What is the best order to watch Ghost in the Shell?

For first-timers, we recommend Release Order as it's the intended experience. For rewatches, Timeline/Chronological Order offers a fresh perspective by following the in-universe chronology.

How many titles are in Ghost in the Shell?

Ghost in the Shell currently includes content across multiple formats. Use the section filters to view specific content types and the order variants to choose your preferred viewing order.

Should I watch Ghost in the Shell in release order or chronological order?

Release order is best for first-time viewers as it preserves the creators' intended narrative reveals. Chronological order is great for rewatches and understanding the timeline better.

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Ghost in the Shell

edited 2026-05-21

A complete viewing and reading order for the Ghost in the Shell franchise — covering Mamoru Oshii's original 1995 film and its sequel Innocence, the landmark Stand Alone Complex TV series and its SAC_2045 continuation, the Arise prequel OVA series, Shirow Masamune's original manga trilogy, and the 2017 Hollywood live-action adaptation. Sections are separated by continuity, as each is a distinct reimagining of the same world.

sections6items20completed0 / 20 · 0%first1989latest2023

Tags · [oshii-films][sac-continuity][arise-continuity][manga-canon][live-action]

page order

oshii films3 items · 3 unwatched

01FILM

1995A theatrical anime film released in Japan on November 18, 1995, directed by Mamoru Oshii and produced by Production I.G, adapting the first…

1h 23m

02FILM

2008A 2008 re-release of Mamoru Oshii's original 1995 Ghost in the Shell film, produced to mark the film's 13th anniversary. The remaster replac…

1h 25m

03FILM

2004The sequel to the 1995 Oshii film, released in Japan on March 6, 2004 and directed by Mamoru Oshii. Set in 2032, the story follows Batou — S…

1h 40m

stand alone complex5 items · 5 unwatched

sac_2045 compilation films2 items · 2 unwatched

arise6 items · 6 unwatched

manga3 items · 3 unwatched

live-action1 items · 1 unwatched