UNFINISHED

Status Explanation

The anime adaptation of the beloved dark fantasy series “Berserk” remains incomplete. While several animated versions exist, none fully adapt the expansive manga, leaving fans to piece together the full narrative from various sources. The journey of Guts is far from over in animated form.

Watch Order

Navigating the various anime adaptations of Berserk can be a bit confusing, as different versions cover different arcs of the story with varying levels of production quality. Here’s a recommended approach to experiencing the anime:

  • Berserk (1997): Often cited as the quintessential starting point. This 25-episode series beautifully adapts the pivotal Golden Age arc, introducing viewers to the gritty world and its unforgettable characters. Its animation style and faithful storytelling have garnered widespread acclaim.

  • Berserk: The Golden Age Arc - Memorial Edition (2022): For those seeking a more modern visual experience, this version repackages the acclaimed Golden Age Arc movie trilogy into a serialized format. It offers a cinematic take on the same crucial storyline, providing a different artistic interpretation of Guts’ origins.

  • Berserk (2016-2017): These seasons attempt to adapt later arcs of the manga. However, they are widely known for their divisive CGI animation and are generally not recommended for new viewers due to their significant departure in visual style and quality from earlier adaptations. Many fans suggest avoiding these seasons entirely.

General Advice: Most fans suggest beginning with either the 1997 series or the Memorial Edition to experience the foundational Golden Age arc. For the complete and definitive story of Berserk, immersing yourself in the original manga is highly recommended, as no anime adaptation has fully captured the breadth of the narrative.

Similar Animes

If you’ve plunged into the dark fantasy world of Berserk and are hungry for more shows with similar themes, a grim atmosphere, and intense action, consider these titles:

  • Vinland Saga: An epic historical drama that delves into themes of revenge, peace, and the harsh realities of a warrior’s life, often compared for its profound character development and brutal action.
  • Claymore: Features a dark fantasy setting with a focus on powerful female warriors battling grotesque monsters, sharing a similar grim aesthetic and intense combat.
  • Dororo: Follows a young man on a quest to reclaim his body parts stolen by demons, offering a blend of dark fantasy, compelling character journeys, and visceral sword fights.
  • Devilman Crybaby: Explores mature, apocalyptic themes with a raw and often disturbing visual style, known for its unflinching portrayal of violence and human nature.
  • Blade of the Immortal: Centers on an immortal samurai forced to kill a thousand evil men, delivering intense swordplay and a sprawling narrative about redemption in feudal Japan.