If you’ve ever tried diving into the Monogatari Series, you know it’s not your typical anime. With clever dialogue, quirky characters, and a storyline that jumps around in time, it can feel a little… overwhelming at first. Do you watch it in the order it aired on TV? Or follow the story chronologically? Maybe even go by the original light novels? The truth is, there’s no single “right” way to experience this series—but your choice can change how you enjoy the story. In this guide, we’ll break down all three viewing orders, and suggest which might work best depending on your goals, and even show you where to watch each season and OVA legally. By the end, you’ll have a clear path through the labyrinthine world of the Monogatari Series.
Overview of the Monogatari Series
The Monogatari Series is a sprawling anime franchise adapted from the light novels by Nisio Isin, known for its nonlinear storytelling and distinct visual style. This overview groups the main anime, movies, and ongoing original net animation (ONA) into phases based on story arcs and production periods:
📂 Phase 1: First Season (Origin / Introduction)
Araragi’s first encounters with the various girls lay the foundation for the Monogatari Series. This is where the show establishes its quirky, experimental storytelling style, combining sharp dialogue, surreal visuals, and supernatural mysteries. These early arcs set the tone for everything that follows, making it a unique viewing experience right from the start.
| Title |
Format | Episodes | Original Release | Core Highlights |
| Bakemonogatari | TV Series | 15 eps | 2009 | Introduces main female characters; classic aberration mysteries begin. |
| Nisemonogatari | TV Series | 11 eps | 2012 | Focuses on Karen & Tsukihi; famous “toothbrushing” scene. |
| Nekomonogatari: Black | TV Special | 4 eps | 2012 | Reveals Tsubasa Hanekawa’s repressed past; origin of “Black Cat” story. |
📂 Phase 2: Second Season
As Araragi gradually steps back from the spotlight, the girls take center stage, confronting their inner demons and supernatural challenges. With multiple arcs weaving together, this phase adds depth to the characters and explores more intricate mysteries. Note that Hanamonogatari aired later, so it’s important to include it when watching.
| Title |
Format | Episodes | Original Release | Core Highlights |
| Monogatari Series: Second Season | TV Series | 26 eps | 2013 | Includes arcs: Nekomonogatari: White, Kabukimonogatari, Otorimonogatari, Onimonogatari, Koimonogatari. |
| Hanamonogatari | TV Special | 5 eps | 2014 | Focuses on Kanbaru Suruga; explores competition and uncertainty before graduation. |
📂 Phase 3: Final Season
This phase pushes the series to its most ambitious heights, featuring both cinematic-quality films and crucial arcs that lead toward Araragi’s high school graduation and the story’s resolution. Even though some films like Kizumonogatari are prequels in the story timeline, their later release gives this phase a sense of grandeur and polish.
| Title |
Format | Episodes | Original Release | Core Highlights |
| Tsukimonogatari | TV Special | 4 eps | 2014 | Araragi’s vampire crisis; Yotsugi Doll takes the spotlight. |
| Owarimonogatari (Part 1) | TV Series | 13 eps | 2015 | Araragi’s high school past emerges; reveals ties with Ougi. |
| Koyomimonogatari | TV Series | 12 eps | 2016 | 12 short stories; seemingly everyday life, but key to final arc structure. |
| Kizumonogatari Trilogy | Feature Films | 3 films | 2016–2017 | Movie-level animation; Araragi meets Shinobu during hellish spring break. |
| Owarimonogatari (Part 2) | TV Series | 7 eps | 2017 | Concludes Araragi’s high school era; all mysteries resolved. |
| Zoku Owarimonogatari | TV / Film | 6 eps | 2018 | Post-graduation mirror world; fun epilogue with role reversals. |
📂 Phase 4: Off & Monster Season (2024–2026)
Starting from 2024, the Off & Monster Season delivers new arcs primarily through online releases, later compiled for TV and Blu-ray. These stories explore Araragi’s university years and beyond, keeping the series’ trademark mix of supernatural intrigue, clever dialogue, and offbeat humor. Fans can enjoy fresh adventures while still feeling the continuity of the Monogatari world.
| Category |
Title |
Format | Episodes | Original Release | Core Highlights |
| Off Season | Orokamonogatari | ONA/TV | 4 eps | 2024.07 | Araragi away; “sisters” daily antics, lighthearted. |
| Nademonogatari | ONA/TV | 4 eps | 2024.08 | Nadeko’s self-discovery; inner conflicts with 4 clones. | |
| Wazamonogatari | ONA/TV | 4 eps | 2024.09 | Travels 600 years back; witness young vampire birth. | |
| Musubimonogatari | ONA/TV | 4 eps | 2025 | Adult Araragi as police officer; closure for Black Hanekawa & others. | |
| Monster Season | Shinobumonogatari | ONA/TV | 6 eps | 2025 | Araragi’s university life; classic school mystery. |
| Yoimonogatari | ONA/TV | 3 eps | 2025 | Shinobu, now a god, handles modern urban aberrations. | |
| Yorimonogatari | ONA/TV | 3 eps | 2026.01 | Explores Ougi as a “corpse” and her bonds. | |
| Ougimonogatari | ONA/TV | 4 eps | 2026.02 | Oshino Ougi returns; ultimate logical battle unfolds. | |
| Shimimonogatari | ONA/TV | 6 eps | 2026 TBD | King of aberration’s life and death finale; epic scale. |
Monogatari Viewing Order Guide
The Monogatari Series offers multiple ways to experience its intricate narrative. Depending on your viewing preferences, you can choose between following the episodes in the order they were released, the chronological order of events, or the sequence in which they were originally published in the light novels. Each approach offers a unique perspective on the series and impacts your understanding of the characters, plot twists, and overall storytelling. Below, we’ll explore each method, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages, to help you decide the best viewing order for your experience.
1. Release Order
Watch the Monogatari Series in the order it was produced and aired. This is the order most Japanese viewers first experienced the series.
Viewing Sequence: Bakemonogatari → Nisemonogatari → Nekomonogatari: Black → Monogatari Series: Second Season → Hanamonogatari → Tsukimonogatari → Owarimonogatari (Part 1) → Koyomimonogatari → Kizumonogatari Trilogy → Owarimonogatari (Part 2) → Zoku Owarimonogatari → Off & Monster Season
Advantages:
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Creator’s Intent: Experience the story as it was revealed, with clever foreshadowing and narrative twists.
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Narrative Flow: Balances plot progression, character development, and mystery reveals.
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Production Evolution: Observe how the animation style and quality develop over time.
Disadvantages:
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Timeline jumps may feel confusing at first.
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Some character backstories are revealed later.
Best for: First-time viewers, those who want the “original experience,” and fans who enjoy mysteries and non-linear storytelling.
2. Chronological Order
Watch the events according to the in-story timeline.
Viewing Sequence: Kizumonogatari Trilogy → Bakemonogatari → Nekomonogatari: Black → Nisemonogatari → Monogatari Series: Second Season → Hanamonogatari → Tsukimonogatari → Owarimonogatari (Part 1) → Koyomimonogatari → Owarimonogatari (Part 2) → Zoku Owarimonogatari → Off & Monster Season
Advantages:
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Clearer Story: Understand events and character growth in chronological order.
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Character Motivation: Early actions and choices make more sense.
Disadvantages:
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Major Spoilers: Ruins suspense intentionally crafted in the airing order.
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Narrative Impact Lost: Misses the artistry of flashbacks and nonlinear storytelling.
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Fragmented Viewing: Frequent jumps between series/OVA may interrupt streaming experience.
Best for: Fans rewatching the series, or those who prefer a straightforward timeline for story comprehension.
3. Light Novel Order
Watch following the original publication order of Nisio Isin’s novels. The anime mostly follows this order, but with a few key deviations.
Key Differences to Note:
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Kizumonogatari: Written early but adapted into films much later.
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Koyomimonogatari: Published later, but events occur earlier in the timeline.
Advantages:
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Closest to the author’s intended narrative blueprint.
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Provides authoritative guidance for viewing, especially around Kizumonogatari timing.
Disadvantages:
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Very similar to release order; differences may not be obvious to anime-only viewers.
Best for: Fans dedicated to the original novels, or viewers wanting to optimize their experience based on author intent.
Quick Comparison of the Three Viewing Orders
| Viewing Type |
Core Logic | Best For | Notes |
| Release Order | Production & reveal order | First-time viewers | Embrace the confusion, trust the storyteller. |
| Chronological Order | In-story timeline order | Rewatchers | Major spoilers; disrupts the narrative artistry. |
| Light Novel Order | Original publication order | Fans seeking author’s intent | Resolves the Kizumonogatari viewing timing issue. |
Platform Overview: Where to Watch Monogatari Series (Quick Guide)
Due to its long history and complex release schedule, the Monogatari Series is spread across multiple platforms rather than being available in one single place. Availability also varies significantly by region, especially between Japan and international markets.
Below is a practical overview of the main legal streaming and rental options in 2026, followed by a closer look at which platforms are worth considering depending on where you live and what parts of the series you want to watch.
Platform Overview (Quick Comparison)
Before diving into platform details, here’s a quick overview of where the Monogatari Series is legally available in 2026.
| Platform |
Type | Region | Coverage | Best For |
| Crunchyroll | Subscription | Global | Most TV series | International viewers, first-time watchers |
| Hulu Japan | Subscription | Japan only | Many TV entries | Viewers based in Japan |
| U-NEXT | Subscription | Japan only | Very broad catalog | Those seeking the most complete lineup |
| ABEMA Premium | Subscription | Japan only | Movies & newer seasons | Kizumonogatari, Off & Monster Season |
| Amazon Video | Rent / Buy | Region-dependent | Selected seasons & films | Filling gaps, one-time viewing |
| Apple TV | Rent / Buy | Region-dependent | Selected seasons & films | Digital ownership, movie-focused viewers |
Tips: Availability may change over time and can differ by country, even within the same platform.
Main Streaming Platforms Deep-Dive
Because no single service carries the entire Monogatari Series, choosing the right platform depends heavily on your region and which parts of the series you want to watch. Below is a practical breakdown of the most relevant streaming services in 2026, focusing specifically on their Monogatari coverage.
1. Crunchyroll (Global)
For viewers outside Japan, Crunchyroll remains the most accessible starting point for the Monogatari Series. Crunchyroll hosts a large portion of the core TV adaptations, making it especially suitable for viewers following the release order or watching the series for the first time.
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Commonly available titles include
Bakemonogatari, Nisemonogatari, Nekomonogatari: Black, Monogatari Series: Second Season, Tsukimonogatari, Owarimonogatari, Koyomimonogatari, and Zoku Owarimonogatari -
Subtitles are available in multiple languages
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Easy platform navigation supports long, multi-season viewing
However, movie entries and the newest installments are not consistently available, meaning Crunchyroll alone is usually not enough for a fully complete watch.
Best for: International viewers, first-time watchers, and anyone who wants to experience the series in broadcast (release) order with minimal friction.
2. Hulu Japan (Japan Only)
Hulu Japan offers strong coverage of the Monogatari Series for viewers located in Japan, particularly when it comes to TV anime entries.
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Includes many major TV installments such as
Bakemonogatari, Nisemonogatari, Monogatari Series: Second Season, Owarimonogatari, Koyomimonogatari, and Zoku Owarimonogatari -
Newer entries, including parts of Monogatari Series: Off & Monster Season, are included under the standard subscription
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Films like Kizumonogatari may appear as separate rentals, depending on licensing at the time
Unlike some Japanese platforms, Hulu Japan does not offer a free trial, so it is best suited for viewers who already know they want to commit.
Best for: Japan-based viewers who want a subscription-only solution for most TV arcs without managing multiple services.
3. U-NEXT (Japan Only)
Among Japanese streaming services, U-NEXT is often the closest thing to a “one-stop shop” for the Monogatari Series.
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Carries a very wide range of TV entries, including
Bakemonogatari, Nisemonogatari, Nekomonogatari: Black, Second Season, Tsukimonogatari, Owarimonogatari, Koyomimonogatari, Zoku Owarimonogatari, and Off & Monster Season -
Offers a 31-day free trial, during which most TV content can be streamed without additional fees
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The Kizumonogatari movie trilogy is typically available as rental titles, but trial points can often be used to cover the cost
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Supports offline downloads and multi-device streaming
U-NEXT is particularly appealing for viewers who want maximum coverage with minimal platform hopping, even if a few movies still require points or rental fees.
Best for: Viewers in Japan seeking the most complete legal catalog, especially those who want to include Off & Monster Season alongside the classic TV series.
4. ABEMA Premium (Japan Only)
ABEMA Premium plays a key role in the modern era of the franchise.
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Primary streaming platform for newer projects, includingMonogatari Series: Off & Monster Season
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Hosts high-profile releases such as the Kizumonogatari movie trilogy
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Episodes are often streamed online before Blu-ray compilation releases
While ABEMA Premium does not always carry every older TV installment, it is essential for fans keeping up with the latest developments in the series.
Best for: Dedicated fans following new releases, movies, and post-Final Season content as it airs.
Rent or Buy Options (Digital Stores)
Because streaming licenses for the Monogatari Series are split across regions and platforms, digital rental and purchase stores are often the most reliable way to fill in missing entries—especially for movie titles and special releases.
These services are not ideal for watching the entire series from start to finish, but they are extremely useful when a specific arc or film is unavailable on your subscription platforms.
1. Amazon Video (Prime Video Store)
Amazon Video is one of the most flexible options for renting or purchasing individual Monogatari titles.
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Availability varies by region, but selected TV arcs and films—most notably the Kizumonogatari movie trilogy—are often offered as rentals or digital purchases
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Supports both HD streaming and long-term digital ownership
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Works well as a backup when certain entries are missing from Crunchyroll or Japanese streaming services
Because listings differ by country, Amazon Video is best treated as a gap-filling solution rather than a primary platform.
Best for: Viewers who only need specific seasons or films, especially the Kizumonogatari trilogy, without committing to another subscription.
2. Apple TV (iTunes Store)
Apple TV offers a similar rental and purchase model, with a focus on stable availability and long-term access.
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Selected Monogatari seasons and films are available depending on region
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Ideal for viewers who prefer to own digital copies rather than rely on rotating streaming licenses
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High video quality and cross-device playback within the Apple ecosystem
Like Amazon Video, Apple TV’s catalog is region-dependent, so coverage may not be complete in every country.
Best for: Collectors and viewers who want permanent access to specific entries, particularly films and special releases.
A Practical Recommendation
If you are watching from outside Japan, a common and efficient setup is:
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Crunchyroll for the majority of TV series
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Amazon Video or Apple TV for missing films or special arcs
For viewers in Japan:
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U-NEXT or ABEMA Premium for broad coverage
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Digital rentals only when a specific title is not included in the subscription catalog
This approach minimizes cost while ensuring access to nearly every animated entry in the Monogatari Series.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is there a "filler" in the Monogatari Series?
No. Unlike long-running shonen anime, the Monogatari Series has zero filler episodes. Every arc is adapted from Nisio Isin’s light novels and is essential for character development and plot progression. Even the seemingly random "slice-of-life" conversations often contain vital clues for future mysteries.
2. Why is the "Novel Order" so highly recommended over the "Release Order"?
The main reason is Kizumonogatari. In the Light Novels, Kizumonogatari was published second (right after Bakemonogatari). However, due to production delays, the movies weren't released until years later. Watching it early (Novel Order) provides crucial context for Araragi’s relationship with Shinobu, making the events of Nisemonogatari and Second Season much more impactful.
3. Are the Specials optional?
Absolutely not. In this series, "Specials" like Nekomonogatari: Black or Hanamonogatari are full story arcs. Skipping them is like skipping an entire volume of a book. For example, if you skip Koyomimonogatari, the ending of Owarimonogatari will be completely incomprehensible. Every animated entry is part of the main story.
4. Help! Bakemonogatari only has 12 episodes on my streaming site. Where are the rest?
This is a common issue. Bakemonogatari actually has 15 episodes. The last three episodes (Tsubasa Cat, Parts 3-5) were originally released as ONAs. Many platforms like Crunchyroll only host the original 12-episode TV broadcast. To get the full story, you must find those missing 3 episodes before moving on to Nisemonogatari.
5. Do I need to understand Japanese wordplay to enjoy the show?
While the series is famous for its puns and linguistic riddles, you don't need to be fluent in Japanese. A good subtitled version (like those on Crunchyroll or official Blu-rays) will usually provide "translator notes" or stylized text to explain the jokes. The core themes—trauma, identity, and growing up—are universal.
6. What is the difference between "Off Season" and "Monster Season"?
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Off Season: Focuses on side stories and what other characters (like the Araragi sisters or Nadeko) were doing while Araragi was busy or away.
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Monster Season: Focuses on Araragi’s life during his university years, dealing with new aberrations and his evolving relationships. Both are considered part of the "Next Generation" of the Monogatari anime.
7. Is the Monogatari Series beginner-friendly?
It depends on your taste. The series is dialogue-heavy, nonlinear, and visually experimental, which can feel overwhelming at first. However, viewers who enjoy psychological storytelling, symbolism, and character-driven narratives often find it deeply rewarding.
Conclusion: Choosing Your Path Through Monogatari
The Monogatari Series is a rare kind of anime—one where structure, timing, and perspective fundamentally shape the experience. For first-time viewers, the Release Order remains the safest and most accessible entry point, preserving the suspense, emotional reveals, and gradual mystery-building that defined how the series was originally experienced. It allows newcomers to grow confused, curious, and eventually rewarded—exactly as intended. That said, the deeper you go, the more the Light Novel Order reveals its value. Watching Kizumonogatari earlier provides crucial context for Araragi and Shinobu’s relationship, enriching much of what follows.
Whether you choose to watch it in release order, chronological order, or light novel order, each approach provides a different way to experience this complex world. For those looking to stream the series, Crunchyroll is the most reliable option for international viewers, while U-NEXT and ABEMA Premium are the go-to platforms in Japan for full access. With this guide, you now have the tools to start your journey through the Monogatari Series.