Haikyuu!! isn’t just another sports anime. It’s a story about growth, teamwork, and chasing dreams. Since its debut, the journey of Karasuno High’s volleyball team has captured hearts worldwide.
With so many seasons, OVAs, recap movies, and brand-new films in 2024 and 2025, figuring out the correct Haikyuu watch order can feel tricky.
Don’t worry! This guide is here to help you, whether you’re a new fan, a returning viewer, or someone aiming to experience every spike and set. We’ll cover everything: TV seasons, movies, OVAs, streaming options, canon vs filler, and the best starting points. Let’s jump right in and find the best way for you to enjoy Haikyuu!!.
Quick Answer: Recommended Haikyuu Watch Order (Best for Most Viewers)
If you’re looking for a clear and easy path, here’s the recommended chronological watch order:
- Haikyuu!! Season 1 (2014)
- The Arrival of Lev! (OVA, 2014)
- Haikyuu!! Season 2 (2015–2016)
- Vs. Failing Grades (OVA, 2016)
- Haikyuu!! Season 3 (2016)
- Betting on the Spring High Volleyball (OVA, 2017)
- Land vs. Sky (OVA, 2020)
- The Path of the Ball (OVA, 2020)
- Haikyuu!! Season 4: To the Top (2020)
- The Dumpster Battle (2024)
- Haikyuu!! Final: Part 2 (2025)
Best for:
- New fans who want the full experience.
- Viewers returning after a break.
Pro Tip:
Don’t skip the OVAs. They cover important matches that lead into later seasons!
Why It’s Confusing to Watch Haikyuu in Order
The confusion isn’t because of reboots or spin-offs. It’s because:
- Recap Movies: Some early movies condense the TV seasons.
- Important OVAs: Certain OVAs introduce key characters and events.
- Final Story in Movies: Haikyuu!! wraps up with two movies instead of a fifth season.
If you skip the wrong part, you might miss out on crucial story moments.
Franchise Overview: What’s Included?
Here’s everything that makes up the Haikyuu!! world:
- TV Series:
- Season 1 (2014)
- Season 2 (2015–2016)
- Season 3 (2016)
- Season 4: To the Top (2020)
- OVAs:
- The Arrival of Lev! (2014)
- Vs. Failing Grades (2016)
- Betting on the Spring High Volleyball (2017)
- Land vs. Sky (2020)
- The Path of the Ball (2020)
- Movies:
- The End and the Beginning (2015) – Recap
- The Winner and the Loser (2015) – Recap
- Talent and Sense (2017) – Recap
- Battle of Concepts (2017) – Recap
- The Dumpster Battle (2024) – Canon
- Haikyuu!! Final: Part 2 (2025) – Canon
Canon vs Non-Canon:
- Canon: All TV seasons, OVAs, and the final two movies.
- Optional: Recap movies (summarize seasons but don’t add new plot).
All Watch Orders Explained
Chronological Order (Story Timeline)
Watch in story order for the smoothest experience:
- Haikyuu!! Season 1 (2014) – TV Series
- The Arrival of Lev! (OVA, 2014)
- Haikyuu!! Season 2 (2015–2016) – TV Series
- Vs. Failing Grades (OVA, 2016)
- Haikyuu!! Season 3 (2016) – TV Series
- Betting on the Spring High Volleyball (OVA, 2017)
- Land vs. Sky (OVA, 2020)
- The Path of the Ball (OVA, 2020)
- Haikyuu!! Season 4: To the Top (2020) – TV Series
- The Dumpster Battle (Movie, 2024)
- Haikyuu!! Final: Part 2 (Movie, 2025)
Great for:
- First-timers who want to experience every emotional moment.
Release Order (As Released)
Follow how fans originally watched:
- Season 1
- The Arrival of Lev! (OVA)
- Recap Movies
- Season 2
- Vs. Failing Grades (OVA)
- Season 3
- More Recap Movies
- Season 4
- Remaining OVAs
- The Dumpster Battle (2024)
- Haikyuu!! Final: Part 2 (2025)
Great for:
- Longtime fans who want the classic experience.
Creator’s Intended Order
There’s no alternative order suggested by Haruichi Furudate, the creator.
The anime’s chronological order matches the manga’s story flow.
Skip or Optional Content
You can safely skip:
- The End and the Beginning (Recap Movie)
- The Winner and the Loser (Recap Movie)
- Talent and Sense (Recap Movie)
- Battle of Concepts (Recap Movie)
These simply retell earlier seasons and aren’t necessary if you’re watching the full series.
Where to Watch Haikyuu in 2025
Good news! Haikyuu!! is widely available:
- Crunchyroll – All seasons and OVAs.
- Netflix – Seasons 1–2 (availability varies by country).
- HiDive – Offers Season 3.
- Amazon Prime Video – Check your region for rentals or purchases.
Note: Streaming rights can change, so it’s smart to double-check your region.
Pro Tips for First-Time Viewers
- Feeling overwhelmed? Start with Season 1. It hooks you instantly.
- Binge or pace yourself?
- Binge the first two seasons (they’re that good!).
- Then space out OVAs and Season 3 for full emotional impact.
- Starter Pack Recommendation:
- Season 1 (25 episodes)
- Season 2 (25 episodes)
- The Arrival of Lev! (OVA)
- Season 3 (10 episodes)
FAQs About Haikyuu Watch Order
Can I skip the recap movies?
Yes. They are helpful only if you want a quick refresher without rewatching full seasons.
Are the OVAs necessary?
Yes, especially Land vs. Sky and The Path of the Ball.
They set up important tournament matches.
Where should I start if I don’t want to watch everything?
Start with Season 1 and Season 2. If you love them, dive into the OVAs and Season 3 next.
Is The Dumpster Battle movie crucial?
Absolutely. It’s one of the emotional high points of the series and a direct continuation.
Final Thoughts
For the most rewarding Haikyuu!! experience, follow the chronological order. It ensures you catch every character’s growth and every unforgettable match.
If you’re short on time, release order works just fine too.
No matter where you start, Haikyuu!! is a story filled with hope, resilience, and incredible friendships. Bookmark this guide, share it with your squad, and get ready to soar with Karasuno!
