How to Watch the Monogatari Series: The Definitive 2025 Guide (Timeline & Broadcast)

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🎬 Confused About Where to Start? Here’s the Best Way to Watch the Monogatari Series

🔰 Let’s get straight to it — the best watch order is the broadcast order!

The Monogatari Series has a famously complex timeline, with episodes jumping back and forth in time — but don’t worry!
If you’re new to the series, we highly recommend watching it in the order it originally aired.
This way, you’ll get to enjoy the characters and unravel the mysteries at the perfect pace ✨


✅ What You’ll Learn in This Article

  • 🎞️ The best watch order — broadcast vs. chronological (and why it matters)
  • 🌟 Highlights and must-see moments from each season and movie
  • 📺 Streaming availability as of 2025 — where to watch (Japan & worldwide)
  • 💡 Easy-to-follow tips so even first-time anime fans won’t get lost!

💡 So… What Is the Monogatari Series, Anyway?

The Monogatari Series is an anime adaptation of novels by Nisio Isin, known for its witty dialogue, clever wordplay, and unforgettable characters.
It’s quirky, philosophical, sometimes downright bizarre — and completely addictive 🔥

But with all its time skips and side stories, it’s no surprise many fans wonder:
“Where should I even start?”
That’s exactly what this guide is here for — to walk you through the best watch order and help you get the most out of this brilliant series!

🎬 2025 Updated Monogatari Series Watch Order

🔰 Recommended for Beginners + 📘 Timeline Order Side-by-Side!

The Monogatari series is one of those anime where the broadcast order and in-story chronological order are totally different. But don’t worry!

If you’re a beginner, the broadcast (release) order is hands-down the best way to enjoy it. Why? Because it reveals characters and mysteries at the perfect pace.

Here’s a table that shows you both the recommended watch order and the chronological story order, along with the format and release year — all up to date as of 2025!


✅ Watch Order vs. Timeline Order Chart

#🟢 Beginner-Friendly Watch Order🔵 Chronological Story OrderFormatYear
1BakemonogatariKizumonogatari I–IIITV Series2009
2Kizumonogatari I–IIINekomonogatari (Kuro)Movies (Trilogy)2016–2017
3NisemonogatariBakemonogatariTV Series2012
4Nekomonogatari (Kuro)NisemonogatariTV Special2012
5Monogatari Series: Second SeasonMonogatari Series: Second SeasonTV Series2013
6HanamonogatariTsukimonogatariTV Special2014
7TsukimonogatariKoyomimonogatariTV Special2014
8KoyomimonogatariOwarimonogatari (Part 1 + Final)Web (ONA)2016
9Owarimonogatari (Part 1 + Final)Zoku OwarimonogatariTV + Special2015 & 2017
10Zoku OwarimonogatariHanamonogatariMovie (later TV)2018
11Off & Monster Season (Newest!)Off & Monster Season (Newest!)Streaming / TV2024

🌟 Why This Watch Order Works (From One Fan to Another!)

Let me tell you why I — and many longtime fans — recommend this order if you’re just starting out:

💡 Start with Bakemonogatari

This is where everything begins… for us as viewers. You’ll meet Koyomi Araragi, the snarky but kind protagonist, and a whole cast of unforgettable girls — from the mysterious Senjougahara to the super-cute Mayoi and heart-melting Shinobu.

💬 Watching this first lets you fall in love with the characters before diving into the darker backstories.


🎬 Then jump into Kizumonogatari

Although this technically happens before everything else (Araragi’s vampire incident), I highly recommend watching it second.

🍷 The emotional weight hits way harder once you know who Araragi becomes later.
The animation is jaw-dropping too — SHAFT really went wild here!


🔥 Don’t Skip Second Season

This arc dives deeper into each heroine’s story and relationships. It’s emotional, mysterious, and has some of the best writing in the series.

🥺 You’ll cry, laugh, and probably end up rewatching.


🌸 Hanamonogatari — a beautiful side story

You could skip it… but don’t. It focuses on Kanbaru and takes place after the main story, but it’s full of emotional payoff.

It’s like a quiet epilogue — melancholic but hopeful.


🧛‍♀️ Latest addition: Off & Monster Season

This 2024 release follows Araragi after high school (yes, he finally graduates!). It adapts four stories from the “Off Season” and “Monster Season” novels.

💭 It’s mature, nostalgic, and even features flashbacks from hundreds of years ago (hello, Shinobu backstory!).


✨ Final Thoughts

You can watch the Monogatari series in chronological order once you’re familiar with the world — but for your first time, going with the recommended watch order is like following a perfectly crafted novel:
➡️ You feel the tension build, the mysteries unfold, and the characters grow in just the right way.

So grab your favorite drink, prepare your brain for SHAFT-style visuals and rapid-fire wordplay, and get ready for one of the most unique anime journeys ever.
You’re not just watching a story — you’re experiencing a Monogatari. 💫

🎥 Monogatari Series Streaming Availability in Japan (2025 Edition)

TitleU-NEXTdAnime StoreNetflix (JP)Prime Video (JP)Hulu (JP)ABEMALemino
Bakemonogatari✅ Included✅ Included❌ Not Available❌ Not Available✅ Included✅ Included❌ Not Available
Kizumonogatari (3 movies)🔁 Pay-per-view🔁 Pay-per-view❌ Not Available🔁 Pay-per-view❌ Not Available✅ Included (Premium only)❌ Not Available
Nisemonogatari✅ Included✅ Included❌ Not Available❌ Not Available✅ Included✅ Included❌ Not Available
Nekomonogatari (Kuro)✅ Included✅ Included❌ Not Available❌ Not Available✅ Included✅ Included❌ Not Available
Second Season
(Neko[White], Kabuki, Otorii, Oni, Koimonogatari)
✅ Included✅ Included❌ Not Available❌ Not Available✅ Included✅ Included❌ Not Available
Hanamonogatari✅ Included✅ Included❌ Not Available❌ Not Available✅ Included✅ Included❌ Not Available
Tsukimonogatari✅ Included✅ Included❌ Not Available❌ Not Available✅ Included✅ Included❌ Not Available
Koyomimonogatari✅ Included✅ Included❌ Not Available🔁 Pay-per-view✅ Included✅ Included❌ Not Available
Owarimonogatari
(Parts 1 & Final)
✅ Included✅ Included❌ Not Available❌ Not Available✅ Included✅ Included❌ Not Available
Zoku Owarimonogatari✅ Included❌ Not Available❌ Not Available❌ Not Available❌ Not Available❌ Not Available❌ Not Available
Off & Monster Season
(Latest!)
✅ Included✅ Included❌ Not Available🔁 Pay-per-view✅ Included✅ Included✅ Included

🔍 Legend

  • Included = Watchable with standard subscription (no extra cost)
  • 🔁 Pay-per-view = Rental or purchase required
  • Not Available = Not currently offered on the platform

💡 Notes & Highlights

  • 📌 Netflix Japan and Lemino currently do not offer any Monogatari titles.
  • 🎬 Kizumonogatari (the prequel trilogy) is rental-only on all platforms. It’s not included in any flat-rate plan.
  • 🆕 Off & Monster Season, the newest arc (released in 2024), is available on most major platforms — great news if you’re catching up!
  • 🔒 Zoku Owarimonogatari is only available on U-NEXT for now.

🌍 Monogatari Series International Streaming Availability (2025)

PlatformAvailabilityRegionsSubtitlesDubbed VersionNotes
Crunchyroll✅ Available
(most titles)
North/South America, Europe, Oceania, parts of AsiaEnglish, Spanish (LatAm & Spain), Portuguese (Brazil), German❌ Not availableMost complete and reliable for global viewers
Amazon Prime Video🔁 Pay-per-view (selected titles)Varies by country (e.g., USA)English, varies by country❌ Not availableTitles like Bakemonogatari and Kizumonogatari
Netflix (JP)❌ Not available globally❌ Unavailable in most regionsNo Monogatari titles on global Netflix
Hulu (US)❌ Not available❌ Unavailable in USAWas never available on US Hulu

🗓️ Release Dates & Sub/Dub Status

TitlePlatformRelease Date (Intl.)SubtitlesDubbed Version
BakemonogatariCrunchyroll, AmazonAvailable (archive)✅ English, Spanish, etc.❌ None
Kizumonogatari (Trilogy)Amazon (PPV)Varies✅ English❌ None
Second Season & OthersCrunchyrollAvailable✅ Multiple❌ None
Off & Monster SeasonCrunchyrollJuly 6, 2024✅ English, Spanish, etc.❌ None

🔍 Legend

  • Available with subscription
  • 🔁 Available as pay-per-view or rental
  • Not available

💡 Helpful Notes

  • 🎧 No official English dub exists for any part of the Monogatari Series. This is due to its complex dialogue and heavy wordplay.
  • 🧭 Crunchyroll is the go-to platform internationally, offering the widest coverage and subtitle options.
  • 📦 For missing titles like Zoku Owarimonogatari or Koyomimonogatari, physical Blu-rays may be the only option currently.
  • 📍 Always check regional availability directly on each platform, as licensing may vary.

💖 Oshi-Style Highlights! Must-See Moments & Characters in the Monogatari Series

📺 Title🌟 Highlights🧡 Featured Characters💬 Oshi Commentary
BakemonogatariThe beginning of it all!✨
Araragi starts helping girls with strange “oddities.”
💜 Hitagi Senjougahara
💛 Mayoi Hachikuji
Senjougahara’s sharp tongue = instant oshi! 💘
Mayoi’s “annoying-cute” banter is weirdly addictive♪
Kizumonogatari (Movie Trilogy)Dark, dramatic, and stunning.
Araragi’s bloody spring break and how he met the vampire…
🩸 Kiss-Shot Acerola-Orion Heart-Under-BladeGorgeously animated fights & emotional backstory🔥
Kiss-Shot’s transformations = pure shock value!
NisemonogatariTime to meet the Fire Sisters!
Sibling chaos and toothbrushing legends await🔥
❤️ Karen Araragi
💛 Tsukihi Araragi
The famous bath scene? Iconic.🛁
Sisterly bonds with a twist!
Nekomonogatari (Kuro)Hanekawa’s hidden darkness
and one of the most emotional arcs
🐱 Tsubasa Hanekawa“I don’t know everything, I just know what I know” hits HARD 😭
A must-watch for Hanekawa oshis!
Second Season
(Neko[White], Kabuki, Otorii, Oni, Koimonogatari)
So many emotions!
Romance, mystery, heartbreak—each arc dives deep
💛 Shinobu Oshino
💙 Nadeko Sengoku
💖 Kaiki Deishu (yes, really!)
Shinobu’s backstory = heart-shattering 😢
Nadeko’s transformation? Chilling.💥
Kaiki… somehow becomes oshi-worthy!?
HanamonogatariKanbaru’s solo arc!
Post-high school growth & bittersweet reflections
🏀 Suruga KanbaruHer sincerity will make you cry… 😭
A low-key, beautiful chapter full of feels.
TsukimonogatariNew Year’s drama with a surreal twist
Araragi begins… disappearing!?
❄️ Yotsugi Ononoki“Yay☆” never sounded so sad… 😢
Ononoki is quietly one of the best girls!
Koyomimonogatari12 short stories, 1 per month!
Slice-of-life with oddities = perfect bite-size watch
🧠 Koyomi AraragiPure dialogue joy 💬
Perfect for daily oshi time with your faves!
Owarimonogatari (Part 1 & Final)The ultimate arc: Araragi’s past, family, and graduation.
Heavy, personal, unforgettable.
🕶️ Sodachi Oikura
🍎 Ougi Oshino
Sodachi’s trauma hits deep… 🫂
Can you guess Ougi’s true identity? 👀
Zoku OwarimonogatariInto the mirror world!
Strange, reflective, and full of self-discovery
🪞 Mirror AraragiSeeing a different side of Araragi is oddly emotional 🪞
The visuals? Surreal and stunning.
Off & Monster Season (Newest!)College-aged Araragi? Yes please!
Stories from Off and Monster Seasons + Shinobu’s distant past
🧛 Shinobu Oshino
🧹 Ougi returns!
💬 Newcomer: Rouka Numachi
A fresh adult vibe 😍
The “Beautiful Princess” arc will break your heart 💔
Ougi’s reappearance = instant hype!

📝 Summary for Oshi Lovers

  • 🧡 Warning: every arc will give you a new oshi.
  • 🧠 It’s deep, emotional, weird… and completely unforgettable.
  • 🎨 Visually breathtaking + unforgettable wordplay = pure art.

💡 Beginner’s Cheat Sheet! Tips for Watching the Monogatari Series Without Getting Lost

So you’re diving into the Monogatari Series? Welcome to one of the most brilliant (and brain-twisting) anime experiences out there!

Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered with these friendly oshi-style tips so you won’t get overwhelmed. Let’s make your Monogatari journey smooth and fun! 🌸


✅ Tip 1: Stick to the Broadcast Order First!

🧭 Yes, there’s a chronological order… but save it for your second watch!

The series jumps back and forth in time, and trying to follow the actual timeline on your first try? Major headache.
The broadcast order is crafted to introduce characters and mysteries in the perfect emotional sequence.
You’ll laugh, fall in love, and be shocked — all in the right order!


✅ Tip 2: Kizumonogatari is a Prequel… but Don’t Watch it First!

💥 It explains too much too soon — and the emotional punch lands better if you watch it second.

Watch Bakemonogatari first to meet the characters in the “present day.”
Then Kizumonogatari will hit you right in the heart with the backstory. Trust me, it’s worth the wait. 🩸💔


✅ Tip 3: Don’t Stress About Understanding Everything

🤯 Wordplay, abstract visuals, and fast dialogue? Totally normal here!

This show plays with language and visuals like no other.
If you don’t get it all right away — that’s okay! Let the atmosphere, emotions, and character moments carry you through.
The “aha!” moments come naturally over time.


✅ Tip 4: It’s Okay to Take Breaks Between Arcs

Some arcs are light and funny, others are dark and heavy.

Each arc has its own tone. You’re not expected to binge it all in one go.
Feel free to pause, reflect, and even rewatch your favorite parts. It’s part of the journey 🧡


✅ Tip 5: Find Your Oshi and Let Them Guide You

Whether it’s Senjougahara’s sass, Hanekawa’s heart, or Shinobu’s sass + sadness — everyone finds their fave.

Having a “main oshi” helps anchor you emotionally as you explore the complex web of stories.
Cheering for your fave makes everything more personal — and more powerful 💖


🎀 Bonus: This Is a Series That Loves Its Fans

Every frame, every pun, every twist — it’s designed to reward your attention and loyalty.
So relax, enjoy the journey, and welcome to the Monogatari club. You’re in for something truly unforgettable ✨📚

✅ Final Thoughts: Your Monogatari Journey Starts Now!

The Monogatari Series is more than just an anime — it’s a wild, witty, emotional rollercoaster that blends supernatural mysteries with deep character drama and unforgettable dialogue.

Whether you’re here for the sharp-tongued heroines, the mind-bending plot twists, or the beautiful SHAFT-style visuals, there’s something in this series that will capture your heart 💖

🎬 Quick Recap:

  • 🗂️ Watch it in broadcast order for the smoothest experience
  • 💡 Come back to chronological order for a second viewing (you’ll notice SO much more!)
  • 🎭 Find your oshi and let them guide your emotional journey
  • 📺 Streaming platforms like Crunchyroll are your best friend outside Japan

So grab your headphones, queue up Bakemonogatari, and let yourself fall into this strange, stylish world of oddities, wordplay, and heart-piercing moments.

✨Your Monogatari journey starts here — and once it does, there’s no turning back. Enjoy every second of it. 💫


📝 If this guide helped you, consider bookmarking it for future reference or sharing it with a fellow anime fan!
And if you found your oshi, let us know who it is in the comments 💬👇 We’re always here for a little 推し語り 💕

✅ Before You Go…

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