Made in Abyss immerses viewers in a thrilling, emotional journey into the depths of an underground world. Since its debut in 2017, this anime has captivated audiences with stunning visuals, heart-wrenching moments, and an unforgettable story. With multiple seasons, movies, and OVAs, the viewing order may feel confusing for newcomers. This guide provides the best order to watch the series and films to help you fully enjoy the adventure.
Plot Overview: The Story of Made in Abyss
The Abyss is a vast and mysterious chasm that extends deep into the Earth, filled with strange creatures and ancient relics. Despite the dangers, it calls to explorers known as Cave Raiders, who dedicate their lives to uncovering its secrets. However, the deeper one ventures, the more dangerous the journey becomes.
The story follows Riko, a young orphan, who dreams of becoming a legendary Cave Raider like her mother, Lyza the Annihilator. One day, she meets Reg, a robot boy with no memory of his origin, and together they descend into the Abyss. As they venture deeper, they encounter unimaginable creatures, hidden truths, and a terrifying curse that makes returning to the surface nearly impossible.
The Correct Order to Watch Made in Abyss
Since Made in Abyss includes both TV seasons and movies, following the correct viewing order ensures you experience the story without confusion. Here’s the chronological order with insights on what each installment offers:
- Made in Abyss (First Season, 2017)
- The story begins with Riko meeting Reg and their descent into the upper layers of the Abyss. This season sets up the main plot and introduces key characters.
- Made in Abyss: Journey’s Dawn (First Movie, 2019)
- This recap movie summarizes the first half of season 1. You can skip it if you’ve already watched the TV series.
- Made in Abyss: Wandering Twilight (Second Movie, 2019)
- Another recap movie that covers the second half of season 1. Like the first movie, it’s optional but helpful as a refresher.
- Marulk’s Everyday (Four Short OVAs, 2020)
- These lighthearted OVAs offer a glimpse into the daily life of Marulk, one of the side characters. Watching these isn’t necessary for the main story but provides fun, additional context.
- Made in Abyss: Dawn of the Deep Soul (Third Movie, 2020)
- This movie continues the story after season 1 and is essential for understanding the events leading into season 2. It explores Reg and Riko’s encounter with Bondrewd, a sinister figure who plays a crucial role in the plot.
- Made in Abyss: The Golden City of the Scorching Sun (Second Season, 2022)
- The second season picks up where the Dawn of the Deep Soul movie left off. It follows Riko, Reg, and a new companion, Nanachi, as they venture deeper into the Abyss, uncovering even darker secrets.
Should You Watch the Recap Movies?
If you’ve already watched season 1, you can skip Journey’s Dawn and Wandering Twilight since these movies are condensed retellings of the first season. However, if you want to refresh your memory or prefer a movie format, they are a great way to revisit the story.
What to Expect from the OVAs
The Marulk’s Everyday OVAs provide a light, comedic break from the dark themes of the main series. These short episodes are enjoyable but not critical to the plot. If you’re interested in character development and world-building, they’re worth checking out.
Where to Watch Made in Abyss
The anime and movies are available on popular streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, HIDIVE, and Crunchyroll. The OVAs and movies may require additional streaming subscriptions or rentals, so it’s good to check platform availability in your region.
What Makes Made in Abyss Special?
Made in Abyss isn’t just another adventure anime—it’s a visually stunning, emotionally powerful series that blends elements of fantasy, mystery, and psychological drama. Despite its cute character designs, the story tackles mature themes like sacrifice, loss, and moral ambiguity, making it a compelling watch for older audiences.
The animation quality is top-notch, with breathtaking scenery that immerses viewers in the world of the Abyss. The soundtrack, composed by Kevin Penkin, adds emotional depth, heightening the tension and beauty of each scene.
FAQs: Watching Made in Abyss
Q: Do I need to watch the recap movies if I’ve already seen season 1?
A: No. The recap movies are optional. If you’ve seen the first season, you can skip them without missing any key content.
Q: Is the third movie important for season 2?
A: Yes. Dawn of the Deep Soul continues the story directly from season 1 and sets up the events of season 2. Skipping this movie may leave you confused about certain plot points.
Q: Are the OVAs necessary to watch?
A: Not really. The OVAs are fun extras but don’t impact the main storyline. They’re perfect for fans who want to explore side stories and character moments.
Conclusion: How to Best Enjoy Made in Abyss
To fully appreciate the intricate world of Made in Abyss, follow the chronological viewing order outlined above. While the recap movies are skippable, the Dawn of the Deep Soul movie is essential to understanding the second season. The OVAs provide some lighthearted fun but aren’t necessary for the main plot.
Whether you’re new to the series or revisiting it, Made in Abyss offers a compelling blend of adventure, mystery, and emotional storytelling. Watching everything in the right order ensures that you won’t miss any critical moments as you dive deeper into the Abyss with Riko, Reg, and their friends.
