Introductio
The Tales of series, produced by Bandai Namco Entertainment, is a beloved RPG franchise that has been adapted into various anime over the years.
While fans of the games will appreciate these adaptations, even newcomers can enjoy them as standalone stories.
However, with so many titles spanning TV series, movies, OVAs, and web specials, figuring out the best watch order can be confusing.
In this guide, we’ll break down two recommended viewing orders: Release Order (Broadcast Order) and Chronological Order (Story Order).
We’ll also explain the advantages of each, highlight key viewing points, and provide a detailed list of all Tales anime adaptations.
1. The Recommended Watch Order: Release Order
For most viewers, watching the series in release order is the easiest and most logical approach.
📌 Tales Series Watch Order by Release Date
| Format | Title | Year Released |
|---|---|---|
| TV Anime | Tales of Eternia: The Animation | 2001 |
| OVA | Tales of Phantasia: The Animation | 2004 |
| OVA | Tales of Symphonia: The Animation | 2007 |
| TV Anime | Tales of the Abyss | 2008 |
| Movie | Tales of Vesperia: The First Strike | 2009 |
| Web Anime | Tales of Theater | 2012 |
| Special Anime | Tales of Zestiria: Dawn of the Shepherd | 2014 |
| TV Anime | Tales of Zestiria the X | 2016 |
| Web Anime | Tales of HR | 2018 |
| Web Anime | Tales of The Rays: Theater | 2018 |
| Web Anime | Tales of The Rays: Everlasting Destiny | 2019 |
| Special Anime | Tales of Crestoria: The Wake of Sin | 2020 |
| Web Anime | Tales of Luminaria: The Fateful Crossroad | 2022 |
🔥 Why Watch in Release Order?
✔ Experience the evolution of animation and storytelling over the years.
✔ Follows the order of the original game releases, making it a natural progression.
✔ Easier to follow since no prior knowledge is needed for most titles.
2. Watching in Chronological Order: The Story Timeline
While the Tales anime adaptations are mostly independent, watching them in chronological order can enhance your understanding of the story and its world-building.
📌 Tales Series Watch Order by Story Timeline
| Format | Title | Story Timeline Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Movie | Tales of Vesperia: The First Strike | Prequel to the game |
| OVA | Tales of Phantasia: The Animation | Set in a distant future |
| TV Anime | Tales of Eternia: The Animation | Set in the same universe as Phantasia, different era |
| OVA | Tales of Symphonia: The Animation | Covers the game’s early to late story |
| TV Anime | Tales of the Abyss | Follows the game’s main storyline |
| Special Anime | Tales of Zestiria: Dawn of the Shepherd | Prequel to Zestiria |
| TV Anime | Tales of Zestiria the X | Covers the main events of Zestiria |
| Web Anime | Tales of The Rays: Everlasting Destiny | Post-story content |
| Special Anime | Tales of Crestoria: The Wake of Sin | A standalone spinoff |
| Web Anime | Tales of Luminaria: The Fateful Crossroad | Prequel to Luminaria |
🏆 Why Watch in Chronological Order?
✔ Deepens your understanding of interconnected storylines and world-building.
✔ Follows character development more naturally, especially for prequel stories.
✔ Helps identify lore connections between different Tales worlds.
3.International streaming
The Tales anime series, based on Bandai Namco Entertainment’s renowned RPG franchise, comprises multiple titles adapted into TV series,
OVAs, and films. Streaming availability varies by region and platform. Below is a detailed overview of the international streaming options for key Tales anime adaptations:
1. Tales of Zestiria the X
- Platforms: Available on Amazon Prime Video in select regions.
- Regions: Availability may vary; for instance, in the United States, it can be accessed via Amazon Prime Video.
- Release Date: Originally aired in 2016.
- Language Options: Offers both English subtitles and dubbed versions, depending on the region.
2. Tales of the Abyss
- Platforms: As of recent reports, this title is not available on major streaming services like Crunchyroll or YouTube. Physical copies may be an alternative.
- Regions: Not currently available for streaming in most regions.
- Release Date: Aired from 2008 to 2009.
- Language Options: Primarily available with English subtitles on physical media.
3. Tales of Symphonia: The Animation
- Platforms: This title is not widely available on major international streaming platforms.
- Regions: Limited streaming availability; physical copies might be accessible in certain regions.
- Release Date: Released between 2007 and 2012.
- Language Options: Available with English subtitles on physical media.
4. Tales of Vesperia: The First Strike
- Platforms: Not commonly found on major streaming services.
- Regions: Limited availability; physical copies may be available in select regions.
- Release Date: Premiered in 2009.
- Language Options: English subtitles and dubbed versions are available on physical media.
5. Tales of Phantasia: The Animation
- Platforms: Not available on major streaming platforms.
- Regions: Limited to physical media in certain regions.
- Release Date: Released between 2004 and 2006.
- Language Options: English subtitles are available on physical releases.
6. Tales of Eternia: The Animation
- Platforms: Not widely available on streaming services.
- Regions: Primarily accessible through physical media in select regions.
- Release Date: Aired in 2001.
- Language Options: English subtitles are available on physical copies.
7. Tales of Crestoria: The Wake of Sin
- Platforms: Not available on major streaming platforms.
- Regions: Limited to specific regions; availability may vary.
- Release Date: Released in 2020.
- Language Options: Primarily available with English subtitles.
8. Tales of Luminaria: The Fateful Crossroad
- Platforms: Not widely available on major streaming services.
- Regions: Limited availability; may be accessible in certain regions.
- Release Date: Released in 2022.
- Language Options: English subtitles are available where accessible.
Additional Notes:
- HIDIVE: This anime streaming service offers a variety of titles, including simulcasts and dubs. While specific Tales series titles are not listed, it’s worth checking for availability.
- Netflix: Netflix hosts a broad selection of anime series. However, the Tales series’ availability on Netflix varies by region and title. It’s advisable to search for specific titles directly on Netflix in your region.
Please note that streaming availability is subject to change due to licensing agreements. For the most current information, it’s recommended to check the official websites of the streaming platforms or consult local listings.
4. Quick Summaries & Highlights of Each Title
- ① Tales of Eternia: The Animation (2001)
- 🎥 Set in a world with three moons, this series follows a group of adventurers trying to prevent a cataclysmic disaster.
- ② Tales of Phantasia: The Animation (2004)
- 🎥 A time-traveling fantasy where a group of heroes battles an ancient sorcerer.
- ③ Tales of Symphonia: The Animation (2007)
- 🎥 Depicts the journey of Lloyd and his friends as they navigate a world split into two realms, struggling to restore balance.
- ④ Tales of the Abyss (2008)
- 🎥 A noble boy with amnesia gradually discovers his dark past and the truth behind the world’s destruction.
- ⑤ Tales of Vesperia: The First Strike (2009) [Movie]
- 🎥 A prequel to the game, exploring the early days of protagonist Yuri Lowell as a knight.
5. FAQ: Common Questions About Watching Tales Anime
Q1: Can I skip any episodes or series?
➡ While not all adaptations are necessary, Tales of the Abyss and Tales of Zestiria the X provide full, in-depth stories. OVA adaptations like Phantasia and Symphonia are more enjoyable if you’ve played the games.
Q2: When should I watch the movie?
➡ Tales of Vesperia: The First Strike is a prequel to the game and works best when watched first.
Q3: Which order is best for newcomers?
➡ Release order is generally recommended for first-time viewers, while chronological order is ideal for those who want to explore the lore more deeply.
6. Conclusion: Choose the Right Order and Enjoy the Tales Universe!
The Tales anime adaptations offer engaging stories with rich character development. Whether you follow the release order for a straightforward experience or dive into the chronological order for a deeper understanding, you’re in for an exciting journey.
Now that you have a clear watch guide, it’s time to immerse yourself in the world of Tales!
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