The best way to watch Sword Art Online (SAO) anime series is generally in the release order for first-time viewers, as it introduces characters and story progression naturally. Here's the recommended watch order:
- Sword Art Online (Season 1) - 2012
- SAO: Extra Edition (OVA) - 2013 (optional, recap + side story)
- Sword Art Online II (Season 2) - 2014
- Alternative Gun Gale Online (Season 1, spin-off) - 2018 (optional)
- SAO Movie: Ordinal Scale - 2017 (important for Alicization arc)
- SAO: Alicization (Season 3, Part 1) - 2018–19
- SAO: Alicization – War of Underworld (Season 3, Part 2) - 2019–20
- Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night (movie) - 2021 (optional, detailed retelling of Aincrad arc)
- Progressive – Scherzo of Deep Night (movie) - 2022 (optional, continuation of Progressive)
- Alternative Gun Gale Online II (Season 2, spin-off continuation) - 2024 (optional)
For viewers interested in chronological story order, Progressive movies come first as they tell the Aincrad arc from Asuna’s perspective, followed by the main series and then Alicization. Gun Gale Online is a spin-off series, so it can be watched optionally and independently from the main storyline. This order allows for the best experience and understanding of character development and plot across the Sword Art Online universe. If you'd like, I can also provide a simplified chronological or release order list. Let me know! This information is based on multiple sources from 2024 and 2025 for the most up-to-date viewing guidance.
