How to watch the Monogatari series? Like every newcomer, I was also confused at the beginning regarding the watch order of the series. The Monogatari series is a series of Japanese Light novels by Nisio Isin and Vofan. The former handles the story writing and the latter illustrates. There are a total of 28 novels released since 2006, with 2 more novels releasing soon. The novels have been adapted into anime by SHAFT Studio. The anime adaptations have been some massive bangers one after the other. This supernatural psychological harem follows a theme of odd characters with odd afflictions centering Koyomi Araragi. It has beautifully constructed stories that hold a deeper meaning while being light and fun to watch.

Plot: Monogatari Series

Koyomi Araragi is a third-year student in high school who happens to survive a vampire attack. In return, he becomes one himself for a short period of time. This introduction into the supernatural world sends him on a journey where he meets and helps a number of characters. Each story in the Monogatari series tends to introduce one new character at a time, focusing the story around them. These new characters are different girls with oddities, being his friends, his classmates, or even his sisters; carrying items that hint towards their afflictions.

The Recommended Orders

Although the Monogatari series is a big world with many characters, it all ties in with a common theme. It helps to create a complete and rounded novel series. We, at Animehunch, narrowed down the easiest order for first-time watchers. As well as for those loyal to the novels. Also for those who have read the novels and want to watch the series.

Studio Release Order:

This order is for first time Monogatari viewers. It is how most viewers have followed the story, as it was the most plausible order being that it was how the series was released.

Only the problem is the placement of Kizumonogatari. Kizumonogatari can be seen anytime after Bakemonogatari. However, SHAFT improvised on the story a bit and it goes a little different from the Light Novel series. Instead of just going into the origins of the Koyomi vampire, the movies also play a role in Araragi and Shinobu’s relationship, which is why it is better to watch it after finishing Tsukimonogatari.

First season

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Bakemonogatari (2009) – Stories of Mayoi Snail, Hitagi Crab, Nadeko Snake, Suruga Monkey, and Tsubasa Cat.

Kizumonogatari (2016-17) – The prequel to the Monogatari series.

Nisemonogatari (2012) – Stories of the Tsukihi Phoenix and the Karen Bee.

Nekomonogatari Kuro (2012) – The prequel story of the Tsubasa Family

Second season

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Monogatari second season(2013) – This contains a larger bulk of the single-story novels, including Mayoi Jiangshi, Shinobu Time, Tsubasa Tiger, and Hitagi End.

Hanamonogatari (2014) – Story of the Suruga Devil.

Tsukimonogatari (2014) – Story of the Yotsugi Doll

Kizumonogatari (2016-17) – The prequel to the Monogatari series. (Alternate placing)

Third season/End season

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Owarimonogatari Part 1 (2015) – The Ougi Formula, The Sodachi Lost, Sodachi Riddle, and the Shinobu Mail Stories.

Koyomimonogatari (2016) – Tells 12 different stories about Koyomi.

Owarimonogatari Part 2 (2017) – Story of the Hitagi Rendezvous, Ougi Dark stories, and the Arargi Koyomi story, including other stories that might spoil the storyline.

Zoku Owarimonogatari (2018) – It is the Koyomi reverse story.

Light Novel Order:

This order is the original release order of the light novels. It is the order in which author Nisio Isin want the novels to be read. The timeline shuffles throughout, but this is completely intentional and works towards creating a more full story and a wide universe of characters.

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Bakemonogatari (2005-06) – Includes Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. Stories of Mayoi Snail, Hitagi Crab, Nadeko Snake, Suruga Monkey, and Tsubasa Cat.

Kizumonogatari(2008) – The prequel to the Monogatari series

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Nisemonogatari (2008-2009) – Includes Part 1, Part 2. Stories of the Tsukihi Phoenix and the Karen Bee.

Nekomonogatari Kuro (2010) – The prequel story of the Tsubasa Family

Nekomonogatari Shiro (2010) – The story of Tsubasa Hanekawa from her own perspective.

Kabukimonogatari (2010) – A tale of time travel with Araragi Koyomi and Oshino Shinobu.

Hanamonogatari (2011) – Story of the Suruga Devil.

Otorimonogatari (2011) – The story of Nadeko Medusa and her journey to be self-reliant.

Onimonogatari (2011) – The Shinobu Shrine story

Koimonogatari (2011) – Hitagi Senjougahara makes a deal with the gods to protect Koyomi Araragi.

Tsukimonogatari (2012) – Story of the Yotsugi Doll

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Koyomimonogatari (2013) – Includes Part 1, Part 2. Tells 12 different stories about Koyomi.

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Owarimonogatari (2013-2014) – Includes Part 1, Part 2,Part 3. The Ougi Formula, The Sodachi Lost, Sodachi Riddle, and the Shinobu Mail Stories.

Zoku Owarimonogatari (2014) – It is the Koyomi reverse story.

The series covers quite a long chronological timeline with shuffled pieces of the whole story. This is why there is so much confusion as to how to watch Monogatari series?. The series arcs are meant to come across as mysterious and like a puzzle, so don’t let this put you off before you get to the good parts. Instead of following the chronological order to shape the story, the Studio Release order or the Light Novel order gives enough backstory and information on how to watch and understand the Monogatari series seamlessly.