Berserk complete watch order guide.

Berserk Watch Order

1
Berserk (1997 Anime)25 Episodes · OLM

Covers the Black Swordsman prologue and the entire Golden Age arc. The most beloved anime adaptation — stop at episode 25, the manga continues.

2
Berserk: The Golden Age Arc Films (2012–2013)3 Films · Studio 4°C

Retelling of the Golden Age arc with updated animation. Higher budget but some fans prefer the 1997 series.

3
Berserk (2016) — Warning24 Episodes · GEMBA / Millepensee

Covers the Conviction arc. Notoriously poor CGI animation. The story is excellent — the execution is divisive. Read the manga instead for this arc.

4
Berserk Manga (1989–2021)374 Chapters · Recommended

The definitive version. Kentaro Miura passed in 2021 — the series is being completed by his studio with his notes.

Tips for New Berserk Viewers

Read the Manga

The 1997 anime and Golden Age films are excellent starting points but the manga is the complete, definitive experience.

The Eclipse Is Coming

The Golden Age arc builds for roughly 40 chapters/18 episodes before the Eclipse. Everything before it exists to make the Eclipse devastating. Let it build.

The 2016 Anime Is Optional

The story of the Conviction arc is extraordinary — but the 2016 CGI anime is widely panned. Read the manga chapters instead if possible.

Guts's Rage Is Earned

Guts is angry and violent throughout. Understanding why requires experiencing the Golden Age arc fully.