Berserk Order to Watch: The Complete Guide for New Fans (2024)

If you just heard about Berserk and want to start watching, you might feel a little lost. There are multiple anime versions, movies, and different styles of animation. So what is the best berserk order to watch? Don’t worry — this guide will make it simple and clear for you.

What Is Berserk?

Berserk is a dark fantasy anime based on a manga by Kentaro Miura. It follows a warrior named Guts, who fights in a brutal world full of monsters, betrayal, and survival. The story is powerful, emotional, and very intense. It is one of the most respected anime series ever made.

Key Facts About Berserk:

• The main character is Guts, a lone swordsman with a giant sword
• The story is set in a dark medieval world full of demons
• It is based on a long-running manga that started in 1989

The problem is that Berserk has been adapted multiple times. Each version covers different parts of the story. So if you want to watch berserk in order, you need to know which version does what.

How Each Anime Version Fits Together:

• The 1997 anime covers the early part of the story
• The 2016 and 2017 anime continue from where 1997 left off
• The movies retell the same story as the 1997 series but with better visuals

Step 1: Start With Berserk 1997

This is where every new fan should begin. Berserk 1997 is a 25-episode anime that covers the “Golden Age” arc of the manga. This is the story of young Guts joining a mercenary group called the Band of the Hawk, led by a brilliant and charming man named Griffith.

What You Get in Berserk 1997:

• It has 25 episodes in total
• It covers the Golden Age arc — the origin story of Guts
• You meet all the key characters here, including Griffith and Casca

This version is old, and the animation is not modern. But the storytelling is excellent. You will understand the characters, feel connected to them, and be completely shocked by the ending.

Why You Should Still Watch It:

• The animation looks dated but the story is outstanding
• The music and mood are both very well done
• The ending will leave you stunned — it is one of anime’s most famous moments

Is Berserk 1997 Finished?

This is one of the most common questions new viewers ask. Is berserk 1997 finished? The answer is: yes and no.

The 1997 anime does have an ending. It ends at a major point in the story — a very dramatic and famous moment called the Eclipse. However, it stops right after that. It does not show what happens to Guts after the Eclipse.

The Simple Answer:

• Yes, the 1997 anime has a proper ending
• It ends at the Eclipse, one of the darkest moments in the whole story
• No, it does not show what happens to Guts after the Eclipse
• You need to watch the 2016 series to continue the story

That is why you need to keep watching after the 1997 series.

Step 2: Watch the Golden Age Arc Movies (Optional)

After watching the 1997 series, some people ask berserk what to watch first when it comes to the movies. Here is the honest answer: the three Golden Age Arc movies cover the same story as the 1997 anime. They are a retelling, not new content.

What the Movies Cover:

• The three movies cover the same Golden Age arc as the 1997 anime
• They are not new story content — they are a remake with better animation
• The third movie covers the Eclipse in more detail than the 1997 series

The movies look much better visually. They are smoother and more modern. But they also cut out some character details that the 1997 version handled better.

Movies vs. 1997 Series — Quick Comparison:

• The visuals are much cleaner and more modern than the 1997 series
• Some emotional scenes from the 1997 anime are shortened or removed in the movies
• Most fans still prefer the 1997 series for its deeper character development

Here are the three films in order:

• Berserk: The Golden Age Arc I – The Egg of the King (2012)
• Berserk: The Golden Age Arc II – The Battle for Doldrey (2012)
• Berserk: The Golden Age Arc III – The Advent (2013)

Should you watch the movies or the 1997 series?

Most fans say: watch the 1997 series first. It gives you a deeper emotional connection to the characters. Then, if you want, you can watch the movies later. The third movie in particular covers the Eclipse in more detail than the 1997 anime.

Our Recommendation on the Movies:

• Watch the 1997 series first for the best emotional experience
• Watch the movies afterward if you want a visual upgrade of the same story
• The third film is the most important one if you only watch one movie

Step 3: What to Do After Watching Berserk 1997

This is the most important part of this guide. What to do after watching berserk 1997 is a question many fans ask, because the 1997 series ends abruptly and leaves you wanting more.

Why People Feel Lost After 1997:

• The 1997 anime ends on a cliffhanger-style moment
• It leaves Guts’ fate after the Eclipse completely unresolved
• You have two main choices: continue with the 2016 anime or read the manga

Here is what you should do:

Option A: Continue With Berserk 2016

The Berserk (2016) series picks up the story after the Eclipse. It shows Guts as a lone wolf, hunting demons and trying to survive. This is where the “Black Swordsman” part of the story begins.

What Berserk 2016 Covers:

• It starts exactly where the 1997 anime left off
• Guts is now older, angrier, and fighting alone
• It covers the Lost Children arc and the beginning of the Conviction arc

This series has 12 episodes. It covers the “Lost Children” arc and the beginning of the “Conviction” arc. The animation style is controversial — it uses CGI and looks different from the 1997 series. Many fans find it ugly. But the story content is worth watching if you want to continue Guts’ journey.

Honest Pros and Cons of Berserk 2016:

• The CGI animation style is not loved by most fans
• Despite the visuals, the story is strong and worth watching
• It is the only way to continue the anime story after 1997

Option B: Read the Manga

The manga by Kentaro Miura is the original source. Many fans say that after watching the 1997 anime and feeling the end, the best next step is to read the manga from the beginning or from where the 1997 anime leaves off.

Why the Manga Is Worth Reading:

• The manga covers far more story than any anime version
• The art by Kentaro Miura is incredibly detailed and beautiful
• Reading the manga gives you the full and complete Berserk experience

The manga has far more story, better art, and covers everything the anime does not. As of 2024, the manga is being continued by Miura’s studio after his passing in 2021.

Current Status of the Manga:

• Kentaro Miura passed away in May 2021
• His studio and close collaborators are continuing the manga
• The story has not reached a final ending yet

Step 4: Berserk 2016 and 2017

If you decide to stay with anime only, here is how the berserk complete watch order continues:

After Berserk 1997 (or the movies), watch:

• Berserk 2016 — 12 episodes (covers post-Eclipse story, including Lost Children arc)
• Berserk 2017 — 12 episodes (continues from 2016, covers Conviction arc and more)

Together, the 2016 and 2017 series give you 24 more episodes of story. They are not loved by all fans due to the animation quality, but they do move the story forward from where 1997 left off.

What to Know Before Watching 2016 and 2017:

• The 2016 and 2017 series together add 24 more episodes to the story
• Both use CGI animation which many fans dislike
• They still cover important story arcs that are not in the 1997 anime
• Watch them if you want to stay with anime instead of reading the manga

Berserk Anime Watch Order: Total Episodes at a Glance

Here is a quick summary of the berserk anime watch order total episodes:

Series	Year	Episodes
Berserk (TV)	1997	25
Golden Age Arc Movies	2012–2013	3 films
Berserk (TV Season 1)	2016	12
Berserk (TV Season 2)	2017	12

Total anime episodes (excluding movies): 49 episodes

If you include the movies, that adds roughly 6–7 hours of film content on top of the TV episodes.

Which Berserk Version Should You Start With?

Let’s keep this simple. If you are a brand new viewer and asking about the best berserk order to watch, here is the short answer:

Start with Berserk 1997. It is the best introduction to the characters. The story is slow at first but builds into something unforgettable. By episode 20, you will be completely hooked.

Why 1997 Is Always the Right Starting Point:

• Always start with the 1997 anime — it is the foundation of everything
• Do not start with 2016 or 2017 — you will be lost and miss the emotional depth
• The movies are fine but they work better as a follow-up, not a starting point

After that, move to the 2016 and 2017 series if you want to continue with anime. Or switch to the manga for a much richer experience.

Your Three Paths Forward After 1997:

• If you love anime: go from 1997 → 2016 → 2017
• If you want the best experience: go from 1997 → read the manga
• If you want beautiful visuals of the same story: also watch the Golden Age movies

Tips for First-Time Berserk Viewers

• Berserk is very dark. It has violence, loss, and heavy themes. Be ready for a story that doesn’t always end happily.
• The 1997 anime starts with a flash-forward. The first episode shows Guts as an older, darker version of himself. This is normal. The show then goes back in time to tell the story from the beginning.
• Don’t skip the 1997 series. Even though it is old, it is the emotional heart of the story. Watching 2016 or 2017 without it will leave you confused and disconnected.
• The manga never truly ends. Kentaro Miura passed away in May 2021. The manga is being continued by his team and studio Gaga, but it has not reached a final ending yet.

FAQS