- 🔰 What’s the Best Watch Order for the Appleseed Anime? Start Here!
- 🌐 So, What is Appleseed All About?
- 📺 Appleseed Anime Watch Order (2025 Edition)
- 📺 Appleseed Streaming Availability in Japan (2025 Edition)
- 🌏 Note for International Viewers Using Japanese Streaming Services
- 🌍 Appleseed Anime – International Streaming Availability (2025)
- 💫 Appleseed Anime Highlights & World Differences — Oshi-katsu Style!
- ❓ Do I Have to Watch All the Appleseed Anime? Let’s Break It Down!
- 🎬 Final Thoughts – Welcome to the World of Appleseed
- ✅ Before You Go…
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Appleseed (2025 Edition)
🔰 What’s the Best Watch Order for the Appleseed Anime? Start Here!
“There are so many Appleseed titles—where do I even begin?”
If you’re wondering the same thing, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Let’s get straight to the point 👇
✅ Recommended Watch Order (Perfect for First-Time Viewers)
- Appleseed Alpha (2014) – A prequel with stylish action and an easy entry point.
- Appleseed (2004) – The main storyline begins here; a visual stunner in CG.
- Ex Machina (2007) – Direct sequel with bigger stakes and cinematic flair.
- Appleseed XIII (2011) – An alternate retelling. Watch if you’re craving more.
- Appleseed (OVA, 1988) – Retro and standalone; watch for nostalgia or curiosity.
📚 What You’ll Learn in This Guide
This article will walk you through everything you need to enjoy Appleseed in the best way possible, including:
- The recommended watch order (both by release and timeline)
- A breakdown of each title’s key highlights and differences
- The latest info (2025 edition!) on where to stream each title globally
- Answers to common questions like “Do I have to watch all of them?”
🌐 So, What is Appleseed All About?
Appleseed is a legendary sci-fi action series based on the manga by Masamune Shirow, the creator of Ghost in the Shell.
Set in the futuristic utopian city of Olympus, it follows a former special forces soldier, Deunan, and her cyborg partner Briareos as they navigate intense battles, ethical dilemmas, and the fragile balance between man and machine.
With multiple anime adaptations—including hand-drawn, 3D CG, reboots, and side stories—it’s no wonder fans get confused about where to start.
But don’t worry—by the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to experience the Appleseed universe the right way.
📺 Appleseed Anime Watch Order (2025 Edition)
| Order | Title | Year | Notes & Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Appleseed (OVA) | 1988 | An old-school 2D version. Totally skippable, but fun if you’re curious about how it all began. |
| 2 | Appleseed Alpha | 2014 (produced 2015) | A reboot-style prequel. Great action, and shows Deunan & Briareos before they reach Olympus. |
| 3 | Appleseed (CG Movie) | 2004 | The “main” movie to start with if you want stunning visuals and core story. A perfect intro. |
| 4 | Appleseed: Ex Machina | 2007 | Direct sequel to the 2004 movie. Bigger, flashier, and produced by John Woo! Must-watch. |
| 5 | Appleseed XIII (TV/Compilation Films) | 2011 | A reimagining of the story in episodic format. Totally standalone—watch if you want more Appleseed. |
💡 Why This Watch Order?
If you’re new to Appleseed, I recommend watching in this exact order—it gives you the most emotionally satisfying journey.
- Start with “Alpha” to see where Deunan and Briareos came from. It sets the stage without spoiling anything.
- Then jump into the 2004 CG movie, which is visually impressive and builds on the world.
- Follow it up with Ex Machina to enjoy a natural sequel with even more tech-heavy drama and action.
- Appleseed XIII is totally separate from the rest, so save it for when you’re craving more after the main arc.
- The 1988 OVA is a cool retro bonus. Not essential, but if you’re into classic anime vibes, go for it!
📝 Final Thoughts
Watching Appleseed in this order deepens your emotional connection with the characters—especially Deunan and Briareos.
You’ll appreciate how their bond evolves through chaos, war, and ideology clashes in a cyberpunk dystopia.
And hey, if you’re short on time, you can safely skip the OVA and XIII. But if you’re a completionist or love exploring alternate takes on the same story, they’re definitely worth checking out.
Enjoy the ride—and welcome to Olympus! 🦾🏙️
📺 Appleseed Streaming Availability in Japan (2025 Edition)
| Streaming Service | Available Titles |
|---|---|
| U-NEXT | ✅ Appleseed (2004) ✅ Ex Machina (2007) ✅ Appleseed XIII (2011) |
| Amazon Prime Video (JP) | ✅ Appleseed (2004) [rental] ✅ Appleseed Alpha (2014) [rental] |
| Bandai Channel | ✅ Appleseed (2004) ✅ Appleseed XIII (2011) |
| Netflix / Hulu / d Anime Store | ❌ No Appleseed titles available (as of July 2025) |
🔍 Notes
- U-NEXT offers the most titles via subscription. Highly recommended—free trial available.
- TSUTAYA DISCAS allows you to rent all major Appleseed titles via DVD. Great for completionists.
- Amazon Prime Video (Japan) offers only a couple titles via paid rental.
- Netflix, Hulu, and d Anime Store currently do not stream any Appleseed content.
- The 1988 OVA is not available on any streaming platforms—physical media is required to watch it.
🌏 Note for International Viewers Using Japanese Streaming Services
Thinking about watching Appleseed on Japanese platforms like U-NEXT, Bandai Channel, or TSUTAYA DISCAS?
Here are a few friendly reminders before you dive in:
- 🗾 Most Japanese services are region-locked. You’ll need a VPN with a Japan server to access them from outside Japan.
- 🈚 Japanese audio only: Many titles don’t offer English subtitles or dubs—so some Japanese reading skills might help!
- 💳 Payment methods: Some platforms require Japanese credit cards or local addresses for sign-up.
- 📱 App language settings: Even if you’re on mobile, the UI will likely be in Japanese—Google Translate can be your best friend!
If you’re up for a bit of a challenge, it’s a great way to explore the original content directly from the source.
But if not, don’t worry—global platforms like Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video often have easier access!
🌍 Appleseed Anime – International Streaming Availability (2025)
| Title | Platform(s) | Available Regions | Subtitles / Dubs Available | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appleseed (2004) | ❌ Not on major platforms | — | — | Currently unavailable for streaming; may be available on Blu-ray or DVD. |
| Ex Machina (2007) | ❌ Not on major platforms | — | — | Rarely available internationally; physical copy recommended. |
| Appleseed XIII (2011) | Crunchyroll, Hulu (US) | North America, parts of EU, Asia | ✅ English subtitles + English dub | Most accessible entry; fully streamed on Crunchyroll. Also on Hulu via Crunchyroll add-on (US only). |
| Appleseed Alpha (2014) | Netflix* Amazon (rental) | Select regions (e.g., US, EU) | ✅ English dub, subs in multiple languages | Available in some countries on Netflix (e.g., Austria, Germany). Rental on Amazon Prime Video in others. |
🔍 Key Notes:
- Netflix Availability: Appleseed Alpha is available in some regions (like Austria, Germany, Czech Republic), often with English audio and multi-language subtitles.
- Crunchyroll: Appleseed XIII is the most widely available title internationally, often dubbed and subbed.
- Hulu (US only): Offers Appleseed XIII through the Crunchyroll channel.
- Amazon Prime Video: Offers Appleseed Alpha as a paid rental in certain regions (may vary by country).
- Physical Media: Appleseed (2004) and Ex Machina are not currently available for streaming internationally—consider Blu-ray or DVD.
💫 Appleseed Anime Highlights & World Differences — Oshi-katsu Style!
| Title | Highlight Moments ✨ | World / Tone 🌍 | Why You’ll Love It ❤️ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appleseed (2004) | Epic CG visuals (for its time!), Deunan vs war mechs, Olympus in full glory | Techno-utopia meets political chaos | The core Appleseed story. It’s stylish, emotional, and filled with action & philosophy. A great first pick! |
| Ex Machina (2007) | John Woo-style shootouts, partner dynamics, insane final act | Same world as 2004, but flashier | Like the first movie—but turned up to 11! More tech, more drama, more 💥 explosions. A must-watch for fans of sleek action. |
| Appleseed Alpha (2014) | Post-apocalyptic city ruins, gritty survival vibes, young Deunan & Briareos chemistry | Alternate prequel universe, raw & grounded | Think Mad Max meets Appleseed. A fresh start that’s action-packed and emotionally grounded. Great for newcomers too! |
| Appleseed XIII (2011) | Episodic missions, AI conflicts, deeper world-building | Separate timeline with anime-style 3DCG | A more serialized and thoughtful take. Less flash, more plot. Ideal for fans who want to explore different sides of Olympus. |
| Appleseed (OVA, 1988) | Retro animation charm, short & sweet, ‘80s cyberpunk vibes | Classic adaptation of the manga | For old-school anime lovers! It’s nostalgic, experimental, and a cool curiosity piece. Not essential—but totally fun. |
📝 Bonus Oshi Tips:
- Your oshi is Deunan? Start with Alpha to see her early days, or Ex Machina for peak badassery.
- Love Briareos? He shines in XIII with emotional depth—and in Alpha with raw loyalty.
- Want intense action with philosophical flavor? Go for 2004 → Ex Machina double feature!
❓ Do I Have to Watch All the Appleseed Anime? Let’s Break It Down!
| Title | Do You Need to Watch It? 🧭 | Who Should Watch It? 💡 | Oshi-katsu Comment ✨ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appleseed (2004) | ✅ Yes, must-watch | Everyone, especially first-timers | This is the heart of Appleseed! If you watch only one, make it this one. It sets the tone and lore. |
| Ex Machina (2007) | ✅ Highly recommended | Fans of 2004 version, action lovers | A stylish sequel that builds on everything you loved—more bromance, more explosions, more Briareos! |
| Appleseed Alpha (2014) | ✅ Good entry point (or optional prequel) | Newcomers, Alpha aesthetic fans | Want a fresh start? Alpha is a solid intro and emotionally satisfying, even on its own. |
| Appleseed XIII (2011) | 🔄 Optional | Completionists, lore nerds | Different take, different timeline. Skippable, but fun if you want more Olympus. |
| Appleseed (OVA, 1988) | ❌ Totally optional | Retro anime lovers only | Pure nostalgia. Not necessary plot-wise, but cool to see how it all began, ‘80s-style. |
📝 TL;DR Watch Guide
- 🎯 Must-Watch Core: Appleseed (2004) + Ex Machina
- 🌟 Great Bonus: Alpha (especially if you like origin stories)
- 🌀 Optional Deep Dives: XIII and the 1988 OVA
You don’t have to watch everything — but if you fall in love with the characters or the world, you might want to!
🎬 Final Thoughts – Welcome to the World of Appleseed
Whether you’re a first-time viewer or a longtime sci-fi fan, the Appleseed anime universe has something for everyone. With its futuristic setting, morally complex characters, and visually striking animation, it’s a series that keeps evolving across each adaptation.
✅ Quick Recap:
- Start with: Appleseed (2004) for the main story
- Add on: Ex Machina (2007) for a powerful sequel
- Explore more: Alpha for an alternate beginning, and XIII for deeper worldbuilding
- Bonus: Check out the retro 1988 OVA if you’re curious about the original vibes
You don’t have to watch everything—but picking the right entry point can really shape your Appleseed journey.
So…
Which version will become your “oshi”?
No matter where you start, you’re in for a thrilling ride through cyberpunk Olympus! 🦾🏙️
If this guide helped you out, feel free to share it with fellow fans—and let us know which Appleseed version stole your heart 💖
✅ Before You Go…
📌 Looking for more watch order guides?
Check out our latest articles on:
- 🕹️ Accel World – How to Watch in Order (2025 Guide)
- 👤 Ajin – Complete Watch Order & Timeline (2025 Edition)
- 🔮 Asura Cryin’ – 2025 Watch Order & Streaming Info
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Appleseed (2025 Edition)
1. What’s the correct watch order for the Appleseed anime series?
The recommended watch order is:
- Appleseed Alpha (2014) – a prequel-style reboot
- Appleseed (2004) – main story begins here
- Ex Machina (2007) – direct sequel to 2004
- Appleseed XIII (2011) – alternate retelling
- Appleseed OVA (1988) – standalone classic
👉 This order follows both timeline and emotional flow.
2. Do I need to watch every Appleseed title to understand the story?
Nope! You can start with Appleseed (2004) and Ex Machina as the core storyline. Alpha is a great intro, and XIII or the OVA are optional if you want more of the world or characters.
3. Where can I watch Appleseed anime legally online?
- Appleseed XIII → Streaming on Crunchyroll (global) and Hulu (US)
- Appleseed Alpha → Available on Netflix (in select regions) and Amazon Prime Video (rental)
- Appleseed (2004) & Ex Machina → Currently not streaming worldwide; best found on Blu-ray/DVD
4. Is Appleseed Alpha connected to the 2004 movie?
No—it’s a standalone reboot set in an alternate timeline. While it features Deunan and Briareos, it tells a separate origin story and doesn’t directly link to the events of the 2004–2007 films.
5. Is the Appleseed anime suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! If you’re into cyberpunk, action, or philosophical sci-fi, Appleseed is a fantastic gateway series. The story is easy to follow, and each title can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger narrative.
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