Baki is a very popular shonen anime both in Japan and abroad. The story is based on a manga of the same name that follows the story of Baki Hanma, who trains with a laser-like focus to surpass his father, Yujiro Hanma, the world’s strongest fighter.
Five of the world’s most aggressive and brutal death row convicts are gearing up for a big fight against Baki. However, the convicts are not in it to defeat Baki.
Their goal is to taste defeat because their unrivaled strength and talent have made them bored with life. Now, they’ve turned to Baki, hoping he can completely overwhelm and demolish them.
Kaoru Hanayama, Gouki Shibukawa, Retsu Kaioh, and Doppo Orochi are other underground martial arts warriors who have arrived to fight along with Baki. In an epic battle, Baki and his friends face these vicious death row convicts.
Like many animes, Baki has had several series and OVAs, complicating the watch order, and this can be difficult for newcomers. There is the original series to contend with, and a Netflix adaptation of the story.
The Netflix adaptation is currently on Season 2. However, there is a high chance it will be renewed for a third season if it does well.
The Baki anime is “Baki the Grappler.” The Netflix show is “Baki,” and “Baki the Grappler” is also the name of an OVA of this series from 1994.
With that in mind, here is the release order of all Baki content. We’ve also included the perfect watch order if you want to watch everything concerning Baki.
Baki The Grappler: The Ultimate Fighter – OVA – 1994
Baki The Grappler – Season 1: Kid Saga/Underground Arena Saga – 2001
Baki The Grappler – Season 2: Maximum Tournament Saga – 2001
Baki: Most Evil Death Row Convicts Special Anime – OVA – 2016
Baki – Season 1: Most Evil Death Row Convicts Saga – 2018
Baki – Season 2: Great Chinese Challenge Saga/Godlike Clash of the Kids Saga – 2020
Watch Order
Baki The Grappler – Season 1: Kid Saga/Underground Arena Saga – 2001
Baki Hanma is obsessed with becoming the best possible fighter. His biggest dream is to surpass Yujiro Hanma, his father, in martial arts and fighting skills. Everyone fears his father, and he has earned the nickname of “ogre.”
He has received excellent training in the martial arts from his mother, Emi Akezawa. But this training is not enough for him to beat his father. Therefore, he embarks on a journey to improve his strength and skills.
Along the way, he meets new friends and enemies, and Baki continues training so he can win in a final showdown against his father.
Baki The Grappler – Season 2: Maximum Tournament Saga – 2001
This season continues the story and sees Baki encounter the Tokugawa underground fighting ring. Thirty-eight of the world’s best fighters have gathered for the ultimate fighting competition, and Baki is one of them.
Now, Baki has to prove himself in a fight to be respected and earn a spot in the arena. He must fight for his life to win the tournament.
Baki The Grappler: The Ultimate Fighter – OVA – 1999
Baki fights a follower of Doppo Orochi, one of the series’ most talented and powerful martial arts masters. During the fight, he catches the eye of Doppo himself, who is intrigued by Baki’s unique fighting style.
Doppo and his follower, Kiyosumi Katou, decide to visit Baki. They find him in an arena preparing for a fight against the lethal karate master, Koushou Shinogi.
Baki – Season 1: Most Evil Death Row Convicts Saga – 2018
This 26-episode series follows Baki after he won the notorious Tokugawa Underground Tournament.
Baki continues his journey to becoming stronger. A tournament runner-up, Tokugawa Mitsunari, tells him that five extremely deadly death row inmates have escaped prison, and they are on their way to Japan.
His fighting skills and talents have become well known and Baki learns that these criminals plan to seek him out and challenge him to a fight, possibly to the death.
Baki: Most Evil Death Row Convicts Special Anime – OVA – 2016
According to some die-hard Baki fans, this very short OVA is not worth watching. It mainly focuses on how the inmates from the previous season escaped prison in the first place. Nonetheless, it is still an enjoyable watch.
The story follows five prison inmates from around the world who break out of jail. They make their way to Japan for an underground fighting tournament.
Now, Baki must navigate the no-rules combat these criminals use in their fighting ring.
Baki – Season 2: Great Chinese Challenge Saga/Godlike Clash of the Kids Saga – 2020
Severely weakened due to his last battle, there is a chance Baki could die from his injuries. Only one thing can cure Baki. However, the only way to get this cure is to participate in the Raitai Tournament. This will be the most challenging tournament Baki has faced.
Taking place in China, it brings together the strongest fighters from all around the world, including Baki. In addition, Baki must beat them all to get the cure.
One of these fighters is his father, and it may be their final showdown.
Extra Info
You may not want to watch the older installments of this anime. Skipping the first two entries in the watch order will not affect your viewing experience, and it does not affect the plot of the 2018 series. However, they are still fun to watch if you are a fan of vintage anime.
You can skip watching the OVAs if you’re only watching the Netflix Baki series.
