The Ancient Magus' Bride is a colorful and whimsical fantasy anime that got a second season in 2023. If you're considering a rewatch, do check out our handy watch guide for The Ancient Magus' Bride!
Below, we detail the most effective watch order for the anime series and the OVAs.
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What Is The Ancient Magus' Bride All About?
The Ancient Magus' Bride follows Chise Hatori, a magically-gifted girl who has been a magnet for misfortune her whole life.
When she's left an orphan, Chise becomes the apprentice of Elias, a magus who gives her a new home in England, where she meets all sorts of friends and supernatural beings.
Season 2 will focus on Chise's initiation to a mage society known as the College, so we expect some school anime vibes.
The Ancient Magus' Bride Watch Guide: Chronological Order
The recommended watch order for The Ancient Magus' Bride is by release order, although we have a couple of tweaks to suggest for newcomers.
Here is everything the series has to offer in chronological order:
The Ancient Magus' Bride: Those Awaiting a Star (2016-2017)
This three-episode OVA series follows Chise after she's already moved to Elias' household.
A book becomes an occasion for her to remember her childhood, which wasn't always happy.
The Ancient Magus' Bride (2017)
This is the main 24-episode series and your most essential watch before starting Season 2.
The Ancient Magus' Bride Season 1 Recap (2017)
This is a one-episode recap if you're too busy but want to review the key plot points of Season 1.
The Ancient Magus' Bride: The Boy From the West and the Knight of the Blue Storm (2021-2022)
A three-episode OVA featuring a side adventure Chise and Elias have that involves the Wild Hunt.
The Ancient Magus' Bride Season 2 (2023)
This is the newest season that adapts the College Arc of the manga.
In it, Chise and Elias join a magical school. There are also a number of chibi shorts known as MahoYome, but these are optional.
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So, Here's the Best Watch Guide for The Ancient Magus' Bride
As long as you've watched Season 1 before Season 2 starts airing, the OVAs and other media can be watched at your own pace.
You can't really go wrong with watching by order of release, as this is how the series' first viewers watched it, but some fans recommend watching Season 1 first.
Although the first OVAs came before the series, you will probably feel more strongly about Chise's struggle and backstory if you have met her at her lowest point -- where Elias finds her.
Of course, if you've watched the anime before but need a refresher, you can just go with the recap. If you're watching the entire Season 1, feel free to skip the recap.
Similarly, you can watch the Season 2 preview if you want, but if you'd rather go into it without previous knowledge, that should be fine, too.
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