Monogatari Watch Order and Ultimate Guide to Watch it Chronologically

People who are new to the Monogatari series often find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer number of series (the series are different from your usual arcs or seasons). They get confused about which series to start with, and what’s next after that, and the next after that, and so on.

Oh, who am I kidding, several of even the veteran watchers of the series today end up in heated debates about what the “correct” way to watch this anime is. To be perfectly honest, it is a pretty confusing anime to get into (and I’m not just talking about the watch order). It’s almost as bad as the Fate watch order… well, okay, maybe that’s too much.

I’ve personally seen tons of watch orders over the years while scouring the internet and considering that the series might not even be over yet, you can bet that the watch orders are just going to keep growing in number and complexity.

However, I’ve deduced there to be 3 watch orders that have remained the most consistent and agreeable to a majority of the community. I’ve compiled them here today for anyone curious enough to try them out, whether or not you’re new to the series or not.

Keep in mind that these are anime watch orders only, not read orders. The series and seasons that haven’t been adapted from the light novel like the Monster Season aren’t included in any of these lists.

The 3 Watch Orders show

1. The Anime Release Order – Best For First Time Monogatari Watchers

This is the order in which SHAFT (the studio in charge of the anime) released the Monogatari series. It is considered by most to be the proper watch order or at the very least, the watch order you should watch first. I have followed this one myself and can honestly say that this had perfect the pacing and level of mystery to it. I strongly advise this watch order for those who’re new.
Here you’ll get attached to Koyomi Araragi and his efforts to help his friends from the paranormal activities that seem to constantly surround them.

Bakemonogatari
Nisemonogatari
Nekomonogatari Kuro
Monogatari Series Second Season
Hanamonogatari
Tsukimonogatari
Owarimonogatari (Part 1)
Koyomimonogatari
Kizumonogatari Part 1: Tekketsu
Kizumonogatari Part 2: Nekketsu
Kizumonogatari Part 3: Reiketsu
Owarimonogatari (Part 2)
Zoku Owarimonogatari

2. The Light Novel Release Order – Best for The Purists Who Want to Stick to The Original Material As Close As Possible

This is how the light novels written by Nishio Isin are ordered. Since the light novels and anime obviously have their own way of telling a story, going for this watch order may leave you wondering something like “That’s a weird time to reveal/mention that”. It could also cause some pacing or mood issues while watching the show.
It’s still a viable, and popular watch order though. If you believe that following the original source material is the best for you, then go for it!

Bakemonogatari
Kizumonogatari Part 1: Tekketsu
Kizumonogatari Part 2: Nekketsu
Kizumonogatari Part 3: Reiketsu
Nisemonogatari
Nekomonogatari Kuro
Monogatari Series Second Season (Ep. 1-11)
Hanamonogatari
Monogatari Series Second Season (Ep. 12-26)
Tsukimonogatari
Koyomimonogatari
Owarimonogatari (parts 1 and 2)
Zoku Owarimonogatari

3. The Chronological Watch Order (Well, at least one of them) – Best for Rewatchers

This is one of the more complicated orders to follow. Unlike the previous orders which were mostly arranged by series or arcs, the chronological order frequently jumps between episodes of different series.
It’s a really good way for rewatchers who want to take a look at the show from a different perspective though. Getting a fresh view of the event as they happen one at a time breathes new life into a show you’ve already watched.
The only discrepancy with this is that Owarimonogatari Episodes 8-13 and Monogatari Series Second Season Episodes 1-5 happen at the same time and are interchangeable in this list.