Attack on Titan (進撃の巨人, Shingeki no Kyojin) is one of the most acclaimed and impactful anime series of the past decade. With four seasons, multiple OVAs and a feature-length finale, knowing the correct watch order can be confusing. This guide resolves every question you might have.
Recommended Watch Order
The golden rule for Attack on Titan is simple: follow release order. The story has continuous narrative threads and major plot twists depend heavily on what came before. Here is the optimal viewing order, including OVAs inserted where they add the most context:
- Season 1 (2013) — 25 episodes · ~24 min each — The essential starting point. Introduces the world of the Titans, the main characters (Eren, Mikasa, Armin) and the Survey Corps. Mandatory without exception.
- OVA: Ilse's Notebook (2013) — 1 episode · ~24 min — Recommended. A short story that expands the Titan lore. Chronologically fits between S1 and S2.
- OVA: No Regrets (2014) — 2 episodes · ~24 min — Strongly recommended. Levi's backstory before joining the Survey Corps. Essential for understanding his character.
- Season 2 (2017) — 12 episodes — Crucial revelations. The Beast Titan and Armored Titan arc. Shorter but extraordinarily dense. Redefines everything from Season 1.
- OVA: Lost Girls (2018) — 3 episodes · ~24 min — Strongly recommended. Parallel stories of Annie and Mikasa. Best watched between S2 and S3.
- Season 3 Part 1 (2018) — 12 episodes — Political conspiracy inside the walls. Revelations about the Reiss family and Historia.
- Season 3 Part 2 (2019) — 10 episodes — One of the best seasons in modern anime. The mission to retake Shiganshina. Epic battles and plot twists that change everything.
- Season 4 Part 1 (2020–2021) — 16 episodes — Complete perspective shift. 4-year time jump. The viewpoint expands to Marley. Morally ambiguous storytelling begins.
- Season 4 Part 2 (2022) — 12 episodes — Escalation toward the final confrontation. Eren unleashes the most radical plan in the story's history.
- The Final Chapters Part 1 (2023) — 1 special episode · ~60 min — The beginning of the end.
- The Final Chapters Part 2 (2023) — 1 special episode · ~90 min — The official conclusion of the saga. Cinema-quality production for the final chapter.
Complete Table — Attack on Titan in Order
| Order | Title | Year | Episodes | Type | Essential? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Season 1 | 2013 | 25 ep · ~24 min | TV Series | Yes, essential |
| 2 | OVA: Ilse's Notebook | 2013 | 1 ep · ~24 min | OVA | Recommended |
| 3 | OVA: No Regrets | 2014 | 2 ep · ~24 min | OVA | Strongly recommended |
| 4 | Season 2 | 2017 | 12 ep · ~24 min | TV Series | Yes, essential |
| 5 | OVA: Lost Girls | 2018 | 3 ep · ~24 min | OVA | Strongly recommended |
| 6 | Season 3 Part 1 | 2018 | 12 ep · ~24 min | TV Series | Yes, essential |
| 7 | Season 3 Part 2 | 2019 | 10 ep · ~24 min | TV Series | Yes, essential |
| 8 | Season 4 Part 1 | 2020–2021 | 16 ep · ~24 min | TV Series | Yes, essential |
| 9 | Season 4 Part 2 | 2022 | 12 ep · ~24 min | TV Series | Yes, essential |
| 10 | The Final Chapters Part 1 | 2023 | 1 special · ~60 min | Special | Yes, essential |
| 11 | The Final Chapters Part 2 | 2023 | 1 special · ~90 min | Special | Yes, essential |
Where to Watch Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan is available on multiple streaming platforms depending on your region and language preference:
- Crunchyroll — available with English subtitles and English dub. Seasons 1 through 4 complete, including The Final Chapters. The most complete platform for Attack on Titan.
- Amazon Prime Video — The Final Chapters available in some regions as an exclusive premiere.
- Netflix — some seasons available depending on region. Catalogue is not always complete.
If you prefer original source material, the manga by Hajime Isayama is available on Amazon in both print and digital format:
Complete collection of 34 volumes in English, published by Kodansha. The manga includes additional scenes and an extended epilogue not in the anime.
Shop on Amazon →Affiliate link. No extra cost to you.
Each Season Explained
Season 1 — The Birth of a Masterpiece
Season 1 establishes the rules of a brutal and fascinating world. Humanity's Strongest soldiers, Survey Corps expeditions, and the mystery of the Titans. If it doesn't grip you by episode 5, it may not be your show — but for most viewers, it hooks from episode 1.
Season 2 — Short But Intense
Only 12 episodes, but packed with revelations that redefine everything you thought you knew from Season 1. The Beast Titan arc is unmissable. Many fans consider this the tightest season despite its brevity.
Season 3 — Politics, History, and the Best Battles
Part 1 delves into political conspiracy within the walls. Part 2 includes the Shiganshina District arc, widely considered the best in the entire anime — an epic siege that surpasses all previous action in scale and emotional impact.
Season 4 — Marley's Perspective and the Final Arc
The final season radically shifts perspective: we now understand the outside world and the antagonists have comprehensible motivations. Eren evolves in ways that divide the fanbase but transform the series into a philosophical debate about war, freedom and determinism.
Is the Attack on Titan Ending Worth It?
The ending of Attack on Titan is one of the most discussed finales in modern anime history. The manga concluded in 2021 and the anime faithfully adapted that conclusion in 2023. Without spoilers: The Final Chapters are breathtaking in production quality (cinema-level animation), though the narrative conclusion divides fans. Whatever your opinion of the ending, the journey is absolutely worth it.
Manga and Merch: Where to Get Them
If the anime has you hooked, Isayama's manga adds scenes, dialogue and nuances the anime didn't include, plus an extended epilogue. Official figures, clothing and merchandise are also available on Amazon:
Figures, t-shirts, posters and collectibles — official licensed products with fast shipping.
Shop Merchandise on Amazon →Affiliate link. No extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions about Attack on Titan
In what order should I watch Attack on Titan?
The correct order is: Season 1 → OVAs No Regrets & Ilse's Notebook → Season 2 → OVA Lost Girls → Season 3 Part 1 → Season 3 Part 2 → Season 4 Part 1 → Season 4 Part 2 → The Final Chapters (Parts 1 & 2). Always follow release order.
How many episodes does Attack on Titan have?
87 main episodes across 4 seasons, plus 8 OVAs and 2 feature-length final specials. Total viewing time including all content exceeds 100 hours.
Are the Attack on Titan OVAs worth watching?
Not required for the main plot, but "No Regrets" (Levi's backstory) and "Lost Girls" (Annie and Mikasa's stories) add valuable character context. Strongly recommended before the later seasons.
Where can I watch Attack on Titan in English?
Fully available on Crunchyroll with English subtitles and dub. The Final Chapters also on Amazon Prime Video in some regions. Some seasons also on Netflix depending on region.
What is the difference between Shingeki no Kyojin and Attack on Titan?
The same anime. "Shingeki no Kyojin" (進撃の巨人) is the original Japanese title; "Attack on Titan" is the English title used in western markets. Same content, different name.
Should I watch the Attack on Titan recap films?
No. They are condensed versions of already-aired episodes. If you plan to watch the full series, skip recap films entirely and watch the original episodes — you'll get more detail and better pacing.
How many volumes does the Attack on Titan manga have?
139 chapters compiled into 34 tankōbon volumes. The manga concluded in April 2021 with an additional epilogue chapter, published by Kodansha in English.
Is Attack on Titan suitable for teenagers?
Rated 16+ on most platforms due to intense violence, war themes and philosophical complexity. Not suitable for young children, but appropriate for older teenagers with parental guidance.