Berserk looks like a messy franchise on paper, but the viewing order is actually straightforward: you mainly just need to pick one version of the Golden Age story, then move on to the 2016–2017 sequel series.
The Best Watch Order for Most Viewers
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Berserk: The Golden Age Arc – Memorial Edition (2022, 13 episodes)
This is a remastered TV edit of the 2012–2013 film trilogy, with added scenes and tweaks, and it covers the core backstory you need. -
Berserk (2016, 12 episodes)
This continues the story after the Golden Age and adapts later manga arcs. -
Berserk (2017, 12 episodes)
This is effectively Season 2 of the 2016 series and continues that storyline.
If you follow this, you’re watching in a clean, mostly canon-friendly progression without repeating too much.
The Classic-First Watch Order
If you prefer older animation and want the most foundational TV experience first:
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Berserk (1997, 25 episodes)
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Then pick ONE of these (optional retell, not required):
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Golden Age Arc film trilogy (2012–2013)
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Golden Age Arc – Memorial Edition (2022, 13 eps)
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Berserk (2016) → Berserk (2017)
Note: watching both 1997 and Memorial/films means you’re revisiting a lot of the same arc—some fans like comparing them, but it’s not necessary.
What Not to Do
Don’t start with Berserk (2016) unless you already know the Golden Age backstory. The 2016 series is designed as a continuation (it assumes you know what happened before).
Where to Watch (Availability Changes by Region)
Berserk (2016) and Golden Age Arc – Memorial Edition are commonly available on major anime streaming services, but the catalog varies by country.
The 1997 series and the film trilogy availability varies a lot by country, and the most reliable option in many regions is often official digital rental/purchase or physical releases when streaming rights rotate.
Quick Content Advisory
Berserk is dark fantasy with intense violence and mature themes—go in expecting heavy material, especially in late Golden Age.
