If you are interested in anime and want to watch Re: Zero, then chances are you’re a little confused about where you should start.
Despite being a popular light and anime series, there is little information on where the show begins, which has been made even more confusing by the recent release of new movies and television sequels.
Because of this, we have used our extensive research to build a how-to guide for the Re: Zero franchise, which includes everything you need to know about the original anime and its subsequent remakes.
So if you want to watch Re: Zero in the correct order, then you have come to the right place. Just take a look down below and you will find everything you need to get started…
If you’re in a rush and don’t have time to read the entire article, then we have provided a condensed version of our watch guide in the section below:
The best way to watch Re: Zero is by following the show’s release order, which means going from the start and working your way to the end.
However, the Re: Zero franchise is constantly evolving, so there are other shows and canons that should be kept in mind.
If you want to learn more about the release order, then you will find a more detailed watch guide in the following sections…
What is Re: Zero?
Re: Zero started out as a series of Japanese light novels, which were written by Tappei Nagatsuki and illustrated by Shin’ichiro Otsuka. The series was first published in 2012 and continues to this day.
The first three arcs have been adapted into manga series, with the first being published between 2014 – 2015. During this time, it was announced that the manga would be adapted into an anime series, with the animation being overseen by white fox studios.
The novels and manga series have since been published in the United States by yen press, with the anima also being distributed through companies such as funimation and anime limited.
To date, the anime series has received countless honors and was even voted the second-best show at the 2015 anime awards.
What is The Plot?
Re: Zero follows the adventures of a young man named Subaru Natsuki, who is pulled into a fantasy world inhabited by elves and other magical creatures. Upon his arrival, Subaru befriends a half-elf called Emilia, who is the future ruler of the kingdom and the person Subaru dies trying to protect.
After waking up unscathed, Subaru discovers that he has the power to reverse time after his death, which means he can never die. Following this, Subaru decides to use his newfound powers to protect Emilia, in thanks for her kindness and gratitude. But being a future queen means that her life is always in danger, which leaves Subaru constantly being killed in her service.
While those around him forget about his deaths, Subaru must live with the pain of each experience and the memories of his demise.
What is The Release Order?
As we previously mentioned, the original Re: Zero anime was first released in 2016 and has since seen the release of two seasons, spin-offs, and specials.
While it is common to start a series from the beginning, this can be difficult when there is so much content available. So to help you out, we have outlined the release order down below, which is the definitive way to watch the series:
Release Order
Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu (2016)
Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu: Shin Henshuu-Ban [Director’s Cut] (2020)
Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu: Season 2 Part 1 (2020)
Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu: Season 2 Part 2 (2021)
Notable Media
OVAs
Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu: Memory Snow (2018)
Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu: Hyouketsu no Kizuna (2019)
Spin-Offs
Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru: Break Time (2016)
Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru: Break Time Season 2 (2020)
Specials
Re: Petit Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu (2016)
Original Cut vs Director’s Cut
When Re: Zero was adapted into an anime series, the show was given two seasons. The first season consisted of 25 episodes of 25 minutes each. While the second season was released in 2020 and in two parts.
However, apart from the two seasons, there was also a director’s cut released in 2020. The cut consisted of 13 episodes each an hour long.
But what is the difference between an original cut and the director’s cut? Well, a director’s cut is a special edition of a film or episode that conveys the director’s final vision. For example, the director’s cut will usually be longer and will feature scenes unreleased in the theatrical cut.
Director’s cuts also help to fill in missing plot points and other gaps in the narrative, whether that be through character development or new scenes. While many consider the director’s cut to be the definitive version, this is not always the case.
In fact, some director’s cuts may not add anything to the story at all, with the new scenes feeling like filler.
Which One Should You Watch?
If you don’t consider yourself a hardcore anime fan, then we recommend checking out the original anime series. Not only does this version have everything you will want from the show, but it is also easier to follow and much shorter.
However, if you want to experience the story of Subaru and Emilia the way it was meant to be seen, then there’s no better option than the director’s cut. Although it is much longer than the original series and can take some time to finish.
Other Re: Zero Watch Orders
While we would recommend starting with the release order, this does not mean that you can’t watch the series using other means. In fact, there are several other watch orders that are highly recommended by the Re: Zero fandom.
In the following watch guide, we have outlined each of these watch orders, so that you can find the best one for your viewing experience:
Studio Release Order
Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu (or) Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu: Shin Henshuu-Ban [Director’s Cut]
Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu: Memory Snow
Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu: Hyouketsu no Kizuna
Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu: Season 2 Part 1
Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu: Season 2 Part 2
Our Recommended Order
Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu (episodes 1 -11) or Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu [Director’s Cut] (episodes 1 – 5)
Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu: Memory Snow (OVA)
Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu (episodes 12 – 25) or Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu [Director’s Cut] (episodes 6 – 13)
Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu: Hyouketsu no Kizuna (OVA)
Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu: Season 2 Part 1
Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu: Season 2 Part 2
Chronological Order
Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu: Hyouketsu no Kizuna
Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu (episodes 1 -11) or Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu [Director’s Cut] (episodes 1 – 5)
Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu: Memory Snow
Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu (episodes 12 – 25) or Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu [Director’s Cut] (episodes 6 – 13)
Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu: Season 2 Part 1
Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu: Season 2 Part 2
Conclusion
While it is possible to watch the anime in any order you want, we do recommend starting from the beginning if you want the traditional experience.
However, if you want to watch the events unfold in chronological order, then there are other means that you can use.
