Code Geass is one of my all-time favorite anime series. A mature and ambitious anime with nuanced characters, the franchise has spawned numerous series, OVAs, ONAs, and movies, which can be confusing for new fans. If you’re wondering how to watch Code Geass in order, this guide will help you navigate through it all.
Code Geass Synopsis
Code Geass is a popular Japanese anime series produced by Sunrise, set in an alternate world where three superpowers vie for control. Britannia, the most dominant, conquers Japan, stripping its people of rights and freedom. Lelouch vi Britannia, an exiled prince, gains the power of Geass from a mysterious woman named C.C. With this ability, he vows to overthrow Britannia’s oppressive rule.
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How to watch Code Geass in order
Optional content is marked with (O) and can be skipped.
Should I watch Code Geass movies?
Lelouch of the Rebellion movies
All of the Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion movies serve as a recap of the original anime TV series with some important changes that set the stage for the fourth movie, Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection. This fourth movie continues the story a year after Lelouch’s Zero Requiem plan and is considered a direct sequel to the recap movies, not to the anime series.
Akiko the Exiled movies
The Akito the Exiled movies are related to the two seasons of Lelouch of the Rebellion TV series but are not a direct continuation of R2. They are set between the two seasons during a one-year gap in the storyline. Considered a side story, it’s recommended to watch Akito the Exiled after completing at least the anime TV series to fully appreciate its context and connections to the main storyline.
The movies are set in 2017 a.t.b., between the rise of the “Black Knights” organization and the return of the supposedly “dead” Zero. In Europe, the Europia United (E.U.) faces invasion by the Holy Britannian Empire. To counter this threat, the E.U. forms “W-0,” led by Leila Malcal, a former Britannian aristocrat, with Japanese teenagers piloting the Wyvern Knightmare Corps. They bravely fight for freedom despite facing overwhelming odds of survival.
Should I watch Code Geass OVAs/ Picture Dramas?
Code Geass OVAs & Picture Dramas are extras that provide more insight into the Code Geass universe and characters. That being said, all of them are completely optional.
Here’s a breakdown of all the extra content that has been released and how it fits into the timeline:
- Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion Picture Dramas: Adds more story depth with some fun moments. Recommended for fans who want to learn more about the characters.
- Code Geass: Nunnally in Wonderland: A parody where Code Geass characters play roles from Alice in Wonderland. It’s best enjoyed after watching the first two anime series because it references their events. Optional.
- Code Geass: Oz the Reflection Picture Drama: A spin-off after Code Geass Season 1 inspired by The Wizard of Oz. Optional for those who want more background on the world.
- Code Geass: The Miraculous Birthday: A story set after the end of Code Geass Season 2. Optional for fans curious about what happens next.
- Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch Special Edition – Black Rebellion: A recap OVA of Season 1 from Lelouch’s perspective. Optional for those who want a summary.
- Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch R2 Special Edition: A recap OVA of Season 2. Optional for those who want to revisit key moments.
Code Geass: Roze of Recapturé
One of this year’s major anime sequels is Roze of The Recapture, marking the surprising return of the Code Geass universe. While it revisits the conflict between Japan (Area 11) and the Britannian Empire, the sequel introduces two new protagonists, Rose and Ash.
Distributed by Showgate, this anime is a sequel to Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection (2019). It continues the storyline established in the alternate continuity of the three-part compilation films: Initiation, Transgression, and Glorification (2017–18).
Roze of The Recapture follows two mercenary brothers from former Hokkaido in Year 7 of the Kowa era: Ash, the skilled elder proficient in athletics and piloting Knightmares, and Rozé, the younger adept at gathering intelligence and leadership. Together, they set out on a mission to rescue Empress Sakuya from the Neo Britannian Empire.