Baki isn’t one of the most complicated anime series I’ve ever done a watch order for, and one might argue it doesn’t even need it. However, the thing that usually trips people up about the Baki anime overall is the naming scheme of the anime series. They are all rather same-y and very unintuitive. Furthermore, since its more recent adaptations are a continuation of a decently old series rather than a remake, some might not even know there was a series before it and wonder if they need to watch it.
Baki Watch Order
How to Watch The Baki Anime in Order
If you want the most complete Baki watch order, this is it, but not every part of it is necessarily a “must watch” for you.
- Baki the Grappler: The Ultimate Fighter OVA
- Baki the Grappler (2001)
- Baki: Most Evil Death Row Convicts Special OVA
- Baki (2018)
- Baki Hanma – Son of Ogre (2021)
Do You Need to Watch The OVAs?
No, you don’t really need to track down the Baki OVAs and watch them. The Ultimate Fighter does take place before the first series and has some extra content there, but you don’t really miss anything absolutely crucial and much of it is even included in Baki the Grappler anyway. Similarly, the Most Evil Death Row Convicts OVA, as we know now, was basically just a taste of the upcoming new anime.
Do You Need to Watch The Original Baki the Grappler to Watch Baki (2018)?
Ideally, you do want to watch the original Baki the Grappler since Baki (2018) is a continuation. However, while it is a very good anime, the animation of Baki the Grappler has definitely aged a bit, and some people just don’t jive with vintage animation anymore.
While Baki the Grappler definitely fills in gaps in the overall plot, the series doesn’t exactly have the most cerebral plot to begin with. You’ll definitely understand certain things better, but you can start at Baki (2018) and go onward while still enjoying and fundamentally understanding the series.
