Imagine an apocalyptic scenario, a battlefield where survival depends on the strength of steel and the indomitable will of a single man. We're talking, of course, about "Berserk", the masterpiece that redefined the manga genre. But in this universe teeming with characters, adventure and darkness, in what order should we dive into this animated fresco? What's the first step in this bloody story that stretches from the arc of the Golden Age to the terrifying confines of Advent? This guide is your compass, your breadcrumb trail through a labyrinth of versions, from the raw authenticity of the 1997 adaptation to the renewed vision of 2017, not forgetting the captivating films that capture the essence of Guts and Griffith's epic. For die-hard fans and novices alike, navigating the seasons, episodes, and many tomes of this cult series can be daunting. But fear not: our detailed timeline promises a seamless experience, allowing you to experience every battle, every betrayal, and every triumph as if you were there. Begin the journey, and become part of the legend.
What's Berserk all about?
Berserk is an old manga released in 1997. This manga series follows the tragic and lonely life of Guts. He murdered his father before setting out as a mercenary. It's Griffith, a white-haired warrior, who defeats him. It's during a confrontation with Griffith, an elegant white-haired warrior, that Guts joins his struggle for ascendancy in a medieval empire. However, Griffith's all-consuming ambition begins to sow the seeds of discord between them, turning friendship into animosity. Meanwhile, dark and sinister forces of mystery begin to converge around them.
A skeletal warrior with a demonic face issues mysterious warnings to Guts, while Griffith's depraved desires increasingly corrupt his mind, leading to events with repercussions for the world around them.
Film and anime list
Over the years, the manga has been the subject of various adaptations, including series, films, animated series, numerous video games and a card game, as well as "light novels". To find out more about Berserk, let's take a look at the various productions based on this franchise:
series
- Berserk 1997 with 25 episodes
- Berserk 2016 with 36 episodes
Films
- Berserk: Golden Age Arc I - The King's Egg (February 4, 2012 in Japan, June 23, 2012 in France)
- Berserk: Golden Age Arc II - The Battle of Doldrey (June 23, 2012 in Japan, January 31, 2013 in France)
- Berserk: Golden Age Arc III - L'Avent (February 1, 2013 in Japan, July 20, 2014 in France)
OVA (special episode)
- Berserk: Recollections of the Witch(2017)
How to watch Berserk
The manga and animated adaptations of "Berserk" have become a topic of discussion among fans due to their chronology and relationship. Here's a recommended order for enjoying the "Berserk" story consistently:
Read the manga
The best way to discover the complete story of "Berserk" is to start with read the manga written and illustrated by Kentaro Miura. The manga is the main source and covers the story in all its depth. You can start at the very beginning, as the manga offers a more complete experience than the animated adaptations.
Berserk 1997
After reading the manga, or in parallel, you can watch the 1997 animated series entitled "Berserk". This series mainly covers the "Golden Age" arc. It's a great way to see the beginnings of Guts' story. This version adapts the arcs "the black warrior" and " lgolden age".
Golden Age films (Trilogy) :
After the 1997 series, you can watch the three films of the Berserk: The Golden Age trilogy (2012-2013). These films again cover the "Golden Age" arc, but add a few more details.
Anime Series of 2016-2017:
After completing the trilogy, you can move on to 2016's "Berserk" series, which covers the rest of the story, particularly the "Millennium Falcon" arc. This series is technically season 1, followed by season 2 in 2017.
CGI films :
You can also watch the CGI films of "Berserk" (2012) if you prefer a different version of events. However, these films largely cover the same arcs as the 1997 series and the Golden Age trilogy.
In what order should you watch Berserk?
The various productions were released in the following order:
- "Berserk (1997, 25 episodes)
- "Berserk: The Golden Age I - The King's Egg" (Released in Japan on February 4, 2012 and in France on June 23, 2012)
- "Berserk: The Golden Age II - The Battle of Doldrey" (Released in Japan on June 23, 2012 and in France on January 31, 2013)
- "Berserk: L'Âge d'Or III - L'Avent" (Released in Japan on February 1, 2013 and in France on July 20, 2014)
- "Berserk (2016, 36 episodes)
- "Berserk: Recollections of the Witch (2017)
- "Berserk: The Golden Age Arc (2022)
Here is the recommended viewing guide to enjoy the "Berserk" series in chronological order:
- "Berserk" (1997, 25-episode animated series)
- "Berserk: The Golden Age I - The King's Egg" (film)
- "Berserk: The Golden Age II - The Battle of Doldrey" (movie)
- "Berserk: L'Âge d'Or III - L'Avent" (film)
- "Berserk" (2016-2017, 36-episode animated series)
The above order follows a narrative chronology. However, bear in mind that the manga is the most complete source and provides the best experience. Other adaptations offer different angles and animation styles, but the manga remains the mainstay of the "Berserk" story, even if Berserk anime is fairly faithful to the manga.
Where to view and read Berserk?
The original animated version of berserk is unavailable for streaming, but you can order it in physical format from online stores like Amazon. However, the anime has already been on Netflix since December 1.er December 2022, you'll be able to watch it directly on Netflix.
