Introduction
Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day is an emotional coming-of-age anime that tells the story of childhood friends who reunite to fulfill a wish for their lost friend, Menma.
Known for its touching narrative, stunning visuals, and a soundtrack that tugs at the heartstrings, this series has left a lasting impact on many viewers.
With both a TV anime and a movie adaptation, some may wonder, “What’s the best order to watch Anohana?”
The answer is simple: watching in release order is the best way to experience it!
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ The recommended watch order based on release dates
✅ Summaries and key highlights of each installment
✅ Whether chronological order matters
✅ Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the series
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to enjoy Anohana to its fullest!
1. What’s the Best Order to Watch Anohana? Stick to the Release Order!
The Anohana series consists of just two entries: the TV anime and a movie adaptation. To fully appreciate the story, it’s best to watch the anime first and then the movie, as the latter provides a recap along with additional content.
Anohana Series Watch Order (Release Date Order)
| No. | Type | Title | Release Year | Streaming Platforms (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ① | TV Anime | Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day | 2011 | – |
| ② | Movie | Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day – The Movie | 2013 | – |
✅ Why Watching in Release Order is the Best Choice
✔ You get the full emotional impact of the original TV series before experiencing the movie’s recap and extra scenes.
✔ The movie revisits the story from different perspectives, which enhances the experience after watching the anime.
✔ The character growth and relationships develop naturally when watched in order.
2. Chronological Order of the Anohana Series
Unlike some anime with complex timelines, Anohana follows a straightforward chronological order, meaning the release order and the story’s timeline are the same.
The movie serves as both a recap and an epilogue, making it best suited for viewing after the TV anime.
✅ Pros of Watching in Chronological Order
✔ Allows for a structured viewing experience with no confusion.
✔ Watching the TV anime first makes the emotional moments in the movie more impactful.
3.Streaming
As of February 2025, Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day is available for streaming on several platforms, though availability varies by region. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
1. Crunchyroll
- Availability: Anohana is accessible on Crunchyroll in multiple regions, including the United States and Canada.
- Subtitles/Dubbing: The series is available with English subtitles.
- Release Date: The anime has been part of Crunchyroll’s library since its initial release.
2. Amazon Prime Video
- Availability: In the United States, Anohana can be streamed through Amazon Prime Video via the Crunchyroll channel.
- Subtitles/Dubbing: Episodes come with English subtitles.
- Release Date: The series has been available on Amazon Prime Video for several years.
3. Netflix
- Availability: Anohana is available on Netflix in select regions, including Japan.
- Subtitles/Dubbing: In Japan, the series is available with Japanese audio and subtitles.
- Release Date: The series has been part of Netflix Japan’s catalog since its release.
4. Funimation
- Availability: In the United States, Anohana is available for streaming on Funimation.
- Subtitles/Dubbing: The series is available with English subtitles.
- Release Date: The series has been part of Funimation’s library since its initial release.
5. Apple TV
- Availability: Anohana is listed on Apple TV; however, it is primarily available in Japanese with Japanese subtitles, and may not support English-language audiences.
- Subtitles/Dubbing: Japanese audio with Japanese subtitles.
- Release Date: The series has been available on Apple TV since its release.
6. Aniplex USA
- Availability: Aniplex USA has released Anohana on DVD and Blu-ray, which can be purchased through various retailers.
- Subtitles/Dubbing: Physical copies typically include English subtitles and may offer English dubbing.
- Release Date: Physical releases have been available since the series’ initial run.
Regional Availability Notes:
- United States: Viewers can stream Anohana on Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video (via the Crunchyroll channel), and Funimation.
- Canada: The series is accessible through Crunchyroll.
- Japan: Available on Netflix Japan and Apple TV with Japanese subtitles.
Please note that streaming availability is subject to change based on licensing agreements. For the most current information, it’s advisable to check each platform’s official website or app.
4. Overview & Highlights of Each Entry
① Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day (TV Anime, 2011)
✅ The story follows Jinta “Jintan” Yadomi, a once-outgoing boy who has become a recluse after the death of his childhood friend, Meiko “Menma” Honma. One summer day, Menma appears before him as a ghost, asking for her long-forgotten wish to be granted. However, Jintan is the only one who can see and hear her.
✅ In an attempt to help Menma move on, Jintan reunites with his former childhood friends:
- Naruko “Anaru” Anjou – Once a cheerful girl, she now struggles with insecurities and regrets about her past feelings for Jintan.
- Atsumu “Yukiatsu” Matsuyuki – The seemingly perfect student, but beneath his confident facade, he harbors deep emotional scars from Menma’s death.
- Chiriko “Tsuruko” Tsurumi – Quiet and observant, she understands the group better than anyone but struggles with her own hidden emotions.
- Tetsudou “Poppo” Hisakawa – The most carefree member, always cheerful and full of energy, yet carrying silent burdens of his own.
💡 As the group reunites, they are forced to confront their unresolved grief, personal regrets, and lingering emotions. The tension between them grows as they struggle to believe Jintan’s claim that Menma’s ghost is real.
🎭 The characters’ emotional depth is one of the strongest aspects of the series. Each member of the “Super Peace Busters” has been affected by Menma’s passing in different ways, making their interactions deeply compelling.
🎬 The animation beautifully captures the warmth of summer in the small town, using soft lighting and nostalgic settings to enhance the bittersweet atmosphere. Subtle details, like the sunlight filtering through trees or the swaying of grass in the wind, make the world feel alive and immersive.
🎶 The ending theme, “Secret Base Kimi ga Kureta Mono,” is an emotional powerhouse. Originally performed by Zone, the song serves as a nostalgic reminder of childhood promises and memories. It plays at the end of each episode, growing more poignant as the series progresses.
🎬 The final episode is one of the most heart-wrenching conclusions in anime history. As the characters finally accept their emotions and Menma’s presence, the truth behind her wish is revealed in a powerful and tearful farewell scene. It’s a moment that resonates deeply with viewers, leaving a lasting impact.
② Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day – The Movie (2013)
✅ This movie serves as both a recap of the TV anime and an epilogue, showing how the characters have changed one year after Menma’s wish was fulfilled.
✅ Unlike a typical recap movie, Anohana: The Movie reintroduces the story from the perspectives of each character, giving deeper insight into their emotions and internal struggles. These reflective moments allow viewers to understand how each person processed their grief and how they are moving forward with their lives.
💡 The story takes place on the first anniversary of Menma’s departure. Jintan, Anaru, Yukiatsu, Tsuruko, and Poppo visit their old secret base, where they reflect on the past and share letters they had written to Menma. These heartfelt messages offer new emotional depth, showing how much they’ve grown since their childhood days.
🎭 The character development is particularly strong in the movie.
- Jintan, who once isolated himself, has started opening up to others.
- Anaru is working hard to move forward from her past insecurities.
- Yukiatsu, no longer consumed by jealousy and regret, is becoming more mature.
- Tsuruko, who had always kept her feelings bottled up, learns to express herself.
- Poppo, despite his usual cheerfulness, finally shares the guilt he had been carrying.
🎬 The movie features beautifully remastered scenes from the anime, along with newly animated sequences that seamlessly blend into the original footage. The cinematography enhances the emotional impact, using close-ups and soft lighting to highlight the characters’ facial expressions during key moments.
🎶 “Secret Base Kimi ga Kureta Mono” makes a return, but this time, it carries even more emotional weight. Hearing the song again in the movie’s final moments reinforces the themes of remembrance and moving forward.
🎬 The movie’s final scene delivers a strong sense of closure. While the TV anime ended on a powerful emotional note, the movie provides a more reflective and peaceful resolution, showing that the Super Peace Busters have truly come to terms with their past and are ready to embrace their future.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Can I watch just the movie without watching the anime?
→ Technically, yes, since it’s a recap, but the TV anime provides the full experience and emotional depth that makes the story so powerful.
Q2. Does the movie add anything new to the story?
→ Yes, it includes new character perspectives and scenes showing what happens after the TV anime ends.
Q3. Will I get bored watching the recap?
→ Not at all! While the movie retells the story, it does so with fresh angles and added content that make it worthwhile.
5. Conclusion
To fully appreciate Anohana, watching in release order is the best approach! The TV anime delivers the full emotional experience, while the movie serves as a touching epilogue, providing deeper insight into the characters’ feelings.
If you’re looking for an anime that will make you laugh, cry, and reflect on the power of friendship, Anohana is a must-watch.
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