Originating as a light novel series by Kugane Maruyama and illustrated by So-bin, ‘Overlord’ made its anime debut in 2015. The series captivates audiences with its dark theme, engaging plotlines, and well-developed characters. Despite having a loyal fanbase, “Overlord” remains an underrated series with significant unexplored potential.
The highly anticipated ‘Overlord: Holy Kingdom Arc’ movie is set to premiere on September 20, 2024. However, with so many seasons, specials, and movies, figuring out the best viewing order can be overwhelming. To truly appreciate the dark and magical universe of “Overlord,” it’s important to watch the series in the right sequence. Here’s a detailed guide on how to watch “Overlord” in the proper sequence.
Watch Overlord anime in Order
Overlord anime has received multiple seasons and a couple of movies, so to sort it out, here’s the right order to watch the series.
1. Overlord (Season 1)
- Episodes: 13
- Release Date: July 7, 2015
The journey begins with Yggdrasil, a popular MMORPG online game, being shut down. Our protagonist, Momonga, decides to stay logged in until the very end. But instead of being logged out when the servers go offline, he finds himself still in the game, which has now become a real world. Momonga, who adopts the name Ainz Ooal Gown, begins to explore this new reality along with his loyal NPCs who have also come to life, and sets on the path to become a true Overlord of the new world. This season lays the groundwork for the entire series, introducing the main plot and key characters, and giving us a glimpse of the immense power Ainz wields.
2. Overlord: The Undead King (Movie)
- Release Date: February 25, 2017
This movie serves as a recap of the first half of the Season 1, summarising the initial episodes and focusing on Ainz’s adaptation to the new world and his early conquests. While it covers the same storyline, viewers are treated to new scenes that delve deeper into Ainz’s character and his relationship with the NPCs, showcasing their loyalty and adding depth to their characters.
The movie introduces some new story arcs to fit its format, offering a more streamlined narrative without losing key plot points. It’s perfect for anyone who needs a refresher before diving into later seasons or for those who want to see the first season in a single sitting as a movie.
3. Overlord: The Dark Warrior (Movie)
- Release Date: March 11, 2017
This movie covers the latter part of Season 1, summarising the key battles and events that shape Ainz’s rise to power. It goes deeper into the backstories and motivations of key characters, offering a richer understanding of their personalities and relationships.
This additional character development helps viewers form a stronger emotional connection with the characters, which is a step up from the first season of “Overlord.” The movie also features exclusive scenes and dialogues not found in the original light novel or TV series, providing new insights into the story and characters. For those who want to dive into the following seasons without rewatching the entire first season, this film and “Overlord: The Undead King” can be watched in sequence.
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4. Overlord II (Season 2)
- Episodes: 13
- Release Date: January 10, 2018
The second season of “Overlord” continues the story of Ainz Ooal Gown, focusing mainly on two key story arcs: the Lizardmen arc and the Re-Estize Kingdom arc.
Ainz decides to test his army’s strength by targeting the Lizardmen tribes. Cocytus, one of Ainz’s Floor Guardians, is given the task of leading an invasion to bring these tribes under Nazarick’s control. Despite their brave efforts and clever strategies, the Lizardmen are on the brink of destruction. However, Ainz, impressed by their unity and courage, opts to incorporate them into his empire instead of wiping them out. During his mission, Sebas rescues a human girl named Tuare from slavery. His actions catch the attention of both the local underworld and the adventurers’ guild. Additionally, the season introduces Eight Fingers, a criminal organization plotting to bring down the Re-Estize Kingdom.
Throughout these events, Ainz’s strategic brilliance is on full display as he manipulates situations to his advantage.
5. Overlord III (Season 3)
- Episodes: 13
- Release Date: July 11, 2018
This season dives deep into Ainz’s transformation as he shifts from just surviving to fully embracing his role as an overlord. To expand his intelligence network, Ainz adopts the persona of Momon, a heroic adventurer, allowing him to gather information and subtly manipulate events from behind the scenes. The season is packed with different arcs, including the Carne Village storyline, where Ainz’s interactions with the villagers highlight his dual nature, teetering between a ruthless overlord and a benevolent ruler.
The climax of the season is a massive battle that showcases Ainz’s strategic genius and immense power. The season concludes with Ainz asserting his dominance, leaving other factions both awed and terrified by his capabilities. The third season is critical for understanding Ainz’s broader ambitions and the geopolitical landscape of the world.
6. Overlord IV (Season 4)
- Episodes: 13
- Release Date: July 5, 2022
In the fourth season, we see Ainz striving to consolidate and expand his newly established Sorcerer Kingdom and bring his vision of a utopia for his subjects to fruition. He encounters numerous challenges, both from within and outside his kingdom. On the external front, rival kingdoms and powerful entities start paying attention to the Sorcerer Kingdom’s growing power. To protect his kingdom, Ainz engages in complex diplomatic strategies, forming alliances and managing potential threats with calculated shows of strength. Internally, Ainz deals with his loyal yet ambitious guardians, whose personal ambitions sometimes lead to conflicts and power struggles that he must skillfully navigate. Amidst all this chaos, Ainz continues his quest to find clues about other players from Yggdrasil, hoping to discover others like himself or uncover the secrets behind this new world.
7. Overlord: Holy Kingdom Arc (Upcoming Movie)
- Release Date: September 20, 2024
The Holy Kingdom Arc, which is set to be adapted into a movie, centres around the clash between the Roble Holy Kingdom and the demon army led by Jaldabaoth, a terrifying demon causing havoc in various regions. Despite their initial hesitations, the Holy Kingdom seeks help from the formidable Sorcerer King, Ainz Ooal Gown. This unexpected alliance between the Holy Kingdom and the Sorcerer Kingdom paves the way for an epic showdown with Jaldabaoth.
Fans of “Overlord” have been eagerly waiting for this movie, especially since it promises significant advancements in Ainz’s journey, coming two long years after the fourth season’s release.
Overlord Specials
Besides the main storyline, the “Overlord” series also features a bunch of specials that aren’t tied to the main plot but are still fun to watch. Here’s a quick overview of all the “Overlord” specials:
- Overlord: Ple Ple Pleiades: Released in 2015, “Ple Ple Pleiades” is a series of hilarious shorts featuring the Pleiades combat maids along with other characters from Nazarick.
- Overlord: Pure Pure Pleiades: “Pure Pure Pleiades” is another set of comedic shorts in the “Overlord” series. These episodes often showcase chibi versions of the characters and delve into various humorous and whimsical scenarios.
- Overlord: Ple Ple Pleiades – Clementine: Released in 2016, this special focuses on Clementine, a formidable and sadistic warrior within the “Overlord” universe.
- Overlord: Ple Ple Pleiades – Nazarick Saidai no Kiki: This special episode released in 2016, presents a humorous take on a potential crisis within Nazarick. The characters face various comical situations, highlighting their personalities and relationships in a fun and entertaining manner.
- Overlord: Ple Ple Pleiades 2: Released in 2018, this is the second season of “Ple Ple Pleiades,” continuing the hilarious adventures of the Pleiades maids and other residents of Nazarick.
- Overlord: Ple Ple Pleiades 3: In 2018, the third season of “Ple Ple Pleiades” shorts keeps the tradition alive with its lighthearted and comedic escapades featuring the Pleiades maids and other beloved characters from Nazarick.
- Overlord: Ple Ple Pleiades 4: The fourth season of the comical “Ple Ple Pleiades” shorts keeps up the comedy, offering fans even more laughs and delightful moments with the Nazarick crew.
Join Ainz Ooal Gown, the Overlord, and his loyal followers on this epic journey through a world where reality and fantasy collide. By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy every twist and turn in the “Overlord” saga, appreciating its intricate storyline and character developments to the fullest.
