- 🌸 Which Order Should You Watch Hakuouki In? Here’s the Best Way to Experience the Anime (Beginner-Friendly Guide)
- 🔰 So… What Is Hakuouki?
- 💖 Hakuouki Anime Watch Order (2025 Edition)
- 💻 Hakuouki Streaming Availability (as of April 2025) – Which VOD is Best for Binge-Watching?
- 🌐 Watching Hakuouki on Japanese Streaming Services – What You Should Know!
- 🌍 Hakuouki Anime – International Streaming Availability (2025)
- 🫶 Hakuouki – Highlights & Tearjerker Moments (Your Ultimate Emotional Oshi Guide)
- 📝 Final Thoughts
- ✅ Before You Go…
- ❓Hakuouki Anime FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
🌸 Which Order Should You Watch Hakuouki In? Here’s the Best Way to Experience the Anime (Beginner-Friendly Guide)
Let’s start with the short answer — here’s the best recommended watch order for Hakuouki:
- Hakuouki: Shinsengumi Kitan (Season 1)
- Hakuouki: Hekketsuroku (Season 2)
- Hakuouki: Sekkaroku (OVA)
- Hakuouki: Reimeiroku (Prequel)
- Hakuouki Movie 1 & 2 (Retelling of the main story)
- Hakuouki OVA (2021–2022)
- Hakuouki: Otogisoushi (Comedy spin-off)
Confused about which season is the main story? Not sure if you need to watch the OVAs or the movies? Don’t worry — if you follow this order, you’ll enjoy the full emotional impact of the story and fall in love with the characters even more.
In this article, we’ll walk you through:
- ✅ The correct viewing order (recommended + chronological)
- ✅ Highlights and tearjerker moments to look out for
- ✅ The latest streaming info as of 2025 (Where to watch it online)
🔰 So… What Is Hakuouki?
Hakuouki is a beautiful blend of historical fantasy and romance set in Kyoto during the final years of the samurai era.
The story follows a young woman named Chizuru and her fateful encounters with the Shinsengumi — a group of brave warriors fighting for their beliefs in a time of political turmoil.
With its emotional storytelling, charming (and tragic) characters, and stunning Japanese period setting, Hakuouki has become a long-time favorite among anime fans — especially those who love heartfelt, bittersweet tales.
If you’re new to the series, this guide will help you enjoy Hakuouki in the most rewarding way possible!
💖 Hakuouki Anime Watch Order (2025 Edition)
— For First-Time Viewers Who Want the Most Emotional Ride —
Hakuouki can be a little tricky to follow with all its seasons, OVAs, and movies, but don’t worry — here’s a complete and beginner-friendly viewing order that’s not only easy to follow but also carefully curated to maximize emotional impact. Trust me, watching in this order brings out the best of the story and characters.
🎬 Best Watch Order (With Timeline & Fan Tips)
| # | Title | Year | Format | Why This Order Rocks 🫶 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hakuouki: Shinsengumi Kitan | 2010 | TV Series (Season 1) | 🔥 Start here, no exceptions. This is the heart of the story, where Chizuru meets the Shinsengumi. It sets the tone, world, and relationships. You’ll be emotionally hooked by episode 3. |
| 2 | Hakuouki: Hekketsuroku | 2010 | TV Series (Season 2) | 💔 This is where things get intense. Political drama, emotional sacrifices, and a powerful ending. Watch right after Season 1 — they’re basically one big story split in two. |
| 3 | Hakuouki: Sekkaroku (OVA) | 2011–2012 | OVA (6 episodes) | 🌸 These are character-focused stories set in Kyoto. Each episode centers on a different guy. Optional, but highly recommended after the main story — they deepen your love for the cast. |
| 4 | Hakuouki: Reimeiroku | 2012 | TV Series (Prequel) | 🕰️ A prequel set before Chizuru arrives. See how the Shinsengumi were formed and get juicy backstory — but only after watching the main seasons, or you’ll miss key emotional moments. |
| 5 | Hakuouki Movie 1: Kyoto Ranbu | 2013 | Theatrical Film | 🎥 Retells Season 1 in movie format. Gorgeous animation and faster pacing. Skip if you’ve seen the series, or use as a refresher. Worth it for the upgraded visuals alone! |
| 6 | Hakuouki Movie 2: Shikon Soukyuu | 2014 | Theatrical Film | 🎥 Wraps up the story just like Season 2. Same deal — beautiful but condensed. Better as a rewatch or if you’re short on time. |
| 7 | Hakuouki (2021 OVA – 3 parts) | 2021–2022 | OVA (3 episodes) | 🆕 Set between Seasons 1 & 2. Includes new characters and an original subplot. If you loved the main series, this is a nice little bonus to expand the story. |
| 8 | Hakuouki: Otogisoushi | 2016 | TV Shorts (Comedy) | 🤣 Chibi comedy chaos. Think “What if the Shinsengumi lived in a sitcom?” Pure fanservice fluff. Watch any time — especially after all the drama, as a palate cleanser. |
✅ Summary & Viewing Tips
| Type | Recommended? | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Main TV series (S1 & S2) | ✅ Absolutely | The emotional and narrative core of the franchise. |
| Reimeiroku (Prequel) | 👍 After S2 | Great character depth, but spoilers if you watch first. |
| Sekkaroku (OVAs) | ✅ Optional but valuable | Adds emotional layers, especially if you have a favorite character. |
| Movies | ⚠️ Skip or Bonus | Same story as S1 & S2 but in faster, prettier format. Not essential. |
| 2021 OVAs | 👍 After main series | A neat addition with new story beats. |
| Otogisoushi (Comedy) | 😂 For fun | No plot, just vibes. Great after all the tears. |
🌟 Why This Order Works Best
- Start with the core: The main TV series is where the heart is. All the characters, lore, and emotional arcs start here. Watching the prequel first actually weakens some of the reveals — so save it for later.
- Ride the emotional arc: By finishing Season 2 before going back to the prequel or OVAs, you get the full tragic sweep of the story, making everything else feel richer and more meaningful.
- Sprinkle in extras: The OVAs and movies are like dessert. Not required, but they enhance everything you already love. And the comedy? Total serotonin boost.
💬 Final Thoughts from a Fellow Fan
If you’re into tragic romance, historical fantasy, and deep character bonds, Hakuouki will hit you right in the feels.
Watching it in this order ensures you connect emotionally, understand the story deeply, and avoid confusion.
And hey — if you fall in love with one of the Shinsengumi boys (we all do eventually), those side stories are where they really shine 💘
💻 Hakuouki Streaming Availability (as of April 2025) – Which VOD is Best for Binge-Watching?
🔎 Legend – How to Read the Streaming Table
- ⭕️ = Available for unlimited streaming
- ★ = Rental only
- ❌ = Not available
📺 Streaming Status by VOD Platform (April 2025)
| VOD Platform | Hakuouki (S1) | Hekketsuroku (S2) | OVA: Sekkaroku | Reimeiroku (Prequel) | Movies (2 parts) | Otogisoushi | New OVA (2021–22) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| dAnime Store | ⭕️ | ⭕️ | ⭕️ | ⭕️ | ⭕️ | ⭕️ | ⭕️ |
| U-NEXT | ⭕️ | ⭕️ | ⭕️ | ⭕️ | ⭕️ | ⭕️ | ⭕️ |
| Abema Premium | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Hulu Japan | ⭕️ | ⭕️ | ⭕️ | ⭕️ | ⭕️ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Amazon Prime Video | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ❌ | ★ |
| DMM TV | ⭕️ | ⭕️ | ⭕️ | ⭕️ | ⭕️ | ⭕️ | ❌ |
✅ Recommendation
If you want to binge the entire Hakuouki series, U-NEXT is the best choice.
It includes everything: TV seasons, OVAs, movies, and even the latest 3-part OVA (initially rental, now available for unlimited streaming).
🌐 Watching Hakuouki on Japanese Streaming Services – What You Should Know!
If you’re an international fan hoping to watch Hakuouki on Japanese platforms like U-NEXT, dAnime Store, or DMM TV, here are a few friendly tips:
- 🛑 Region-locked: Most Japanese streaming sites are only accessible within Japan. You’ll likely need a VPN to access them from overseas.
- 🈚 Japanese-only interface: These platforms are entirely in Japanese — no English subtitles, menus, or audio.
- 💳 Payment issues: Signing up may require a Japanese credit card or mobile carrier, and international cards might not work.
- 🔑 Account setup required: Even for free trials, you’ll need to register, sometimes with a Japanese phone number.
💡 Tip: If you’re not fluent in Japanese or don’t have access to a VPN, you’re better off watching through Crunchyroll, Hulu (US), or Amazon (rental) where subtitles and region-free access are available.
🌍 Hakuouki Anime – International Streaming Availability (2025)
| Platform | Available Seasons | OVA / Movies | Subtitles | Dub | Region (Availability) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crunchyroll | ✅ Season 1 & 2 ✅ Prequel (Reimeiroku) | ✅ Sekkaroku OVA ✅ Reimeiroku | English, Spanish (LA/ES), French, German, Italian | ❌ | North America, Europe, LATAM, more | Best option: Full catalog, multi-language subs, global access |
| Hulu (U.S.)* | ✅ via Crunchyroll add-on | ✅ via add-on | Same as Crunchyroll | ❌ | 🇺🇸 U.S. only | Needs Crunchyroll channel subscription on Hulu |
| Amazon Prime Video | ✅ Season 1 (rental) | ✅ Movies (rental) | English subtitles (select) | ✅ English dub (partial) | 🇺🇸 U.S. (availability varies) | Rental-only. Not included with Prime. Dub availability inconsistent |
| Netflix | ❌ Not available | ❌ Not available | — | — | ❌ No confirmed countries | Despite user rumors, no official listings as of 2025 |
| FUNimation | ❌ Not available | ❌ Not available | — | — | ❌ None | No licensing from Hakuouki publisher (Idea Factory / Aniplex) |
| YouTube (Unofficial) | ⚠️ Partial uploads (e.g. Reimeiroku) | ❌ | Fan subs / fan dubs | ❌ | Global (not official) | Not recommended. Often pirated or poor quality |
| Physical Media (DVD/Blu-ray) | ✅ Full seasons, movies | ✅ OVAs too | English subs & dub (varies) | ✅ | Region A/B (depends on disc) | Best for collectors or English dub fans. Available via eBay, etc. |
✅ Summary: Best Ways to Watch Hakuouki Overseas
- 🔥 Best for most users → Crunchyroll (full access, reliable subs, legal)
- 🇺🇸 U.S. only option → Hulu (requires Crunchyroll add-on)
- 💬 Dub watchers → Try Amazon rentals or buy physical discs
- ❌ Netflix/FUNimation → Not currently streaming Hakuouki
- ⚠️ YouTube → Avoid unofficial uploads unless verified legal
💡 Tip: Crunchyroll is your safest bet if you want access to all major seasons and OVAs with proper subtitles — and it’s available in most countries!
🫶 Hakuouki – Highlights & Tearjerker Moments (Your Ultimate Emotional Oshi Guide)
| Episode / Title | Oshi Power Moment 💖 | Heartbreak Alert 😭 | Fan Thoughts & Feelings 📝 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🟩 Shinsengumi Kitan (Season 1) | First time meeting your future oshi ✨ / Even their smile is precious! | Okita’s illness foreshadowing / Growing trust with Chizuru | “Saitou’s line in that scene still haunts me—in the best way.” |
| 🟦 Hekketsuroku (Season 2) | Hijikata’s full-on resolve / Watching your oshi break down 💔 | The loss of each comrade / That one line in the finale… | “Their ending was too beautiful. I’m still not over it.” |
| 🟪 Sekkaroku (OVA) | Every episode is oshi-focused 🌸 / The ultimate character feed! | Toudou’s hidden sadness / Saitou’s quiet gentleness | “Character depth = MAX. This sealed who I oshi forever.” |
| 🟥 Reimeiroku (Prequel) | Younger, rougher versions of your faves 🍼 / So pure, so intense! | Dreams crushed / The tragedy around Serizawa hits hard | “Protect baby Okita at all costs. He didn’t deserve this.” |
| 🟧 Movies (2-part) | Stunning visuals🔥 / Iconic moments, re-animated in high quality | Speedrun to heartbreak / Ending hits harder with music | “That BGM + animation = emotional knockout. Needed tissues.” |
| 🟨 OVA (2021–2022) | New characters, new obsession🆕 / Chizuru being even more brave | Chizuru goes missing / The Shinsengumi desperately looking for her | “Hijikata’s reaction in that moment—stabbed me right in the soul.” |
| 🟫 Otogisoushi (Comedy) | Chibi versions of your oshi 🥹 / Unexpected comedy gold | Laugh-crying is still crying, right? 😂 | “Seeing my fallen fave running around happy again… I sobbed. It’s sacred.” |
🎀 Oshi-Loving Notes
- The kind of show where you say, “That smile alone gives me strength today.”
- The more you love your faves, the deeper it cuts… in the best possible way.
- Finishing the series = guaranteed emotional oshi spiral:
Feed → Fall → Cry → Repeat.
📝 Final Thoughts
Hakuouki isn’t just a historical anime — it’s an emotional journey filled with romance, loyalty, sacrifice, and unforgettable characters.
Whether you’re here for the heart-fluttering moments, the action, or just to cry over your oshi (again and again), watching it in the right order truly makes all the difference.
💡 Remember:
Start with Shinsengumi Kitan, follow through Hekketsuroku, and don’t skip the OVAs and prequel if you want the full experience (and full emotional damage 💔).
🎥 Ready to Dive In?
If this is your first time watching Hakuouki, I hope this guide helped you feel less lost and more excited to begin.
And if you’re rewatching — welcome back to the emotional battlefield. Your oshi missed you.
💬 Have a favorite scene or character? Share it in the comments — let’s cry and fangirl/boy together!
And don’t forget to bookmark this guide for your next rewatch (because trust me… there will be a next time).
Thanks for reading, and happy Hakuouki watching! 🗡️🌸
✅ Before You Go…
📌 Looking for more watch order guides?
Check out our other detailed guides:
- 🚅 Shinkalion – The Ultimate Watch Order Guide (2025)
- 🌌 Eureka Seven – The Complete Watch Order Guide (2024)
- 🌸 Kin-iro Mosaic – Full Watch Order & Timeline Guide (2024)
📌 Want to support the blog?
If you found this guide helpful, feel free to bookmark or share it with fellow anime fans!
We’d love it if you followed us for more watch order guides, character highlights, and fangirl-approved content. ✨
❓Hakuouki Anime FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the correct watch order for the Hakuouki anime series?
A: The recommended order for first-time viewers is:
- Hakuouki: Shinsengumi Kitan (Season 1)
- Hakuouki: Hekketsuroku (Season 2)
- Hakuouki: Sekkaroku (OVA)
- Hakuouki: Reimeiroku (Prequel)
- Hakuouki Movies (Kyoto Ranbu / Shikon Soukyuu)
- Hakuouki OVA (2021–2022)
- Hakuouki: Otogisoushi (Comedy spin-off)
This order follows the emotional arc and keeps spoilers minimal.
If you’re rewatching, you can try the chronological order for a different perspective.
Q2. Do I need to watch the Hakuouki OVAs and movies?
A: The main story is covered in the first two seasons.
But the OVAs (Sekkaroku and 2021–22 OVA) add valuable backstories and emotional depth.
The movies are condensed retellings of Seasons 1 and 2 — optional but beautifully animated.
For the full experience, we recommend watching them all.
Q3. Where can I watch Hakuouki in English (with subs or dub)?
A: As of 2025:
- Crunchyroll: Full series (Season 1–2, Prequel, OVAs) with subtitles in English, Spanish, French, and more.
- Amazon Prime Video: Some episodes available for rental, including English dubbed versions.
- Hulu (U.S.): Available via the Crunchyroll add-on.
No official English dub on Crunchyroll, but physical Blu-rays may include it.
Q4. Is Hakuouki based on a game?
A: Yes! Hakuouki was originally an otome game (romance visual novel) for PlayStation and other consoles, developed by Idea Factory’s Otomate brand.
The anime adapts several routes, focusing especially on Hijikata’s story.
Q5. In what order should I watch Hakuouki if I want to follow the story chronologically?
A: The chronological timeline order is:
- Reimeiroku (Prequel)
- Shinsengumi Kitan
- OVA (2021–22)
- Hekketsuroku
- Sekkaroku OVA
- Movies (as alternate retellings)
- Otogisoushi (non-canon)
However, first-time viewers should still start with the broadcast order for maximum emotional impact.
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