The Definitive Order to Watch the Monogatari Anime Series
Most People Get it Wrong
It’s difficult to find an anime fan who hasn’t at least heard of the Monogatari series.
If they haven’t, then they’ve probably seen something that’s been influenced by it. The Monogatari series is quite long, featuring 4 films, 5 seasons, and 4 miniseries, each building on top of the next.
I tried getting into the show many times over the years, but turned it off within minutes of starting. Each time I started with from a different place, based on online recommendations, and each time I was disappointed or confused.
The guide I share here is as in chronological order as possible, without needing to skip around halfway through seasons (if you’d be interested in that guide, let me know).
With all that said, here is the guide I wish I had, so you can enjoy the Monogatari series to the fullest.
Summary
- Kizumonogatari Part 1: Tekketsu
- Kizumonogatari Part 2: Nekketsu
- Kizumonogatari Part 3: Reiketsu
- Nekomonogatari Black (Kuro)
- Bakemonogatari
- Nisemonogatari
- Monogatari Series Second Season (preferably the Blu-ray edition)
- Tsukimonogatari
- Owarimonogatari
- Koyomimonogatari (optional)
- Owarimonogatari Second Season
- Zoku Owarimonogatari
- Hanamonogatari (optional)
Kizumonogatari Parts 1, 2, & 3: Tekketsu, Nekketsu, & Reiketsu
Kizu has a very distinct art style compared to the rest of the series, and traditional anime in general.
I think this art style may be the main reason many people just skip these three movies. That said, just because the art is different, doesn’t mean it’s bad, in fact, I think it’s great.
It could also be that people don’t want to watch 3 movies, even if they are only an hour to an hour and a half each, to start an anime.
Also, the themes and style of the movies is radically different from the rest of the show. The movies take a much darker tone compared to the TV series. That’s not to say the TV series is sunshine and unicorns, it’s dark in its own right.
All that said, the Kizu movies are the place to start if you want the full Monogatari story from beginning to end in chronological order.
Nekomonogatari Black (Kuro)
This four episode miniseries starts to set the premise for the rest of the show as a whole.
If you’re familiar with shows like Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai or Kokoro Connect, the majority of the Monogatari series is similar to those. A character faces some personal trial, trauma, or situation that manifests through the supernatural, and they have to overcome these things to stop whatever supernatural entity is at work.
Neko Kuro is actually a really good tell if you’ll like the rest of the series; if you enjoy Neko Kuro, the rest of the series takes those concepts and dials it up over time, if you don’t then dip out now.
Bakemonogatari
This is the most recommended starting point for anyone looking to get into Monogatari.
While you can start here and enjoy the show just fine, you’re missing some important context from Kizu and Neko Kuro that comes up later. Most people recommend starting here because it was the first part of the Monogatari series that actually aired.
This season is where most of the staple characters are introduced that you’ll see for the rest of the series.
Nisemonogatari
Nise is more of the same from Bake, just focusing on Koyommi Araragi’s (protagonist’s) sisters.
This is also the point in the show where Ecchi aspect is turned up a bit more. There is one particularly “interesting” episode involving Araragi, his younger sister, and a toothbrush. That said, if you’re in this far, you’re probably in for the long haul, and I’d say that scene is as “bad” as it ever gets, if you’re particularly sensitive to that sort of thing.
Monogatari Series Second Season (preferably the Blu ray edition)
Why the actual Hell is this called “Monogatari Series Second Season” when it’s clearly the third season if you’re not counting the movies or miniseries, fourth if you count the miniseries, or fifth if you count everything.
Ok, that complaint aside, MSSS really starts pushing some mind bendy, time travel BS. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great, it can just get confusing to keep track of it all, or know where exactly you are in which timeline at any given point in the season.
At this point, nearly every major and minor character is introduced, and the show is starting to tie up loose ends and some plot points.
Tsukimonogatari
All things considered, this four episode miniseries doesn’t amount to much.
In Tsuki, Araragi is faced with a sort of meaningless ultimatum that I kinda forgot even happened. It’s still a good time, just forgettable.
Owarimonogatari
Finally, the last major and minor characters are introduced, it’s the beginning of the end.
That doesn’t mean it’s almost done, since there’s still plenty of content past Owari. There are still a few stories to close, and aberrations to banish.
Honestly there’s not too much more to say about this season. It’s laying out the final pieces for the grand conclusion.
Koyomimonogatari (optional)
If you really want to watch everything perfectly in chronological order, you’d have to break up Koyomi by episode and watch them intermittently through every season prior.
To round it out nicely, it’s just some fun, short stories featuring the Monogatari cast.
There’s nothing absolutely crucial to the overarching storyline. It’s mostly here for people who want to see these characters interact in different, mostly non-supernatural situations.
Owarimonogatari Second Season
At last, you’ve reached the end of the TV Monogatari series, with this seven episode miniseries.
The build up over these seven episodes is incredible, and the conclusion satisfying.
They even go so far as to show an epilogue sequence of sorts at the end of Owari 2.
Zoku Owarimonogatari
The major story of Monogatari has finished, and this is a fun, movie length cherry on top of it all.
One last supernatural oddity to deal with before it’s all over. Zoku does a good job at closing everything out, but I don’t think it was all that necessary.
If you were satisfied with the ending of Owari 2, then I’d suggest leaving it there.
Hanamonogatari (optional)
If you somehow didn’t get enough Monogatari after all of that, here’s a miniseries featuring some of the side characters after the main series finished.
If you’ve watched the Monogatari series, or you’re considering it, here are a few shows similar that I’d recommend. Similarly, if you enjoyed these, then you’ll probably like the Monogatari series.
- Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai
- Kokoro Connect
- Monster
- FLCL
- Mushishi
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