What is the best order to watch Rurouni Kenshin?

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 Rurouni Kenshin?

Rurouni Kenshin 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 Rurouni Kenshin 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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Rurouni Kenshin

edited 2026-05-21

A complete watch and reading order for the Rurouni Kenshin franchise — Nobuhiro Watsuki's manga, two TV anime series, three OVAs, a theatrical film, and five live-action films directed by Keishi Otomo. Covers the original 1994–1999 manga and its sequels, the beloved 1999 Trust & Betrayal OVA, the 2023 reboot anime, and Takeru Satoh's live-action film series from 2012 to 2021.

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Tags · [manga-canon][main-canon][anime-original][non-canon]

page order

manga3 items · 3 unwatched

01MANGA

1994–1999Nobuhiro Watsuki's original Rurouni Kenshin manga, serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump from April 1994 to September 1999 and collected in 28 ta…

02MANGA

2012–2013A two-volume manga reboot of Rurouni Kenshin by Nobuhiro Watsuki, serialized in Jump Square from May 2012 to June 2013 as a tie-in to the fi…

03MANGA

2017–presentA direct sequel to the original Rurouni Kenshin manga by Nobuhiro Watsuki, serialized monthly in Jump Square from September 2017 with a two-…

anime series (1996)3 items · 3 unwatched

anime series (2023 reboot)2 items · 2 unwatched

ovas & theatrical film4 items · 4 unwatched

live-action films5 items · 5 unwatched