Code Geass Watch Order: Where to Start with Anime Series and Movies

Few series are as impactful as Code Geass. While famous for its original series, there is actually loads more to explore in this world! Understanding the 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.

Discover More: Code Geass’ Timeline Explained: All Events in Chronological Order

All Code Geass Content in Order

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First of all, here is a list of all the Code Geass content currently available, in order of their original release:

As you can see, there is a lot of stuff to get through! Let’s start by removing what you won’t need to see.

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Does Code Geass Have Filler?

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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 scenario involving the characters and isn’t canon for the series.

One thing not included in this list is various Code Geass picture dramas that have been made. Again, these are light-hearted scenarios and don’t matter for the series. You might want to seek them out if you want more of the characters, though!

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?

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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 moment.

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: Canon Watch Order

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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.

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Are the New Code Geass Movies Canon?

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The new Code Geass movies are not canon for the original story, so are completely optional. However, many fans enjoy them in their own right.

The three 'recap' movies – Initiation, Transgression, and Glorification – include enough differences that the films are considered to be a parallel universe of sorts.

Someone who had seen the original Code Geass TV series might not recognise many of the events taking place in Glorification, for example.

Those three movies set up Lelouch of the Re;surrection, which is a completely original film set in the new timeline. The previously-announced new Code Geass project was supposed to take place after the events of this film.

The movies have been given a mixed reception by fans. For some, they are a good way to reexperience the original story in a modern setting. 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.

Code Geass: Movie Watch Order

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If you can’t get enough Code Geass in your life and want to also 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

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

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

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 fun 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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