If you love fantasy worlds packed with dungeon crawling, powerful goddesses, and lovable characters, Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? (aka DanMachi) is a must-watch.
Since its debut, the series has captured fans’ hearts with its emotional storytelling, evolving characters, and action-packed arcs.
But figuring out the correct watch order? That can be a bit of a maze.
With movies, spin-offs, OVAs, and multiple seasons (some of which overlap in timeline), it’s easy to get lost especially for new viewers or returning fans hoping to catch up. Whether you’re diving in for the first time, returning after a break, or planning a complete franchise binge, this guide is here to help.
We’ll walk you through every piece of DanMachi content: the main anime series, spin-offs like Sword Oratoria, movies like Arrow of the Orion, and even the light-hearted OVAs.
We’ll explain canon vs filler, provide several watch order options, and recommend the best places to stream each entry in 2025.
Let’s get started.
Quick Answer: Recommended Watch Order (Best for Most Viewers)
This release order maintains the flow of character development and narrative progression:
- DanMachi Season 1 (2015)
- Sword Oratoria (2017)
- Movie – Arrow of the Orion (2019)
- DanMachi Season 2 (2019)
- OVA 2 – Is It Wrong to Go Searching for Herbs on a Deserted Island? (2020)
- DanMachi Season 3 (2020)
- OVA 3 – Is It Wrong to Try to Find a Hot Spring in Orario? (2021)
- DanMachi Season 4 (2022–2023)
- DanMachi Season 5 (2024–2025)
Best for: First-time viewers, casual fans, or anyone who wants the smoothest storytelling experience.
Why It’s Confusing to Watch This in Order
The main challenge with DanMachi is the overlapping timelines and varied content formats. Some spin-offs like Sword Oratoria occur simultaneously with events from Season 1, while OVAs are non-canon but still fun.
The movie takes place between Seasons 1 and 2 but was released later, making it unclear where to slot it.
To make things trickier, not all content is essential to understand the main plot—but skipping them without knowing what they offer could leave you missing out on character depth or context.
Franchise Overview: What’s Included?
Here’s what makes up the full DanMachi experience:
Main Series:
- DanMachi Season 1 (2015)
- DanMachi Season 2 (2019)
- DanMachi Season 3 (2020)
- DanMachi Season 4 (2022–2023)
- DanMachi Season 5 (2024–2025)
Spin-Off Series:
- Sword Oratoria (2017) – A side-story told from Ais Wallenstein’s perspective.
Movies:
- Arrow of the Orion (2019) – An anime-original adventure featuring Bell and Artemis.
OVAs (Specials):
- Is It Wrong to Expect a Hot Spring in a Dungeon? (2016)
- Is It Wrong to Go Searching for Herbs on a Deserted Island? (2020)
- Is It Wrong to Try to Find a Hot Spring in Orario? (2021)
Canon vs Non-Canon:
- Canon: All seasons of the main anime and Sword Oratoria.
- Non-Canon/Optional: The OVAs and Arrow of the Orion movie are anime-original and don’t impact the main story.
All Watch Orders Explained
Chronological Order (In-Universe Timeline)
- DanMachi Season 1
- Sword Oratoria (runs parallel to Season 1)
- Arrow of the Orion (between S1 and S2)
- DanMachi Season 2
- DanMachi Season 3
- DanMachi Season 4
- DanMachi Season 5
Best for: Completionists and returning fans who want to follow the world’s timeline.
Release Order (Recommended)
Follows the order in which content was aired:
- Season 1 (2015)
- OVA 1 (2016)
- Sword Oratoria (2017)
- Arrow of the Orion (2019)
- Season 2 (2019)
- OVA 2 (2020)
- Season 3 (2020)
- OVA 3 (2021)
- Season 4 (2022–2023)
- Season 5 (2024–2025)
Best for: New viewers looking for a smooth narrative flow.
Creator’s Intended Order
There’s no officially published “intended” order, but the release sequence aligns with author Fujino ŌMori’s light novel progression.
Best for: Fans who want to experience the story as originally told.
Skip or Optional Content
Safe to Skip:
- All three OVAs – Fun, light-hearted, but not essential.
- Arrow of the Orion movie – Not canon but enjoyable for fans of Bell and Artemis.
Completionist Tip: Watch them if you want extra character bonding, comedy, or fanservice.
Where to Watch in 2025
Here’s where you can stream or buy DanMachi legally:
- HIDIVE: Full main series + Sword Oratoria + OVAs (worldwide)
- Amazon Prime Video: Arrow of the Orion movie
- Netflix: Some seasons available, varies by country
Pro Tip: Use JustWatch to check real-time availability in your region.
Pro Tips for First-Time Viewers
- Overwhelmed? Just follow the release order.
- Starter Pack: Season 1 → Sword Oratoria → Season 2. That sets you up perfectly.
- Binge or Pace? Binge the first season, then pace the rest to enjoy world-building.
FAQs
Q1: Can I skip the movie?
A: Yes. Arrow of the Orion is anime-original and doesn’t affect the main plot.
Q2: Do I need to watch Sword Oratoria?
A: Not required, but it adds depth to Ais’ character and the world.
Q3: What’s the best starting point if I’m short on time?
A: Begin with Season 1. It introduces everything you need.
Q4: Are the OVAs important?
A: Not for the main story—they’re comedic and bonus content.
Q5: Is the series finished?
A: Season 5 is airing in 2024–2025, with more possible in the future.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the best DanMachi watch experience, stick with the release order. It keeps the emotional beats intact and mirrors how fans have enjoyed it since the beginning.
Whether you’re here for the action, the lore, or just Hestia’s ribbon, there’s never been a better time to start.
Bookmark this guide, share it with your fellow adventurers, and happy dungeon crawling!