- 🔥 Wondering Where to Start? Here’s the Best Watch Order for the Berserk Anime – Plus Streaming Info & Highlights!
- 🗡️ What Is Berserk All About?
- 🗡️ Berserk Anime Watch Order (2025 Edition)
- 📺 Berserk Anime Series Streaming Availability (Japan Only – 2025 Updated)
- 🌐 Watching Berserk on Japanese Streaming Services? Here’s What You Should Know!
- 🌍 Berserk Anime – International Streaming Availability (as of 2025)
- 🧡 Berserk Watchlist Highlights – Why Each Version Is Worth Your Love
- ✅ Final Thoughts – Ready to Begin Your Berserk Journey?
- ✅ Before You Go…
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Berserk Anime Watch Guide
🔥 Wondering Where to Start? Here’s the Best Watch Order for the Berserk Anime – Plus Streaming Info & Highlights!
Berserk is a legendary dark fantasy anime known for its intense storytelling and unforgettable characters. But with multiple adaptations over the years, many viewers—especially first-timers—ask the same question:
“Where should I start watching Berserk?”
Let’s get straight to the point:
✅ Recommended Watch Order:
- Berserk: The Sword-Wind Chronicle (1997)
- The Golden Age Arc – Memorial Edition (or the Movie Trilogy)
- Berserk (2016 & 2017 Series)
This order follows the story chronologically and gives you the most emotional impact from Guts’ epic journey. Trust us—it hits hard and stays with you.
✅ What You’ll Learn in This Article:
- The recommended & chronological watch order of the Berserk anime series
- Highlights and must-see moments from each version
- Streaming platform availability as of 2025 (for both Japan and global audiences)
🗡️ What Is Berserk All About?
Based on the manga by the late Kentaro Miura, Berserk is a dark, emotional, and gripping tale of revenge, friendship, and fate.
It follows the tragic and powerful story of Guts, a lone swordsman fighting against destiny and demons alike.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to enjoy the anime—whether you’re totally new to the franchise or revisiting it with fresh eyes.
From the best watch order to where to stream each series, we’ve got you covered in a clear and easy-to-follow way!
🗡️ Berserk Anime Watch Order (2025 Edition)
The Best Order for Maximum Impact – With Commentary!
| Order | Title | Type | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| ① | Berserk: The Sword-Wind Chronicle (1997) | TV Series (25 eps) | 1997 |
| ② | Berserk: The Golden Age Arc I – The Egg of the King | Movie | 2012 |
| ③ | Berserk: The Golden Age Arc II – The Battle for Doldrey | Movie | 2012 |
| ④ | Berserk: The Golden Age Arc III – The Advent | Movie | 2013 |
| ⑤ | Berserk: The Golden Age Arc – MEMORIAL EDITION | TV Series (13 eps) | 2022 |
| ⑥ | Berserk (2016) Season 1 | TV Series (12 eps) | 2016 |
| ⑦ | Berserk (2017) Season 2 | TV Series (12 eps) | 2017 |
💬 Why This Order?
✅ Start with the 1997 TV Series (①)
This is hands down one of the most beloved adaptations among fans. Despite its older animation, it captures the dark, tragic atmosphere of the Golden Age arc beautifully.
The pacing, character development, and emotional build-up are exceptional. Watching this first gives you a raw, emotional connection to Guts and Griffith that sticks.
✅ Then explore the Golden Age Movies (②–④) or MEMORIAL EDITION (⑤)
These retell the same arc as the 1997 anime but with modern visuals and a slightly different tone. If you’ve already watched the 1997 series, these aren’t required—but they’re worth watching if you want to relive the emotional rollercoaster with updated animation.
- 🔁 Pick either the Movie Trilogy (②–④) or the MEMORIAL EDITION (⑤). They cover mostly the same story.
- Movies: More cinematic, intense pacing.
- MEMORIAL: Slower, more TV-style with new scenes added.
Personal Tip: I watched both the 1997 version and the movies, and it deepened my emotional investment even though the stories overlap. Seeing Griffith’s descent again with modern visuals hit just as hard.
✅ Finish with the 2016–2017 Series (⑥–⑦)
These continue the story after the Golden Age, showing Guts as the Black Swordsman on his bloody path of revenge.
While the CG animation style is a bit divisive, the story content is absolutely essential. If you made it through the emotional carnage of the earlier arcs, this is where Guts truly evolves.
💡 Some fans skip these due to the animation, but I recommend powering through—they carry powerful story beats and introduce major characters like Farnese and Serpico.
🌟 Recommended Watch Flow:
| Watch Goal | Suggested Order |
|---|---|
| Full Emotional Impact | ① → ②–④ or ⑤ → ⑥ → ⑦ |
| Quick Golden Age Recap | ⑤ (MEMORIAL only) → ⑥ → ⑦ |
| Nostalgic Classic Route | ① only |
| Animation Lovers | ②–④ (Movies) → ⑥ → ⑦ |
🧠 Final Thoughts:
Watching Berserk in this order gives you the best blend of story, emotion, and progression. Starting with the older series may feel retro, but the payoff is so worth it. And once you dive into the later arcs, you’ll appreciate Guts’ journey even more deeply.
📺 Berserk Anime Series Streaming Availability (Japan Only – 2025 Updated)
| Streaming Service | Monthly Fee / Free Trial | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| DMM TV | ¥550/month / 14-day free trial | Berserk Seasons 1–4 (All episodes) – Unlimited streaming |
| U-NEXT | ¥2,189/month / 31-day free trial | Berserk Seasons 1–4 – Unlimited streaming |
| Amazon Prime Video (with ads) | ¥600/month / 30-day free trial | Seasons 1–4 available with additional channel subscription |
| d Anime Store | ¥550/month / First month free | Seasons 1–4 – Unlimited streaming |
| Hulu Japan | ¥1,026/month / No free trial | Season 1 only |
📝 Notes
- Seasons 1–4 Breakdown:
- Season 1 = 1997 TV anime
- Season 2 = 2016 anime
- Season 3 = 2017 anime
- Season 4 = MEMORIAL EDITION (2022)
- Movie Trilogy = The Golden Age Arc I–III (2012–2013), theatrical releases
🔍 Recommended for:
- First-time viewers who want everything:
→ DMM TV, U-NEXT, or d Anime Store - Budget-friendly option:
→ DMM TV (¥550/month with 14-day free trial)
🌐 Watching Berserk on Japanese Streaming Services? Here’s What You Should Know!
If you’re an international anime fan thinking of watching Berserk via Japanese platforms like DMM TV, U-NEXT, or dAnime Store, here are a few quick tips:
✅ Japanese-only interfaces
Most services are in Japanese only—so you might need Google Translate or a bit of language help to navigate menus and set up your account.
🌍 Region-locked content
These platforms typically require a Japanese IP address, so you’ll need a VPN set to Japan to access the content from overseas.
💳 Payment issues
Some services accept only Japanese credit cards or local payment methods. You may need a Japan-based payment solution or gift cards if available.
📺 No English subs or dubs
Almost all Japanese streaming versions are Japanese audio only with no subtitles, so some Japanese language understanding is recommended.
📝 Pro tip: If you want subs or dubs, platforms like Crunchyroll, Netflix (in select countries), and Amazon Prime Video are better options for international viewers.
🌍 Berserk Anime – International Streaming Availability (as of 2025)
| Platform | Available Content | Regions | Subtitles / Dub | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crunchyroll | – 1997 TV series – 2016 & 2017 series – Golden Age Arc: Memorial Edition (2022) | 🇺🇸 USA, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇪🇺 Europe, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇧🇷 LATAM, some parts of Asia | ✅ English, Spanish, Portuguese subtitles ✅ English dub (for 2016–17) | Most complete library for Berserk globally |
| Funimation (now merged into Crunchyroll) | – 2016 & 2017 series | 🇺🇸 USA, 🇨🇦 Canada (legacy) | ✅ English subtitles & dub | English dubbed version still accessible via Crunchyroll |
| Amazon Prime Video (via Crunchyroll Channel) | – 2016 & 2017 series | 🇺🇸 USA (Prime Channel) | ✅ Japanese audio with English subs ❌ Dub may vary | Requires extra subscription to Crunchyroll Channel |
| YouTube (official clips only) | – Partial/free episodes (time-limited) | 🌍 Worldwide | ✅ English subtitles | Limited to promotional uploads from official channels |
🔍 Quick Tips
- ✅ Best option globally: Crunchyroll — all major Berserk series with multilingual support.
- 🇺🇸 US viewers: Can also use Amazon Prime (via channel) as alternatives.
- 🧑🎤 Dub availability: Primarily on Crunchyroll, Funimation.
🧡 Berserk Watchlist Highlights – Why Each Version Is Worth Your Love
| Title | What Makes It Special 💫 | Why You’ll Love It 🥰 |
|---|---|---|
| Berserk: The Sword-Wind Chronicle (1997) | Classic hand-drawn animation with deep emotional storytelling. Covers the Golden Age Arc with raw intensity. | 👀 Perfect for first-timers who want to feel the true soul of Berserk. 😭 Builds a strong emotional bond with Guts and Griffith. 🎵 That haunting soundtrack? Instant chills. |
| The Golden Age Arc Movie Trilogy (2012–2013) | Beautiful, cinematic retelling of the Golden Age with enhanced visuals and action. | 🎬 For those who prefer fast pacing and stunning visuals. 💔 The Eclipse scene hits different with movie-quality animation. 🔥 Great for marathoning all 3 in one night. |
| The Golden Age Arc – MEMORIAL EDITION (2022) | Remastered TV version of the movie trilogy + new scenes + improved pacing. | 📺 Best of both worlds: movie-quality visuals in episodic format. 🆕 Bonus scenes that deepen emotional impact. ✨ Ideal if you want to relive the arc with added depth. |
| Berserk (2016) | Picks up where Golden Age ends – Guts becomes the Black Swordsman. Story shifts into darker, more supernatural territory. | 🖤 Watch Guts go full beast mode with the Dragonslayer sword. 🦇 Introduces iconic characters like Farnese & Serpico. ⚠️ Animation style is divisive, but the story’s fire. |
| Berserk (2017) | Continuation of Guts’ journey – more brutal battles and emotional struggles. | 💪 Guts’ character development goes deeper. 💔 Moments of pain, hope, and loyalty hit harder. 📖 You’ll want to read the manga afterward – guaranteed. |
🌟 Bonus Tip:
If you’re a fan of tragic heroes, intense sword fights, and emotional storytelling that lingers long after the credits roll, every version of Berserk brings something powerful to the table.
Whether you’re here for the art, the angst, or the armor, you’ll find your “oshi” in this masterpiece.
✅ Final Thoughts – Ready to Begin Your Berserk Journey?
Berserk isn’t just an anime—it’s an emotional experience. Whether you’re a complete beginner or revisiting it after reading the manga, watching the series in the right order can make all the difference.
From the classic 1997 version that tugs at your heart, to the high-impact movie trilogy, to the gritty continuation of Guts’ dark quest in the 2016–17 series—each adaptation brings something raw, powerful, and unforgettable.
So here’s your game plan:
🎬 Watch in this order:
1997 series → Golden Age (Memorial Edition or Movies) → 2016/2017 series
🧠 Want more?
- Try the Berserk manga to dive even deeper into Guts’ world
- Rewatch your favorite scenes and cry (again)
- Share this guide with fellow anime lovers or future “oshis” 🧡
Thank you so much for reading!
If this guide helped you, feel free to leave a comment, share it with your friends, or tag your Berserk watch party moments. See you in the darkness… with a big sword and a bigger heart.
✅ Before You Go…
📌 Looking for more watch order guides?
Check out our latest articles on:
- 🍃 Tamayura – Complete Watch Order Guide (2025)
- ✈️ Strike Witches – How to Watch the Series in the Right Order (2025)
- ☠️ Soul Eater – The Ultimate 2025 Watch Guide
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If you found this guide helpful, feel free to bookmark it or share it with fellow fans!
And be sure to follow us for more anime viewing guides, highlight breakdowns, and fangirl-worthy content. ✨
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Berserk Anime Watch Guide
1. What’s the correct watch order for the Berserk anime in 2025?
The recommended watch order is:
👉 Berserk (1997) → Golden Age Arc – Memorial Edition (or the Movie Trilogy) → Berserk (2016 & 2017).
This order follows the story chronologically and gives you the best emotional and narrative flow.
2. Can I skip the 1997 Berserk anime if I watch the movie trilogy or MEMORIAL EDITION?
Technically, yes—you can skip it, since the movie trilogy and MEMORIAL EDITION retell the same Golden Age story.
However, many fans recommend starting with the 1997 version for its deeper character development and emotional buildup.
3. Is Berserk 2016 and 2017 worth watching despite the CGI animation?
Yes! While the animation style is controversial, the 2016–2017 series continues the story beyond the Golden Age and introduces essential characters and arcs.
If you’re invested in Guts’ journey, it’s a must-watch.
4. Where can I stream Berserk anime series legally in 2025?
Globally, you can watch Berserk on platforms like Crunchyroll, Hulu, Amazon Prime (via channels), and Netflix (for select regions).
Each platform offers different versions (1997, 2016–2017, MEMORIAL), with English subtitles and, in most cases, dubs.
5. Should I read the manga after watching the anime?
Absolutely! The anime only covers a portion of the full story.
Reading the Berserk manga gives you the complete narrative, incredible artwork, and a much deeper understanding of Guts, Griffith, and the world they inhabit.
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