Re:ZERO Anime Watch Order: Must-See Guide for New Fans [2025 Edition]

recommendation
2024.07.02

✅ [2025 Updated] The Complete Watch Order Guide for “Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-“

For those who want the quick answer first — here’s the recommended watch order👇
Recommended Watch Order:
1️⃣ Season 1 (Director’s Cut, 2020)
2️⃣ OVA “Memory Snow”
3️⃣ OVA “The Frozen Bond”
4️⃣ Season 2 (Part 1 & 2)
5️⃣ Season 3 (Assault Arc → Counterattack Arc, 2024–2025)

“Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-“ (commonly known as Re:ZERO) is a hugely popular series filled with thrilling elements like isekai (another world adventures), return-by-death mechanics, and touching romance! ✨
However… it’s very common to wonder things like:
“When should I watch the OVAs?”, “Are there movies too?”, “What’s the correct timeline?”

This article will gently guide you through everything you need to know, including:

  • ✅ Recommended watch order (easy for beginners / chronological order)
  • ✅Ultimate Highlights Guide
  • ✅ Streaming availability as of 2025 (Netflix, d Anime Store, etc.)
  • ✅ Important notes for overseas fans using Japanese streaming services

We’ll explain it all in a friendly and beginner-friendly tone, so you can dive into the epic journey of Subaru without getting lost! 🎬✨

Let’s explore the harsh yet beautiful world of Re:ZERO together!

✅ 【Re:Zero】Recommended Watch Order (2025 Updated)

OrderTitleNotes
①Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 1 (Director’s Cut)
(2020)		Start here! Includes new scenes and links better to Season 2.
②OVA “Memory Snow”
(2018)		A slice-of-life story set between episodes 11 and 12 of Season 1.
③OVA “The Frozen Bond”
(2019)		Prequel showing how Emilia and Puck first met. Emotional story.
④Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 2 (Part 1 & 2)
(2020–2021)		Direct continuation of Season 1. Super important storyline.
⑤Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 3: Assault Arc
(2024)		“City of Water” battle begins. First episode was shown in theaters!
⑥Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 3: Counterattack Arc
(2025)		Continuation of the Assault Arc. The final battle begins.

💬 Mini anime like “Re:ZERO Break Time” and “Re:PETIT” are optional! Feel free to enjoy them between episodes as they are comedy spin-offs.

✅ 【Re:Zero】Chronological Order by Work (2025 Updated)

OrderTitleNotes
①OVA “The Frozen Bond”
(2019)		Prequel showing Emilia and Puck’s first meeting (before Season 1).
②Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 1 (or Director’s Cut)
(2016 / 2020)		Subaru’s journey in another world begins with “Return by Death.”
③OVA “Memory Snow”
(2018)		Takes place between episodes 11 and 12 of Season 1.
④Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 2 (Part 1 & 2)
(2020–2021)		Covers the Sanctuary Arc and Witch Cult conflicts.
⑤Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 3: Assault Arc
(2024)		Assault on the Water Gate City Pristella begins.
⑥Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 3: Counterattack Arc
(2025)		Continuation leading to the decisive battles.

✨ Additional Notes

  • You can start with either the 2016 original Season 1 or the 2020 Director’s Cut, but the Director’s Cut is recommended! (Better transitions into Season 2.)
  • “Memory Snow” and “The Frozen Bond” are side stories. While optional, they deepen your understanding of characters and are highly recommended.
  • Mini anime like Break Time and Re:PETIT are comedic side stories and can be enjoyed anytime.

✅ Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Streaming Availability (As of April 2025)

How to Read the Table

  • 🔴: Available with Subscription (Unlimited Viewing)
  • ⭐: Rental Only (Pay-Per-View)
  • ❌: Not Available

Streaming Availability by Platform (Japan Only)

Streaming ServiceSeason 1Season 1 Director’s CutMemory SnowFrozen BondSeason 2Season 3 (Assault & Counterattack)Break Time / Re:PETIT
d Anime Store🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴 (some episodes)
Netflix🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴
U-NEXT🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴❌
Abema Premium🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴
Hulu Japan🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴❌
Amazon Prime Video🔴🔴⭐⭐🔴🔴❌
Bandai Channel🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴❌

📌 Notes:

  • On Amazon Prime Video, the OVAs (Memory Snow and Frozen Bond) are rental only (typically ¥400–¥550).
  • The mini-series Break Time and Re:PETIT are mostly available on d Anime Store and Abema, but not on other platforms.
  • This information is current as of April 2025. Please check each platform’s official website for the latest availability.

⚠️ Important Notes for Overseas Fans Watching on Japanese Streaming Services

If you’re an international anime fan hoping to watch Re:ZERO or other anime via Japanese streaming services, please keep in mind the following important points:

1. 🌍 Region Lock (Geo-restriction)

Most Japanese streaming platforms (e.g., d Anime Store, U-NEXT, Bandai Channel) are region-locked, meaning:

❌ You cannot access them from outside Japan without a Japanese IP address.

  • Even if you subscribe, you may be blocked unless you are physically in Japan or using a VPN.
  • Netflix Japan is an exception — it’s accessible overseas, but only shows content licensed for your country.
    You won’t see the Japanese catalog unless you’re accessing Netflix from within Japan.

2. 💳 Payment Methods May Require Japanese Accounts

Some services:

  • Require a Japanese-issued credit card or
  • Only accept local mobile carriers (e.g., au, docomo) for subscription.

Even if you manage to visit the site, you might not be able to complete the payment without Japanese credentials.

3. 🈚 No English Subtitles

Japanese VOD services typically do not provide English subtitles — they are aimed at native Japanese audiences.

✅ If you’re still learning Japanese, this might be a good challenge — but it’s not beginner-friendly.

4. 📱 App Store Restrictions

Apps for services like d Anime Store may:

  • Be available only in the Japanese App Store / Google Play
  • Require a Japanese billing address or account region setting

So even downloading the app can be tricky unless you switch your app store region.

5. 🔐 VPNs Are Not Officially Supported

While some viewers use VPNs to access Japanese content:

⚠️ Be aware that this may violate the terms of service, and streaming quality can be unstable.

Use at your own discretion and make sure to respect copyright laws and service rules.

✅ Recommended Alternatives

If you live outside Japan, consider watching Re:ZERO on licensed platforms in your region, such as:

  • Crunchyroll
  • Funimation
  • HIDIVE
  • Netflix (in your country)
  • Amazon Prime Video (international catalogs)

They often provide English subs/dubs, smoother access, and support for your region.

🌍 Global Streaming Platforms

PlatformAvailabilitySubtitles & DubsNotes
CrunchyrollWorldwide (outside Asia)Subtitles: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic<br>Dubbed: English, Spanish, Portuguese, German, French, ItalianOffers all seasons, OVAs (Memory Snow, Frozen Bond), and mini-series (Break Time, Re:PETIT). Simulcasts new episodes shortly after Japanese release.
FunimationPrimarily North America, UK, Ireland, Australia, New ZealandSubtitles: English<br>Dubbed: EnglishProvides Seasons 1 and 2 with both subbed and dubbed options.
HuluUnited StatesSubtitles: English<br>Dubbed: EnglishHosts Seasons 1 and 2. Availability may vary over time.
NetflixJapan (full series), limited availability elsewhereSubtitles and dubs vary by regionSeason 1 is available in select countries; Season 2 is primarily on Netflix Japan.
Amazon Prime VideoUnited States, India, and other regionsSubtitles: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese<br>Dubbed: EnglishOffers Seasons 1 to 3. Availability and language options may vary by country.
Anime NexusVarious regionsSubtitles: English<br>Dubbed: EnglishStreams Season 3 with both subbed and dubbed versions.

🕒 Release Schedule

  • Season 3: Premiered on October 2, 2024, and concluded on March 26, 2025, airing in two parts.
  • Simulcast: Crunchyroll streamed new episodes shortly after their Japanese broadcast. ​

🌐 Regional Availability Highlights

  • United States: Accessible via Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
  • Europe: Available on Crunchyroll; Funimation serves the UK and Ireland.
  • Asia (excluding Japan): Licensing varies; Muse Communication holds rights in Southeast and South Asia.
  • Japan: Full series available on Netflix Japan.​

📝 Additional Notes

  • Subtitles & Dubs: Crunchyroll provides the most extensive range of subtitle and dub options.
  • OVAs & Specials: Memory Snow and Frozen Bond are available on Crunchyroll and Amazon Prime Video.
  • Mini-Series: Break Time and Re:PETIT are exclusive to Crunchyroll.

✨ Ultimate Highlights Guide! Why Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Is Absolutely Incredible ✨

💀 Isekai × Return-by-Death × Love and Resolve — this is a story that will break you and heal you.
This is a bottomless pit of emotional devastation… and it’s beautiful.

🌀【Season 1】“No matter how many times I die, I’ll save you.” — Subaru’s painful beginning

Subaru is suddenly thrown into another world and burdened with the cruel power of “Return by Death.”
He’s immature, reckless, and flawed — but that’s why watching him try and fail and try again hurts so good.

💔 Key Highlights

  • That first episode twist from light-hearted isekai to sheer horror? Absolute genius.
  • Rem’s confession in Episode 18 is legendary. “You are my hero.” 😭
  • Subaru’s pain, guilt, and growth feel incredibly raw and real. You can’t help but root for him.

💬 Oshi-style comment:

At first I thought Subaru was just annoying. But before I knew it, I was screaming “Hang in there!”
Willing to die over and over just to save someone… he’s not a hero because he’s strong, but because he chooses to try.

❄️【OVA: Memory Snow】Pure fluff and cuteness overload! Subaru & Emilia = TOO SWEET 💕

A peaceful slice-of-life bonus episode set between Seasons 1 and 2.
Snowy fun, sweet moments, and heartwarming smiles — this is the calm before the storm ⛄💕

🌸 Key Highlights

  • Subaru doing his absolute best to impress Emilia = adorable!
  • Casual outfits for Rem, Ram, Beatrice = lethal levels of moe 🫠
  • Honestly too peaceful for a Re:ZERO episode… and that’s what makes it so precious.

💬 Oshi-style comment:

Why are casual outfits this powerful??
Emilia’s tiny “Hmm?” expression melted my entire brain. Watched it three times in a row.

🧊【OVA: The Frozen Bond】Brace yourself. Emilia and Puck’s origin story will destroy you.

Yes. You will cry.
The Frozen Bond tells the story of Emilia before the main series — rejected, feared, and isolated for being “the Witch’s daughter.”
We witness how she meets Puck, and how she grows into someone strong enough to stand and fight.

🌙 Key Highlights

  • “Thank you for staying with me.” — her voice cracked. My heart shattered.
  • The emotional transformation from “protected girl” to “determined heroine.”
  • Puck’s overprotective dad-energy is both hilarious and heartbreaking.

💬 Oshi-style comment:

Emilia isn’t “just a heroine.”
She’s someone who fights to smile despite the hate. Watching her grow broke me in the best way.

🔥【Season 2】Subaru’s breakdown… and rebirth. This is his awakening arc.

Everything changes here.
In the “Sanctuary Arc,” Subaru loses trust, loses hope, and stands completely alone.
But he still chooses to move forward — and what happens next is unforgettable.

⚠️ Key Highlights

  • Roswaal’s true colors, Garfiel’s trauma, Emilia’s past… the lore explodes.
  • Subaru & Beatrice’s contract scene = tears. Tears. TEARS.
  • Rem is missing, but her presence is always felt. Subaru’s resolve is unmatched.

💬 Oshi-style comment:

“To save you, I’ll die as many times as it takes.” — who says that and MEANS it?
Watching Subaru mature… I felt like a proud parent sobbing at graduation.

⚔️【Season 3: Assault & Counterattack Arcs】Hope or despair? The final war begins.

The setting: Pristella, the City of Water. Subaru’s faction faces off against the Witch Cult and other powers in the series’ biggest showdown yet.
He’s no longer alone. Surrounded by allies, he fights to change fate.

🔥 Key Highlights

  • Urban warfare, mind games, political chaos — it’s intense.
  • Emilia’s growth and decision-making? Show-stealing.
  • Episode 1 was a 90-minute theatrical release, and yes, it looked like a full-blown anime movie.

💬 Oshi-style comment:

Subaru’s not the same kid from Season 1.
He stands tall, side-by-side with his comrades — and I was SOBBING watching them all risk everything.

🔚 Conclusion: Experience the World of Re:ZERO the Right Way!

Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- is far more than just another isekai anime.
It’s a powerful story about Subaru, a young man who faces the cruel fate of “Return by Death,” yet still chooses to fight to protect the ones he loves — no matter how many times it costs him his life.

✅ By following the recommended watch order shared in this guide, you’ll be able to:

  • Understand the story flow naturally
  • Fully enjoy the emotional highlights in the OVAs and movies
  • Catch up smoothly with the latest 2025 seasons!

💡 Whether you’re watching Re:ZERO for the first time or picking it back up after a break, now is the perfect time to dive into Subaru’s epic journey!
Don’t forget to check out our latest updates on streaming availability and character feature articles too! 🎀

✅ Before You Go…

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