Watch Order 8 Core Entries 0 Optional

MONOGATARI:
WATCH ORDER

Monogatari's biggest trap is Kizumonogatari — it's Koyomi's vampire origin story, and while it was the second light novel written, it wasn't animated until years after Bakemonogatari. This guide lays out the broadcast-release order most newcomers are recommended to follow, since it preserves the mystery the original release order was built around.

Core path 8 entries
Optional 0 extras
Total time 47h
Aired 2009–present
0/8 entries watched0%
Hide optional

⏱ Binge Calculator

0.5h6h12h

Finish date

July 28, 2026

Hours left

40.1h

Entries left

8

Optional entries

0

#1

Bakemonogatari

Required

TV Series · 15 episodes · 2009–2010 · 6.0h

High schooler Koyomi Araragi, recently recovered from briefly becoming a vampire, starts helping his classmates with supernatural afflictions called 'oddities.'

💡The entry point for the whole series — establishes Shaft's visual style and the core cast.
#2

Kizumonogatari (Trilogy)

Required

Movie · 3 films · 2016–2017 · 4.9h

A prequel trilogy covering Koyomi's spring break encounter with the vampire Kiss-shot Acerola-orion Heart-under-blade — the event that turned him into a vampire.

💡Best watched right after Bakemonogatari for context, even though it was released years later — most guides place it here despite being chronologically first.
#3

Nisemonogatari

Required

TV Series · 11 episodes · 2012 · 4.4h

A direct sequel to Bakemonogatari focused on Koyomi's two younger sisters and a string of arsons tied to a fake monk.

💡Full of fan service but still considered a main arc with important character material — don't skip it.
#4

Nekomonogatari: Black

Required

TV Series · 4 episodes · 2012 · 1.6h

A prequel to Bakemonogatari's final arc, revolving around the oddity possessing Koyomi's class rep, Tsubasa Hanekawa.

💡Chronologically takes place between the Kizumonogatari trilogy and Bakemonogatari, but is best watched here in release order.
#5

Monogatari Series: Second Season (with Hanamonogatari)

Required

TV Series · 26 episodes · 2013–2014 · 10.4h

Covers Nekomonogatari: White, Kabukimonogatari, Otorimonogatari, Onimonogatari, and Koimonogatari, with the Hanamonogatari arc inserted after episode 10.

💡Episodes 6, 11, and 16 are recaps and safe to skip. Insert Hanamonogatari (5 episodes) after episode 10 for the intended reading order.
#6

Tsukimonogatari

Required

TV Series · 4 episodes · 2014 · 1.7h

Set right after Nisemonogatari, this arc reveals what really happened during Koyomi's spring break vampire encounter from Shinobu's perspective.

💡Short but essential — reveals key details that Bakemonogatari and Nisemonogatari deliberately left out.
#7

Owarimonogatari (Season 1 & 2) and Koyomimonogatari

Required

TV Series · 25 episodes · 2015–2017 · 10.0h

The Final Season, wrapping up Koyomi's saga through the Ougi Formula, Sodachi Riddle, and Sodachi Lost arcs, with Koyomimonogatari's 12 short episodes woven in.

💡Koyomimonogatari is mostly a side-story anthology — you can skip it, but its last two episodes (11–12) matter and shouldn't be missed.
#8

Zoku Owarimonogatari

Required

Movie · 1 film · 2018 · 1.1h

A feature-length continuation of Owarimonogatari, closing out the Final Season with the Kokorotorogatari arc.

💡The true ending to the first major story arc of the franchise, despite the earlier 'Final Season' branding.

Story, Creator & Reception

The Monogatari series is based on light novels written by NisiOisiN, first published in 2005. The anime adaptation, produced by Studio Shaft, holds a MyAnimeList score around 7.9, with Bakemonogatari widely credited for popularizing Shaft's rapid-editing visual style across the wider anime industry.

Why Order Matters

Its release order and story order differ sharply — Kizumonogatari was released years after Bakemonogatari despite being a direct prequel, which is the single biggest source of confusion for new viewers picking where to start.

Studio & Director Facts

Directed by Akiyuki Shinbo, the series is known for its dense on-screen text cards and unconventional editing style. NisiOisiN's writing leans heavily on wordplay, which Shaft's visual approach reinforces directly through typography choices.

Trivia

NisiOisiN is one of Japan's most prolific light novel authors, publishing dozens of volumes across multiple series simultaneously. The Monogatari franchise has continued for over a decade, with new entries still being adapted into the 2020s.

Common Mistakes

Browse All Anime Guides → Fate Watch Order JoJo Watch Order

FAQ

Do I need to watch Kizumonogatari right after Bakemonogatari, even though it came out later?

Most guides recommend it, yes. Kizumonogatari is Koyomi's vampire origin story and was announced in 2012 but not released until 2016–2017, well after Bakemonogatari and Nisemonogatari. Watching it right after Bakemonogatari gives context without spoiling later reveals.

Where does Hanamonogatari fit in Second Season?

Insert it after episode 10 of Monogatari Series: Second Season — it adapts the third volume of that season and was originally released separately from the TV broadcast.

Is Monogatari Series: Off & Monster Season required?

It's a separate ongoing spin-off series with episodes that take place across the entire timeline, making it hard to place chronologically. It's not required to understand the main saga covered in this guide.

Can I skip Koyomimonogatari?

Mostly, yes — it's a 12-episode anthology of side stories. The final two episodes (11 and 12) matter to the main story, so don't skip those specifically.

← See all watch order guides