What Is the Best Danmachi Order to Watch?

If you are new to DanMachi or coming back after a break, figuring out where to start can feel confusing. The series has multiple seasons, OVAs, and a spin-off, and watching them in the wrong order can ruin the experience.

This article gives you a clear and simple breakdown of the danmachi anime watch order so you enjoy every part of the story without any confusion or spoilers.

What Is DanMachi?

DanMachi, short for Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?, is a Japanese anime based on a light novel series by Fujino Omori. The story follows Bell Cranel, a young adventurer who dreams of becoming a hero. He belongs to the Hestia Familia and spends his days fighting monsters in a massive underground dungeon in the city of Orario.

The anime mixes action, fantasy, and light comedy, making it fun to watch for a wide audience. Over the years, the franchise has grown with multiple seasons, extra episodes, and a spin-off series called Sword Oratoria.

Quick facts about the series:

• Based on a light novel series that started in 2013
• Anime adaptation began in 2015
• Has 4 main seasons as of 2024
• Includes OVAs and a spin-off called Sword Oratoria
• Set in the fictional city of Orario

What Is the Danmachi Order to Watch? (Release Order)

The most common and recommended way to watch DanMachi is by release order. This means you follow the episodes as they were originally released to the public. It is the safest way to avoid spoilers and enjoy the story as the creators intended.

Release Order List:

• Season 1 – Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? (2015) – 13 episodes
• OVA 1 – Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? OVA (2015) – 1 episode
• Sword Oratoria – Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? On the Side: Sword Oratoria (2017) – 12 episodes
• OVA 2 – Sword Oratoria OVA (2017) – 1 episode
• Season 2 – Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? II (2019) – 12 episodes
• OVA 3 – Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Arrow of the Orion (2019) – Movie
• Season 3 – Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? III (2020) – 12 episodes
• Season 4 Part 1 – Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? IV (2022) – 11 episodes
• Season 4 Part 2 – Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? IV (2023) – 12 episodes

Why release order works best:

• You follow the story without confusing jumps
• Character development feels natural
• Surprises and plot twists land at the right time
• You build attachment to characters before diving into the spin-off

Understanding the Danmachi Chronological Watch Order

If you prefer to follow the story in the order events actually happen in the DanMachi world, you can go with the danmachi chronological watch order. This approach puts Sword Oratoria alongside Season 1 since both take place at the same time in the story.

Chronological Order List:

• Season 1 and Sword Oratoria run at the same time in the story (watch Season 1 first, then Sword Oratoria)
• OVA 1 fits around the same time as Season 1 events
• Season 2 continues after the above
• Arrow of the Orion (Movie) – fits between Season 2 and Season 3
• Season 3 follows next
• OVA 3 can be watched after Season 3
• Season 4 Part 1 and Part 2 conclude the current story

Things to keep in mind with chronological order:

• Sword Oratoria focuses on Aiz Wallenstein, not Bell
• Some scenes in Sword Oratoria spoil Season 1 if watched too early
• Beginners should still start with Season 1 first regardless of order
• Chronological order is better for rewatch sessions

Should You Watch Sword Oratoria?

This is one of the most common questions when people look up the watch order danmachi. Sword Oratoria is a spin-off that follows Aiz and the Loki Familia during the same time period as Season 1. It adds extra depth to the world and shows events from a different point of view.

However, it is not required to enjoy the main story. If you skip it, you will not be lost. But if you want a fuller picture of Orario and its characters, Sword Oratoria is worth your time.

Watch Sword Oratoria if:

• You enjoy world-building and side characters
• You want to understand Aiz’s personality better
• You like seeing the same events from another angle
• You plan to read the light novels later

Skip Sword Oratoria if:

• You only care about Bell’s story
• You want to move through the main plot quickly
• You find it hard to keep track of many new characters

Should You Watch the Movie (Arrow of the Orion)?

Arrow of the Orion is a standalone movie released in 2019. It sits between Season 2 and Season 3 in terms of story. The movie is an original story, meaning it does not come directly from the light novels, but it features the main cast and is worth watching.

Key points about the movie:

• Best watched after Season 2 and before Season 3
• Features Bell and Hestia on a special adventure
• Feels like a bonus episode in movie format
• Not essential to the main plot but enjoyable
• Available on some streaming platforms

Tips for First-Time DanMachi Watchers

If you are brand new to the series, here are a few simple tips to help you get the best experience out of your watch order danmachi journey:

Helpful tips before you start:

• Always start with Season 1, no matter what order you choose
• Do not skip the OVAs — they add fun moments and small backstory details
• Give Sword Oratoria a few episodes before deciding if it is for you
• Season 3 is darker than the first two, so be ready for a tone shift
• Season 4 has longer arcs and more action — a great payoff if you stick with it

Where to Watch DanMachi

Once you have your watch order ready, you need to know where to stream the show. DanMachi is available on several major platforms depending on your region.

Streaming platforms where DanMachi is available:

• Crunchyroll – Has most seasons and the spin-off
• HIDIVE – Also carries several seasons
• Amazon Prime Video – Has select seasons available
• Funimation – Available in some regions
• Netflix – Available in select countries

Check your local availability as streaming libraries can differ by country.

Quick Summary: The Best Danmachi Order to Watch

To keep things simple, here is the final recommendation for most viewers:

Best order for first-time viewers:

1. Season 1 (2015)
2. OVA 1
3. Season 2 (2019)
4. Arrow of the Orion – Movie
5. Sword Oratoria (optional but recommended after Season 1 or 2)
6. Season 3 (2020)
7. Season 4 Part 1 (2022)
8. Season 4 Part 2 (2023)

Conclusion

DanMachi is a fantastic anime series with a growing and exciting story. Whether you are a first-timer or a returning fan, having a clear danmachi anime watch order makes the experience much better. Start with Season 1, follow the release order, and add the spin-off and movie when you feel ready.

The series keeps getting better with each season, and Season 4 especially delivers some of the best action and story moments in the whole franchise. So pick your starting point, get comfortable, and enjoy the adventure of Bell Cranel and the world of Orario.

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