- 📝 Let’s Start with the Conclusion!
- 💀 So, What Is Death Note?
- 📺 Death Note Anime Watch Order (2025 Updated Guide)
- 📺 Where to Watch Death Note Anime in Japan (2025 Edition)
- 🌏 For International Fans: A Quick Note on Watching via Japanese Streaming Services
- 🌍 Death Note – International Streaming Platforms (2025)
- 💖 Must-Watch Moments & Fan-Favorite Characters (Beginner-Friendly Guide)
- ✅ Final Thoughts: Ready to Dive into Death Note?
- ✅ Before You Go…
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
📝 Let’s Start with the Conclusion!
When it comes to watching Death Note, the viewing order is super simple!
The recommended order is:
“TV anime (all 37 episodes) → Recap Specials (Relight 1 & 2).”
If you’re new to the series, we strongly recommend watching the full TV anime first. After that, the recap movies are great for revisiting the story from a fresh perspective!
📚 What You’ll Learn in This Article
This guide will help you understand everything you need to know to enjoy Death Note:
- ✅ The best watch order (and how it matches the story’s timeline)
- ✅ Highlights and must-watch scenes (even if you’re a beginner)
- ✅ Streaming availability — where to watch in Japan & internationally
- ✅ Info on dubbed/subbed versions, and how to watch it for free
💀 So, What Is Death Note?
Death Note is a gripping psychological thriller about a mysterious notebook that causes the death of anyone whose name is written in it.
The story follows genius high schooler Light Yagami and his intense battle of wits with the world-renowned detective, L.
It’s not your typical action or slice-of-life anime — it’s a one-of-a-kind suspense story that hooks you from the very first episode. No wonder it’s become a global phenomenon!
In the sections that follow, we’ll dive deeper into the watch order, discuss whether the recap movies are worth your time, and help you find the best streaming options.
Whether you’re a first-time viewer or revisiting the series after years, this guide has everything you need to get the most out of Death Note!
📺 Death Note Anime Watch Order (2025 Updated Guide)
— Best viewing experience for new and returning fans alike —
| Watch Order | Title | Format | Release Year | Notes & Commentary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ① | DEATH NOTE (All 37 Episodes) | TV Anime | 2006–2007 | The original series. Start here. This is the full experience — nothing beats watching it unfold from episode 1. |
| ② | DEATH NOTE: Relight – Visions of a God | Recap Special | 2007 | A condensed version of the first half, told from Ryuk’s perspective. Optional, but it offers a fun retelling after watching the series. |
| ③ | DEATH NOTE: Relight 2 – L’s Successors | Recap Special | 2008 | A summary of the second half of the story. Not necessary, but great if you’re short on time or revisiting the story. |
🌟 Why This Order?
This watch order follows the original release and story timeline, so you’ll naturally experience the character development, plot twists, and emotional highs and lows as intended. Watching it in this order helps preserve the tension and reveals — especially the psychological battles between Light and L.
🎯 Personal Recommendation
- If you’re watching for the first time → Stick to Episode 1–37. The full series delivers the most powerful emotional payoff, and nothing can replace the depth it offers.
- If you’re rewatching or short on time → The Relight specials are great alternatives. While they cut some nuance and tension, they still give you the core story in a shorter runtime.
- Optional but rewarding → Watching the recap specials after the full series can deepen your appreciation. For example, Ryuk’s narration in Visions of a God adds a fresh perspective, especially on Light’s journey.
💡 Final Thoughts
By watching the series in this order, the buildup feels natural, and the emotional impact hits harder.
The Relight specials aren’t essential, but they’re enjoyable bonuses — especially for fans who want to relive the story in a tighter format. I personally found the second recap (L’s Successors) particularly nostalgic, especially after rewatching the full series.
If you’re a first-time viewer, just dive into the original anime — you won’t regret it.
📺 Where to Watch Death Note Anime in Japan (2025 Edition)
| Service | Availability | Monthly Price (JPY, incl. tax) | Free Trial | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DMM TV | Unlimited streaming | ¥550 | 14 days | Full anime (37 episodes) + 2 recap specials. Comes with bonus points. |
| U-NEXT | Unlimited streaming | ¥2,189 | 31 days | Includes anime, recaps, and live-action spinoffs. 600pt bonus. |
| d Anime Store | Unlimited streaming | ¥550 | 31 days | All episodes + recaps. Anime-focused with download support. |
| ABEMA Premium | Unlimited streaming | ¥580 | None | Streaming available, limited anime extras. |
| Hulu Japan | Unlimited streaming | ¥1,026 | None | Streams both anime and recap specials. |
| Netflix Japan | Unlimited streaming | ¥790–1,980 | None | Full series and recap movies included. |
| Amazon Prime Video Japan | Unlimited (Prime members) | ¥600 | 30 days | Full series + recaps available to Prime users. |
💡 Best Value Recommendations
| Rank | Platform | Why It’s Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| 🥇 | DMM TV | Most affordable. Includes everything + free points for extras like manga. |
| 🥈 | d Anime Store | Anime-centric, easy UI, and excellent for binge-watching. |
| 🥉 | U-NEXT | Best for those who want anime + live-action + other shows in one place. |
✅ Tips for First-Time Viewers
- If you’re new to the series and want to watch everything, go with DMM TV or d Anime Store.
- For extra content like live-action movies, U-NEXT is your best bet.
- If you’re already subscribed to Netflix, Prime Video, or Hulu, Death Note is ready to stream there too.
🌏 For International Fans: A Quick Note on Watching via Japanese Streaming Services
Thinking of watching Death Note through Japanese platforms like U-NEXT, dAnime Store, or DMM TV? Great choice — but here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
🗾 1. Region Locked Content
Most Japanese services are region-locked, meaning you can’t access them from outside Japan without a Japanese IP address.
👉 Some fans use VPNs, but please do your own research on that!
🈁 2. Japanese Language Interface
These platforms are usually Japanese-only — no English UI, subs, or dubs.
But don’t worry! If you’re familiar with basic kanji or using a translation browser extension, it’s totally manageable.
💳 3. Payment Methods
Many services require a Japanese credit card or local payment method to sign up.
Some international cards work, but not always — so be prepared.
📱 4. App-Only Access for Some Titles
On services like DMM TV, certain content is only available through the app, not on the web browser.
🎌 In short: Watching via Japanese platforms can be a fun experience (and sometimes the only way to see certain extras), but it does take a little setup.
If that sounds like a hassle, services like Netflix, Crunchyroll, or Hulu may be easier and fully localized for your region.
Happy watching — and enjoy the dark genius of Death Note! 💀📓✨
🌍 Death Note – International Streaming Platforms (2025)
| Platform | Available Regions | Subtitles & Dubs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | USA, Canada, Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific | ✅ English Subtitles ✅ English Dub | Widely available. Full series with subs & dubs. |
| Hulu (USA only) | USA | ✅ English Subtitles ✅ English Dub | Includes both original Japanese audio and English dub. |
| Amazon Prime Video | USA, UK, parts of Asia & Europe (availability varies) | ✅ English Subtitles 🔁 Dub availability varies | May require rental/purchase in some regions. |
| Crunchyroll | Canada, Latin America, parts of Europe & Asia (not USA) | ✅ English Subtitles 🔁 Partial Dub | Region-dependent availability; not currently in the US. |
| Tubi (USA only) | USA | ✅ English Subtitles ⛔ No Dub | Free with ads. Limited to Japanese audio with subtitles. |
| Pluto TV / Roku / Peacock (Free) | USA | ✅ English Subtitles ⛔ No Dub | Ad-supported streaming. Basic subtitle access only. |
| Funimation | North America, UK, parts of Europe | ✅ English Subtitles ✅ English Dub | Great for anime fans; may require subscription. |
✅ Recommendations by Region
| Region | Recommended Platforms |
|---|---|
| USA | Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Tubi, Peacock, Pluto TV |
| Canada | Netflix, Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime |
| UK/Europe | Netflix, Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime, Funimation |
| Latin America | Netflix, Crunchyroll |
| Asia-Pacific | Netflix, Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime |
🔤 Sub & Dub Summary
- English Subtitles → Available on all major platforms listed
- English Dub → Available on Netflix, Hulu, Funimation (some regions), partially on Crunchyroll
💖 Must-Watch Moments & Fan-Favorite Characters (Beginner-Friendly Guide)
| 💫 Highlight | 🧑🎤 Who to Watch & Why | 📝 What Makes It So Good |
|---|---|---|
| 🎭 Light vs. L – The Ultimate Mind Game | Light Yagami (a genius with a dark secret) L (a barefoot detective with a sweet tooth) | Their psychological cat-and-mouse game is pure anime gold! Every episode feels like a chess match. |
| 🍰 L’s Quirky Habits | L (yes, again!) | His love of sweets, weird posture, and deadpan lines make him iconic and oddly charming. |
| 👼 Ryuk, the Apple-Loving Shinigami | Ryuk (the death god with zero chill) | He’s not here to help or hurt — he just wants to be entertained. Total chaos energy 🍎 |
| 📖 The First Use of the Death Note | Light | The moment Light discovers the Death Note is chilling and brilliant. Sets the tone perfectly. |
| 🕵️ The Kira Task Force Assembles | Soichiro Yagami, Matsuda, and others | A rare group of good-hearted adults fighting for justice. Matsuda brings the heart ❤️ |
| 😱 The Shocking Plot Twists | Everyone… | Let’s just say, this anime is not afraid to take bold moves. You’ll be on the edge of your seat. |
💡 Tip for First-Time Viewers:
Even if you’re not used to suspense or mystery anime, Death Note pulls you in with its smart writing, stylish direction, and unforgettable characters.
You’ll probably end up picking a “team” — Team Light or Team L — without even realizing it!
✅ Final Thoughts: Ready to Dive into Death Note?
If you’ve made it this far — congrats! You now know the best way to watch Death Note, what makes it such a legendary anime, and where to stream it no matter where you are in the world.
Let’s quickly recap:
- 📺 Best Watch Order: TV Anime (1–37) → Recap Specials (Relight 1 & 2)
- 🌟 Why it’s special: Mind-blowing plot twists, iconic characters, and intense psychological battles
- 🌍 Streaming info: Available on Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Crunchyroll, and more — with subs & dubs!
Whether you’re a first-time viewer or a returning fan, Death Note never loses its impact. So grab some snacks (maybe an apple 🍎?), choose your side (Team Light or Team L?), and start watching!
💬 Enjoyed this guide?
If this article helped you out, feel free to share it with fellow anime fans, or drop a comment with your favorite Death Note moment.
And don’t forget to check out our other anime watch order guides — your next obsession might be just a click away!
✅ Before You Go…
📌 Looking for more watch order guides?
Check out our latest articles on:
- 👓 Haganai (Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai) – Complete Watch Order Guide (2025)
- 🥷 Rurouni Kenshin – The Ultimate Watch Order Guide for 2025
- 🎮 Shangri-La Frontier – Watch Order Guide (2025 Edition)
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need to watch the Death Note recap movies?
Not necessarily. The recap movies (Relight 1 & 2) summarize the main story and are great if you’re short on time or rewatching the series. However, for first-time viewers, the full 37-episode anime is highly recommended for the best experience.
2. Is there a specific order to watch Death Note?
Yes — but it’s simple! Watch the TV anime (episodes 1–37) first. Then, optionally watch the Recap Specials (Relight 1: Visions of a God and Relight 2: L’s Successors). The TV series follows the correct chronological order.
3. Where can I watch Death Note online?
You can stream Death Note on major platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video, and more. Availability may vary by region, so check your country’s platform for subtitles or dub options.
4. Is Death Note available in English dub and subtitles?
Yes! The anime is available with both English subtitles and English dubbed audio on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Funimation. You can choose based on your preference.
5. Is Death Note suitable for beginners new to anime?
Absolutely. Death Note is one of the most recommended starter anime thanks to its gripping plot, smart characters, and psychological suspense. It’s a great entry point even if you’ve never watched anime before.
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