The Best Order to Watch Hakuoki Anime: A Complete Guide

1. Introduction
2. Overview of the ‘Hakuoki’ Series
3. Suggested Viewing Order for the ‘Hakuoki’ Series
4. Where to Watch ‘Hakuoki’
5. Recommended Viewing Styles
6. Conclusion

1. Introduction

“Hakuoki” is a historical fantasy anime centered around the Shinsengumi during the late Edo period, originally adapted from an otome game.

The story unfolds against the backdrop of a tumultuous era, focusing on the struggles and growth of these swordsmen, while also weaving in the supernatural element of “rasetsu”—a unique power possessed by some Shinsengumi members.

With so many different series and versions of the anime, it can be confusing for first-time viewers to know where to start.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the optimal viewing order to get the most out of the series, while also highlighting key aspects of each part.

2. Overview of the ‘Hakuoki’ Series

“Hakuoki” is a series that blends historical facts with fantasy and romance.

The central narrative revolves around Chizuru Yukimura, who forms close bonds with the members of the Shinsengumi as they all grapple with the tides of history.

One of the standout elements of the series is the “rasetsu,” a fictional construct that adds depth to the characters’ internal conflicts and development.

Main Characters:

Chizuru Yukimura (voiced by Houko Kuwashima): The protagonist who is searching for her missing father and becomes intertwined with the fate of the Shinsengumi.
Toshizo Hijikata (voiced by Shinichiro Miki): The calm and reliable vice-commander of the Shinsengumi, known for his unwavering leadership.
Souji Okita (voiced by Shotaro Morikubo): The first-unit captain, whose seemingly playful demeanor hides a more dangerous side.
Hajime Saito (voiced by Kousuke Toriumi): The reserved and skillful captain of the third unit, known for his strong sense of duty.
Heisuke Todo (voiced by Hiroyuki Yoshino): The cheerful and energetic captain of the eighth unit, known for his strong loyalty and enthusiasm.

3. Suggested Viewing Order for the ‘Hakuoki’ Series

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you enjoy the series in a smooth and coherent order, ensuring you follow the plot and character development without confusion.

Series Type	Title	Release Year
TV Anime	Hakuoki	2010
TV Anime	Hakuoki: Hekketsuroku	2010
OVA	Hakuoki: Sekkaroku	2011
TV Anime	Hakuoki: Reimeiroku	2012
Movie	Hakuoki: Kyoto Ranbu	2013
Movie	Hakuoki: Shikon Soukyuu	2014
Short Anime	Hakuoki: Otogisoushi	2016
OVA	Hakuoki: Tsubana Nagashi, Kumogakure no Toki	2021
OVA	Hakuoki: Yoiyami, Yuugao Bettou no Tomoshibi	2021
OVA	Hakuoki: Hoshimukae, Unkan no Shirabe	2022

1. TV Anime: ‘Hakuoki’ (2010)

Plot Summary: Chizuru Yukimura arrives in Kyoto to find her missing father but quickly gets entangled with the Shinsengumi, a group of elite samurai protecting the city. She learns of their secret involvement in a war against supernatural beings known as “rasetsu.”
Why Watch It: This is the starting point of the “Hakuoki” series, introducing the core characters, the central conflict, and the rich world of the Shinsengumi. Watching this first gives you a strong foundation in the story and its key players.

2. TV Anime: ‘Hakuoki: Hekketsuroku’ (2010)

Plot Summary: The story continues as the Shinsengumi face greater challenges amidst the chaos of the Bakumatsu. The members struggle with their roles as samurai, their personal demons, and the ongoing supernatural threats.
Why Watch It: As the direct sequel to the first season, this series brings further development to the characters and advances the plot towards its emotional climax. Watching it immediately after the first season ensures a seamless experience.

3. OVA: ‘Hakuoki Sekkaroku’ (2011)

Plot Summary: A series of side stories focusing on each of the main characters. These episodes provide more depth to their backgrounds and emotions.
Why Watch It: This OVA is a great way to dive deeper into the personalities and motivations of the individual characters. Watching this after the first two seasons enriches your understanding of their actions and decisions.

4. TV Anime: ‘Hakuoki: Reimeiroku’ (2012)

Plot Summary: A prequel to the main series, this installment focuses on the events leading up to the formation of the Shinsengumi, exploring how each character came to join the group.
Why Watch It: By watching this after the main story, you can better appreciate how the characters were shaped by their experiences before the events of the first series.

5. Movie: ‘Hakuoki: Kyoto Ranbu’ (2013)

Plot Summary: This movie is a retelling of the first season, with additional scenes and enhanced visuals.
Why Watch It: If you’re a fan of the series or just want to revisit the original story with a new perspective, this movie is a great option. It features improved animation and provides a fresh take on the initial storyline.

6. Movie: ‘Hakuoki: Shikon Soukyuu’ (2014)

Plot Summary: This film is a retelling of the second season, condensing the story into a cinematic format while adding new elements.
Why Watch It: Like the previous movie, this installment offers a more condensed version of the original series, perfect for fans who want to re-experience the emotional high points in a shorter format.

7. Short Anime: ‘Hakuoki: Otogisoushi’ (2016)

Plot Summary: A lighthearted, comedic take on the characters, featuring them in chibi form as they engage in everyday, silly scenarios.
Why Watch It: After the intense emotional drama of the main series, this light-hearted spinoff provides a fun and relaxing break. It’s perfect for fans who want to see their favorite characters in a different setting.

8. OVA: ‘Hakuoki: Tsubana Nagashi, Kumogakure no Toki’ (2021)

Plot Summary: Based on the “Hakuoki Shinkai” game, this OVA introduces new characters and stories, expanding on the original material.
Why Watch It: This OVA offers new stories and fresh perspectives on the original characters, making it ideal for long-time fans looking for something new.

9. OVA: ‘Hakuoki: Yoiyami, Yuugao Bettou no Tomoshibi’ (2021)

Plot Summary: A continuation of the new OVA series, featuring more intricate plotlines and character development.
Why Watch It: This builds on the previous OVA, adding more layers to the overarching story.

10. OVA: ‘Hakuoki: Hoshimukae, Unkan no Shirabe’ (2022)

Plot Summary: The final chapter of the OVA series, concluding the new stories while resolving ongoing plotlines.
Why Watch It: As the grand finale of the OVA series, this installment is a must-watch for those who have followed the entire journey.

4. Where to Watch ‘Hakuoki’

If you’re looking to stream the “Hakuoki” series, several platforms offer it. Here are the key services where you can watch:

U-NEXT: Offers the entire “Hakuoki” series and more, with a wide variety of other anime titles. They offer a 31-day free trial, making it a great option for first-time viewers.
DMM TV: Also offers “Hakuoki” and other popular anime. The service is known for its user-friendly interface.
TSUTAYA DISCAS: Provides DVD rentals for the “Hakuoki” series, allowing you to rent and enjoy the anime at your own pace.
Amazon Prime Video: You can rent or buy the “Hakuoki” series here. Some titles may even be included with Prime membership for free streaming.
Hulu: Another platform offering the “Hakuoki” series, with access to a wide variety of other genres as well.

Each of these services offers different features, so you can choose the one that best fits your viewing preferences.

5. Recommended Viewing Styles

By Release Date: Watching in the order the series was released ensures that you experience the story and character development as intended by the creators. This method is ideal for first-time viewers.
By Chronological Order: For those who want to understand the characters’ backstories from the beginning, starting with “Reimeiroku” (the prequel) is another option.
Supplement with OVAs and Movies: Once you’ve watched the main series, the OVAs and movies provide additional depth and insight into the characters and story.