Re: Zero is an animation that takes the standard action-adventure genre and wraps it into an emotionally harrowing thriller about fantasy.
Re: Zero has a dark and sombre atmosphere throughout the entire film, and then gradually lightens up in the narrative.
The story’s core also tackles the idea of returning to the past every death in the show with the seriousness that it deserves.
While the lore and characters’ backgrounds develop upon you beautifully, the real potential is in its themes.
It explores many obscure and dark issues quickly and provides a wealth of information and plenty of development that doesn’t appear to have been rushed.
But, aside from this, it comes down to the basic plot and characters with numerous repetitions.
Despite exploring a variety of plot points, the show is uncomplicated and can focus your attention on the story and characters.
If you are planning to see Re:Zero: Starting Life in Another World and you want to watch it, then do so according to the following sequence.
Re:ZERO: Starting Life in Another World is a psychological-fantasy anime series written by Masaharu Watanabe and animated by the studio White Fox.
The show is a remake of the popular light novel created by Tappei Nagatsuki. The illustrations are by Shinichirou Ootsuka.
The plot: Subaru Natsuki is an ordinary high schooler and NEET who spends his time playing games. When he returns from a convenience store he finds himself suddenly in a fantasy realm known as Lugnica.
But, shortly after the arrival of his companion, he got assaulted by a group of thugs and helped by a magical half-elf called Emilia.
To pay Emilia for her help, Subaru decides to help find her missing insignia from a burglar.
In the course of their search, both are violently killed. Subaru is then able to discover himself in the exact location, with the same thugs, and the same girl.
He quickly discovers that he can use his powers to go up to a specific point without dying.
Re: Zero Release Order
- Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu (2016)
- Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu: Shin Henshuu-Ban (2020) – Director’s Cut
All Re: Zero Medias
OVAs:
- Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu–Memory Snow (2018)
- Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu – Hyouketsu no Kizuna (2019)
Spin-Offs
- Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Break Time (2016)
Specials:
- Re: Zero Petit kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu (2016)
Re: Zero Chronological Order
- Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu – Hyouketsu no Kizuna (OVA)
- Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu (Or the Director’s Cut) (Episodes 1-11; Episodes 1-5)
- Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu – Memory Snow
- Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu (Or the Director’s Cut) (Episodes 12-25; Episodes 6-13)
Original Version vs. Director’s Cut to Watch: What to Watch
The original show has more than 25 episodes, each of which lasts for 25 minutes. The Director’s Cut is, however, comprised of 13 episodes, each of which is approximately an hour long.
The plot of both is the same, with a few additional scenes and minor changes within the Director’s Cut.
The plot may be similar but the director’s cut is more polished with superior animated scenes than the initial. For viewers who are first-time viewers, it is suggested that you go through the director’s cut, and not watch the original, unless you are looking to re-watch the same plot.
If you’ve already seen the original versions, it’s completely up to you to decide.
If you haven’t seen the series for a while and want to get yourself ready for the second season The director’s cut may be the ideal option.
If not, you can view the director’s cut in the aftermath of episode 6, as that’s the time when noticeable changes begin to take place.
Conclusion
This is also the preferred sequence in Re: Zero simply because it is more logical this way.
This OVA, Memory Snow should be watched between the episodes of 11-12 if following the original cut, or in between episodes 5, 6 in The director’s cut.
It is important to note that the Spin-Off and Special hold no significance to the plot, and can be skipped.