Based on the iconic manga, Berserk has been adapted multiple times into anime. Here’s how to watch the series and films in the correct order.
Since 1989, the dark fantasy manga Berserk has captivated millions of fans around the world. It’s no surprise that the story of the mercenary Guts has been adapted into several anime versions. However, these different series and films are not all arranged in chronological order. To avoid any confusion, we’ll show you the correct viewing order.
The Chronological Order of Berserk
The first anime adaptation of Berserk aired as a series from 1997 to 1998. It took over a decade before another adaptation followed. This refers to the film trilogy that covers the “Golden Age” arc, produced by Studio 4°. The sequel was then released in 2016 as a series.
Fans do not need to watch all adaptations, as this would lead to overlaps in the storylines. It’s best to choose one of these two options for the chronological order of Berserk:
Option 1:
- Berserk: The Sword-Wind Romance (Series, 1997)
Option 2:
- Berserk – The Golden Age (Film Trilogy, 2012)
- Berserk (Series, 2016)
While Berserk: The Sword-Wind Romance and Berserk – The Golden Age are well-received by most fans, the 2016 series has faced significant criticism. The main reason for this is the extensive use of computer animation instead of traditional drawings. Some fans recommend just reading the manga drawn by Kentaro Miura, which represents the original work.
The Story of Berserk
Guts is a one-eyed warrior missing an arm and bearing a brand mark. His path crosses with Puck, an elf with extraordinary healing powers, who decides to accompany him. During their journey, Guts must challenge a man-eating monster to a duel, defeat a horrific, bloodthirsty creature, and, most importantly, he receives the Behelith: a key to open a portal to another world.