- 🍙 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 Overseas? Here’s What You Should Know!
- 📺 Fruits Basket – International Streaming Guide (2025)
- ✨Ultimate Highlight Guide: Why Fruits Basket is So Special! ✨
- 🎬 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. 🌸
✅ 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 Overseas? Here’s What You Should Know!
Japanese VOD platforms like d Anime Store, U-NEXT, and DMM TV offer tons of anime — sometimes with earlier or exclusive content. But if you’re accessing them from outside Japan, here are a few friendly tips and important things to keep in mind! ✨
📝 Quick Comparison Table
| Service | Free Trial | English UI | Subtitles (EN) | Payment Method | VPN Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| d Anime Store | ✅ First month free | ❌ Japanese only | ❌ JP only | Japanese card / mobile only | ✅ Yes | Anime-heavy but no English support |
| U-NEXT | ✅ 31 days | ❌ Japanese only | ❌ JP only | Japanese card / gift code | ✅ Yes | Huge catalog incl. live-action & manga |
| DMM TV | ✅ 14 days | ❌ Japanese only | ❌ JP only | JP credit card / mobile | ✅ Yes | Great for anime & stage plays too |
| Amazon Prime Video JP | ✅ 30 days | ✅ (partially) | ✅ Some titles | Global cards OK | ✅ Yes (for JP content) | Some dubs & subs, but limited |
| Netflix JP | ❌ No free trial | ✅ Yes | ✅ Selected titles | Global cards OK | ✅ Yes (for JP library) | Easy UI, limited exclusive titles |
💡 What You Should Know Before You Start
1. 🔐 VPN is (Almost) a Must!
Most Japanese platforms are geo-blocked, meaning you’ll need a VPN with Japan server access to even open the site. Popular options: NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN.
2. 💳 Payment Can Be Tricky
Some platforms (like d Anime Store or DMM TV) only accept Japanese credit cards, mobile carrier billing, or gift codes.
💡 Tip: U-NEXT gift codes are sometimes available online via Japanese resellers!
3. 🈚 No English Subtitles
Most Japanese services do NOT offer English subs — everything is in Japanese. So they’re best for learners or native-level fans.
If you need subs, stick with Crunchyroll or Netflix Global.
4. 📱 UI is Only in Japanese
Menus, buttons, even the account setup are all in Japanese. Tools like Google Translate browser extensions can help a lot here!
🧭 Who Should Try Japanese VOD Services?
| Great for… | Maybe skip if… |
|---|---|
| Hardcore anime fans who want early access or uncensored content | You rely on English subs |
| Japanese learners who want immersion | You don’t want to mess with VPNs or translations |
| Fans of niche anime not licensed abroad | You prefer simple, global services |
🧡 Final Tip
If you’re curious, U-NEXT is often the most accessible choice — with the biggest selection, and occasional use of gift codes as workarounds for payment.
But if you want convenience and subs? Stick with Crunchyroll, HIDIVE, or Netflix in your own region 💻🌍
📺 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.
🌐 Language Options
| Language | Subtitles | Dubbed |
|---|---|---|
| English | ✅ | ✅ |
| Spanish | ✅ | ✅ |
| Portuguese | ✅ | ✅ |
| French | ✅ | ❌ |
| German | ✅ | ❌ |
| Italian | ✅ | ❌ |
| Russian | ✅ | ❌ |
📝 Note: Language availability may vary by platform and region. Crunchyroll usually has the widest selection!
✨Ultimate Highlight Guide: Why Fruits Basket is So Special! ✨
💫 Healing, heartwarming, tear-jerking… this anime will gently wrap your heart in kindness. 💐🐱
🧺① Season 1 – A Warm Beginning Filled with Kindness ✨
This is where it all begins.
Tohru, a high school girl who loses her home, ends up living with the mysterious Soma family — and that’s when everything changes.
- 💕 Tohru’s pure-hearted kindness slowly melts the pain hidden inside the Soma family.
- 🐱 The mysterious “Zodiac Curse” adds a deep emotional layer to the story.
- 👨👩👧👦 It gently explores family bonds, loneliness, and the longing to connect with others — themes that will resonate deeply.
🌸 This season is a healing treasure chest — watch it when your heart needs a hug.
💔② Season 2 – Secrets Revealed, and Inner Strength Grows 😭
Things get serious.
The dark truth behind the Soma family’s curse begins to unfold, and each character faces their past and their pain.
- 🔍 Akito’s complex role as the head of the Soma family starts to come to light — and it cuts deep.
- 💪 Yuki and Kyo begin to grow, reflect, and take steps toward emotional freedom.
- 👩❤️👨 The slow-burning spark between Tohru and Kyo will have your heart fluttering!
🕊️ This season hurts, but in a beautifully human way. You’ll cry, but you won’t regret it.
💍③ The Final Season – When the Curse Breaks, So Do the Tears 🌅
The grand finale is here.
The curse that has haunted the Soma family for generations is about to be lifted — and with it comes both heartbreak and new beginnings.
- 🧡 Kyo and Tohru face their pasts head-on in one of the most powerful arcs of the series!
- 💔 Yuki’s kindness and growth hit like an emotional avalanche. Prepare tissues.
- 🌱 The moment the curse breaks is magical — it truly feels like the world is finally breathing again.
😭 That scene, with that line — you’ll know it when you see it. Just… don’t miss it.
🎬④ Movie: Fruits Basket -prelude- – The Story of Her Mother Will Break You 😭
This is the origin story you didn’t know you needed.
The film dives into the past of Tohru’s mom, Kyoko, and her father, Katsuya — and even gives us a glimpse into Tohru and Kyo’s future. Yes, really!
- 👩👧👦 Kyoko’s journey from troubled teen to loving mother will absolutely wreck you.
- 💞 Her love story with Katsuya gives powerful meaning to that famous quote…
- 🕊️ The “after-story” with Tohru and Kyo is the emotional cherry on top! 🍒
🌸 You’ll never look at Kyoko the same way again. An essential watch for every Fruits Basket fan.
🎬 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:
- 💙 My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU – The Perfect Watch Order Guide
- 🐺 Spice and Wolf – A Complete Watch Order & Viewing Guide
- 🎮 Saekano – The Best Order to Watch Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend
📌 Want to support the blog?
If you found this guide helpful, feel free to bookmark it or share it with fellow anime fans!
And don’t forget to follow us for more detailed watch orders, anime breakdowns, and fangirl/fanboy-friendly content! ✨
コメント