If you are a fan of anime and looking to dive into Blue Exorcist, knowing the correct order to watch it can greatly enhance your viewing experience. Blue Exorcist, also known as Ao no Exorcist, is a popular series that blends supernatural action, complex characters, and an engaging storyline. Watching it in the right sequence ensures you understand the plot developments, character relationships, and the progression of the overall narrative. For both newcomers and returning viewers, following a structured viewing order can make the series more enjoyable and prevent confusion.
Understanding the Blue Exorcist Series
Blue Exorcist was first introduced as a manga series and later adapted into an anime. The story centers around Rin Okumura, a teenager who discovers that he is the son of Satan. Determined to fight against his demonic heritage, Rin joins True Cross Academy to become an exorcist. The anime adaptation includes the original 2011 series, a second season, and several OVAs and movies. Understanding the different formats is crucial to watching the series in the correct order.
Main Components of the Series
- The original Blue Exorcist anime (2011)
- Blue Exorcist Kyoto Saga (Season 2, 2017)
- OVAs such as Blue Exorcist Extras and Blue Exorcist Part 2 shorts
- The movie Blue Exorcist The Movie (2012)
The Recommended Viewing Order
Watching Blue Exorcist in chronological or release order can affect how you perceive the story. Here is a structured approach to ensure clarity and enjoyment.
1. Start with the Original Anime (2011)
The 2011 anime adaptation introduces Rin, his brother Yukio, and the True Cross Academy. It covers the initial arcs of the manga, establishing the main characters, their motivations, and the world of exorcists. Watching the original series first is essential because it sets the foundation for all future developments.
2. Watch the OVAs Alongside or After the Original Series
The OVAs provide additional context, character backstories, and lighthearted side stories that enrich the main plot. These episodes are not mandatory for understanding the core story, but they enhance character depth and provide entertaining side narratives.
- Blue Exorcist Extras – These are short episodes giving extra moments with the main characters.
- Blue Exorcist Part 2 – More comedic or slice-of-life content that complements the main storyline.
3. Watch Blue Exorcist The Movie (2012)
The movie takes place after the events of the original anime. It is best watched after completing the first season to avoid spoilers and fully understand character dynamics. The movie adds a standalone adventure while maintaining the established character relationships.
4. Proceed to Blue Exorcist Kyoto Saga (Season 2, 2017)
Kyoto Saga continues the story directly from where the original anime left off, focusing on the Kyoto Impure King Arc from the manga. This season resolves many plotlines left open in the first series and aligns more closely with the manga’s events. Watching this season last ensures a coherent understanding of the narrative.
Optional Viewing Notes
While the main order above covers the essential content, there are some viewing tips that can help optimize your experience.
Understanding Filler Episodes
The original 2011 anime diverged from the manga in the later episodes. Some of these episodes are considered filler and do not appear in the manga. If you want a story that matches the manga more closely, you can skip episodes 20 to 25 of the original anime, as they are original content created for the anime.
Watching OVAs at Different Points
Many fans prefer to watch OVAs after finishing each season or movie. This way, you can enjoy them as a reward for completing major story arcs. Some OVAs also serve as prequels to certain events, so reading descriptions can help determine the best placement.
Subbed vs. Dubbed Versions
Whether you choose to watch in the original Japanese with subtitles or the English dubbed version is a matter of personal preference. Some viewers recommend starting with subtitles to get the original voice acting and then exploring the dub later if desired. Either way, the viewing order remains the same.
Summary of Recommended Order
- Original Blue Exorcist anime (2011)
- OVAs (Extras and Part 2) – optional but recommended for additional content
- Blue Exorcist The Movie (2012)
- Blue Exorcist Kyoto Saga (Season 2, 2017)
Tips for a Better Watching Experience
To make the most out of watching Blue Exorcist, consider the following tips
- Take notes on character relationships to track development over the seasons.
- Watch in batches rather than one episode at a time to better follow complex plotlines.
- Pay attention to foreshadowing and references to the manga for a richer experience.
- Engage with other fans or online discussions after completing the series to explore different interpretations of the story.
Watching Blue Exorcist in the correct order helps you fully appreciate the story of Rin Okumura and his journey to become an exorcist while facing his demonic heritage. Starting with the 2011 anime, following up with OVAs, enjoying the movie, and finishing with Kyoto Saga ensures a smooth narrative experience. Whether you are a first-time viewer or revisiting the series, following this structured order will make the storyline easier to understand and more engaging. By understanding the chronology and exploring additional content thoughtfully, you can experience Blue Exorcist in a way that highlights its action, character development, and supernatural adventure to the fullest.