- ✈️ The Best Watch Order for Strike Witches – A Complete Beginner-Friendly Guide
- 🌍 What Is Strike Witches About?
- ✈️ Strike Witches Watch Order (2025 Edition)
- 🎥 Strike Witches – Where to Watch in Japan (2025 Edition)
- 🌐 A Quick Note for International Fans Watching via Japanese Streaming Services
- 🌍 Strike Witches – International Streaming Availability (2025)
- 💖 Strike Witches Watch Guide – What’s Essential vs. Optional?
- 🎯 Final Thoughts: Where Will Strike Witches Take You?
- ✅ Before You Go…
- ❓Strike Witches – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
✈️ The Best Watch Order for Strike Witches – A Complete Beginner-Friendly Guide
Let’s get straight to the point: the best way to watch Strike Witches is in release order!
This order gives you the most natural flow of character development, story progression, and emotional payoff ✨
In this article, you’ll find everything you need to enjoy the Strike Witches series to the fullest:
- ✅ The recommended watch order and chronological timeline
- ✅ A complete list including TV series, movies, OVAs, and spinoffs
- ✅ Streaming availability for both Japan and international audiences
- ✅ Helpful notes on which entries are skippable and which are must-watches
🌍 What Is Strike Witches About?
Strike Witches is set in an alternate World War II-inspired world, where young girls with magical powers—called “Witches”—soar through the skies to defend humanity against mysterious alien invaders known as the Neuroi.
With a unique mix of military action, magical girl elements, and slice-of-life charm, the series has captured the hearts of fans around the world.
The flying scenes (with jet-engine legs!), the strong team dynamics, and the emotional growth of the characters are just a few of its biggest highlights.
But with so many seasons, movies, and spin-offs, it’s totally normal to ask:
“Where do I even start?”
“Do I need to watch the movie after Season 2, or can I skip it?”
Don’t worry—this guide has you covered! We’ll walk you through the ideal viewing order, explain which episodes are essential, and help you avoid any confusion so you can enjoy Strike Witches the best way possible.
Let’s jump right into the recommended watch order!
✈️ Strike Witches Watch Order (2025 Edition)
The Best Way to Watch the Whole Series – OVA, Movies, Spinoffs Included!
Whether you’re new to the Strike Witches universe or coming back for a rewatch, this is the recommended viewing order based on release, designed to give you the best emotional impact and character development flow.
This order builds the story naturally, introduces the core team first, and slowly expands the world with side units like the 502nd and Luminous Witches.
🎬 Recommended Viewing Order
| Order | Title | Format | Year | Notes & Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Strike Witches OVA (Pilot) | OVA | 2007 | A short test episode — optional, but fun to see how it all started. |
| 2 | Strike Witches (Season 1) | TV | 2008 | The real beginning of Yoshika and the 501st — don’t skip this one! |
| 3 | Strike Witches 2 (Season 2) | TV | 2010 | Builds on the first season perfectly. More teamwork, more battles, more feels. |
| 4 | Strike Witches: The Movie | Movie | 2012 | A must-watch. Epic, emotional, and bridges directly into later events. |
| 5 | Operation Victory Arrow (3 episodes) | OVA | 2014–2015 | Fills the gap between the movie and later seasons. Great development for side characters. |
| 6 | Brave Witches | TV | 2016 | A new unit (502nd) and protagonist. Slower-paced, but charming in its own way. |
| 7 | Brave Witches: Petersburg Daisenryaku | OVA | 2017 | Side mission of the Brave Witches — not essential, but adds flavor. |
| 8 | Strike Witches: 501st Joint Fighter Wing Take Off! | TV | 2019 | Super lighthearted and comedic! Perfect break after the intense action. |
| 9 | 501st Take Off! The Movie | Movie | 2019 | Basically a longer episode — more fun with your favorite girls. |
| 10 | Strike Witches: Road to Berlin (Season 3) | TV | 2020 | The long-awaited return of the 501st. Powerful emotional payoffs. |
| 11 | World Witches Take Off! | TV | 2021 | Spin-off comedy with both 501st and 502nd members. Pure fan service (in a good way). |
| 12 | Luminous Witches | TV | 2022 | A totally different vibe — these girls heal with music, not guns. Surprisingly heartwarming. |
💡 Why This Order?
- It follows the characters’ growth naturally — especially Yoshika and the 501st team.
- Emotional arcs hit harder when watched in release order (e.g., the movie feels way more powerful after S2).
- The tone flows better: action-heavy arcs are followed by lighter, comedic ones to balance the pacing.
- Spinoffs like Brave Witches and Luminous Witches introduce new characters without spoiling major plot beats — best enjoyed after you’re already invested.
🌟 Final Thoughts
If you’re new to the series:
👉 Stick with this release order — it’s crafted for emotional build-up and character payoff.
If you’re rewatching:
👉 You can try a chronological order, but the release order still holds up best narratively.
Some OVAs and comedy spinoffs might feel skippable, but trust me — even the silly episodes deepen your love for these girls.
And Luminous Witches? Totally underrated. It’s like a magical idol anime with a Strike Witches heart.
🎥 Strike Witches – Where to Watch in Japan (2025 Edition)
| Streaming Service | Included in Subscription / Rental | Example Titles Available | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| U-NEXT | Included (unlimited) | Season 1, Season 2, Movie | 31-day free trial available |
| d Anime Store | Mostly included, some rental | Road to Berlin, Season 1, etc. | Great value at ¥550/month; some titles may cost extra |
| DMM TV | Included (unlimited) | The Movie, others | 14-day free trial available |
| Bandai Channel | Included (unlimited) | Season 1–2, OVAs, etc. | Covers most of the TV content |
| Amazon Prime Video | Rental or purchase | The Movie, Season 2, etc. | Pay-per-view model |
| FOD Premium | Rental only | Season 1, etc. | Limited selection, rental-based |
✅ Recommended Based on Your Needs:
- Want to watch everything from the start? → Go with U-NEXT or Bandai Channel
- Looking for a budget-friendly option? → d Anime Store is perfect for most TV series
- Only interested in the movie? → DMM TV or Amazon Prime Video has you covered
🌐 A Quick Note for International Fans Watching via Japanese Streaming Services
Thinking of watching Strike Witches on Japanese platforms like U-NEXT, d Anime Store, or DMM TV? Awesome choice! Just a few things to keep in mind:
- 📍 Region Locked: Most Japanese streaming services are only available inside Japan. You’ll likely need a VPN to access them from overseas.
- 🗣️ Language Only in Japanese: Subtitles and audio are typically Japanese only. No English subs or dubs.
- 💳 Payment Methods: Signing up may require a Japanese credit card or local billing address. Some platforms accept international cards, but not all.
- 📝 Navigation: Menus and interfaces are usually only in Japanese, so having basic knowledge (or using a translation tool) helps a lot!
- 🧪 Free Trials: Many platforms offer free trials, but make sure to cancel if you don’t plan to continue — or you might get charged automatically.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re looking for English subtitles or dubs, platforms like Crunchyroll or Funimation are much easier to use globally!
Happy watching, wherever you are in the world! ✨✈️
🌍 Strike Witches – International Streaming Availability (2025)
| Platform | Available Regions | Titles Available | Subtitles | Dub | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crunchyroll | Worldwide (most regions) | Season 1–3, Brave Witches, Movie, 501st Take Off!, OVAs, more | English, Spanish, German, French, Portuguese | ✅ (from S2) | Most complete catalog. Great for fans worldwide. |
| Funimation | USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, NZ | Season 1–3, Brave Witches, 501st Take Off! | English only | ✅ | Similar to Crunchyroll, now merging with it. |
| Amazon Prime Video | USA, some EU & Asia regions (varies by country) | Season 1, Movie (purchase/rental only) | English, Japanese | ❌ | Not included in Prime, rental/purchase only. |
| Apple TV (iTunes) | USA (mainly), some EU regions | Season 1, Movie (purchase/download) | English | ❌ | For those who prefer permanent digital copies. |
| Hulu (US only) | USA (via Crunchyroll channel integration) | Same as Crunchyroll lineup | English | ✅ | Requires Crunchyroll subscription + Hulu. |
📝 Key Notes:
- Crunchyroll is the most recommended platform for international fans. It offers nearly the full Strike Witches collection with multiple subtitle options and English dubs from Season 2 onward.
- Funimation covers similar content but is limited to a few English-speaking regions.
- Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV only provide rental or purchase options (not included in subscription).
- Hulu in the US includes Strike Witches through Crunchyroll’s integration — a good option if you already subscribe to both.
💖 Strike Witches Watch Guide – What’s Essential vs. Optional?
| Title | Must-Watch? | Why You Should (or Can Skip) |
|---|---|---|
| Strike Witches (Season 1) | ✅ Absolutely! | This is where it all begins — meet Yoshika and the 501st. A must for understanding the world and main characters. |
| Strike Witches 2 (Season 2) | ✅ Don’t skip! | Continues the story perfectly. The action, emotions, and character growth really shine here. |
| Strike Witches: The Movie | ✅ Highly recommended | Bridges Seasons 2 and 3. Gorgeous animation and emotional payoff — especially if you’re already invested. |
| Operation Victory Arrow (OVA, 3 episodes) | ✅ Yes, especially if you love the side characters | Fills in important story gaps and gives spotlight to other 501st members. Short but sweet! |
| Strike Witches: Road to Berlin (Season 3) | ✅ Must-watch | A powerful continuation that brings the main arc full circle. Lots of emotional moments! |
| Brave Witches | 🔄 Optional, but worth it | Follows the 502nd instead of the 501st. Different vibe, slower pacing, but charming if you’re already hooked. |
| Brave Witches OVA (Petersburg Daisenryaku) | ⏭ Skippable for casual viewers | Just a side mission. Fun for completionists, but not essential to the main plot. |
| 501st Joint Fighter Wing Take Off! | 🔄 Optional | Super light, slice-of-life comedy. Great for laughs and relaxation between serious arcs. |
| 501st Take Off! The Movie | ⏭ Skippable unless you’re a fan of the shorts | Basically an extended episode of the TV comedy series. Cute, but not plot-critical. |
| World Witches Take Off! | 🔄 Optional | Same comedy style, but includes 502nd cast. Fun if you like the Take Off! format. |
| Luminous Witches | 🔄 Optional but underrated | A totally different tone — magical girls who heal with music, not fight. Very wholesome and cozy. Give it a chance if you like heartwarming stories! |
🎀 Friendly Tip:
If you’re short on time, focus on:
- Main story: Seasons 1–3 + The Movie + Operation Victory Arrow
- Then dive into the spin-offs and shorts at your own pace 💫
Let your Strike Witches journey be as fun and emotional as the series itself!
🎯 Final Thoughts: Where Will Strike Witches Take You?
Whether you’re here for the sky-high dogfights, the magical military girls, or just looking for your next anime obsession — Strike Witches has something for everyone.
To recap:
✅ Watch in release order for the best emotional payoff
✅ Main series (Seasons 1–3 + Movie + OVAs) is a must for first-time viewers
✅ Spin-offs and comedy shorts are perfect for bonus fun and deeper character love
✅ Streaming options vary by region, but Crunchyroll is your global go-to!
And most importantly…
✨ Let yourself fall in love with the world, the teamwork, and the passion of these incredible girls who take to the skies to protect what matters most. ✨
💬 Did this guide help you take off into the world of Strike Witches?
Feel free to leave a comment, share it with fellow fans, or explore our other watch order guides for more magical anime journeys!
✅ Before You Go…
📌 Looking for more anime watch order guides?
Check out our latest articles here:
- 🧑🎓 Hikaru no Go – Complete Watch Order Guide (2025)
- 🐺 Bungo Stray Dogs – How to Watch the Anime in Order (2025)
- 📷 Tamayura – Recommended Viewing Sequence & Guide (2025)
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❓Strike Witches – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What’s the best order to watch Strike Witches?
The best way to watch Strike Witches is in release order. It lets you experience the story and character development as originally intended, with natural progression from Season 1 to Road to Berlin, followed by the spinoffs.
2. Do I need to watch the Strike Witches movie before Season 3?
Yes, it’s highly recommended! The 2012 movie bridges Season 2 and Season 3 (Road to Berlin) and sets up key events and characters. Skipping it may leave you confused about important plot points.
3. Is Brave Witches connected to Strike Witches?
Yes! Brave Witches is a spinoff that focuses on a different unit (the 502nd) but exists in the same universe. It takes place around the same time as the Strike Witches movie. While it’s not essential to the main plot, fans will enjoy the new cast and expanded world.
4. Where can I stream Strike Witches outside of Japan?
You can stream most of the Strike Witches series on Crunchyroll and Funimation in many countries, including the U.S., Canada, UK, and Australia. Some titles are also available for rent on Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV. Availability may vary by region.
5. Is Strike Witches dubbed in English?
Yes, English dubs are available for Seasons 2 and 3, Brave Witches, and some spinoffs like 501st Joint Fighter Wing Take Off! on Crunchyroll and Funimation. Earlier episodes may only be available with English subtitles.
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