- introduction
- Table of Contents
- Overview of the “A Certain” Series [For Beginners]
- Anime “A Certain Magical Index” Series
- Anime “A Certain Scientific Railgun” Series
- Anime “A Certain Scientific Accelerator”
- Three Viewing Orders for the “A Certain” Series
- Recommended for First-Time Viewers: Watch in Broadcast Order!
- Series-by-Series Viewing in Broadcast Order
- Chronological Order: For Advanced Viewers
- Key Characters in the “A Certain” Series
- Summaries of Each Anime in the “A Certain” Series
- Streaming Services to Watch the “A Certain” Anime Series
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Viewing Order of the “A Certain” Series
- Conclusion: If You’re Watching the “A Certain” Series for the First Time, Start with the Broadcast Order!
introduction
The “A Certain” series, originally a popular light novel by Kazuma Kamachi, started with the anime adaptation of “A Certain Magical Index” in 2008.
Following this, spin-off series such as “A Certain Scientific Railgun” and “A Certain Scientific Accelerator” were also adapted into anime.
The series has expanded into various media, including comics, game apps, and pachinko machines, maintaining its immense popularity to this day.
With nine different anime adaptations, the series can be confusing for newcomers due to its complex chronology and numerous characters. Many might wonder, “What order should I watch them in?”
This article aims to answer questions like:
- Should the “A Certain” series be watched in broadcast order or chronological order?
- What is the “A Certain” series about?
- Is it okay to watch just “A Certain Magical Index” or “A Certain Scientific Railgun”?
In conclusion, if you are new to the “A Certain” series, watching it in broadcast order is highly recommended!
By following the broadcast order, you can better understand the interconnected world and characters of the series.
The article also introduces key characters and provides summaries for each work. Make sure to read to the end for a comprehensive guide!
Table of Contents
- Overview of the “A Certain” Series [For Beginners]
- Three Viewing Orders for the “A Certain” Series
- Key Characters in the “A Certain” Series
- Summaries of Each Anime in the “A Certain” Series
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Viewing Order of the “A Certain” Series
- Conclusion: If You’re Watching the “A Certain” Series for the First Time, Start with the Broadcast Order!
Overview of the “A Certain” Series [For Beginners]
The “A Certain” series is a popular light novel series by Kazuma Kamachi. Besides the main story, “A Certain Magical Index,” which spans 59 volumes, spin-offs like “A Certain Scientific Railgun” and “A Certain Scientific Accelerator” are also hugely popular.
Set in “Academy City,” the series features a unique world where the “science side,” utilizing advanced technologies and supernatural powers,
coexists and clashes with the “magic side,” filled with occult elements from scriptures and magic. The thrilling battles and unique characters are a significant draw.
As of 2024, three series have been adapted into anime: “A Certain Magical Index,” “A Certain Scientific Railgun,” and “A Certain Scientific Accelerator.”
Let’s briefly introduce each series.
Anime “A Certain Magical Index” Series
| Title | Release Year | Episodes |
|---|---|---|
| A Certain Magical Index | 2008 | 24 episodes |
| A Certain Magical Index II | 2010 | 24 episodes |
| A Certain Magical Index: The Miracle of Endymion | 2013 | Movie |
| A Certain Magical Index III | 2018 | 26 episodes |
The “A Certain Magical Index” series is set in Academy City and centers on the protagonist, Toma Kamijo.
Academy City, located in the western part of Tokyo, is a world where supernatural phenomena and espers exist, with science and magic intricately intertwined, affecting people’s lives.
Amid this, Toma Kamijo uses his unique esper ability to confront various incidents related to science and magic.
His sense of justice and strong will attract many fans, who are captivated by his growth and battles throughout the series.
The series features grand battle scenes, the characters’ struggles, friendships, and love, covering a wide range of themes, making it an engaging watch.
Anime “A Certain Scientific Railgun” Series
| Title | Release Year | Episodes |
|---|---|---|
| A Certain Scientific Railgun | 2009 | 24 episodes |
| A Certain Scientific Railgun OVA | 2010 | 1 episode |
| A Certain Scientific Railgun S | 2013 | 24 episodes |
| A Certain Scientific Railgun T | 2020 | 25 episodes |
The “A Certain Scientific Railgun” series is a spin-off focusing on Mikoto Misaka, a heroine from the “A Certain Magical Index” series. It shares the same setting of Academy City, and their timelines also overlap.
This series delves into events from the main series from Mikoto’s perspective, exploring her daily life in Academy City, her growth, and the challenges she faces. It provides deep emotional impact and empathy for the viewers.
Anime “A Certain Scientific Accelerator”
| Title | Release Year | Episodes |
|---|---|---|
| A Certain Scientific Accelerator | 2019 | 12 episodes |
“A Certain Scientific Accelerator” is a spin-off from the perspective of Accelerator. The story unfolds in the “dark side” of Academy City, featuring a darker tone compared to the other series.
It explores deeper aspects of the existing settings and introduces new abilities in its battle scenes.
In this series, Accelerator, who claims to be a villain, confronts the evil within Academy City.
His complex inner world and struggles with his dark past are central to the story. This series is a must-watch, especially for fans of Accelerator.
Three Viewing Orders for the “A Certain” Series
There are three main ways to watch the “A Certain” series:
- Watching in broadcast order
- Watching each series in broadcast order
- Watching in chronological order
Among these, the most recommended is watching in broadcast order!
Recommended for First-Time Viewers: Watch in Broadcast Order!
For those watching the “A Certain” series for the first time, it is best to follow the broadcast order:
| Order | Title | Release Year | Episodes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A Certain Magical Index | 2008 | 24 episodes |
| 2 | A Certain Scientific Railgun | 2009 | 24 episodes |
| 3 | A Certain Magical Index II | 2010 | 24 episodes |
| 4 | A Certain Scientific Railgun OVA | 2010 | 1 episode |
| 5 | A Certain Magical Index: The Miracle of Endymion | 2013 | Movie |
| 6 | A Certain Scientific Railgun S | 2013 | 24 episodes |
| 7 | A Certain Magical Index III | 2018 | 26 episodes |
| 8 | A Certain Scientific Accelerator | 2019 | 12 episodes |
| 9 | A Certain Scientific Railgun T | 2020 | 25 episodes |
Watching in broadcast order allows for a natural understanding of the world and character development within the series!
Series-by-Series Viewing in Broadcast Order
It is also recommended to watch each series in its broadcast order.
The “A Certain” series has different protagonists for each series: Toma Kamijo in “A Certain Magical Index,” Mikoto Misaka in “A Certain Scientific Railgun,” and Accelerator in “A Certain Scientific Accelerator.”
Watching the same protagonist’s story consecutively allows for a deeper understanding of their growth and changes.
For series-by-series viewing, it is best to start with the original “A Certain Magical Index” series, followed by “A Certain Scientific Railgun,” and then “A Certain Scientific Accelerator.”
| Order | Title | Release Year | Episodes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ↓↓↓ “A Certain Magical Index” Series ↓↓↓ | |||
| 1 | A Certain Magical Index | 2008 | 24 episodes |
| 2 | A Certain Magical Index II | 2010 | 24 episodes |
| 3 | A Certain Magical Index: The Miracle of Endymion | 2013 | Movie |
| 4 | A Certain Magical Index III | 2018 | 26 episodes |
| ↓↓↓ “A Certain Scientific Railgun” Series ↓↓↓ | |||
| 5 | A Certain Scientific Railgun | 2009 | 24 episodes |
| 6 | A Certain Scientific Railgun OVA | 2010 | 1 episode |
| 7 | A Certain Scientific Railgun S | 2013 | 24 episodes |
| 8 | A Certain Scientific Railgun T | 2020 | 25 episodes |
| ↓↓↓ “A Certain Scientific Accelerator” Series ↓↓↓ | |||
| 9 | A Certain Scientific Accelerator | 2019 | 12 episodes |
Chronological Order: For Advanced Viewers
Some may prefer watching the series in chronological order, but this is not recommended for newcomers.
The “A Certain” series has a complex timeline with overlapping events and different protagonists in each series, making chronological viewing confusing and difficult to follow.
Thus, chronological viewing is more suited for those who have already watched the series once and wish to experience it from a different perspective.
For reference, here is the chronological order:
| Order | In-Story Date | Title | Episodes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Early July | A Certain Scientific Railgun | 1–5 |
| 2 | Mid-July | A Certain Scientific Railgun | 6–7 |
| 3 | July 19–29 | A Certain Magical Index | 1–6 |
| 4 | Late July–Early August | A Certain Scientific Railgun | 8–24 |
| 5 | Early August | A Certain Scientific Railgun OVA | 1 |
| 6 | August 8–9 | A Certain Magical Index | 7–9 |
| 7 | Mid-August–August 19 | A Certain Scientific Railgun S | 1–10 |
| 8 | August 20–22 | A Certain Magical Index | 10–14 |
| 9 | August 20–Late August | A Certain Scientific Railgun S | 10–17 |
| 10 | August 27–September 1 | A Certain Magical Index | 15–24 |
| 11 | August 31 | A Certain Magical Index II | 1 |
| 12 | Late August–Early September | A Certain Scientific Railgun S | 18–24 |
| 13 | Early September | A Certain Scientific Accelerator | 1–12 |
| 14 | September 8–14 | A Certain Magical Index II | 2–7 |
| 15 | September 15–18 | A Certain Magical Index: The Miracle of Endymion | Movie |
| 16 | September 19–20 | A Certain Magical Index II | 8–13 |
| 17 | September 19–Late September | A Certain Scientific Railgun T | 1–20 |
| 18 | September 25–October 3 | A Certain Magical Index II | 14–24 |
| 19 | October 7–9 | A Certain Magical Index III | 1–6 |
| 20 | Mid-October | A Certain Scientific Railgun T | 21–25 |
| 21 | Mid-October–October 30 | A Certain Magical Index III | 7–26 |
Key Characters in the “A Certain” Series
The “A Certain” series features a diverse cast of characters, each contributing to the intricate storylines across different series. Here are some key characters:
Toma Kamijo: The protagonist of “A Certain Magical Index.” Known for his strong sense of justice and unique ability, Imagine Breaker, which nullifies other powers.
Index: A young nun with a perfect memory, housing 103,000 magical grimoires in her mind. She plays a crucial role alongside Toma.
Mikoto Misaka: The protagonist of “A Certain Scientific Railgun.” A powerful esper known as the Railgun, she navigates life in Academy City while dealing with personal and external conflicts.
Accelerator: The strongest esper in Academy City and the protagonist of “A Certain Scientific Accelerator.” His dark past and quest for redemption make his story compelling.
Summaries of Each Anime in the “A Certain” Series
A Certain Magical Index The series follows Toma Kamijo in Academy City as he encounters Index, a nun with a perfect memory, and gets involved in the conflicts between science and magic.
A Certain Scientific Railgun Focusing on Mikoto Misaka, this series delves into the scientific side of Academy City, exploring her daily life and battles against various threats.
A Certain Scientific Accelerator Centered on Accelerator, the series explores the darker aspects of Academy City, highlighting his battles and personal struggles.
Streaming Services to Watch the “A Certain” Anime Series
For international anime fans, the “A Certain” series, including “A Certain Magical Index,” “A Certain Scientific Railgun,” and “A Certain Scientific Accelerator,” is available on several streaming platforms. Here are some popular services where you can enjoy these series:
1. Crunchyroll
Availability: Worldwide
Features:
- Offers all seasons and spin-offs of the “A Certain” series.
- Subtitles in multiple languages.
- Simulcasts new episodes shortly after they air in Japan.
- Free with ads, or premium subscription for ad-free experience and additional features.
2. Funimation
Availability: North America, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand
Features:
- English dubbed versions available.
- Access to all “A Certain” series.
- Subtitles in English.
- Premium subscription for ad-free viewing, offline downloads, and access to exclusive content.
3. Netflix
Availability: Varies by region
Features:
- Some regions offer the “A Certain” series.
- High-quality streaming.
- Subtitles and dubs available in multiple languages.
- Monthly subscription service with a wide range of anime titles.
4. Hulu
Availability: United States
Features:
- Hosts several seasons of the “A Certain” series.
- Subtitles in English.
- Available with a subscription that includes access to a vast library of TV shows, movies, and anime.
5. Amazon Prime Video
Availability: Worldwide
Features:
- Offers some of the “A Certain” series.
- Subtitles and dubs vary by region.
- Included with Amazon Prime membership, which also offers additional benefits like free shipping and access to music and books.
6. HiDive
Availability: North America
Features:
- Provides access to the “A Certain” series.
- Subtitles in English.
- Affordable subscription plans with ad-free viewing and exclusive content.
These streaming services provide various options for watching the “A Certain” series, whether you prefer subtitles, dubs, or additional features like offline viewing.
Check the availability in your region and enjoy the thrilling adventures in Academy City!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Viewing Order of the “A Certain” Series
Q: Should I watch the series in chronological order? A: It’s recommended to watch in broadcast order, especially for first-time viewers, as it provides a natural progression of the story and character development.
Q: Can I watch just one of the series and still enjoy it? A: Yes, each series can be enjoyed on its own, but watching all of them provides a richer understanding of the interconnected world and characters.
Conclusion: If You’re Watching the “A Certain” Series for the First Time, Start with the Broadcast Order!
For newcomers, watching the “A Certain” series in broadcast order is the best way to fully appreciate the story and character development.
Enjoy diving into the fascinating world of Academy City and its captivating conflicts between science and magic!
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