- 🍙 Start Here: The Best Watch Order for Fruits Basket
- 🍃 So, What is Fruits Basket About?
- ✅ Recommended Watch Order (Release Order)
- 🍎 Fruits Basket Streaming Availability (Japan, April 2025)
- 🇯🇵 Watching Japanese Streaming Services from Abroad? Here’s What You Need to Know!
- 📺 Fruits Basket – International Streaming Guide (2025)
- 🍑 Fruits Basket Highlights Guide — Fan’s Perspective & “Oshi-Katsu” Style
- 🎬 What’s the Difference Between the 2001 Fruits Basket and the 2019 Remake?
- 📝 Final Thoughts: Let Fruits Basket Heal Your Heart 💕
- ✅ Before You Go…
🍙 Start Here: The Best Watch Order for Fruits Basket
Let’s get straight to the point — here’s the recommended watch order:
▶️ Fruits Basket (2019) 1st Season → 2nd Season → The Final → Movie: -prelude-
Watching it in this order ensures a smooth flow of the story, with each season building emotional depth as you learn more about the characters.
Although -prelude- is a prequel, it hits way harder if you watch it after finishing the main series — trust us, the emotions will land deeper! 😭💘
🧸 What You’ll Learn in This Article
This guide is designed for both new and returning anime fans! Here’s what we’ll walk you through:
- 🕰 Recommended & chronological watch orders
- 💡 Highlights and story summaries for each season and the movie
- 🌐 Streaming info (where to watch it, both in Japan & internationally)
- 🎬 Differences between the 2019 remake and the older 2001 version
Whether you’re just getting started or rewatching with fresh eyes, we’ve got all the info you need!
🍃 So, What is Fruits Basket About?
Here’s a quick intro:
Fruits Basket follows high school girl Tohru Honda, who loses her home and ends up living with the mysterious Soma family — a group of people cursed to transform into animals of the Chinese zodiac when hugged by the opposite sex.
It’s a heartwarming, sometimes heartbreaking story about trauma, healing, family, and learning to love and accept both others and yourself.
A true emotional rollercoaster — funny, sad, comforting — and one of the most beloved modern anime of all time. 🌸
💖 Ready to Dive Deeper? Check Out the Official Anime Website for Visuals, Cast, and Staff Info →▶ Official Website Here
✅ Recommended Watch Order (Release Order)
This order is best for first-time viewers who want the story to unfold with maximum emotional impact. Watching in this sequence lets you grow alongside the characters as the mystery gradually deepens.
| Title | Release Year | Episodes / Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fruits Basket 1st Season | 2019 | 25 episodes | Introduces Tohru and the Soma family. A warm yet mysterious beginning. |
| Fruits Basket 2nd Season | 2020 | 25 episodes | The curse becomes clearer; characters face emotional growth and struggle. |
| Fruits Basket: The Final | 2021 | 13 episodes | The climax of the story. Secrets are revealed. Tears are guaranteed. 😭 |
| Movie: Fruits Basket -prelude- | 2022 | About 88 mins | A prequel and epilogue — telling the love story of Tohru’s parents and showing what happens after the finale. A must-watch for closure. 💫 |
📝 Why this order?
Seeing the main story first makes the movie hit so much harder emotionally. If you watch the movie first, it might spoil the core mystery and lessen the emotional weight of Tohru’s journey.
🕰 Chronological Watch Order (Story Timeline)
For those who want to follow the events in chronological order — from Tohru’s parents’ youth to the end of the main series.
| Order | Title | What Happens | Caution |
|---|---|---|---|
| ① | Movie: Fruits Basket -prelude- | The tragic but beautiful love story of Kyoko and Katsuya (Tohru’s parents). | 🚨 Spoilers ahead! Watching this first reveals emotional beats meant to be discovered later. |
| ② | Fruits Basket 1st Season | Tohru begins living with the Somas and slowly uncovers their secret. | Wholesome, funny, emotional — a perfect entry point. 🌸 |
| ③ | Fruits Basket 2nd Season | The story deepens. The past of each Soma member is explored. | Things get darker here, but beautifully so. |
| ④ | Fruits Basket: The Final | The curse reaches its conclusion. Characters find freedom and love. | Cathartic and unforgettable. One of the best anime endings. 💖 |
📝 Personal Note:
Chronological order can be interesting on a rewatch, but I strongly suggest saving the movie for the end.
Watching the prequel after the main story actually amplifies the emotions because you already know how important Kyoko was to Tohru.
🔄 What About the 2001 Version?
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Fruits Basket (2001 anime) |
| Episodes | 26 |
| Coverage | Roughly up to volume 6 of the manga — ends before the real drama kicks in. |
| Notes | This version is charming and nostalgic, but diverges heavily from the manga. No proper ending. Think of it as a side dish — watch it after the 2019 series if you’re curious. 🍱 |
🌟 Final Thoughts
- If you’re new to Fruits Basket, watch the 2019–2021 trilogy first, then treat yourself to the -prelude- movie. That’s the most powerful emotional journey.
- The 2001 version is a nice bonus if you’re curious about the older style or want to compare how the tone changed across generations.
💬 “Fruits Basket isn’t just a shoujo anime — it’s a story about healing, family, identity, and learning to forgive. Watching it in the right order lets you fully experience its emotional power.”
🍎 Fruits Basket Streaming Availability (Japan, April 2025)
Legend:
🔴 = Included in subscription (Unlimited streaming)
⭐ = Rental only
❌ = Not available
| Platform | Fruits Basket (2001 ver.) | Fruits Basket 1st Season | Fruits Basket 2nd Season | Fruits Basket: The Final | Movie Fruits Basket -prelude- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| d Anime Store | 🔴 Available | 🔴 Available | 🔴 Available | 🔴 Available | 🔴 Available |
| U-NEXT | 🔴 Available | 🔴 Available | 🔴 Available | 🔴 Available | 🔴 Available |
| Abema Premium | ❌ Not available | ❌ Not available | ❌ Not available | ❌ Not available | ❌ Not available |
| Hulu (Japan) | ❌ Not available | 🔴 Available | 🔴 Available | 🔴 Available | ❌ Not available |
| Amazon Prime Video | ⭐ Rental only | ⭐ Rental only | ⭐ Rental only | ⭐ Rental only | ⭐ Rental only |
| DMM TV | 🔴 Available | 🔴 Available | 🔴 Available | 🔴 Available | 🔴 Available |
📝 Note: This information is current as of April 2025. Please check the official VOD service sites for the latest availability.
🇯🇵 Watching Japanese Streaming Services from Abroad? Here’s What You Need to Know!
- Most services are geo-locked to Japan.
→ You’ll need a Japanese IP address (VPN) to access most Japanese platforms like dAnime Store, U-NEXT, ABEMA, etc. - No English subtitles (usually).
→ Japanese services mainly cater to native speakers—subtitles are usually in Japanese only. - Payment requires Japanese methods.
→ Some platforms require a Japanese credit card, address, or phone number to sign up. - Amazon Prime Video JP is region-specific.
→ Even if you have Amazon Prime in your country, you’ll need a Japanese Prime account to watch JP-only titles. - Streaming schedules follow Japan Time (JST).
→ New episodes drop based on JST, so time differences may apply.
📝 Bonus Tip:
Some global services (like Netflix or Disney+) also offer Japanese-only exclusives, but availability and subtitles vary by region. Always check your local library!
📺 Fruits Basket – International Streaming Guide (2025)
| 🌐 Platform | 📦 Seasons Available | 🎬 -prelude- Movie | 💬 Subbed | 🗣 Dubbed | 🌍 Available Regions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crunchyroll | ✅ Seasons 1–3 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Most countries (USA, UK, Canada, etc.) |
| Hulu (USA) | ✅ Seasons 1–3 | ❌ Not available | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | 🇺🇸 USA only |
| Amazon Prime Video | ✅ Seasons 1–3 (buy/rent) | ❌ Not available | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Depends on country |
| Netflix | ✅ Seasons 1–3 | ❌ Not available | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 🇯🇵🇰🇷🇮🇳 Southeast Asia (e.g., Japan, India, Singapore) |
| Disney+ | ✅ Seasons 1–3 | ❌ Not available | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Select Asian countries (e.g., Japan, Malaysia, HK) |
💡 Friendly Tips!
- 🎯 Best Overall Experience:
→ Crunchyroll wins! You get everything, including the emotional -prelude- movie, with both subs and dubs. - 💰 On a Budget (USA only):
→ Hulu offers dubbed episodes if you’re more into English voiceovers, but no movie. - 🌍 In Asia or using a VPN:
→ Try Netflix or Disney+ — they have the series in several Asian countries with multi-language support. - 🛒 Already using Prime?
→ You can purchase or rent the episodes on Amazon Prime Video, but availability may vary.
📝 Note: Language availability may vary by platform and region. Crunchyroll usually has the widest selection!
🍑 Fruits Basket Highlights Guide — Fan’s Perspective & “Oshi-Katsu” Style
| Series | Highlights (Fan-Focused Commentary) | Oshi-Katsu Points (How to Enjoy!) |
|---|---|---|
| 🍙 Original (2001) | Covers the early part of the manga. Has a more comedic tone and nostalgic early-2000s vibe. | Great for “retro oshi-katsu”! Enjoy the old-school art, OP/ED songs, and original voice cast charm. |
| 🍙 1st Season (2019) | Faithful reboot following the manga. Deeper emotional moments and richer character development. Tearjerking scenes galore. | Tohru’s healing presence and the Sohma family’s emotional contrasts make this a perfect season for “tear-filled oshi-katsu.” Ideal place to start! |
| 🍙 2nd Season (2020) | Backstories and emotional wounds are revealed. Yuki and Kyo’s growth arcs truly begin. | Fans usually pick their fave characters here. Great for “watch-over oshi-katsu” — cheering on your favorite’s journey. |
| 🍙 The Final (2021) | All the mysteries come together. The curse and family bonds reach a moving conclusion. | So many emotional payoffs, reunions, and confessions. The last episodes = “emotional closure oshi-katsu.” Bring tissues! |
| 🍙 Fruits Basket -prelude- (Movie) | Focuses on Tohru’s parents, Kyoko and Katsuya. Includes a bonus post-finale scene. | Perfect for Kyoko stans and fans who want to extend the “Fruits Basket feels.” Ultimate “epilogue oshi-katsu.” |
💡 Ways to Enjoy Fruits Basket Even More – Oshi-Katsu Tips
| Focus | Details | How to Enjoy It |
|---|---|---|
| 💖 Character Growth | Especially Kyo and Yuki’s emotional journey. Tohru’s unwavering kindness is the glue. | Rewatch key episodes and track your oshi’s growth — like keeping a “character growth journal.” ❤️ |
| 💫 Voice Acting | Nobunaga Shimazaki (Yuki), Yuma Uchida (Kyo), and Manaka Iwami (Tohru) bring the characters to life beautifully. | Collect your favorite voice lines and build a “voice actor oshi-katsu” playlist! Soothing and powerful. |
| 🎶 Music & Themes | Songs like Home, Spring Will Come, Place of Warmth perfectly match the emotional tone. | Make a Fruits Basket playlist for everyday listening. Lyric deep-dives = “emotional music oshi-katsu.” |
| 📘 Manga Dive | Re-reading the manga after the anime brings new layers of meaning and detail. | Try the “anime → manga → anime again” cycle — it hits harder each time. Ultimate “deep dive oshi-katsu”! |
| 📸 Iconic Scenes | Confessions, hugs, tears, smiles — so many moments you’ll want to screenshot and treasure. | Create your own “oshi folder” with favorite stills or fanart. Totally healing! |
🧡 Fan Advice – How to Get the Most Out of Your Oshi-Katsu Journey
- Feeling emotional? Watch Kyo and Tohru’s final confession scene from The Final. It’s pure catharsis.
- Do a “Favorite Character Poll” with friends or on social media — it’s surprisingly fun!
- Watch the Prelude movie after finishing the series for the perfect emotional encore.
- Team Yuki vs. Team Kyo — friendly debates are a fan tradition!
- Make an “Oshi Quote Notebook” — fill it with inspiring, emotional lines to keep you going IRL.
🎬 What’s the Difference Between the 2001 Fruits Basket and the 2019 Remake?
If you’ve heard there are two Fruits Basket anime series and feel a little confused — don’t worry, you’re not alone! 🙈✨
Here’s a simple breakdown of what makes the 2001 version different from the 2019 remake (a.k.a. the “complete” version).
🌼 ① The 2001 Anime – Nostalgic but Incomplete
The original Fruits Basket aired back in 2001 and holds a special place in many fans’ hearts. But here’s the thing:
- 📚 It only covers part of the manga — around Volume 6 (out of 23).
- 🌀 It adds some anime-original scenes and changes the tone to be lighter and more comedic.
- ❌ No resolution to the curse, no Akito backstory, no real closure.
💬 “Wait, that’s it!?” — yep, the 2001 version ends before things get really deep and emotional.
🧃 Still, it has a soft, nostalgic vibe and a very gentle 2000s anime feel. If you’re curious, it’s a fun watch after finishing the remake!
💫 ② The 2019–2021 Remake – The Full Story, Finally!
This is the version most fans recommend for first-time viewers — and for good reason:
- 📖 It adapts the entire manga, start to finish.
- 🎭 The tone is more faithful to the original story — deeper, darker, and much more emotional.
- 🧩 We finally get to see the curse’s origin, Akito’s secrets, and how each character finds peace.
😭 If you want the full emotional experience and true ending, the 2019 version is the way to go!
💡 So, Which One Should You Watch?
| Type of Viewer | Recommended Version | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 🎬 First-timer | 2019–2021 remake | It’s complete, faithful, and incredibly moving. |
| 💖 90s/00s anime fan | 2001 version (optional) | Fun as a retro bonus watch after finishing the remake. |
| 🔄 Rewatcher | Both! | It’s fun to compare how the same scenes are handled. |
✨TL;DR:
Watch the 2019 version first. Then, if you’re curious or nostalgic, check out the 2001 version for a different flavor of Furuba magic! 🍙💕
📝 Final Thoughts: Let Fruits Basket Heal Your Heart 💕
Whether you’re just stepping into the world of Fruits Basket or revisiting it with fresh eyes, watching it in the right order truly makes all the difference.
✨ Recommended Order:
→ 1st Season → 2nd Season → The Final → Movie: -prelude-
This order lets you experience the story’s emotional growth naturally, saving the powerful prequel for last — just when your heart is most ready for it. 💫
If you’ve made it this far, one thing is certain: you’re in for an unforgettable journey filled with laughter, tears, healing, and love.
Thank you for reading — and may your journey through the Zodiac be as healing as it is heartfelt. 🌸
If you have any favorites, tearjerker moments, or questions, let’s chat in the comments below!
✅ Before You Go…
📌 Looking for more anime watch order guides?
Check out our latest recommendations here:
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- 🐺 Spice and Wolf – A Complete Watch Order & Viewing Guide
- 🎮 Saekano – The Best Order to Watch Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend
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