
Credits: Studio 4°C
Contents
- Why Is the Berserk Anime Watch Order So Confusing?
- The Best Berserk Watch Order (Recommended for Newbies)
- Chronological Berserk Anime Watch Order (If You Dare)
- Berserk Movies vs Series: What’s the Difference?
- Final Thoughts: Choose Your Darkness, Carefully
Why Is the Berserk Anime Watch Order So Confusing?
Okay, so listen. Berserk is one of the most iconic dark fantasy anime EVER, but the anime adaptations? A little cursed, ngl. Between the 1997 classic, the CGI movies, and the 2016 reboot that made us all scream “WHY DOES GUTS MOVE LIKE THAT?!”... it's no wonder otaku are lost.
So! I made this Berserk anime watch order guide just for you. Whether you’re here for peak edge, big swords, or... intense feels that break your soul, let’s get into it!
The Best Berserk Watch Order (Recommended for Newbies)

Credits: Liden Films
1. Berserk (1997 Anime)
Start here! It’s old-school but powerful. Covers the Golden Age Arc and ends on a cliffhanger that’ll leave you screaming. Trust me, it’s worth it.
2. Berserk: The Golden Age Arc Movie Trilogy (2012–2013)
Retells the 1997 series with updated visuals. If you like faster pacing and shinier animation, this version works, but the emotional beats hit harder in the OG series.
3. Berserk (2016–2017)
Covers the Conviction and Falcon of the Millennium Empire arcs. BUT the animation is... a choice. Watch for the story, not the CGI. You've been warned, fam.
This is the most painless Berserk anime watch order if you wanna experience the full story with minimal confusion and max emotional damage. Yay!
Chronological Berserk Anime Watch Order (For Chaos Gremlins)
- Golden Age Arc Trilogy (2012–2013)
- Berserk (2016–2017)
or
- Berserk (1997)
- Berserk (2016–2017)
You pick your poison. Both work if you already know what you're diving into. Just prepare your kokoro. Berserk does not hold back.
Berserk Movies vs Series: What’s the Difference?

Credits: Liden Films
Short version? The movies are faster, the 1997 anime is deeper, and the 2016 reboot is... there. If you have time, watch the 1997 version first. It’s got the best vibes, that old-school grit, and character moments that really hurt in the best way.
Yes, the 2016 version continues the story, so we kinda have to deal with it. But hey, Guts is still a legend, no matter how janky the animation gets.
Go Berserk (But Like, In a Good Way)
So there you have it, otaku-tachi! The Berserk anime watch order decoded with love and a sprinkle of trauma. If you’re ready for betrayal, demons, and the ultimate broadsword waifu slayer (Guts, I love you), then it’s time to press play.
Oh! And don’t forget, if you subscribe to The Otaku Box, you get a FREE Waifu Monthly edition packed with original waifus, spicy art, and lore that’ll make you blush. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll see your favorite ecchi queen showing up somewhere this July... but I won’t say where. Hehehe~
Matta ne~!
– Liz 💖