Arisunime — Embarking on the action-packed journey of Strike Witches can be thrilling, but with multiple seasons, movies, OVAs, and spin-offs, navigating the correct viewing order might seem daunting. This guide provides you with both the recommended release order and the chronological order, ensuring you get the best possible experience in battling the Neuroi thre
Why the Strike Witches Watch Order Matters
The Strike Witches franchise tells the story of powerful young girls known as Witches who utilize magical Striker Units to combat alien invaders called Neuroi. While some entries are standalone or comedic spin-offs, the core narrative benefits greatly from being watched in a specific sequence to fully appreciate character development, plot progression, and world-building.
Many fans and sources recommend watching the series in release order, as this is how the story was originally presented and intended to be consumed. This approach often provides the best narrative flow, allowing for natural revelations and avoiding potential spoilers for later developments. However, if you prefer to follow the in-universe timeline of events, a chronological order is also available.
Strike Witches Watch Order: Release Order (Recommended)
Watching Strike Witches in the order it was released is generally considered the optimal way to experience the franchise, as it allows for the story to unfold as intended by the creators.
- Strike Witches (Season 1) (TV Anime, 2008)
- Strike Witches 2 (TV Anime, 2010)
- Strike Witches: The Movie (Movie, 2012)
- Strike Witches: Operation Victory Arrow (OVA, 2014)
- Brave Witches (TV Anime, 2016)
- Strike Witches: 501st JOINT FIGHTER WING Take Off! (TV Anime, 2019) – A comedic spin-off. While not essential for the main plot, it’s best enjoyed after watching the main series for context on the jokes and characters.
- Strike Witches: ROAD to BERLIN (TV Anime, 2020) – Also known as Season 3.
- World Witches Take Off! (TV Anime, 2021) – Another comedic spin-off, similar to 501st Take Off!
Why Release Order is Recommended:
- Intended Narrative Flow: This order respects the original storytelling and progression.
- Avoids Spoilers: You won’t accidentally encounter plot points or character revelations prematurely.
- Builds Familiarity: You’ll grow with the characters and the world as they were introduced.
Strike Witches Watch Order: Chronological Order
For those who prefer to follow the story’s timeline of events, here is the chronological order. Be aware that some spin-offs or OVAs may contain minor spoilers if watched out of their original release context.
- Strike Witches (Season 1) (TV Anime, 2008)
- Strike Witches 2 (TV Anime, 2010)
- Strike Witches: The Movie (Movie, 2012)
- Strike Witches: Operation Victory Arrow (OVA, 2014)
- Brave Witches (TV Anime, 2016)
- Strike Witches: ROAD to BERLIN (TV Anime, 2020)
- Strike Witches: 501st JOINT FIGHTER WING Take Off! (TV Anime, 2019)
- World Witches Take Off! (TV Anime, 2021)
Note: In the case of Strike Witches, the chronological order largely mirrors the release order for the main narrative. The comedic spin-offs, while listed chronologically by release, are best viewed after their respective main series entries to understand the humor and references.
Additional Considerations
- Luminous Witches: This spin-off (released in 2022) is not directly connected to the main Neuroi plot and focuses on a musical group of Witches. It can be watched independently as it doesn’t significantly impact the main Strike Witches storyline.
- Optional Viewings: While the main TV seasons and the movie are considered essential for the core story, OVAs and comedic spin-offs like 501st JOINT FIGHTER WING Take Off! and World Witches Take Off! are largely optional. However, they provide fun character moments and expand the universe for dedicated fans.
Whether you choose the traditional release order or the chronological path, the Strike Witches franchise offers a captivating world filled with aerial combat and charming characters. Enjoy your viewing journey!***
