Made in Abyss is one of the most visually stunning and emotionally intense anime series in recent years, capturing the hearts of viewers with its unique combination of adventure, mystery, and dark storytelling. The series follows the journey of Riko, a young girl determined to explore the Abyssa massive, mysterious chasm filled with strange creatures and ancient relicsalongside her robotic companion Reg. Due to its multiple seasons, movies, and OVAs, new viewers often struggle to understand the correct order in which to watch the series. Watching Made in Abyss in order ensures a coherent viewing experience, allowing audiences to follow character development, unravel mysteries in chronological sequence, and fully appreciate the emotional impact of each story arc. This guide will provide a detailed overview of the recommended watch order, including episodes, movies, and special content, so fans can enjoy the narrative as intended.
Made in Abyss The First Season
The starting point for any new viewer is the first season of Made in Abyss. This season introduces the world, its characters, and the perilous journey into the Abyss. It is crucial to watch the episodes in their original sequence to understand the story and establish emotional connections with the characters.
Episodes 1-13
The first season consists of 13 episodes, which cover Riko’s early life, her motivation to descend into the Abyss, and her initial adventures with Reg. Key storylines include the introduction of the Abyss’ dangerous layers, the mysterious creatures within it, and the discovery of ancient relics that hold vital clues to the world’s past. Watching episodes in order ensures the narrative builds naturally, allowing viewers to experience the escalating tension and emotional stakes as Riko and Reg venture deeper.
Made in Abyss Movie Adaptations
Following the first season, several movies were released to recap or continue the story. These movies are essential for maintaining chronological consistency and providing additional context for the characters’ journeys. The movies serve both as summaries of the first season and as bridges to the sequel storylines.
Made in Abyss Journey’s Dawn (2019)
This movie is a compilation of episodes 1-8 from the first season. It condenses the early part of Riko and Reg’s journey into a cinematic format while maintaining key story elements and emotional beats. While not strictly necessary for those who have already watched the series, it is useful for new viewers who prefer movie formats over episodic viewing.
Made in Abyss Wandering Twilight (2019)
Wandering Twilight covers episodes 9-13 of the first season, completing the initial journey into the Abyss. Like Journey’s Dawn, this movie condenses the narrative while preserving crucial plot points. Watching both Journey’s Dawn and Wandering Twilight gives viewers a complete overview of the first season in a movie format.
Made in Abyss Movie Sequel
After the recap movies, the story continues with a new movie that picks up immediately where the first season left off. This sequel is vital for progressing the plot and deepening character development.
Made in Abyss Dawn of the Deep Soul (2020)
Dawn of the Deep Soul continues Riko and Reg’s journey into the Abyss, focusing on the fourth layer and introducing new challenges and antagonists. The movie is notable for its darker tone and emotional intensity, reflecting the increasing dangers of the Abyss. Watching this film immediately after the first season or recap movies ensures the story flows chronologically and maintains narrative continuity.
Made in Abyss The Second Season
The second season picks up after Dawn of the Deep Soul, exploring the Abyss further and diving into more complex storylines. This season is crucial for understanding the deeper mysteries of the Abyss, as well as the evolution of the main characters. Viewers should watch the second season in its original episode order to fully appreciate the narrative development.
Made in Abyss The Golden City of the Scorching Sun
The second season is officially titled Made in Abyss The Golden City of the Scorching Sun. Episodes in this season continue the adventure through the Abyss’ deeper layers, with Riko, Reg, and new companions encountering increasingly perilous environments and uncovering hidden truths. Watching this season chronologically after Dawn of the Deep Soul maintains consistency and ensures viewers experience the story as intended by the creators.
OVAs and Specials
In addition to the main series and movies, several OVAs provide additional context and backstory. While not strictly mandatory for following the main plot, these specials enrich the overall experience and offer insights into the world and characters.
Special Episodes
- Made in Abyss Official Anthology– Offers short stories and side adventures that expand on minor characters and events from the main series.
- OVA Bondrewd’s Past– Provides a deeper understanding of antagonists and their motivations, enhancing the narrative complexity.
- Mini Episodes and Promotional Content– Often explore humorous or slice-of-life moments with the main cast, providing lighter context between the intense adventures of the Abyss.
Recommended Watch Order Summary
For viewers aiming to experience Made in Abyss in chronological order, the recommended sequence is as follows
- Made in Abyss – Season 1, Episodes 1-13
- Made in Abyss Journey’s Dawn (optional recap of Episodes 1-8)
- Made in Abyss Wandering Twilight (optional recap of Episodes 9-13)
- Made in Abyss Dawn of the Deep Soul (movie sequel)
- Made in Abyss The Golden City of the Scorching Sun – Season 2
- OVAs and specials (optional, for additional context)
Tips for Watching Made in Abyss
Made in Abyss is known for its beautiful animation as well as its dark and sometimes disturbing themes. New viewers should be prepared for intense emotional moments and graphic content. Watching in chronological order helps maintain narrative cohesion, which is important for understanding character motivations and plot developments. Additionally, paying attention to the world-building details, creature design, and relic lore enriches the experience and highlights the depth of the series’ universe.
Additional Recommendations
- Consider starting with the original Season 1 episodes before watching recap movies, unless you prefer a condensed introduction.
- Follow Dawn of the Deep Soul immediately with Season 2 for continuity.
- Use OVAs and specials to explore side stories after completing the main storyline.
Made in Abyss is a rich, complex, and visually breathtaking anime that rewards careful viewing. Watching the series in chronological orderstarting from the first season, continuing through recap movies and Dawn of the Deep Soul, and then proceeding to the second seasonensures a coherent experience that highlights character growth, plot development, and the intricate mysteries of the Abyss. While OVAs and specials are optional, they offer additional depth and context, making the journey even more engaging. By following this order, viewers can fully immerse themselves in Riko and Reg’s adventure, experiencing the emotional highs, perilous challenges, and unforgettable moments that have made Made in Abyss a beloved anime franchise.