In the beginning, Madoka Magica started off as a regular magical girl series, then it became the series that codified the dark magical girl genre through certain events. However, what started off as a simple trip that became a phenomenon in its time grew more complex.
One particular development in the plot gave Madoka Magica the potential to become a complicated series to watch. However, while it has its spin-offs, the spin-off don’t introduce much confusion into where to start the series. Instead, what makes Madoka Magica need a watch order is really more of its passion for introducing movies – some you need to watch, and some not so much.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica Watch Order
How to Watch Puella Magi Madoka Magica in Order
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica (TV)
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie – Part 1: Beginnings (Optional)
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie – Part 2 – Eternal (Optional)
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica Movie 3 – Rebellion
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica Movie 4 – Walpurgisnacht: Rising (TBD Winter 2024)
- Magia Record
- Magia Record Season 2
- Magia Record Final Season
Do You Need to Watch The Madoka Magica Movies?
The first two Madoka Magica movies are recap movies of the base series. If you have watched the base series, you don’t technically need to watch them.
However, unlike usual recap movies that are not quite as good as the TV series, the first two Madoka Magica movies are still a pretty good way of feeding beginners the story, and are good movies in their own right.
Furthermore, there are subtle changes from the original Madoka Magica anime that do make them an interesting watch for people who have seen the base anime already. Yet, it doesn’t change enough to really require you to watch them.
What movies you do need to watch are Rebellion and the upcoming Walpurgisnacht: Rising movie. Rebellion is a direct continuation of the base anime. Madoka Magica is a wild ride, and Rebellion lets it get even wilder. Walpurgisnacht: Rising has been stated to be a sequel to Rebellion, thus it will be required watching as well.
What Is Magia Record?
Magia Record is a side story series to the core Puella Magi Madoka Magica anime. To avoid spoilers, it is best to simply say that it takes place in an alternate universe involved with the main plot, but ultimately irrelevant to it.
It is recommended to watch Magia Record after the base anime so that its set up will make the most sense.
Magia Record follows a new cast of characters with a new plot. However, you will see characters from the main Madoka Magica series make appearances, but are never the focus.
While Magia Record attempts to recreate the magic of Madoka Magica, it is ultimately an anime adaptation of a mobile gacha game based on Madoka Magica. The magical girls are cute, the story tries to embrace darkness, and it is a perfectly fine, not amazing watch. It is also an optional watch since it is a largely uninvolved side story.
