Since the 1990s, Sailor Moon has captured the hearts of children and adults alike. Originally based on the beloved manga series by Naoko Takeuchi, Sailor Moon has grown into a global phenomenon with multiple anime adaptations, films, and spin-offs. However, with so many versions available, knowing the correct order to watch the series can be confusing.
In this guide, we’ll break down the chronological order of the original anime and the modern remake, Sailor Moon Crystal, so you can enjoy the full Sailor Moon experience without missing a beat.
What is Sailor Moon About?
The anime follows Usagi Tsukino (known as Bunny in some dubs), a clumsy but kind-hearted teenage girl. She discovers that she is the reincarnation of a powerful Moon Princess destined to protect Earth from dark forces. Along the way, Usagi transforms into Sailor Moon, assembles a team of Sailor Guardians, and fights villains threatening the safety of both the Earth and the Moon.
Over the last three decades, the Sailor Moon franchise has released several anime series, films, and remakes, making it challenging to figure out where to start. Below, we provide a complete watch order for both the original 90s anime and the newer Sailor Moon Crystal reboot.
Watch Order for the Original Sailor Moon Anime (1992-1996)
The original series aired in the 90s and consists of five seasons and three movies. Although it’s not currently available for streaming on major platforms, fans can purchase the series on DVD or Blu-ray through sites like Amazon.
Here’s the chronological order to watch the classic anime:
- Season 1: Sailor Moon (1992)
- Introduction to Usagi and the Sailor Guardians.
- Season 2: Sailor Moon R (1993)
- Introduces Chibi-Usa and explores time travel elements.
- Movie 1: Sailor Moon R: The Promise of the Rose (1993)
- Also known as Dangerous Flowers in some versions.
- Season 3: Sailor Moon S (1994)
- Focuses on new threats and the appearance of Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune.
- Movie 2: Sailor Moon S: Hearts in Ice (1994)
- Also known as The Snow Princess Kaguya.
- Season 4: Sailor Moon SuperS (1995)
- Revolves around dreams and introduces the villainous Dead Moon Circus.
- Movie 3: Sailor Moon SuperS: The Black Dream Hole (1995)
- Also referred to as Journey to the Land of Dreams.
- Season 5: Sailor Moon Sailor Stars (1996)
- The final season, which brings closure to the original storyline.
Watch Order for Sailor Moon Crystal (2014-2023)
In 2014, the anime was rebooted as Sailor Moon Crystal. This remake offers improved animation and remains more faithful to the original manga than the 90s adaptation. While the basic plot is similar, there are key differences in character development and pacing.
Here’s the recommended watch order for Sailor Moon Crystal:
- Season 1: Dark Kingdom Arc (2014)
- Usagi’s first transformation into Sailor Moon and the battle against Queen Beryl.
- Season 2: Black Moon Arc (2015)
- Follows Usagi and the Guardians as they confront the Black Moon Clan.
- Season 3: Death Busters Arc (2016)
- Introduces Sailor Saturn and explores the conflict with the Death Busters.
Sailor Moon Crystal Movies
This series storyline continues with two feature films:
- Movie 1: Sailor Moon Eternal (2021)
- This film acts as the fourth season of the series and focuses on the Dead Moon Circus arc.
- Where to Watch: Available to stream on Netflix.
- Movie 2: Sailor Moon Cosmos (2023)
- The final film covers the events of the Sailor Stars arc, bringing the story to a conclusion.
Both movies are essential to completing the timeline. You can also purchase DVDs and Blu-rays of the seasons and films on Amazon.
Which Version Should You Watch First?
If you’re new to the series, you might wonder whether to start with the original anime or the Sailor Moon Crystal remake. Here are some factors to help you decide:
- Nostalgia vs. Manga Faithfulness:
- The original 90s anime offers a nostalgic charm with more character-focused filler episodes, making it a favorite among longtime fans.
- This series follows the manga more closely, with a faster pace and fewer filler episodes.
- Visual Style:
- The classic series has retro animation, while Sailor Moon Crystal features modern visuals and smoother animation.
For first-time viewers, either version works. However, those who prefer to follow the story as intended by the manga may want to begin with Sailor Moon Crystal.
Where to Watch Sailor Moon Today
While the original 90s anime isn’t currently available on streaming platforms, fans can purchase DVDs or Blu-rays on Amazon. The Sailor Moon Crystal remake, along with its two films, is more accessible—Netflix currently offers Eternal for streaming. Keep an eye on Netflix and other platforms for future releases or re-releases of the series.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose the original series or the remake, Sailor Moon is a timeless classic that continues to inspire fans across generations. With its mix of magical girl adventures, emotional growth, and compelling storylines, the series offers something for everyone. Use this guide to watch the correct order and enjoy the journey of Usagi and the Sailor Guardians from beginning to end.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I watch Sailor Moon Crystal without watching the original series?
A: Yes! Sailor Moon Crystal is a standalone remake, so you don’t need to watch the original to understand it.
Q: Is Sailor Moon on Netflix?
A: As of now, only the film Sailor Moon Eternal is available on Netflix. Keep an eye out for updates, as the availability of the series can change.
Q: Are there any spin-offs worth watching?
A: Yes, the Sailor Moon franchise has several stage musicals and live-action adaptations that offer unique takes on the story.
