Is the Anime Really Finished?#
If you are wondering whether you can dive into Given and get a complete experience, the answer is nuanced. The original manga, which served as the source material, ran from April 2013 to March 2023, providing a definitive conclusion to the primary narrative.
However, the anime adaptation is a journey consisting of multiple parts. While the main story arc has been adapted through various sequels, the franchise continues to expand with spinoff content. For example, the Given 10th Mix spinoff manga has its own anime adaptation titled Given: Moments in Life. If you are looking for the core emotional resolution of the main plot, the anime sequels provide significant progress, but for the full breadth of the story and its aftermath, reading the manga is highly recommended.
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Themes and Appeal: Who is Given For?#
Given is a poignant series that blends the themes of music and yaoi. The story follows Ritsuka, a guitarist who has lost his passion for the instrument, and Mafuyu, a boy holding a broken guitar. What begins as an unwilling tutoring session evolves into something deeper when Ritsuka hears Mafuyu’s voice, triggering a change in his own perspective and life.
This anime is best suited for viewers who enjoy:
- Character-driven dramas centered on emotional growth.
- Stories where music serves as a primary medium for expression.
- Romance focusing on the relationship between men.
If these themes resonate with you, you can watch the anime on Prime Video to begin your journey.
The Ultimate Watch Order#
Because Given consists of a series of adaptations, sequels, and side stories, the order in which you consume the content matters. Please refer to the relationship tree below the article for a visual guide to these connections.
Release Order#
For those who want to experience the series as it was unveiled to the world, follow this order:
- Given (2019 Anime)
- Given (2020 Sequel)
- Given - on the other hand (2021 Side Story)
- Given (2024 Sequel/Movie)
- Given: Moments in Life (2025 Anime)
Completionist Order#
If you want every single piece of animated content, the release order is generally the most effective. This ensures you see the progression of Ritsuka and Mafuyu’s relationship before diving into side stories and the later spinoff adaptations like Given: Moments in Life. To truly complete the experience, you may also want to buy the Given manga to fill in the gaps between the animated entries.
The Source Material Path#
For those who prefer reading or don’t mind mixing mediums, we recommend:
- Read the original Given manga (2013-2023).
- Read the Given 10th Mix spinoff manga.
- Watch the anime adaptations to see your favorite musical moments brought to life.
Additional Resources for Fans#
Whether you are a new viewer or a long-time fan, there are plenty of ways to engage with the series:
- Reading: The Given 10th Mix spinoff is a great way to further explore the world of the characters. Check out the manga here.
- Collecting: From soundtracks to character goods, you can find Given merchandise here.
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Given • manga • 2013-04-30 to 2023-03-28 (serialized in Cheri+, vol. 8 - May 2023)
└─(adaptation)→ Given • anime • 2019-07-11
└─(sequel)→ Given • anime • 2020-08-22
└─(side story)→ Given - on the other hand • anime • 2021-12-01
└─(sequel)→ Given • anime • 2024-01-27
└─(spinoff)→ Given 10th Mix • manga • 2024-01-30 to 2025-03-30 (serialized in Chéri+)
└─(adaptation)→ Given: Moments in Life • anime • 2025-10-01
