Attack on Titan Watch Order: The Ultimate Guide for New and Returning Fans

Attack on Titan has taken the world by storm, captivating audiences with its gripping narrative, complex characters, and stunning animation. Since its debut, this anime phenomenon has transcended cultural boundaries, becoming a global sensation and leaving an indelible mark on pop culture.

For both newcomers and returning fans, diving into this expansive series can be a bit daunting. With multiple seasons, OVAs, and movies, understanding the correct watch order is crucial. Following the appropriate sequence ensures that you experience the story's emotional depth and plot twists as intended, enhancing your overall viewing experience.

In this guide, we'll provide a comprehensive roadmap to navigate the Attack on Titan universe, ensuring you don't miss a beat.

Release Order Viewing

Watching "Attack on Titan" in its release order allows viewers to experience the series as it was originally presented, capturing the intended suspense and narrative progression. This method preserves the storytelling pace and the gradual unveiling of plot twists, providing an authentic viewing experience.

Here's a comprehensive list of the episodes, OVAs, and movies in their release order:

• Season 1 (2013)

  • Introduces the world of Titans and the central characters' fight for survival within the walled cities.

• Ilse’s Notebook: Memoirs of a Scout Regiment Member (OVA, 2013)

  • Delves into a Scout's encounter with a talking Titan, offering deeper insights into Titan behavior.

• The Sudden Visitor: The Torturous Curse of Youth (OVA, 2014)

  • A lighthearted episode focusing on a cooking competition among the cadets, providing character development and humor.

• Distress (OVA, 2014)

  • Centers on a training exercise that turns perilous, highlighting the cadets' teamwork and resilience.

• No Regrets: Parts 1 & 2 (OVA, 2014-2015)

  • Explores Captain Levi's backstory and his journey from the underground city to becoming humanity's strongest soldier.

• Season 2 (2017)

  • Continues the battle against the Titans, unveiling shocking revelations about their origins and the identities of certain Titans.

• Lost Girls: Wall Sina, Goodbye Parts 1 & 2 (OVA, 2017-2018)

  • Focuses on Annie Leonhart's perspective, providing depth to her character and motives.

• Season 3 Part 1 (2018)

  • Dives into political intrigue within the walls, as the Scouts uncover government secrets and face human adversaries.

• Lost Girls: Lost in the Cruel World (OVA, 2018)

  • Centers on Mikasa Ackerman, exploring an alternate reality and her deep bond with Eren Yeager.

• Season 3 Part 2 (2019)

  • Features intense battles and significant discoveries about the world beyond the walls.

• Season 4 Part 1 (2020)

  • Shifts the narrative perspective, introducing new characters and exploring the broader world and its conflicts.

• Season 4 Part 2 (2022)

  • Continues the escalating conflict, delving deeper into the motivations of both new and familiar characters.

• Season 4 Part 3 (2023)

  • Advances the storyline towards its climax, with alliances forming and tensions reaching a boiling point.

• Season 4 Part 4 (2023)

  • Concludes the epic saga, resolving long-standing mysteries and character arcs.

Animated Recap Movies (Optional)

• Part 1: Crimson Bow and Arrow (2014)

  • Recaps episodes 1-13 of Season 1.

• Part 2: Wings of Freedom (2015)

  • Covers episodes 14-25 of Season 1.

• Season 2: Roar of Awakening (2018)

  • Summarizes the events of Season 2.

• Attack on Titan: Chronicle (2020)

  • Provides an overview of Seasons 1 through 3.

These recap movies are optional and primarily serve as refreshers or introductions for new viewers. However, to fully appreciate the depth and nuances of the story, it's recommended to watch the full episodes and OVAs in their original release order.

Chronological Order Viewing

For those seeking a deeper understanding of the "Attack on Titan" narrative, watching the series in chronological order offers a unique perspective. This approach aligns the story's events as they occur within the series' timeline, providing enhanced context and character development.

Benefits of Chronological Viewing

• Enhanced Character Backstories: By viewing episodes and OVAs in chronological order, you gain insights into characters' histories and motivations before they appear in the main storyline.

• Improved Narrative Flow: This order allows for a seamless progression of events, making complex plot points more understandable.

Chronological Watch Order

• No Regrets: Parts 1 & 2 (OVA, 2014-2015)

  • Delve into Captain Levi's origin story, exploring his journey from the underground city to becoming a pivotal member of the Scout Regiment.

• Season 1 (2013)

  • Introduce yourself to the world of Titans and follow Eren Yeager and his friends as they join the fight for humanity's survival.

• Ilse’s Notebook: Memoirs of a Scout Regiment Member (OVA, 2013)

  • Discover a lost Scout's encounter with a talking Titan, shedding light on the mysterious nature of these creatures.

• The Sudden Visitor: The Torturous Curse of Youth (OVA, 2014)

  • Enjoy a lighthearted episode focusing on a cooking competition among the cadets, offering a glimpse into their daily lives.

• Distress (OVA, 2014)

  • Witness a training exercise that turns perilous, highlighting the cadets' teamwork and resilience.

• Season 2 (2017)

  • Continue the battle against the Titans as new threats emerge and secrets about the Titans' origins are unveiled.

• Lost Girls: Wall Sina, Goodbye Parts 1 & 2 (OVA, 2017-2018)

  • Explore Annie Leonhart's perspective, providing depth to her character and her actions within the main storyline.

• Season 3 Part 1 (2018)

  • Dive into political intrigue within the walls as the Scout Regiment faces human adversaries and uncovers governmental secrets.

• Lost Girls: Lost in the Cruel World (OVA, 2018)

  • Focus on Mikasa Ackerman's alternate reality, delving into her deep bond with Eren Yeager.

• Season 3 Part 2 (2019)

  • Engage in intense battles and significant discoveries that reshape the understanding of the world beyond the walls.

• Season 4 Part 1 (2020)

  • Shift perspectives to explore the broader world, introducing new characters and conflicts that expand the narrative's scope.

• Season 4 Part 2 (2022)

  • Continue the escalating conflict, delving deeper into the motivations of both new and familiar characters.

• Season 4 Part 3 (2023)

  • Advance the storyline towards its climax, with alliances forming and tensions reaching a boiling point.

• Season 4 Part 4 (2023)

  • Conclude the epic saga, resolving long-standing mysteries and character arcs.

By following this chronological order, viewers can experience "Attack on Titan" with a fresh perspective, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the intricate plotlines and character developments that define this acclaimed series.

Detailed Breakdown of Seasons and OVAs

"Attack on Titan" is a rich tapestry of storytelling, blending intense action with profound character development. To fully appreciate its depth, it's essential to delve into both the main seasons and the accompanying OVAs (Original Video Animations), which offer additional layers to the narrative.

Season 1

The inaugural season introduces us to a world besieged by colossal humanoid creatures known as Titans. We meet Eren Yeager, Mikasa Ackerman, and Armin Arlert, three youths whose lives are irrevocably changed when the Titans breach Wall Maria, leading to the catastrophic fall of their hometown, Shiganshina. This event propels them to join the Scout Regiment, vowing to reclaim humanity's lost territories and uncover the mysteries behind the Titans. Throughout this season, we witness their grueling training, the harrowing Battle of Trost, and the shocking revelation of the Female Titan's identity.

OVAs

1. Ilse’s Notebook: Memoirs of a Scout Regiment Member

• Synopsis: This episode follows the discovery of a long-lost notebook belonging to Ilse Langnar, a Scout Regiment member. Through her writings, we learn of her eerie encounter with a talking Titan, providing a rare glimpse into the possible consciousness of these creatures.

• Contribution: Ilse's account offers crucial insights into Titan behavior, hinting at deeper connections between Titans and humans, and enriching the overarching mystery of the series.

2. The Sudden Visitor: The Torturous Curse of Youth & Distress

• Brief Summaries:

  • The Sudden Visitor: A lighthearted episode where the cadets engage in a cooking contest, highlighting their camaraderie and providing a respite from the series' usual intensity.

  • Distress: During a training exercise, the cadets face a simulated Titan attack that quickly turns perilous, testing their teamwork and resolve.

• Roles in Character Development: These episodes delve into the personal dynamics and growth of the cadets, showcasing their bonds, individual strengths, and vulnerabilities, thereby adding depth to their characters.

3. No Regrets

• Focus: This two-part OVA delves into the backstory of Captain Levi, exploring his life in the underground city and his eventual recruitment into the Scout Regiment by Commander Erwin Smith.

• Significance: Understanding Levi's origins provides context to his stoic demeanor and unwavering loyalty, enriching his character and highlighting the themes of trust and sacrifice.

4. Lost Girls

• Exploration: This series of OVAs centers on Annie Leonhart and Mikasa Ackerman. Annie's episodes delve into her internal conflicts and motivations during her mission within the military police, while Mikasa's episode explores an alternate reality, shedding light on her deep-seated fears and her bond with Eren.

• Perspectives: These narratives offer intimate glimpses into the psyches of two of the series' most formidable female characters, providing fans with a deeper understanding of their actions and emotions.

Season 2

The second season intensifies the narrative, unveiling shocking truths about the Titans and those who can transform into them. The Scouts face betrayal from within as Reiner Braun and Bertholdt Hoover are revealed to be the Armored and Colossal Titans, respectively. The season delves into the mystery of the Titans within the walls and introduces the enigmatic Beast Titan, setting the stage for future conflicts.

Season 3

This season is split into two parts:

• Part 1: Focuses on political intrigue, as the Scout Regiment confronts corruption within the government. They uncover the true royal lineage and work to install Historia Reiss as the rightful queen. This arc delves into human politics, the morality of power, and the hidden history of the world.

• Part 2: Returns to high-octane action as the Scouts embark on a perilous mission to retake Wall Maria. The battle in Shiganshina District is both brutal and revelatory, leading to the discovery of Eren's basement and the truths about the world beyond the walls, including the existence of Marley and the true nature of Titans.

Season 4

The final season shifts the narrative perspective, introducing viewers to the nation of Marley and its warriors. We gain insight into their society, motivations, and the broader geopolitical landscape. Eren's character undergoes significant transformation, leading to morally complex decisions that blur the lines between hero and villain. The season builds up to a climactic confrontation, exploring themes of revenge, freedom, and the cyclical nature of hatred.

By engaging with both the main seasons and the OVAs, viewers gain a comprehensive understanding of the intricate world of "Attack on Titan," its multifaceted characters, and the profound themes that underpin this epic saga.

Movies and Their Relevance

In addition to the main "Attack on Titan" series and OVAs, several animated recap movies have been produced to condense the storyline for viewers seeking a refresher or a quicker overview.

Animated Recap Movies

• Attack on Titan: Crimson Bow and Arrow (2014):

  • Purpose and Content: This film recaps episodes 1 to 13 of Season 1, covering the initial Titan invasion and the protagonists' early battles.

• Attack on Titan: Wings of Freedom (2015):

  • Purpose and Content: Serving as a continuation, it summarizes episodes 14 to 25 of Season 1, focusing on the Female Titan arc and the ensuing conflicts.

• Attack on Titan: The Roar of Awakening (2018):

  • Purpose and Content: This movie provides a condensed version of Season 2, highlighting the emergence of new Titan shifters and the mysteries within the walls.

• Attack on Titan: Chronicle (2020):

  • Purpose and Content: Encompassing episodes 1 through 59, this comprehensive film summarizes Seasons 1 to 3, offering a broad overview of the series up to that point.

Essential Viewing or Skippable?

While these recap movies offer a streamlined narrative, they often omit detailed character development and nuanced plot points present in the full episodes. For first-time viewers, it's recommended to watch the complete series to fully grasp the depth and intricacies of the story. However, for returning fans seeking a quick refresher before diving into new content, these films can serve as efficient summaries.

Live-Action Adaptations

The "Attack on Titan" franchise has ventured into live-action adaptations, notably with two Japanese films released in 2015. Despite high anticipation, these adaptations received mixed reviews, with criticisms often directed at deviations from the source material and challenges in translating the complex narrative and visual elements into live-action. As of now, there hasn't been a successful live-action rendition that captures the full essence of the original anime and manga.

In summary, while the animated recap movies provide a condensed version of the "Attack on Titan" story, they are best suited for those looking to refresh their memory. The live-action adaptations, on the other hand, have struggled to meet fan expectations and are generally considered non-essential viewing.

Conclusion

Embarking on the "Attack on Titan" journey can be both thrilling and complex, given its intricate plot and supplementary content. Here's tailored advice for both newcomers and returning fans to optimize your viewing experience.

For Newcomers

To fully grasp the narrative and avoid unintended spoilers, it's advisable to follow the release order of the series:

1. Season 1 (2013): Introduces the world, main characters, and the initial conflict with the Titans.

2. Season 2 (2017): Continues the story, unveiling deeper mysteries and character developments.

3. Season 3 Part 1 (2018): Delves into political intrigue and the history behind the walls.

4. Season 3 Part 2 (2019): Focuses on critical battles and significant revelations.

5. Season 4 Parts 1-4 (2020-2023): Concludes the epic tale, shifting perspectives and culminating in the series' climax.

After completing the main seasons, consider watching the OVAs (Original Video Animations). While not all are essential, they provide valuable backstory and character development:

• "No Regrets" Parts 1 & 2: Explores Captain Levi's origins and his relationship with Commander Erwin.

• "Ilse’s Notebook": Offers insights into Titan behavior and adds depth to the overarching mystery.

• "Lost Girls": Focuses on side stories of characters like Annie and Mikasa, enriching their narratives.

These OVAs enhance understanding but can be viewed after the main series to prevent potential spoilers.

For Returning Fans

If you're revisiting the series, especially after a hiatus, a chronological watch order can offer a fresh perspective:

• "No Regrets" Parts 1 & 2 (OVA): Set before the main events, providing context to Levi's character.

• Season 1: The beginning of Eren, Mikasa, and Armin's journey.

• "Ilse’s Notebook" (OVA): Fits within the early timeline, adding depth to the Scout Regiment's discoveries.

• Season 2: Continues the main storyline with escalating tensions.

• "Lost Girls" (OVA): Can be interspersed here to delve into character-specific tales.

• Season 3 Parts 1 & 2: Unfolds significant plot developments and battles.

• Season 4 Parts 1-4: Brings the narrative to its conclusion.

This approach offers a cohesive experience, aligning events as they unfold within the story's universe.

Additionally, the recap movies can serve as quick refreshers:

• "Crimson Bow and Arrow": Summarizes Season 1.

• "Wings of Freedom": Continues the recap of Season 1.

• "The Roar of Awakening": Condenses Season 2.

• "Chronicle": Encompasses Seasons 1 through 3.

While these films provide a streamlined narrative, they may omit detailed character arcs and subplots. Therefore, for a comprehensive re-experience, rewatching the full episodes is recommended.

By following these tailored viewing strategies, both new and returning fans can immerse themselves fully in the rich and compelling world of "Attack on Titan."

Read Also: Attack on Titan’s Final Season: Every Major Change from the Manga Explained

Read Also: 13 Hidden Details in Attack on Titan You Definitely Missed

Read Also: The Real-Life Inspirations Behind Attack on Titan’s World and Characters