Chronological order to watch Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan is probably the hottest anime in town right now. The Shounen anime has always been popular but with MAPPA taking over its production, it has gained nothing but more fame and attention. This is partly because of MAPPA’s stupendous video production and partially because of the Attack on Titan manga series’ already established popularity.

Attack on Titan is based in a post-apocalyptic universe where humans have been dead for a long time and colossal humanoid creatures known as Titans walk the earth to ravage whatever is left of humanity. Humans left behind massive walls protecting them from these Titans before fading out. Eren Jaeger, the protagonist’s mother is slain by a titan. Vowing to seek revenge he joins the elite Survey Corps that fights against these Titans. But Eren’s fate has something else in store for him.

A chilling yet mesmerizing anime, Attack on Titan is ever anime otaku’s favorite and if you haven’t checked it out yet you should right now! But if you are confused as to where to start watching, I will be your guide. In this Attack on Titan watch order article, I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide on where to start and where to finish.

So, buckle up and get ready for this long ride!

How to Watch Attack on Titan in Proper Order of Release

Attack on Titan Watch Order

1. Attack on Titan (Season 1)

The first season is only an introduction to what is to come. Eren Jaegar is a boy who lives in Shiganshina and is friends with Mikasa, a quiet girl. Eren wants to join the Survey Corps but is also heavily skeptical of them. After an unexpected Titan attack, Eren’s mother is killed and eaten by a Titan. Eren vows to get revenge and protect his loved ones from these monsters. 

Available On: Crunchyroll

Review on Attack on Titan (Season 1)

I got hooked on this show ever since the first episode. Attack on Titan anime is one hell of a show that deserves the attention it gets.

Rating on Attack on Titan (Season 1)

MyAnimeList has given this a rating of 8.5/10 stars and we give it 9/10 stars.

2. Attack on Titan: Ilse’s Notebook (OVA)

This Attack on Titan episode narrates the story of the time when the Recon Corps go on a mission, and one of their soldiers, Hange, notices a Titan in the forest and runs after it in the hopes of catching it. However, when she reaches the Titan she sees it banging its head against a tree. The Titan notices Hange and gets violent but luckily it is killed by Levi and the other soldiers. They soon find the notebook of a dead soldier from the 34^th Recon Corps division. What secrets will unveil?

Available On: Crunchyroll

Review on Attack on Titan: Ilse’s Notebook (OVA)

This side-story is quite an interesting watch. You can watch this Attack on Titan episode in subbed and dubbed versions on Crunchyroll

Rating on Attack on Titan: Ilse’s Notebook (OVA)

IMDb has given this 8.8/10 stars and we give it 9.3/10 stars.

3. Attack on Titan: The Sudden Visitor: The Torturous Curse of Youth (OVA)

This is the 2^nd OVA that has to be mentioned in my Attack on Titan watch order guide. This OVA tells the story of Jean who returns home in the year 849 after two rigorous years in training. However, upon returning he gets into a fight with Sasha and Commander Pyxis suggest them to resolve their differences through a cooking competition. It is at this moment, an unexpected guest arrives to meet Jean.

Available On: Crunchyroll

Review on Attack on Titan: The Sudden Visitor: The Torturous Curse of Youth (OVA)

This OVA is also pretty interesting and acts as a great filler. You can watch this Attack on Titan OVA for free on any anime streaming sites from here.

Rating on Attack on Titan: The Sudden Visitor: The Torturous Curse of Youth (OVA)

IMDb has given this an 8/10 rating and we give it 9/10 stars.

4. Attack on Titan: Distress (OVA)

This is another filler episode in Season 1 that I have to mention in my Attack on Titan watch order guide. This OVA tells the story of the year 848 when the recruits of the Survey Corps were being trained to sustain themselves when there was peace. They split into two groups led by Marco and Eren respectively. 

In the first half of the exercise, Marco is visibly in trouble leading his group due to Eren and Jean’s shenanigans. However, that night a group of dacoits ambushes Eren’s group and takes Krista hostage. They also took all their equipment. It’s up to Eren, Marco, Jean, and the others to keep aside their differences and save the girl.

Available On: Crunchyroll

Review on Attack on Titan: Distress (OVA)

This is also a pretty good filler that doesn’t divert away too much from the story. You can watch this Attack on Titan filler on any anime streaming website like Funimation, Crunchyroll, etc. 

Rating on Attack on Titan: Distress (OVA)

IMDb has given this 8.5/10 stars and we give it 9/10 stars, only because it is almost the main story.

5. Attack on Titan (Season 2)

Attack on Titan season 2 continues the story from where season 1 left off. In season 2, the Survey Corps have been weakened by the aftermath of war. To pour salt on the wound, it is discovered that someone from within the group is acting as the traitor. However, this leads them to uncover some of the mysteries and answer questions regarding the Titans.

Available On: Crunchyroll and its alternatives

Review on Attack on Titan (Season 2)

Season 2 of Attack on Titan succeeds in keeping up with the intensity of the first season and quite diligently reveals a ton of questions that were unanswered in the previous season. I enjoyed it to its last bit.

Rating on Attack on Titan (Season 2)

MyAnimeList has given this a rating of 8.4/10 stars and we give it 9.8/10 stars.

6. Attack on Titan: Lost Girls: Episodes 1 and 2 (OVA)

Lost Girls is a spin-off to the main Attack on Titan plotline. There are 3 episodes with Episodes 1 and 2 narrating the story of Annie Leonhart and Episode 2 narrating the story of Mikasa Ackerman. 

Attack on Titan: Lost Girls: Episode 1 and 2– Wall Sina, Goodbye tells the story of Annie Leonhart, a member of the Survey Corps trying to solve the missing person case that Hitch was assigned initially. The missing person is Carly Stratmann, daughter of a very wealthy businessman. With only a day at hand, Annie has to put her heart and soul into solving the case. Will she find the girl in this labyrinthine scenario?

Available On: Crunchyroll

Review on Attack on Titan: Lost Girls: Episodes 1 and 2 (OVA)

The first two episodes of the Attack on Titan: Lost Girls series are quite gripping. If you are planning on seriously getting into this anime, you cannot miss this out. 

Rating on Attack on Titan: Lost Girls: Episodes 1 and 2 (OVA)

IMDb has given this 7.3/10 stars and we give it 9/10 stars, only because its almost the main story.

7. Attack on Titan (Season 3: Episodes 1-12)

Here comes Attack on Titan Season 3: Part 1 in my Attack on Titan watch order guide. The season starts with the government releasing a instructing a manhunt on the Survey Corps, who are being pursued by a corrupted Military Police. The Police are searching for Eren and Historia, who are missing in action. However, the Survey Corps end up having to protect Shiganshina when three great Titans try to conquer it. The truth behind the origin of the Titans soon comes to light.

Available On: Funimation

Review on Attack on Titan (Season 3: Episodes 1-12)

Season 3 totally blew my mind. I was impressed that it could keep up with the last two seasons without losing its personal touch.

Rating on Attack on Titan (Season 3: Episodes 1-12)

MyAnimeList has given this 8.6/10 stars and we give it 9/10 stars.

8. Attack on Titan: No Regrets: Episodes 1 and 2 (OVA)

This OVA deserves a special mention in my Attack on Titan watch order guide. It is essentially a prequel to the main story of Attack on Titan and tells the tale of the events that took plays before the start of the series. This is also the tale of Levi (one of the most popular AoT characters) and his days as a criminal in the underground city. It talks of his times with his friends, Isabel Magnolia and Farlan Church before he is recruited in the Survey Corps by Erwin Smith.

Available On: Funimation and its alternatives

Review on Attack on Titan: No Regrets: Episodes 1 and 2 (OVA)

These Attack on Titan OVA episodes are quite interesting and give us a glimpse into Levi’s past

Rating on Attack on Titan: No Regrets: Episodes 1 and 2 (OVA)

IMDb has given 9.1/10 stars to Episode1 and 9.6/10 to Episode 2. We shall give an overall 9/10 stars to these two episodes.

9. Attack on Titan: Lost Girls: Episode 3 (OVA)

Attack on Titan: Lost Girls: Episode 3 – Lost in the Cruel World is set in an alternate world where Eren and Mikasa’s parents are still alive. Mikasa worrying for her lover, Eren recalls her past, her conversations with Armin, her concern for her loved ones, and about the time she had almost lost everything dear to her. She ends up visiting an alternate version of her past where she realized that although she can change certain things, there are other things that shall forever remain the same. Will she be able to come to terms with this painful realization?

Available On: Funimation

Review on Attack on Titan: Lost Girls: Episode 3 (OVA)

This OVA is heart-wrenching as we get a glimpse into the tormented mind of Mikasa Ackermann and feel her pain as our own. I definitely cried by the end of it.

Rating on Attack on Titan: Lost Girls: Episode 3 (OVA)

IMDb has given this 8.9/10 stars and we give it 9.5/10 stars, only because its almost the main story.

10. Attack on Titan: Junior High (OVA)

This OVA is for the laughs as it is nothing but a parody of the manga. If you are feeling worn out by the dark themes and intensity of the original series, you can definitely have a guffaw with these chibi (small) AoT characters as they attend Class 1-04 at the Attack Junior High School. The story narrates their adventures and shenanigans in the first year of school

Available On: Funimation

Review on Attack on Titan: Junior High (OVA)

This OVA was quite refreshing after the emotional rollercoaster that the original story puts you on. I enjoyed it very much.

Rating on Attack on Titan: Junior High (OVA)

IMDb has given this 7.1/10 stars and we give it 8/10 stars.

11. Attack on Titan (Season 4 – Part 1)

This is the final season of the Attack on Titan series. Till now only Part 1 has been released. This fourth Attack on Titan season has gained a lot of attention in recent times. Especially, Mappa has done a great job when it comes to animation and videography. It has almost changed the entire vibe of the series, making it edgier and darker. 

In this season, the Paradis soldiers go to war with Marley, their oppressor to bring peace between the Marleyans and Eldians. Eren Jaegar spirals down the path of vengeance and bloodshed in order to annihilate his enemies.

Available On: Animepahe

Review on Attack on Titan (Season 4 – Part 1)

With this season, it seems like the Attack on Titan series is headed towards the perfect conclusion. I definitely can’t wait for Part 2!

Rating on Attack on Titan (Season 4 – Part 1)

MyAnimeList has given this 8.9/10 stars and we give it 10/10 stars.

Final Thoughts

Attack on Titan has proven itself to be one of the best anime of all time. With its gritty storyline, powerful character and plot twist it has captivated the hearts of many anime fanatics like me. I hope this Attack on Titan watch order guide helps you kickstart the series if you’re looking to watch something addictive this fall. 

Let us know if you liked the series in the comments down below!