Be careful what you wish for. This is often the poster saying for anything that seems sweet at first, but ends up in a weird tangle of technicalities later on. It’s also one of the premises that brings a relatively simple-structured watch order to its tragic and infamous life.
The road to finishing a Puella Magi Madoka Magica watch order is simpler than many others we have tackled so far. But it is one of a familiar variation, one that features a longer TV format, and another shorter film format appended by other original stories.
The best comparison that we can provide is that of an Evangelion watch order, or even Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions watch order, with a bit of TV-based formulaic spice from KonoSuba watch order.
Recommended watch order
Season 1, one movie, then the spin-off sequel. That alone should probably suffice. Beginnings and Eternal are recaps of the very first series, so it’s your choice whether to watch the condensed version or go original. Any material later is up to the viewer’s discretion to decide.
Chronological order
This only includes series and films that are directly related to the main plot. Everything else is excluded. Magia Record is a completely different/alternate universe that is based on the mobile game of the same name released in 2016. The new movie that still has no release date is listed here for organizational purposes only.
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica (All Episodes)
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Rebellion (film)
- Madoka Magica the Movie – Walpurgisnacht: Rising (film, date TBA)
OR
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Beginnings (film)
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Eternal (film)
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Rebellion (film)
- Madoka Magica the Movie – Walpurgisnacht: Rising (film, date TBA)
- Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story S1 (13 Episodes)
- Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story S2 (9 Episodes)
- Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story S3 (4 Episodes)
Release date order
Includes every major series and combined spin-off works, except for the purely promotional ones.
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica (2011)
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Beginnings (2012)
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Eternal (2012)
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Rebellion (2013)
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica Concept Movie (2015)
- Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story S1 (2020)
- Magica Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story S2 (2021)
- Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story S3 (2022)
- Madoka Magica the Movie – Walpurgisnacht: Rising (announced 2021, unreleased)
Plot of Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Madoka Kaname and Sayaka Miki were living peacefully in the fictional city of Mitakihara, when they encounter a strange creature named Kyubey. This strangely sentient being talked to them about having one’s wish granted by fighting witches using bestowed magical powers, and wanted to offer such a deal.
Homura Akemi and Mami Tomoe, both already magical girls with a good depth of experience, warn them not to accept the offer. Because there are, in fact, several tricks, hidden consequences, and unintended circumstances underneath Kyubey’s sweet words.
Essentially, what is perceived by the characters to be the enemy once walked the same path. What is perceived by the audiences to be an innocent job can lead to the grimmest of outcomes.
Both Madoka and Sayaka learn this painfully through observation and experience. But the bitter hardship and responsibilities are only the beginning. There are far more disturbing truths to be discovered in the middle of this unraveling journey…
Yep, be careful what you wish for
Puella Magi Madoka Magica is often hailed as one of the best anime series to deconstruct the magical girl genre. It does it in a way that mostly makes sense, with the grimmer themes not coming out as too edgy or too in-your-face to the viewers. The thought processes of the main characters for the most part also make sense. Such internal struggles are then what makes some of the characters truly shine during their personal moments.
At the very least… for the first season. Let’s just say the franchise goes in weird directions right after the massively successful first season.
Darker themes not your cup of tea? Looking for something a bit lighter to enjoy? Then we suggest checking out our best wholesome anime list!
