The “watch order” in series or franchises refers to the sequence in which a viewer
should watch a series, especially when it comes to franchises with multiple seasons,
movies, and spin-offs. The correct watch order can be crucial for understanding the
storyline and character development. Here are some common types of watch orders:
1. Release Order:
Watching the series or franchises in the order in which it was released. This is
often the simplest approach and follows the creators’ original release timeline.
2. Chronological Order:
Viewing the series according to the in-universe timeline of events. This can
differ from the release order, especially in series with prequels released after
the original series.
3. Seasonal Order:
Following the order of the seasons as they are numbered or titled. This is
usually straightforward but can be complicated if there are multiple series under
the same franchise.
4. Story Arc Order:
Some series or franchises have distinct story arcs that can be watched in a
particular sequence. This might mix episodes from different seasons to maintain
a cohesive storyline.
5. Manga Order:
For anime adapted from manga, some fans prefer to watch the episodes in the
order of the manga’s story. This might be different from the anime’s release
order.
6. Mixed Order:
A combination of the above, often used for long-running series with complex
timelines, such as “Monogatari” or “Fate” series.
7. Recommended or Fan Order:
Sometimes, fans or reviewers suggest an order based on their experience,
which might enhance the viewing experience or clarify the storyline.
8. Skip Filler Order:
Some series, like “Naruto,” have many filler episodes not related to the main
plot. Some watch orders suggest skipping these for a more streamlined
experience.
Each series or franchise might have a different recommended watch order, and for
some, multiple valid watch orders exist, depending on the viewer’s preference. It’s
always good to research a bit if you’re starting a complex series to choose the order that
suits your viewing style best