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Is the Anime Finished?
Is the Anime Finished?
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Is Buddha Finished? Your Guide to the Anime Watch Order and Story

Finished Drama Supernatural Historical Philosophy Religion
Table of Contents

Is the Buddha Anime Finished?
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If you are looking to dive into the spiritual journey of Prince Siddhartha, you might be wondering if the anime adaptation provides a complete experience. The anime consists of two primary parts: the initial film Buddha: The Great Departure (2011) and its sequel, Buddha 2: Tezuka Osamu no Buddha - Owarinaki Tabi (2014).

While these films provide a cinematic window into Siddhartha’s transformation into “the Enlightened One,” it is important to remember that they are adaptations of the original manga, which ran from 1972 to 1983. To get the most comprehensive version of this story, completionists may find that the source material offers more depth than the anime alone. If you want to own the full story, you can buy the Buddha manga to supplement your viewing.

What to Expect: Themes and Appeal
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Buddha is not your typical anime; it is a heavy, thoughtful piece blending the drama and supernatural genres. Set in ancient India, the story takes place in a desperate age marked by drought, famine, constant warfare, and the injustices of a strict caste system.

This series is best suited for viewers who enjoy:

  • Philosophy and Religion: The core of the narrative is a spiritual journey toward enlightenment.
  • Historical Settings: It provides a vivid look at the societal struggles of ancient India.
  • Character-Driven Drama: The plot intertwines the lives of many unhappy souls drawn toward the teachings of Siddhartha.

If this sounds like your kind of story, you can watch the anime on Prime Video to begin your journey.

Recommended Watch Order#

Because this series is structured as a progression of Siddhartha’s life, following the chronological order is essential for understanding his spiritual evolution. You can refer to the relationship tree on this page to see how these titles connect.

The Release Order
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For most viewers, the release order is the most straightforward path:

  1. Buddha: The Great Departure (2011)
  2. Buddha 2: Tezuka Osamu no Buddha - Owarinaki Tabi (2014)

The Completionist Order
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If you want every bit of detail available, we recommend the following path:

  1. Watch Buddha: The Great Departure.
  2. Watch Buddha 2: Tezuka Osamu no Buddha - Owarinaki Tabi.
  3. Read the original manga for the full, uncut historical and philosophical context.

The “Source Material” Path
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For those who prefer the depth of print over animation, you can watch Buddha: The Great Departure to get a feel for the visual style and then transition directly into the manga to finish the story.

If you find our research helpful in planning your watch list, please consider supporting us on Ko-fi to keep the site running!

Additional Information
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For those interested in the production, Buddha 2 featured a theme song by Ayumi Hamasaki and received a stamp of approval from the Dalai Lama for its TV appearance, highlighting the respect for the source material’s themes.

Beyond the screen and page, you can also find Buddha merchandise to commemorate this inspiring tale of spiritual rebirth.

Buddha • manga • 1972-09 to 1983-12
  └─(adaptation)→  Buddha: The Great Departure • anime • 2011-05-28
   └─(sequel)→   Buddha 2: Tezuka Osamu no Buddha - Owarinaki Tabi • anime • 2014-02-08

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