How to watch

Re:Zero Watch Order in the correct order

How to watch the Re:Zero anime in order

Last updated: September 28 2026

Written by: ChronoBob

Re:Zero βˆ’ Starting Life in Another World follows Subaru, who resets time each time he dies. With seasons, OVAs, and specials, here's the order that keeps his loops straight.

Based on Tappei Nagatsuki's light novels, Re:Zero drops ordinary teenager Subaru Natsuki into a fantasy world where his only power is 'Return by Death' β€” reviving at a checkpoint whenever he dies. It's a psychologically intense isekai built on suffering, growth, and hard-won victories. Produced by White Fox, Re:Zero became one of the defining isekai of its generation, praised for subverting the genre's power-fantasy tropes with genuine stakes, trauma, and slow-burn character growth.

πŸ• Release Order

Release order works well, though the two OVA specials slot neatly between the main seasons.

  1. Re:Zero βˆ’ Starting Life in Another World (Season 1, 2016)
  2. Re:Zero βˆ’ Memory Snow (OVA, 2018)
  3. Re:Zero βˆ’ The Frozen Bond (OVA, 2019)
  4. Re:Zero Season 2 (2020)
  5. Re:Zero Season 3 (2024)

The OVAs sit at specific points in the timeline, so a chronological rewatch reorders them slightly.

πŸ“– Story Chronology

For the smoothest chronology, watch Season 1, then the OVAs, before continuing to Seasons 2 and 3.

  1. Re:Zero βˆ’ Starting Life in Another World (Season 1, 2016)
  2. Re:Zero βˆ’ Memory Snow (OVA, 2018) β€” set after Season 1
  3. Re:Zero βˆ’ The Frozen Bond (OVA, 2019) β€” Emilia's backstory
  4. Re:Zero Season 2 (2020)
  5. Re:Zero Season 3 (2024)

Which Order Should You Choose?

First-timers should watch in release order β€” it's how the mysteries were designed to unfold. Memory Snow is a light side story best enjoyed after Season 1, while The Frozen Bond enriches Emilia's arc before Season 2. Either approach works, but don't watch the OVAs before finishing Season 1. First-time viewers should stick to release order, since the mysteries are structured around it; the OVAs simply enrich the world once you've experienced Subaru's harrowing debut arc.

πŸ”— Related Guides

  • Sword Art Online Watch OrderGuide
  • Steins;Gate Watch OrderGuide
  • Code Geass Watch OrderGuide

Did we miss anything? Let us know and we'll keep this guide up to date!