Originally created in 1997, this Japanese franchise started as a form of virtual pets. These Digital Monsters became popular, resulting in the company expanding into anime and video games in 1999. Starting with Digimon Adventures, this anime also became well-liked.
Though the series is fun to watch, it can be difficult to work out which order it should be watched in. This is because the anime was not necessarily released in chronological order and because there are several different series and films to watch.
To make things easier for you, we have created a watch order guide that is easy to follow.
Sert prior to the series, this short film acts as its prologue. It focuses on Tai, the protagonist of the show, and his first meeting with Agumon. In the film, Agumon must face off against Parrotmon, who appears in Tokyo.
The other protagonists of the series also cameo here. Though short, this film is essential for Digimon anime fans.
Digimon Adventure (1999)
For many fans, this series will have been the starting point that began their affection with this franchise. Lasting until 2000, this show had an impressive 54 episodes! Digimon Adventures tells the story of the DigiDestined, a group of seven children.
These children (named Tai, Matt, Sora, Izzy, Mimi, Joe, and T.K.) then each meet a Digimon, who become their companions and closest friends. These creatures are capable of becoming more powerful through a process known as Digivolving.
Together, this eclectic group must work to defend the Digital World from evil. This evil is created by Devimon. The group is later joined by Tai’s sister, Kari. The episodes for this series should be watched in order.
Digimon Adventure: Our War Game! (2000)
Next, this short film is a direct sequel to the Digimon Adventure series. In this film, the original group must reunite to take on a villainous Digimon who threatens the real world.
Digimon Adventure 02 (Part 1) (2000)
This new series is set four years after the original Digimon Adventure. Though it features the original characters, most prominently T.K. and Kari, it also introduces three new protagonists.
These three heroes are Davis, Yolei, and Cody, who each have their own Digimon partners. Together, this next generation of DigiDestined must face the Digimon Emperor, a human known as Ken Ichijoji.
Consisting of 50 episodes, this series has been split in two for the purposes of this guide. The next movie is set following the 21st episode of this series.
Digimon Adventure 02: Digimon Hurricane Touchdown!! / Transcendent Evolution!! The Golden Digimentals (2000)
This long-titled film is set midway through the Digimon Adventure 02. Starring both the original and next generation of characters, this film is about a Digimon who has been taken over by a sinister virus.
Though it is less essential than some of the content on this list, it is still valuable to watch as a way of understanding the overall franchise.
Digimon: The Movie (2000)
It was difficult to know whether this film should be included in this guide. After all, it merely compiles the first three films into one film. Despite this, many consider it to be its own film. This is because Digimon: The Movie makes changes to these films.
Digimon Adventure 02 (Part 2) (2000)
Once you have watched these films, you can return to Digimon Adventure 02. You should pick up watching from episode 22 and finish at episode 50, the last in the series.
In the remainder of the series, the main characters learn of the existence of a threat that is much more serious than the Digimon Emperor.
Digimon Adventure 02: Revenge Of Diaboromon (2001)
Set 3 months after the Digimon Adventure 02, this short film features Diaboromon’s return. Again, it featured both the cast of the first series and the second series.
Digimon Adventure Tri (2015)
Taking place 3 years after Digimon Adventure 02, Digimon Tri is a series of six films based on the original characters. These characters are Tai, Matt, Sora, Izzy, Mimi, Joe, T.K., Kari, and their Digimon.
This time, the group is also joined by Meiko and her Digimon, Meicoomon. Though it came out much later than other series, it is better to watch it before them. This is because it much more directly links to this narrative.
Digimon Adventure: Last Evolution Kizuna (2020)
If you are a fan of the original series, this film, which is a finale to this story, will likely make you tearful. It features the characters from Digimon Adventures, as well as the next generation from 02.
The heroes gather to face Eosmon. However, they begin to realize that they cannot stay with their Digimon forever as a result of the fact that they are getting older and more mature.
Digimon Tamers (Part 1) (2001)
Distant from the first two series, Digimon Tamers explored a new cast of characters and their Digimon, as well as a new story. The new protagonists in this series are Takato, Henry, and Rika.
In terms of tone, this series was darker and explored more serious topics, such as death, than Digimon Adventures. It is unknown how long after the previous installments this series is. In fact, in this world, Digimon were featured in a television show.
Digimon Tamers: Battle Of Adventurers (2001)
Set after episode 23 of Digimon Tamers, this film is not quintessential to the show. However, it does show how the Tamers spent their summer vacation.
Digimon Tamers (Part 2) (2001)
Once you have watched the film, you can continue watching Digimon tamers from episode 24 onward. The narratives of Takato, Henry, and Rika, as well as their Digimon, continue.
This series has 51 episodes, which should be watched chronologically (except for the aforementioned break between episodes 23 and 24).
Digimon Tamers: Runaway Locomon (2002)
Fourteenth on our guide is this next film, which occurs after the conclusion of Digimon Tamers. The antagonist is Parasimon, who is controlling Locomon.
Digimon Frontier (Part 1) (2002)
Like Digimon Tamers, Digimon Frontier seemingly takes place in its own world. It also changed much of the lore surrounding Digimon. It introduces a new cast of Digi-Destined, called Takuya, Koji, Zoe, J.P., Tommy, and Koichi. In this new series, humans merge with Digimon.
Digimon Frontier: Island Of Lost Digimon (2002)
In terms of chronology, it is unknown when exactly this film takes place. It occurs at some point in the Digimon Frontier series, approximately around episode 37 or 38.
However, this is a rough estimate and you can watch it at another point in the series if you would prefer. Here, the protagonists learn of a conflict that they hope to defuse.
Digimon Frontier (Part 2) (2003)
After the film, you can watch the remainder of Digimon Frontier. Overall, this series has 50 episodes.
Digimon Data Squad/ Digimon Savers (2006)
Digimon returned from a break following Digimon Frontier with Digimon Data Squad in 2006. It represented a shift back toward the original premise of the show, though with adjustments. Alongside other characters, this series focused on Marcus and his Agumon.
This film can basically be watched at any point during Digimon Data Squad because it is unclear when exactly it takes place. This film focuses on the Digimon partners, namely Agumon, Gaomon, and Lalamon.
Digimon Savers 3D: The Digital World In Imminent Danger! (2009)
At only 7 minutes long, this film is not the most necessary of watches. However, if you want the whole Digimon experience, feel free to give it a try.
Digimon Fusion (2010)
Following this, Digimon Fusion was a new series. It is explicitly set in a different universe to the other series. This was the longest-running Digimon series, with 79 episodes that were split over 3 seasons.
Its protagonist is called Mikey, who forms the Fusion Fighters. You should watch these episodes and seasons in numerical and chronological order.
Digimon Universe: App Monsters (2016)
This series is very different from its predecessors. Set in a futuristic society, Digimon are now called Appmons. It consists of 52 episodes.
Digimon Ghost Game (2021)
This is the newest development of the Digimon franchise, which should be watched last if you are aiming to experience it in the right order.
Of course, because many of the last installments are set in their own universes, you can feel free to change the order that you watch them in if you are so inclined.
