Arisunime — “Bungo Stray Dogs” (文豪ストレイドッグス, Bungō Sutorei Doggusu) is a captivating anime series that blends supernatural abilities, detective work, and literary references into a unique and thrilling narrative. The story follows the members of the Armed Detective Agency, a group of individuals with supernatural abilities named after famous literary figures, as they solve cases and confront dangerous organizations in Yokohama.
To fully appreciate the intricate plot twists, character development, and world-building of “Bungo Stray Dogs,” following the correct watch order is crucial. Here’s a comprehensive guide, including all seasons, the movie, and OVAs, with their synopses.
The Recommended Watch Order for Bungo Stray Dogs
1. Bungo Stray Dogs Season 1 (Episodes 1-12)
- Synopsis: Atsushi Nakajima, an orphan expelled from his orphanage, saves a quirky man named Osamu Dazai from drowning. Dazai is a member of the Armed Detective Agency, a group of gifted individuals who handle cases too dangerous for the police. Atsushi soon discovers he possesses a powerful ability himself and is recruited into the Agency, finding himself embroiled in supernatural conflicts and the dark underworld of Yokohama.
2. Bungo Stray Dogs Season 2 (Episodes 13-25)
- Synopsis: This season is divided into two major arcs. The first arc delves into Dazai’s past, exploring his time as a Port Mafia executive and his complex relationship with his former partner, Chuuya Nakahara. The second arc sees the Armed Detective Agency confront the American guild of ability users, “The Guild,” led by Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald, in a desperate struggle for control over Yokohama and a powerful hidden book.
3. Bungo Stray Dogs OVA: Hitori Ayumu (Walking Alone)
- Synopsis: This OVA is bundled with the manga’s 13th volume. It serves as a lighthearted bonus episode, showcasing the Armed Detective Agency members playing a game of hide-and-seek, leading to various comedic situations and interactions that offer a glimpse into their daily lives outside of serious missions. It’s generally best watched after Season 2 for a more complete experience of the characters.
4. Bungo Stray Dogs: Dead Apple (Movie)
- Synopsis: Set after the events of Season 2, a mysterious phenomenon sweeps the globe: gifted individuals are committing suicide worldwide, and in each case, a strange fog appears and dissipates immediately. The Armed Detective Agency, along with the Port Mafia, must join forces to investigate the mastermind behind these incidents, a man named Tatsuhiko Shibusawa, and prevent a global catastrophe. This movie is canon to the series’ timeline.
5. Bungo Stray Dogs Season 3 (Episodes 26-37)
- Synopsis: The conflict between the Armed Detective Agency and the Port Mafia intensifies as a new threat emerges: Fyodor Dostoevsky and his organization, the Rats in the House of the Dead. This season delves deeper into the complex relationship between the two main organizations in Yokohama and reveals more about their pasts, leading to high-stakes psychological warfare and betrayals.
6. Bungo Stray Dogs Wan! (Spin-off Series)
- Synopsis: This is a short-form comedy spin-off featuring chibi (super deformed) versions of the “Bungo Stray Dogs” characters in slice-of-life scenarios. While not crucial to the main plot, it offers a fun and lighthearted look at the characters’ everyday lives and is a delightful watch for fans looking for more content. It can be watched at any point after you’re familiar with the characters, but is best appreciated after the main series’ core events have unfolded.
7. Bungo Stray Dogs Season 4 (Episodes 38-50)
- Synopsis: Following the events of Season 3, the Armed Detective Agency finds itself framed for a series of crimes by a new, insidious organization. They are forced to go underground and clear their names, while also uncovering a vast conspiracy that reaches the highest echelons of power. This season introduces new, formidable adversaries and pushes the Agency to its limits.
8. Bungo Stray Dogs Season 5 (Episodes 51-61)
- Synopsis: The final showdown of the “Decay of Angels” arc unfolds. The Armed Detective Agency, along with their uneasy allies from the Port Mafia and the Hunting Dogs, must confront Fyodor Dostoevsky and his allies as they race against time to prevent a global catastrophe triggered by “the Page” and restore peace to Yokohama. This season brings many ongoing plotlines to a dramatic conclusion.
Why Follow This Order?
Following this order ensures you experience the story as intended by the creators. Each season builds upon the previous one, with character development, plot twists, and world-building unfolding chronologically. The Dead Apple movie is essential for understanding certain character abilities and plot points in later seasons, while the OVAs provide additional character depth or lighthearted breaks.
Enjoy your journey into the thrilling world of “Bungo Stray Dogs”!
