Welcome to the enigma known as the Monogatari series.
Studio Shaft’s Monogatari is known for its plot on supernatural phenomena, clever dialogue, and unforgettable characters. The anime series uses a non-linear timeline, so knowing the correct Monogatari watch order could become a challenge for new viewers and even long-time fans.
If you’ve been asking how to watch Monogatari in order, you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to end the confusion and provide you with the ideal Monogatari watch order for the best possible viewing experience.
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What is the Monogatari anime about?
Before we explore the Monogatari watch order, let’s take a look at what the series covers.
Monogatari revolves around Koyomi Araragi, a student who gains regenerative abilities after an encounter with a vampire. The anime focuses on Koyomi’s commitment to helping the young women around him who are suffering from supernatural ailments or “Oddities.”
These women do not turn into traditional monsters, but face unusual phenomena that create physical symptoms tied to emotional trauma, guilt, or repressed desires.
Far from being a traditional action series, Monogatari is known for its dialogue-heavy structure where conflicts are resolved through clever, rapid-fire conversations and internal character realization rather than direct combat.
The entire saga is adapted from the long-running light novel series written by Nisio Isin and features the character designs of illustrator Vofan. The series started off in late 2006 with the release of the first volume, Bakemonogatari.
Studio Shaft first brought the series to the screen with the adaptation of Bakemonogatari, which began airing in July 2009.
While the main narrative arc covering Koyomi’s high school life has been adapted (concluding with Zoku Owarimonogatari), the anime is not finished as of writing. Nisio continues to write follow-up novels (the “Off Season” and “Monster Season”), and an anime adaptation covering the Monogatari Off Season and Monster Season has been officially announced and is in production by Studio Shaft.
Why is the Monogatari series so confusing? Breaking down the anime’s seasons, arcs, and movies
The main reason the Monogatari watch order is often labeled as confusing is due to the anime’s non-linear narrative. Studio Shaft adapted the light novels in their publication order rather than the story’s chronological order.
This means that key prequel events, such as those detailing how Koyomi Araragi became part-vampire in the Kizumonogatari movies, were released years after their narrative sequels like Bakemonogatari had already established the consequences. This leads viewers to look for guides on how to watch Monogatari in order so they avoid confusion.
Monogatari Series: First Season introduces the core cast and the primary concept of Koyomi Araragi assisting girls afflicted by Oddities. This includes the adaptations of Bakemonogatari, the prequel Kizumonogatari, and Nisemonogatari. This segment of the anime first aired starting in July 2009 and concluded with the release of the Kizumonogatari films through January 2017.
Monogatari Series: Second Season shifts the narrative focus to other members of the main cast, exploring more complex mythological and temporal Oddities. This season includes Nekomonogatari (White) followed by the collected broadcast titled Monogatari Series Second Season, which contains five separate story arcs (Kabukimonogatari, Hanamonogatari, Otorimonogatari, Onimonogatari, and Koimonogatari). These were broadcast between July 2013 and December 2013.
Monogatari Series: Final Season closes Koyomi’s high school story. It wraps up the main plotlines and relationships built throughout the series. This season includes Tsukimonogatari, Koyomimonogatari, Owarimonogatari, and Zoku Owarimonogatari, which aired from December 2014 to June 2019.
The newer novels continue the story, with the Off Season providing supplementary narratives that fill in chronological gaps, and the Monster Season acting as the true chronological sequel, following Koyomi as he begins his life as a college student.
How to watch Monogatari in order
| MONOGATARI WATCH ORDER | TITLE | TYPE | RELEASE PERIOD |
| 1 | Bakemonogatari | TV series | July 3, 2009 to June 25, 2010 |
| 2 | Kizumonogatari | Movie trilogy | January 8, 2016 to January 6, 2017 |
| 3 | Nisemonogatari | TV series | January 7, 2012 to March 17, 2012 |
| 4 | Nekomonogatari: Black | TV series | December 31, 2012 |
| 5 | Nekomonogatari: White | TV series | July 6, 2013 to August 3, 2013 |
| 6 | Kabukimonogatari | TV series | August 17, 2013 to September 7, 2013 |
| 7 | Hanamonogatari | TV series | August 16, 2014 |
| 8 | Otorimonogatari | TV series | September 21, 2013 to October 12, 2013 |
| 9 | Onimonogatari | TV series | October 26, 2013 to November 16, 2013 |
| 10 | Koimonogatari | TV series | November 23, 2013 to December 28, 2013 |
| 11 | Tsukimonogatari | TV series | December 31, 2014 |
| 12 | Koyomimonogatari | TV series | January 10, 2016 to March 27, 2016 |
| 13 | Owarimonogatari I | TV series | October 3, 2015 to December 19, 2015 |
| 14 | Owarimonogatari II | TV series | August 12, 2017 to August 13, 2017 |
| 15 | Zoku Owarimonogatari | TV series | May 18, 2019 to June 22, 2019 |
| 16 | Off & Monster Season first cour | TV series | July 6, 2024 |
| 17 | Off & Monster Season second cour | TV series | TBD |
