Best Viewing Order for All Sword Art Online Series and Movies

Sword Art Online: A Comprehensive Overview of the Franchise

Since its inception nearly twenty years ago, the Sword Art Online (SAO) franchise has expanded remarkably. Alongside its original anime series, it now encompasses light novels, multiple anime television adaptations, and both theatrical and television films, creating a rich multimedia experience for fans.

The anime series itself presents a captivating blend of romance and dark fantasy aesthetics. Viewers might find the character arcs and settings to be fantastically abstract at times. To enhance viewer enjoyment, a structured watch guide is beneficial. Despite Netflix acquiring rights for a live-action adaptation in 2018, there have been no notable developments, possibly aimed at aligning with ongoing anime arcs like the Gun Gale Online storyline.

Franchise Update: Video Games and Media Expansions

As of November 8, 2024, the Sword Art Online game catalog boasts a staggering seventeen titles, with the latest installment, Fractured Daydream, just released. This proliferation highlights the franchise’s vast reach across various media. For clarity, this article will focus exclusively on the SAO anime series, noting that the animated adaptations stay fairly faithful to their manga and light novel counterparts, which viewers can appreciate even without prior reading.

Warning: Spoilers Ahead

Sword Art Online

The Original Two-Story Arc from 2012

The inaugural series introduces viewers to the groundbreaking Sword Art Online (SAO), a new type of “virtual reality massively multiplayer online role-playing game”(VRMMORPG). In its first episode, the foundation for the plot and gameplay mechanics is effectively established.

Sword Art Online’s narrative follows Kirito, an avid gamer and beta tester, who becomes ensnared in the game along with numerous other players. The overarching goal is to conquer the game and liberate himself and his fellow gamers from this entrapping digital realm, where the story unfolds across two notable virtual worlds:

Aincrad: Set in a floating castle, this story arc serves as both exposition and introduction to the game’s mechanics, captivating RPG enthusiasts with its classic sword-and-sorcery motif.
Fairy Dance: Following the events of Aincrad, Kirito finds himself in ALfheim Online, a world populated by elves, as he embarks on a quest to rescue Asuna from captivity.

Sword Art Online Progressive: Aria Of A Starless Night

A New Perspective: Asuna’s Viewpoint

This recent film serves as a retelling of the Aincrad and Fairy Dance arcs from Asuna’s perspective, unfolding concurrently with the events of the original series. Key moments remain intact, including the pivotal encounters with the men’s head developer, Kayaba, and Asuna’s transformative journey from novice to a determined warrior.

Sword Art Online Progressive: Scherzo Of Deep Night

More from Asuna’s POV

The sequel film, Scherzo Of Deep Night, continues Asuna’s narrative earlier in the SAO timeline, revisiting her leveling experiences in Aincrad. Although it captures her growth, some fans felt the lack of fresh material was underwhelming.

Sword Art Online Extra Edition

Recap of Key Events

This made-for-TV movie provides a condensed summary of the first series, with approximately an hour and a half of runtime. While it is primarily aimed at promoting the upcoming Sword Art Online II, it serves as a useful refresher for new viewers.

The Phantom Bullet Arc

Exploring Gun Gale Online

Sword Art Online II picks up the narrative, leading us into the Phantom Bullet arc. Here, the protagonist Kazuto, now aware of his public persona as an expert in VRMMORPG matters, is embroiled in a new investigation surrounding the perilous Gun Gale Online, where players experience life-threatening injuries.

Sword Art Online The Movie: Ordinal Scale

A Sequel Four Years Later

Set four years post-original series, the film introduces a combat-focused game called Ordinal Scale. It highlights the emergence of Aincrad bosses and the protagonists’ efforts in uncovering the game’s mysteries. This movie functions solidly as a sequel, engaging viewers while also referencing prior storylines.

Sword Art Online: Alicization

Segmented Narrative: Story Arc 4

The extensive Alicization arc comprises multiple parts, yet retains the typical length of 24 episodes. The narrative delves into Kazuto’s journey after a life-threatening incident, presenting a complex mix of reality and the fantastical world he re-enters.

Sword Art Online: Alicization – War Of The Underworld

Unveiling the Underworld

In the first portion of this arc, the tale resumes with a new MMORPG named Underworld, exploring Kirito’s state of being while deeply interconnecting reality with dreams. The arc culminates with stunning revelations regarding Alice, the first true AI in the narrative.

Sword Art Online: Alicization – War Of Underworld Part 2

Continuing the Battle for the Underworld

The saga progresses where the last segment left off, as Kirito contends with a formidable new threat while Alice attempts to safeguard him. This installment not only explores the intense conflicts but also promises powerful emotional moments as beloved characters reunite.

The Game Clearing Event Commercial

Celebrating Kirito’s Milestone

Aired on November 7, 2024, commemorating the 12th anniversary of Kirito’s defeat of the final boss.

The commercial relives the iconic moment when Kirito triumphed over the game, serving both as a nostalgic tribute and a promotional piece for the franchise’s future installments, including the upcoming video game and new anime series.

Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online

A Fresh Adventure Awaits

Introducing a new narrative separate from the main SAO storyline, Gun Gale Online diverts focus from its original cast. Here, we follow Karen Kohiruimaki, who adopts the avatar Llen to navigate this first-person shooter realm, showcasing a unique and immersive online experience.

Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online II

A Sequel Six Years in the Making

The anticipated second season follows Llen as she embarks on new cooperative challenges in the Gun Gale universe. As threats loom, she and Pitohui navigate an increasingly hostile landscape, adding depth to the compelling narratives built throughout the series.

As the franchise continues to evolve, Sword Art Online remains a pivotal force in anime, engaging fans with its innovative storytelling and rich universe.

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Best Viewing Order for All Sword Art Online Series and Movies