Berserk Watch Order: 1997 Series, Golden Age Movies and the 2016 Series, in order
“The 1997 series, the Golden Age films and the 2016-2017 seasons in the right order.”
Berserk has one trap in its watch order, and it's a sneaky one. The 1997 TV series and the three Golden Age films tell the same story. Same arc, two versions. You pick one. It's like choosing between the theatrical cut and the director's cut of the same movie: you don't watch both back to back unless you really love pain. (Berserk fans, you do. I know.)
The simplest route is the 1997 series, then the 2016 series, then the 2017 second season. Want something faster? Swap the 1997 series for the three films and keep the rest the same. Either way, the 2016 and 2017 seasons pick up after the Golden Age arc, so they come next.
A warning about those two seasons: they use heavy CGI that split viewers. They're also the only anime continuation of the story, so they stay on the list as essential. Go in knowing what you're getting.
The Memorial Edition is a TV re-edit of the films, and the recap special repeats earlier events. Both are skippable. The Recollections of the Witch special is a short bonus and doesn't affect the story.
One last thing. The anime only adapts part of the manga. The story keeps going on paper after the final episode, so if you finish and want more, that's where to look.
At the end: one version of the Golden Age, then 2016, then 2017. Choose wisely, and maybe keep a pillow nearby.
The Golden Age
Start here, or use the three films instead. Not both.
The 1997 series adapts the Golden Age arc and ends on a famously bleak note that leaves the story open. It is slower and more atmospheric than the films, which is why some people prefer it and others don't have the patience.
Alternative to the 1997 series. Same story, retold as three films.
The film trilogy compresses the Golden Age arc into three movies, so it moves faster but fits less of the material in. Pick this route if a full TV series sounds like too much.
Second film of the Golden Age retelling.
Final film of the Golden Age retelling.
TV re-edit of the films. No new story.
This is the film trilogy re-edited for TV broadcast. If you've seen the films or the 1997 series, skip it.
After the Golden Age
Continues the story after the Golden Age arc.
Heavy CGI that split viewers. It's still the only anime continuation of the story, so it stays essential. Watch the 2017 season right after it.
Direct continuation of the 2016 series.
Season 2 of the CGI run starts right where the 2016 series ends, so watch them back to back.
Short bonus special tied to the 2016-2017 series. Not needed for the story.
That's the whole route, captain.
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