So, if you're an anime fan looking to immerse yourself in the world of Yu-Gi-Oh!, whether it's to relive the nostalgia or embark on the journey for the first time, you've come to the right place! With its action-packed plot, epic duels, and iconic characters, Yu-Gi-Oh! has won over a legion of fans over the years. But the big question that always comes up is: How do I watch the saga and its films in order?
Chronological Order to Watch Yu-Gi-Oh!
Initially, the best way to watch the series is primarily in release order. While there are times when things can change, for the most part, if you simply follow the order in which the episodes and films are released, you should have the ideal experience.
So, if you're just looking for a brief overview, here's what we suggest for watching Yu-Gi-Oh! from start to finish:
Main series timeline
- Yu-Gi-Oh (1998)
- Yu-Gi-Oh Duel Monsters (Seasons 1 to 3)
- Yu-Gi-Oh The Movie: Pyramid of Light (Movie)
- Yu-Gi-Oh Duel Monsters (Season 4 to Season 5 Episode 14)
- Capsule Monsters Yu-Gi-Oh!
- Yu-Gi-Oh Duel Monsters (Season 5 Episode 15 to END)
- Yu-Gi-Oh! Dark Side of Dimensions (Movie)
- Yu-Gi-Oh! GX
- Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's (Season 1)
- Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's: Evolutionary Duel! Stardust VS Red Daemon's (OVA)
- Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's (Season 2 to Season 3 Episode 20)
- Yu-Gi-Oh! Bonds Beyond Time (Film)
- Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's (Season 3 Episode 21 to END)
On the other hand, we also have another timeline prepared for you, since the work also has some alternative lines that can confuse those who are not in the know:
Separate timeline from the main series
- Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal
- Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal 2
- Yu-Gi-Oh! Arc-V
- Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS
- Yu-Gi-Oh! Seven
- Yu-Gi-Oh! Run!!
Now, let's get to know some of these works that are the most famous among so many seasons, films and alternative lines for you to watch:
Yu-Gi-Oh! 1998 Release
To provide a more authentic introduction to the franchise, the game was originally released in 1998. This version was not released in the US because it was deemed too violent, making it very difficult to find on legitimate streaming services.
Duel Monsters Saga
Now, this version is the one most fans who grew up watching the episodes on Saturday mornings will remember is the Duel Monsters series from the 2000s, which is usually abbreviated simply as Yu-Gi-Oh! in the US.
Film: The Dark Side of Dimensions
This film was released in 2016 in Japan and internationally in early 2017. The Dark Side of Dimensions follows the events of the anime with a new plot that sometimes contradicts the anime canon. However, it continues the stories of Yugi and his friends, as well as Seto Kaiba, and is a must-see for fans trying to enjoy the complete series.
GX Saga
At this point, the story shifts from Yugi and his friends to a new generation of Duelists, though it is a continuation of the original series and features Kaiba, Yugi, and other main characters.
ZEXAL Saga
You could theoretically watch the newer series first if you prefer something more modern, but we suggest sticking with the originals to start your marathon, as they're by far the best. Either way , ZEXAL Yu-Gi-Oh! story.
Sevens Saga
This series was released in Japan in 2020 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Duel Monsters saga. The English version was released in 2021 and has a few fewer episodes than the original. It's another standalone story, so technically it can be enjoyed at any time.
Saga Rush!!
Finally, Rush!! is the most recent series in the franchise , and its events technically predate those of Sevens. However, the Rush!! saga can be difficult to find outside of Japan, but an English version is reportedly being released in 2025 via Disney.
So, what did you guys think of the list? Leave your opinion on whether it will suit you when watching Yu-Gi-Oh !
