The world of the Monogatari anime is a labyrinth of supernatural encounters, witty dialogue, and unforgettable characters.

For newcomers, diving into this acclaimed series can be quite a task. With its non-linear narrative, figuring out the Monogatari watch order becomes crucial.

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The Monogatari series stands out for its unique blend of storytelling, characters, and visuals. Unlike many anime, it leans heavily on dialogue, with witty banter and wordplay driving the narrative forward.

This fast-paced style keeps viewers engaged, while the unconventional camerawork adds a layer of visual interest.

In Japanese, “monogatari” (物語) translates literally to “story” or “tale.” However, it carries a bit more weight than a simple story.

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The word translates to “telling of things,” implying a richer narrative experience compared to just a basic story. It can encompass elements like legends, epics, and fictionalized accounts.

What is the Monogatari series about?

The Monogatari series is a character-driven story about Koyomi Araragi, a former vampire who helps girls entangled with supernatural occurrences. These occurrences, called Oddities, often stem from the girls’ emotional or psychological issues.

Araragi doesn’t vanquish monsters; instead, he helps the girls confront their inner struggles to overcome the Oddities.

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The series revolves around Araragi, but it’s the girls he helps — each with their quirks and personalities — that truly steal the show.

By delving into their emotional struggles and the supernatural manifestations tied to them, Monogatari offers a refreshing exploration of adolescence, self-acceptance, and complex relationships.

The complete Monogatari watch order

The recommended Monogatari watch order is to follow the light novel release order.

Karen Araragi and Tsukihi Araragi in Nisemonogatari
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This Monogatari watch order follows the chronological order of the novels and ensures that plot points and character relationships are revealed as intended by the author, Nisio Isin.

Watching in this order provides the best possible experience for viewers.

  1. Bakemonogatari (15 episodes)
  2. Kizumonogatari (3 movies)
  3. Nisemonogatari
  4. Nekomonogatari: Kuro
  5. Monogatari Series: Second Season (first two arcs)
  6. Hanamonogatari
  7. Monogatari Series: Second Season (remaining arcs)
  8. Tsukimonogatari
  9. Koyomimonogatari
  10. Owarimonogatari
  11. Owarimonogatari Season 2
  12. Zoku Owarimonogatari

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