Umamusume Anime Watch Order: The Complete Guide

If you just discovered Umamusume: Pretty Derby and have no idea where to start — you are in the right place. This guide breaks down the umamusume anime watch order in a simple, clear way so you can jump in without confusion.

What Is Umamusume: Pretty Derby?

Umamusume: Pretty Derby is a Japanese anime series based on a popular mobile game. The story is set in a world where legendary racehorses are reborn as “horse girls” — young women with horse ears, tails, and incredible running speed. They train hard, compete in races, and chase their dreams on the track.

The anime has a unique mix of sports, drama, and slice-of-life moments. It is emotionally powerful, fun to watch, and surprisingly deep for a show about horse girls racing.

Quick facts:

• Based on a Cygames mobile game of the same name
• Produced by P.A. Works and CygamesPictures
• Has multiple seasons, spin-offs, and special episodes
• Features real racehorse names and their stories reimagined in anime form

Full Umamusume Anime Order to Watch

Here is the correct umamusume anime order to watch, from the very beginning to the latest release. Follow this order for the best experience.

1. Umamusume: Pretty Derby Season 1 (2018)

Season 1 follows Special Week, a horse girl from the countryside who moves to the city to become the best racer in Japan. She joins Team Spica and trains alongside iconic characters like Silence Suzuka, Tokai Teio, and many others.

This season sets up the world, introduces the rules of racing, and gives you an emotional story with a strong finish. It is lighthearted at times but hits hard when it matters.

Why watch first:

• Introduces the main world and characters
• Sets the emotional tone of the series
• Easy entry point for new viewers
• Establishes the rivalry and friendship dynamics

2. Umamusume: Pretty Derby Season 2 (2021)

Season 2 shifts focus to Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen — two characters introduced in Season 1. This season is widely considered the best season of the entire series. It deals with injuries, comebacks, and the deep bond between rivals.If Season 1 made you smile, Season 2 will make you cry. In the best way possible.

Highlights of Season 2:

• Emotional storyline based on real racehorse history
• Stronger character development than Season 1
• One of the most beloved sports anime arcs in recent years
• Highly recommended even to people who have not watched Season 1 first

3. Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Road to the Top (2022)

This is a short web series that focuses on Narita Top Road and his rivalry with other racers. It was released in parts on YouTube and is completely free to watch. Even though it is short, it tells a well-crafted story and adds important context before Season 3.

Key points:

• Free to watch on YouTube (official channel)
• Only 4 episodes, so it takes less than 2 hours
• Focuses on a different set of characters
• Bridges the gap between Season 2 and Season 3

4. Umamusume: Pretty Derby Season 3 (2023)

Season 3 centers on Kitasan Black and Satono Diamond, exploring their long-standing rivalry over multiple years. The pacing is slower and more mature compared to earlier seasons. It takes time building each character’s inner world and showing the pressures they face.

Some fans feel it is slower than Season 2, but others love its quiet depth and emotional honesty.

What makes Season 3 stand out:

• Longer timeline spanning several racing years
• Focuses on two main characters with great detail
• More mature storytelling
• Excellent soundtrack and animation quality

5. Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Make a New Track!! (2024)

The newest season as of 2024–2025, this one focuses on a fresh cast of horse girls building a new team from scratch. It brings back the fun energy of Season 1 while adding the emotional depth earned from the earlier seasons.

Why fans enjoy it:

• Fresh characters and a new team dynamic
• More racing variety and training arcs
• Good mix of humor and emotion
• Great entry point after the heavier Season 3

Special Episodes and OVAs — Should You Watch Them?

Yes, but they are optional. Here is a simple breakdown:

Umamusume: Pretty Derby Short Animation Series (2018)

• Short comedy sketches released alongside Season 1
• Not required but fun to watch between seasons
• Available on YouTube officially

Cinderella Gray (Manga Adaptation)

• A manga, not anime — covers Oguri Cap’s story
• Worth reading if you love the franchise

Various Event Specials

• Aired during game events and collaborations
• Fun for dedicated fans, not needed for the main story

Umamusume Where to Watch: All Legal Streaming Options

Finding the right platform matters. Here is where you can watch the full series legally depending on your region.

Crunchyroll

• Has Season 1, Season 2, and Season 3
• Available in most countries
• Subtitles in English and other languages
• Best option for international viewers

Abema TV

• Japanese platform with full coverage
• Some content requires a premium subscription
• Best for viewers in Japan

YouTube (Official Umamusume Channel)

• Road to the Top is available free
• Short animations also available
• Good starting point before subscribing anywhere

Netflix (Limited Regions)

• Available in select countries
• Check availability in your region

Quick tips for finding it:

• Search “Umamusume Pretty Derby” on Crunchyroll first
• If unavailable in your country, use a legal VPN with Crunchyroll
• YouTube has free content — always check there first
• Avoid pirated sites — the creators deserve support

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Recommended Watch Order at a Glance

Here is the full list in one place for easy reference:

1. Season 1 (2018) — 13 episodes
2. Season 2 (2021) — 13 episodes
3. Road to the Top (2022) — 4 episodes (free on YouTube)
4. Season 3 (2023) — 13 episodes
5. Make a New Track!! (2024) — 12 episodes
6. Short Animations — Optional, anytime

Tips before you start:

• Season 2 can technically be watched on its own, but Season 1 enriches it greatly
• Do not skip Road to the Top — it is short and very rewarding
• Season 3 is slow at first — give it at least 3 episodes before deciding
• Each season follows different characters, so each one feels somewhat standalone

Why the Umamusume Anime Watch Order Matters

Each season of Umamusume tells a different story with a different main character. You will not be totally lost if you jump in at Season 2 or 3. However, the emotional payoffs are much bigger when you have watched earlier seasons.

Small callbacks, character cameos, and story references connect the seasons together. Watching in order means you catch all of those moments. It also means the world feels richer and more alive.

Benefits of following the correct watch order:

• Better emotional connection to returning characters
• Deeper understanding of the racing world and its rules
• More satisfaction from callbacks and references
• Richer overall viewing experience

Conclusion

Umamusume: Pretty Derby is one of those anime series that surprises people. You might start it expecting something simple and light — and end up completely invested in the fates of fictional horse girls based on real racehorses from Japan’s history.

The correct umamusume anime watch order is straightforward: start with Season 1, follow through to Season 2, watch Road to the Top, then continue with Seasons 3 and 4. Use Crunchyroll or YouTube for the most accessible umamusume where to watch options.

Whether you are brand new to the series or returning after a break, this guide has everything you need to watch smart and enjoy every moment of it.

Happy watching — and may your favorite horse girl always cross the finish line first.

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