The Ultimate Code Geass Watch Order

Few sci-fi anime have been as impactful as Code Geass. While the original series is famous, there is loads more to explore in this world! Our best Code Geass watch order will help you enjoy this epic to the full.

Whether you're coming into the world of Code Geass completely new or want to revisit the classic series and explore other parts of the story, this article will guide you through.

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All Code Geass Content in Order

First of all, here is a list of all the Code Geass content currently available:

This list doesn't include Code Geass: Z of the Recapture; the long-awaited new addition to the Code Geass world that, at the time of writing, doesn't have a release window.

Also excluded are various Code Geass picture dramas that have been made as these are light-hearted scenarios and don’t impact the series. You might want to seek them out if you want more of the characters, though!

As you can see, there is still a lot of Code Geass to get through! Let’s start by highlighting some of the other optional stuff.

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Does Code Geass Have Filler?

There is some filler in the Code Geass franchise that you may wish to skip if you simply want to experience the main story.

The Code Geass Black Rebellion and Zero Requiem films are recaps of season 1 and season 2, so you don’t need to watch these if you watch the original TV series.

You also don’t need to watch Nunnally in Wonderland as this is a light-hearted spin-off involving the characters and isn’t canon for the series.

When it comes to actual canon Code Geass content, you're left with the original TV series, the Akito the Exiled OVA and the four most recent movies (although the situation with those is complicated; we'll get to that).

Which Code Geass is First?

While there is a lot of content, every run of Code Geass should start with season 1 of the TV series which started everything for the franchise.

Code Geass' second season was only announced close to the end of the first season, and everything has snowballed from that original release.

So far, there has not been any Code Geass prequel story that takes place before the first season, so in terms of both release and chronology, episode 1 is the true beginning.

After watching season one, you have two options for how far you take the franchise: the canon watch order and the movie watch order.

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Code Geass: The Canon Watch Order

The best watch order for Code Geass is the two seasons of the TV series, with the Akito the Exiled OVA in-between:

1. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (Season 1)
2. Code Geass: Akito the Exiled (OVA)
3. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 (Season 2)

The truest telling of the Code Geass story is through the two original TV series, both by the original creators. Ultimately, watching just these two series is enough for many fans; everything else is extra.

If you do want to explore more of Code Geass, it's highly recommended that you watch Akito the Exiled.

The five-episode mini-series takes place in Europe between the first and second seasons of Code Geass, providing more context to the ending and beginning of both seasons.

Related: Do Lelouch and CC End Up Together in Code Geass?

Are the New Code Geass Movies Canon?

The new Code Geass movies are not canon for the original story. However, many fans enjoy them in their own right as a different timeline in the CG universe.

The first three movies – Initiation, Transgression, and Glorification – are both a recap and a retelling of the TV series. While there are similarities at the start, the movies' differences build up and eventually take Lelouch down a different path.

By the time you arrive at the third movie, Glorification, the difference from the TV series is so stark that fans of the original Code Geass won't recognise many of the events taking place.

Those three movies set up Lelouch of the Re;surrection, which is a completely original film set in the new timeline. The upcoming Z of the Recapture is also set to take place after the events of these films.

The movies have been given a mixed reception by fans. For some, they are a good way to reexperience the story in a more contemporary style. For others, the story changes are disappointing and dilute the original series.

Whether you want to watch the recap movies or not, we recommend you watch the original first to understand what made the series so popular at the beginning.

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Code Geass: The Movie Watch Order

If you can’t get enough Code Geass in your life and want to explore the movies, we recommend this watch order:

1. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (Season 1)
2. Code Geass: Akito the Exiled (OVA)
3. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 (Season 2)
4. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion I - Initiation
5. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion II - Transgression
6. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion III - Glorification
7. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection
8. Code Geass: Z of the Recapture (Release TBC)

As mentioned, the four movies released after the TV series begin as a retelling of the original's events, but with significant changes as the story goes on.

By the end, Lelouch of the Re;surrection is completely detached from the original story.

As the original TV series is still regarded as the best form of Code Geass, it's recommended you enjoy that to the fullest first. Jumping into the new movies first is possible, but you may find watching the original less enjoyable as a result.

Hopefully, these lists help you to fully enjoy the world of Code Geass! Discover more anime news and info by following us on Twitter @epicstreamanime.

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