Episodes 1-153)

   • Goku’s childhood adventures

2. Dragon Ball Z or Dragon Ball Z Kai

   • Original DBZ: 291 episodes (includes filler)
   • DBZ Kai: 167 episodes (remaster with reduced filler)
   • Major arcs:
     • Saiyan Saga
     • Frieza Saga
     • Cell Saga
     • Buu Saga

3. Dragon Ball Super (Episodes 1-131)

   • Continuation set after DBZ’s ending
   • Major arcs:
     • Battle of Gods Saga (Episodes 1-14)
     • Resurrection ‘F’ Saga (Episodes 15-27)
     • Universe 6 Saga (Episodes 28-41)
     • Future Trunks Saga (Episodes 47-76)
     • Tournament of Power Saga (Episodes 77-131)

4. Dragon Ball GT (Episodes 1-64) – Optional, non-canon series

Dragon Ball Movies

• Original Dragon Ball Movies:

  1. “Curse of the Blood Rubies”
  2. “Sleeping Princess in Devil’s Castle”
  3. “Mystical Adventure”
  4. “The Path to Power”

• Dragon Ball Z Movies (Non-canon, except as noted):

  1. “Dead Zone”
  2. “The World’s Strongest”
  3. “The Tree of Might”
  4. “Lord Slug”
  5. “Cooler’s Revenge”
  6. “The Return of Cooler”
  7. “Super Android 13!”
  8. “Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan”
  9. “Bojack Unbound”
  10. “Broly – Second Coming”
  11. “Bio-Broly”
  12. “Fusion Reborn”
  13. “Wrath of the Dragon”

• Dragon Ball Z/Super Canon Movies:

  • “Battle of Gods” (Retold in Dragon Ball Super episodes 1-14)
  • “Resurrection ‘F'” (Retold in Dragon Ball Super episodes 15-27)
  • “Dragon Ball Super: Broly” (After episode 131, canon)
  • “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero” (Latest film, canon)

One Piece Watch Order

Main Series (Minimal Filler Guide)

• One Piece (1000+ episodes)
  • Note: One Piece is largely sequential with minimal mandatory viewing order concerns

Major Arcs:

1. East Blue Saga (Episodes 1-61)
2. Alabasta Saga (Episodes 62-135)
3. Sky Island Saga (Episodes 136-206)
4. Water 7 Saga (Episodes 207-325)
5. Thriller Bark Saga (Episodes 326-384)
6. Summit War Saga (Episodes 385-516)
7. Fishman Island Saga (Episodes 517-574)
8. Dressrosa Saga (Episodes 575-746)
9. Whole Cake Island Saga (Episodes 747-877)
10. Wano Country Saga (Episodes 878+)

Recommended Filler Episodes to Skip:

• Episodes 54-61 (partial), 131-143, 196-206, 213-216, 220-224
• Episodes 279-283, 291-292, 303, 317-319, 326-336
• Episodes 382-384, 406-407, 426-429, 457-458, 492
• Episodes 542, 575, 590, 626-628, 747-750, 775-782

One Piece Movies

• Canon-Adjacent (Self-contained stories):

  • “One Piece: Strong World” (After Episode 381)
  • “One Piece Film: Z” (After Episode 625)
  • “One Piece Film: Gold” (After Episode 750)
  • “One Piece: Stampede” (After Episode 896)
  • “One Piece Film: Red” (After Episode 1030)

• Non-Canon (Earlier films):

  1. “One Piece: The Movie”
  2. “Clockwork Island Adventure”
  3. “Chopper’s Kingdom on the Island of Strange Animals”
  4. “Dead End Adventure”
  5. “The Cursed Holy Sword”
  6. “Baron Omatsuri and the Secret Island”
  7. “Giant Mecha Soldier of Karakuri Castle”
  8. “Episode of Alabasta: The Desert Princess and the Pirates”
  9. “Episode of Chopper Plus: Bloom in Winter, Miracle Sakura”

Special Episodes Worth Watching

• “Episode of East Blue” (Recap special)
• “Episode of Skypiea” (Recap special)
• “Adventure of Nebulandia” (TV Special)
• “Heart of Gold” (TV Special, prelude to Film Gold)
• “Episode of Sabo” (Special focusing on Luffy’s brother)

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Watch Order

Main Series (Sequential Order)

1. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Phantom Blood (Episodes 1-9)

   • Part 1: Jonathan Joestar vs. Dio Brando in 1880s England

2. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Battle Tendency (Episodes 10-26)

   • Part 2: Joseph Joestar vs. Pillar Men in 1938

3. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders

   • Season 1 (Episodes 1-24)
   • Season 2: Battle in Egypt (Episodes 25-48)
   • Part 3: Jotaro Kujo’s journey to Egypt in 1989

4. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable (Episodes 1-39)

   • Part 4: Josuke Higashikata in Morioh, 1999

5. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind (Episodes 1-39)

   • Part 5: Giorno Giovanna in Italy, 2001

6. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean (Episodes 1-38)

   • Part 6: Jolyne Cujoh in Florida prison, 2011

OVAs and Movies

• “Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan” OVAs (After Part 4)
• “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Phantom Blood” (2007 movie, rare/unavailable)

Attack on Titan Watch Order

Main Series (Sequential)

1. Attack on Titan Season 1 (Episodes 1-25)

   • Initial battle against Titans and discovery of Eren’s powers

2. Attack on Titan: No Regrets OVA (2 episodes)

   • Levi’s backstory, watch after Season 1

3. Attack on Titan Season 2 (Episodes 26-37)

   • Beast Titan introduction and further revelations

4. Attack on Titan Season 3 Part 1 (Episodes 38-49)

   • Human conspiracy and government secrets

5. Attack on Titan Season 3 Part 2 (Episodes 50-59)

   • Return to Shiganshina and basement revelations

6. Attack on Titan: The Final Season Part 1 (Episodes 60-75)

   • War with Marley and global conflict

7. Attack on Titan: The Final Season Part 2 (Episodes 76-87)

   • The Rumbling begins

8. Attack on Titan: The Final Season Part 3 (Episodes 88-89)

   • Feature-length episodes for climax

9. Attack on Titan: The Final Season The Final Chapters (Final episode)

   • Series conclusion

Optional Content

• “Attack on Titan: Ilse’s Notebook” OVA (Between Seasons 1 and 2)
• “Attack on Titan: The Sudden Visitor” OVA (Comedy, non-canon)
• “Attack on Titan: Distress” OVA (104th Training Corps side story)
• “Attack on Titan: Junior High” (Comedy spin-off, 12 episodes)
• Live-action films (Non-canon, alternate storyline)

Gundam Watch Guide for Beginners

Universal Century Timeline (Main Timeline)

1. Mobile Suit Gundam (Original series or movie trilogy compilation)

   • TV: 43 episodes
   • Movies: “I,” “II: Soldiers of Sorrow,” “III: Encounters in Space”

2. Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam (50 episodes)

   • Direct sequel set 7 years later

3. Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ (47 episodes)

   • Direct sequel to Zeta

4. Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack (Movie)

   • Climactic film featuring rivalry conclusion

5. Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn (7 OVA episodes or 22 TV episodes as RE:0096)

   • Set 3 years after Char’s Counterattack

Standalone Gundam Series (Good Entry Points)

• Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans (50 episodes)

  • Independent story about child soldiers, recent and accessible

• Mobile Suit Gundam 00 (50 episodes + movie)

  • Independent timeline about armed interventions

• Mobile Suit Gundam SEED (50 episodes)

  • Popular alternate universe series

• Mobile Fighter G Gundam (49 episodes)

  • Martial arts tournament style Gundam series

• Mobile Suit Gundam Wing (49 episodes + Endless Waltz OVA/movie)

  • Popular in West, revolutionary theme

Steins;Gate Watch Order

Main Series

1. Steins;Gate (Episodes 1-24)

   • Original story about time travel experiments

2. Steins;Gate: Egoistic Poriomania (Episode 25, OVA)

   • Epilogue to the original series

3. Steins;Gate: Load Region of Déjà Vu (Movie)

   • Follow-up story featuring Kurisu

4. Steins;Gate 0 (23 episodes)

   • Alternative worldline exploring the Beta attractor field

Viewing Options

• Chronological Order: Episodes 1-22 → Steins;Gate 0 → Episodes 23-24 → OVA → Movie
• Release Order (Recommended): Steins;Gate complete → OVA → Movie → Steins;Gate 0

Evangelion Watch Order

Main Series and Films

1. Neon Genesis Evangelion TV series (Episodes 1-26)

   • Original TV series

2. The End of Evangelion (Movie)

   • Alternative ending to the TV series

3. Rebuild of Evangelion (Film Tetralogy – reimagining)

   • “Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone”
   • “Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance”
   • “Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo”
   • “Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time”

Viewing Options

• First-Timer Order: Original series → End of Evangelion → Rebuild films
• Chronological Order: Same as above (the Rebuild series is both remake and sequel)

Tokyo Ghoul Watch Order

Main Series

1. Tokyo Ghoul (Season 1, 12 episodes)

   • Introduction to Ken Kaneki and the ghoul world

2. Tokyo Ghoul √A (Season 2, 12 episodes)

   • Note: Deviates from manga significantly

3. Tokyo Ghoul:re (Season 3, 12 episodes)

   • Follows Haise Sasaki/Kaneki after time skip

4. Tokyo Ghoul:re 2nd Season (Season 4, 12 episodes)

   • Conclusion of the anime adaptation

Alternative Approach

• Note: Many fans recommend reading the manga instead of watching seasons 2-4, as the anime adaptation becomes increasingly compressed and confusing

Quick Reference: More Anime Series Watch Orders

Fullmetal Alchemist

• Option 1: “Fullmetal Alchemist” (2003) then “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood”
• Option 2 (Recommended): “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” only (64 episodes)

Ghost in the Shell

1. “Ghost in the Shell” (1995 movie)
2. “Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex” (26 episodes)
3. “Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. 2nd GIG” (26 episodes)
4. “Ghost in the Shell: Solid State Society” (film)
5. “Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence” (film)

• Alternative timeline: “Ghost in the Shell: Arise” OVAs → “Ghost in the Shell: The New Movie”

Psycho-Pass

1. “Psycho-Pass” Season 1 (22 episodes)
2. “Psycho-Pass” Season 2 (11 episodes)
3. “Psycho-Pass: The Movie”
4. “Psycho-Pass: Sinners of the System” (Case 1-3 films)
5. “Psycho-Pass” Season 3 (8 episodes)
6. “Psycho-Pass 3: First Inspector” (film)

Sword Art Online

1. “Sword Art Online” Season 1 (25 episodes)
2. “Sword Art Online II” (24 episodes)
3. “Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale” (movie)
4. “Sword Art Online: Alicization” (24 episodes)
5. “Sword Art Online: Alicization – War of Underworld” (23 episodes)
6. “Sword Art Online Progressive” films (prequels/side stories)

Bakuman

• Sequential viewing: Seasons 1, 2, and 3 (75 episodes total)

This comprehensive cheat sheet provides optimal viewing pathways through complex anime franchises. Remember that while watch orders matter, the best approach is the one that maximizes your enjoyment of these rich storytelling universes.