If you love magic, friendship, and epic battles against the forces of evil, Sailor Moon is a timeless anime you need to experience. First aired in the 1990s, Sailor Moon quickly became a global sensation with its unforgettable characters and heartwarming stories.
Decades later, the series continues to inspire new generations through reboots, movies, and a devoted fanbase.
However, with so many different versions the original anime, the rebooted Sailor Moon Crystal, movies, and specials figuring out the correct Sailor Moon watch order can be confusing.
Different series adapt the manga differently, and there are also filler episodes and optional movies to consider.
Don’t worry! This guide is here to help everyone, whether you’re completely new, a returning fan looking to rewatch the magic, or a completionist aiming for the full experience.
We’ll cover TV series, movies, specials, and everything you need to decide the best path for your Sailor Moon journey. Let’s dive in and find the perfect watch order for you!
Quick Answer: Recommended Watch Order (Best for Most Viewers)
Here’s the recommended watch order for a smooth and magical experience:
- Sailor Moon (1992–1993) – Season 1
- Sailor Moon R (1993–1994) – Season 2
- Sailor Moon R: The Movie – Promise of the Rose (1993)
- Sailor Moon S (1994–1995) – Season 3
- Sailor Moon S: The Movie – Hearts in Ice (1994)
- Sailor Moon SuperS (1995–1996) – Season 4
- Sailor Moon SuperS: The Movie – Black Dream Hole (1995)
- Sailor Moon Sailor Stars (1996–1997) – Season 5
- Sailor Moon Crystal (2014–2016) – Seasons 1–3
- Sailor Moon Eternal (2021) – Two-part movie
- Sailor Moon Cosmos (2023) – Two-part movie
Ideal for: New fans, casual viewers, and returning fans looking for a complete experience.
Why It’s Confusing to Watch This in Order
Sailor Moon has multiple versions with differences in pacing and story accuracy. The original 1990s anime includes many filler episodes not found in the manga.
Meanwhile, Sailor Moon Crystal and its movies (Eternal and Cosmos) follow the manga’s storyline closely.
The movies also fit between seasons, making it tricky to know when to watch them for the best experience. Plus, there’s the question of whether to start with the original anime or jump straight to Crystal for a manga-faithful version.
Franchise Overview: What’s Included?
Main TV Series:
- Sailor Moon (1992–1993)
- Sailor Moon R (1993–1994)
- Sailor Moon S (1994–1995)
- Sailor Moon SuperS (1995–1996)
- Sailor Moon Sailor Stars (1996–1997)
Movies:
- Sailor Moon R: The Movie – Promise of the Rose (1993)
- Sailor Moon S: The Movie – Hearts in Ice (1994)
- Sailor Moon SuperS: The Movie – Black Dream Hole (1995)
- Sailor Moon Eternal (2021) – Two-part movie
- Sailor Moon Cosmos (2023) – Two-part movie
Reboot Series:
- Sailor Moon Crystal (2014–2016) – Seasons 1–3
Canon vs. Non-Canon:
- The original series includes filler not present in the manga.
- Crystal, Eternal, and Cosmos are more faithful manga adaptations.
All Watch Orders Explained
Chronological Order (In-Universe Timeline)
- Sailor Moon (Season 1)
- Sailor Moon R (Season 2)
- Sailor Moon R: The Movie
- Sailor Moon S (Season 3)
- Sailor Moon S: The Movie
- Sailor Moon SuperS (Season 4)
- Sailor Moon SuperS: The Movie
- Sailor Moon Sailor Stars (Season 5)
- Sailor Moon Crystal (Seasons 1–3)
- Sailor Moon Eternal (Two-part movie)
- Sailor Moon Cosmos (Two-part movie)
Best for: Completionists and storyline purists.
Release Order
- Sailor Moon (1992)
- Sailor Moon R (1993)
- Sailor Moon R: The Movie (1993)
- Sailor Moon S (1994)
- Sailor Moon S: The Movie (1994)
- Sailor Moon SuperS (1995)
- Sailor Moon SuperS: The Movie (1995)
- Sailor Moon Sailor Stars (1996)
- Sailor Moon Crystal (2014)
- Sailor Moon Eternal (2021)
- Sailor Moon Cosmos (2023)
Best for: Fans who want to experience the franchise as it was released.
Creator’s Intended Order
- Sailor Moon Crystal
- Sailor Moon Eternal
- Sailor Moon Cosmos
Best for: Manga readers and fans who want the story exactly as Naoko Takeuchi intended.
Skip or Optional Content
- Filler Episodes: In the original series, many episodes are filler. These can be skipped if you prefer a faster experience.
- Movies: Fun and visually stunning, but not crucial to understanding the core plot (except Eternal and Cosmos).
Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, stick to Sailor Moon Crystal, Eternal, and Cosmos for a complete story arc.
Where to Watch in 2025
- Hulu — Original series and Sailor Moon Crystal (availability varies).
- Netflix — Sailor Moon Eternal and Sailor Moon Cosmos movies.
- Crunchyroll — Sailor Moon Crystal.
- Tubi TV: Free streaming of the original anime in select regions.
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for purchase or rental.
Note: Region-locking applies, and a VPN might help in some cases!
Pro Tips for First-Time Viewers
- Start with Sailor Moon Crystal if you want the manga story without filler.
- Watch Eternal and Cosmos immediately after Crystal.
- Take breaks if watching the original series. It’s long but rewarding!
Starter Pack: Sailor Moon Crystal + Eternal + Cosmos = Perfect complete journey.
FAQs
Q1: Can I skip the original 1990s series?
Yes, starting with Sailor Moon Crystal is perfectly fine!
Q2: Are the movies necessary?
Eternal and Cosmos are essential if you watch Crystal.
Q3: Is Sailor Moon Crystal a remake?
Yes, it faithfully follows the manga.
Q4: Are there filler episodes?
Yes, mainly in the 90s anime.
Q5: Where can I stream it in 2025?
Hulu, Netflix, Crunchyroll, Tubi, and Amazon Prime Video (regional availability varies).
Final Thoughts
For the most straightforward and manga-accurate experience, go with Sailor Moon Crystal followed by the Eternal and Cosmos movies.
If you’re feeling nostalgic or want to experience the original magic, the 1990s series offers a longer, filler-filled ride packed with charm.
Whichever path you choose, the magic of Sailor Moon will surely shine bright. Feel free to bookmark this guide and share it with your fellow Moonies!
