Puella Magi Madoka Magica is not your typical magical girl anime. It flips the genre on its head with haunting visuals, emotionally charged storytelling, and existential themes that leave a lasting impact.
Since its debut in 2011, the franchise has grown into a rich universe of TV series, recap movies, spin-offs, and sequels each offering something unique to fans.
But here’s the problem: the timeline isn’t exactly linear. With recap movies that overlap with the TV series, spin-offs set in alternate realities, and an upcoming sequel in 2025, many viewers aren’t sure where to begin or what order to follow.
Whether you’re new to Madoka, revisiting it, or planning to explore it all, this guide will make the path crystal clear.
We’ll walk you through each entry, explain the different watch orders (chronological, release, and creator-recommended), point out what’s essential or skippable, and show you where to stream every installment.
Let’s dive into the magical chaos, this is your complete guide to the Madoka Magica watch order.
Quick Answer: Recommended Watch Order (Best for Most Viewers)
Start with this watch order for the best experience:
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica (TV Series, 2011)
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Rebellion (2013)
- Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story (TV Series, 2020–2022)
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Walpurgisnacht: Rising (Upcoming, 2025)
Best for: First-time viewers and returning fans who want the full core story.
Why It’s Confusing to Watch This in Order
The franchise includes both a TV series and multiple movies that overlap in content. Two movies (Beginnings and Eternal) retell the TV series with slight changes and improved animation.
There’s also a sequel movie (Rebellion) that continues the main story—and a spin-off series (Magia Record) set in a separate timeline. The upcoming 2025 movie (Walpurgisnacht: Rising) adds another layer by directly continuing Rebellion.
It’s not always clear which versions are necessary or where the spin-offs fit, which makes a watch order guide super helpful.
Franchise Overview: What’s Included?
Main Series & Movies:
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica (TV Series, 2011)
- Madoka Magica the Movie: Beginnings (2012) – Recap
- Madoka Magica the Movie: Eternal (2012) – Recap
- Madoka Magica the Movie: Rebellion (2013) – Sequel
- Madoka Magica the Movie: Walpurgisnacht: Rising (2025) – Sequel to Rebellion
Spin-Off:
- Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story (2020–2022)
- Season 1
- Season 2: The Eve of Awakening
- Season 3: Dawn of a Shallow Dream
Canon vs. Non-Canon:
- TV series and Rebellion are core canon.
- Beginnings and Eternal are recap films (optional).
- Magia Record is a non-canon spin-off.
All Watch Orders Explained
Chronological Order (In-Universe Timeline)
- Madoka Magica (TV Series)
- Madoka Magica: Rebellion (Movie)
- Magia Record (Seasons 1–3)
- Walpurgisnacht: Rising (2025, Upcoming)
Ideal for: Viewers who want to follow the story based on in-universe progression.
Release Order
- Madoka Magica (2011)
- Beginnings (2012)
- Eternal (2012)
- Rebellion (2013)
- Magia Record (2020–2022)
- Walpurgisnacht: Rising (2025)
Ideal for: Fans who want to experience the franchise chronologically by release date.
Creator’s Preferred Order
- Madoka Magica (TV Series)
- Rebellion (Movie)
- Walpurgisnacht: Rising (Movie)
Ideal for: Fans who want the pure, intended version of the main story.
Note: The recap movies (Beginnings and Eternal) are beautifully animated but optional.
Skip or Optional Content
- Skip: Beginnings and Eternal if you’ve watched the original TV series.
- Optional: Magia Record – a separate timeline with new characters. Fun but non-essential.
Pro Tip: Stick to the TV series + Rebellion for the core experience.
Where to Watch in 2025
- Hulu – Original TV series
- Crunchyroll – TV series + Magia Record
- Netflix: Availability varies by region
- Amazon Prime Video: Movies available for rent/purchase
Note: Streaming options may differ based on region and licensing changes.
Pro Tips for First-Time Viewers
- Start with the TV series for the original experience.
- Watch Rebellion right after to continue the main story.
- Skip the recap movies unless you’re revisiting with fresh visuals.
- Watch Magia Record only if you want more world-building.
Starter Pack: TV series + Rebellion = the complete main story.
FAQs
Q1: Can I skip the recap movies?
Yes, they’re optional if you’ve seen the 2011 TV series.
Q2: Do I need to watch Magia Record?
Not at all. It’s an enjoyable side story but not required.
Q3: Is Rebellion essential?
Absolutely. It’s a direct sequel to the TV series.
Q4: What’s coming in 2025?
Walpurgisnacht: Rising, a sequel to Rebellion.
Q5: What’s the best watch order for beginners?
TV series → Rebellion → optional: Magia Record → Walpurgisnacht: Rising
Final Thoughts
Madoka Magica offers one of the most emotionally rich anime stories out there. For the best experience, start with the TV series, then move into Rebellion and prepare for Walpurgisnacht: Rising.
Skip the recap films unless you want upgraded visuals. And save Magia Record as an optional dive into a parallel world. Whatever your entry point, you’re in for a beautiful, dark, and unforgettable journey.
Bookmark this guide and share it with fellow magical girl fans—it’s the ultimate way to keep your Madoka journey on track.
