
Monogatari Series Watch Order
Watch in release order. Bakemonogatari first, then Nisemonogatari, then Monogatari Second Season — the chronological order confuses new viewers and was never the author's intent for first-time watches.
Updated April 17, 2026
Viewing order
- 1
Bakemonogatari
TV2009· 15 epsRequiredThe starting point. Introduces Araragi and the oddities.
- 2
Nisemonogatari
TV2012· 11 epsRequiredFire Sisters arc.
- 3
Nekomonogatari: Black
TV2012· 4 epsRequiredPrequel arc — Hanekawa's backstory. Watch here, not chronologically.
- 4
Monogatari Series Second Season
TV2013· 26 epsRequiredThe peak of the franchise. Contains Nekomonogatari: White, Kabukimonogatari, Otorimonogatari, Onimonogatari, Koimonogatari.
- 5
Hanamonogatari
TV2014· 5 epsRequiredKanbaru arc, set after Second Season.
- 6
Tsukimonogatari
TV2014· 4 epsRequired - 7
Owarimonogatari Season 1
TV2015· 13 epsRequiredIncludes Sodachi Riddle, Sodachi Lost, Shinobu Mail.
- 8
Kizumonogatari I: Tekketsu-hen
Movie2016RequiredAraragi's origin story. Originally intended first chronologically but only works once you know the cast.
- 9
Kizumonogatari II: Nekketsu-hen
Movie2016Required - 10
Kizumonogatari III: Reiketsu-hen
Movie2017Required - 11
Owarimonogatari Season 2
TV2017· 7 epsRequiredMayoi Hell, Hitagi Rendezvous, Ougi Dark.
- 12
Zoku Owarimonogatari
TV2018· 7 epsRequiredThe true ending.
- 13
Monogatari Series: Off & Monster Season
TV2024· 24 epsOptionalLater arcs — watch after Zoku.
Monogatari is one of the most commonly-misrecommended anime on the internet. The "chronological" order starts with Kizumonogatari (Araragi's origin), which spoils the final act of Bakemonogatari and robs newcomers of the mystery that defines the series. The author Nisio Isin wrote and released the novels in a deliberate order designed to layer mystery, so release order is what the franchise was built for. The only tweak: Nekomonogatari: Black was released between Nisemonogatari and Second Season and should be watched there, not in its chronological slot.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Release order is the creator-intended experience. Chronological order spoils the mystery of Bakemonogatari by giving away Araragi's backstory before the main story starts.