Berserk has been a show to look out for with its promising premises of dark fantasy capturing the interests of many. This Kentaro Miura’s masterpiece has an epic story and action combined with unforgettable characters. Venturing into Guts’ world, these multiple adaptations can be quite daunting. But with this guide, we will help you navigate your exploration in the Berserk world for full experience.
Understanding Berserk Adaptations
For a great classic show, there are three major Berserk anime adaptations to consider:
- Berserk (1997): Don’t get flustered with the year, it is still a quality worth watching. This Berserk classic in the list is a great start for diving into the Berserk world and characters.
- Berserk: The Golden Age Arc film trilogy (2012-2013): Indulge in this trilogy gift to marathon to delve deeper into the lore of Miura’s classic arc.
- Berserk (2016-2017): Although there are some animation style and continuity issues, rest assured that this adaptation has more of the manga. This anime is 24-episodes long to watch.
Additionally, a re-release of the Golden Age Arc movies entitled, Berserk: The Golden Age Arc – Memorial Edition (2022). With few new scenes and improved animation added.
Recommended Watch Order
For first-time viewers, watching Berserk in release order is recommended. Here’s the order for the best Berserk experience:
- Berserk (1997-98)
- Berserk: Golden Age Arc I – The Egg of the King (2012)
- Berserk: Golden Age Arc II – The Battle for Doldrey (2012)
- Berserk: Golden Age Arc III – The Advent (2013)
- Berserk (2016) Episodes 1-12
- Berserk Recap Episode Commemorative Special (2017)
- Berserk (2016-17) Episodes 13-21
- Berserk: Recollections of the Witch (2017)
- Berserk (2016-17) Episodes 22-24
This order will allow you to experience the story chronologically at the same time to appreciate all series adaptations.
The Story of Berserk
This follows two friends, Guts and Griffith, as their relationship took a tragic twist because of Griffith’s dark pact to achieve his dream. This left Guts behind to be consumed by rage as Griffith also sacrificed his comrades.
Consumed by rage, it turns into a bloody quest for vengeance with Guts fighting inner demons and supernatural forces. The story tackles mature themes of trauma, violence, and the struggle for purpose in a beautifully detailed world.
Where to Watch Berserk
Some Berserk adaptations are available in selected regions only.
- Crunchyroll: It offers the 2016-2017 Berserk series with English subtitles and dubs in many regions.
- Netflix: Streams some Berserk content in select countries.
- Amazon Prime Video: May have certain Berserk adaptations available.
Unfortunately, the 1997 anime and the Golden Age Arc movies aren’t much widely available on streaming platforms. You may need to purchase physical copies or explore other legal options to watch these adaptations.
You may use VPN to watch adaptations unavailable in your country.
Time Investment
Watching all Berserk adaptations will take approximately 30 hours. Here’s a breakdown:
- Berserk (1997): 575 minutes
- Golden Age Arc Movies: 278 minutes
- Berserk (2016-2017): 576 minutes
- Specials and Recaps: 48 minutes
- Memorial Edition: 325 minutes
Important Considerations
You should not skip the 1997 anime. It sticks more with the manga that’s why you shouldn’t miss it!
Watch the movies first before the 2016 anime. The is the sequel to the trilogy that will provide you further background.
You may read the manga for the whole story of Berserk. As the manga has far more to offer than what’s been shown in these animated adaptations.
Conclusion
This masterpiece is surely a legend on its own. The deep themes and unforgettable characters made it stand out. This Berserk watch order guide, you can experience the full impact of Guts’ journey from mercenary to vengeance-driven warrior. Even if it’s classic, it is definitely a show to watch. Be ready to dive into the unforgettable adventure into the list of most influential dark fantasy stories ever created.
