If you’re craving a thrilling isekai adventure that dives deep into dark fantasy and complex world-building, Overlord is one of the best anime franchises to explore.
It follows the story of Ainz Ooal Gown, a game player trapped in a virtual world, who gradually embraces his role as an all-powerful ruler. Fans love Overlord for its rich characters, layered political intrigue, and epic battles.
However, figuring out the correct Overlord watch order can be a little tricky. Between four seasons, recap movies, a new feature film, and a handful of comedic specials, it’s easy to get confused about where to start and what’s essential.
Don’t worry! This guide will walk you through every step, whether you’re new to the franchise, a returning fan looking to refresh your memory, or a completionist wanting to experience it all.
We’ll break down all the TV series, movies, OVAs, and specials, explain the differences between canon and non-canon material, and help you pick the perfect starting point.
Quick Answer: Recommended Watch Order (Best for Most Viewers)
For the clearest experience, follow this chronological order:
- Overlord Season 1 (2015)
- Overlord Movie 1: The Undead King (2017) – Optional recap
- Overlord Movie 2: The Dark Hero (2017) – Optional recap
- Overlord Season 2 (2018)
- Overlord Season 3 (2018)
- Overlord Season 4 (Episodes 1–8) (2022)
- Overlord Movie 3: The Sacred Kingdom (2024)
- Overlord Season 4 (Episodes 9–13) (2022)
Ideal For: New viewers, binge-watchers, and casual fans.
Why It’s Confusing to Watch This in Order
The Overlord timeline gets tricky because of recap movies and new material inserted mid-season.
Movies like The Undead King and The Dark Hero are retellings of Season 1 with minor extras, while The Sacred Kingdom movie takes place midway through Season 4.
If you don’t know when to watch the movie, you might accidentally disrupt the story’s natural flow.
Franchise Overview: What’s Included?
Main TV Series:
- Overlord Season 1 (2015)
- Overlord Season 2 (2018)
- Overlord Season 3 (2018)
- Overlord Season 4 (2022)
Movies:
- Overlord Movie 1: The Undead King (2017) – Recap
- Overlord Movie 2: The Dark Hero (2017) – Recap
- Overlord Movie 3: The Sacred Kingdom (2024) – New story, essential viewing
OVAs and Specials:
- Ple Ple Pleiades (Various) – Comedy spin-offs (non-canon)
Canon vs Non-Canon:
- Main series and The Sacred Kingdom movie = Canon
- Recap movies and Ple Ple Pleiades = Optional/non-canon
All Watch Orders Explained
Chronological Order
- Season 1
- (Optional) Recap Movies 1 & 2
- Season 2
- Season 3
- Season 4 (Episodes 1–8)
- Movie: The Sacred Kingdom
- Season 4 (Episodes 9–13)
Who It’s For: Completionists and timeline purists.
Release Order
- Season 1 (2015)
- Movie 1: The Undead King (2017)
- Movie 2: The Dark Hero (2017)
- Season 2 (2018)
- Season 3 (2018)
- Season 4 (2022)
- Movie 3: The Sacred Kingdom (2024)
Who It’s For: Returning fans following original releases.
Creator’s Preferred Order
- Matches the chronological order based on light novel progression.
- Watch The Sacred Kingdom between Episodes 8 and 9 of Season 4.
Who It’s For: Fans wanting a faithful adaptation experience.
Skip or Optional Content
- Recap Movies: The Undead King and The Dark Hero — skip if you’ve seen Season 1.
- Ple Ple Pleiades Specials: Fun extras, but not essential.
Pro Tip: Only watch the recap movies if you need a quick memory refresh!
Where to Watch in 2025
- Crunchyroll — Full series and The Sacred Kingdom movie available.
- Hulu — Streaming Seasons 1–4.
- Netflix — Some regions only.
- Amazon Prime Video — Buy/rent option.
Note: Availability may vary by country. Use a VPN if needed!
Pro Tips for First-Time Viewers
- Start with Season 1, Episode 1. It builds the foundation for everything.
- Skip the first two recap movies if you’re bingeing. They just retell Season 1.
- Insert The Sacred Kingdom movie after Episode 8 of Season 4.
- Binge or pace yourself: Longer arcs like Season 3 can be heavy, so breaks can help.
Starter Pack: Watch Season 1 and Season 2 first. If you love it, continue!
FAQs
Q1: Can I skip the recap movies?
Yes, they’re optional if you’ve already seen Season 1.
Q2: Is The Sacred Kingdom movie necessary?
Yes, it’s an essential story continuation between Episodes 8–9 of Season 4.
Q3: Are there filler episodes?
Nope! Overlord stays true to the novels without filler.
Q4: Where should I start if I’m new?
Start at Season 1, Episode 1.
Q5: Will there be a Season 5?
No official announcement yet as of 2025, but rumors are strong!
Final Thoughts
For the best experience, watch Overlord in chronological order. It keeps the pacing smooth and matches the intended light novel story flow.
If you’re short on time, skip the recap movies but definitely don’t miss The Sacred Kingdom movie it’s a crucial bridge in the narrative. Enjoy your journey through the Sorcerer Kingdom, and don’t forget to share this guide with fellow anime adventurers!
