Prequel to Fate/stay night. The 4th Holy Grail War with Kiritsugu Emiya.
Season Info: Season 1: 13 eps, Season 2: 12 eps
Best starting point for anime-only viewers. Darker tone.
Watch SeriesComplex Watch Order
Fate Series Watch Order - Complete Guide 2026
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The Fate series follows various Holy Grail Wars where mages summon legendary heroes to battle for the omnipotent Holy Grail. Known for its complex timeline and multiple routes.
150+Episodes
6Movies
2006-2023Years
ufotable / Studio DEEN / A-1 PicturesStudio
How do I watch Fate Series in order?
Watch Fate Series (Fateγ·γͺγΌγΊ) in our recommended order, starting with Fate/Zero (2011, 25 episodes) and finishing with Fate/Grand Order: Babylonia (2019). This guide covers 8 entries β 5 essential to the main story and 3 optional side stories, spin-offs or recaps β released across 2006 to 2023. By format that is 5 TV series and 3 films, 150 episodes in all, roughly 100 hours of viewing, animated by ufotable / Studio DEEN / A-1 Pictures. The essential run is Fate/Zero, Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works and Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel I. presage flower, plus 2 more. It is a complex watch order: the franchise branches, and the sequence below is the one that keeps the story readable. The numbered list underneath is the short version; the timeline after it gives every entry its year, episode count, essential-or-optional status and the notes that explain why. If you are working outwards from here, our Sword Art Online, Demon Slayer and Attack on Titan watch orders cover the neighbouring franchises.
- Fate/Zero (2011-2012)
- Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014-2015)
- Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel Trilogy (2017-2020)
Complete Fate Series Watch Order
Follow this order for the best viewing experience. Entries marked as "Essential" are required for the main story.
1
2
The 5th Holy Grail War from Shirou's perspective, focusing on Rin's route.
Season Info: Season 1: 13 eps, Season 2: 13 eps
ufotable adaptation. Superior to the 2006 DEEN version.
Watch Series3
First movie of the Heaven's Feel trilogy, Sakura's route.
Darkest route. Watch after UBW.
Watch Movie4
Second movie continuing Sakura's story.
Watch Movie5
6
Original adaptation of the Fate route by Studio DEEN.
Outdated animation, mixes routes. Skip unless completionist.
Watch Series7
Alternate timeline with Red vs Black faction war.
Standalone spinoff. Can watch anytime after main series.
Watch Series8
Adaptation of the popular mobile game's 7th Singularity.
Best enjoyed after playing the game or watching First Order.
Watch SeriesFrequently Asked Questions
What is the best order to watch Fate?
For anime-only viewers: Fate/Zero β Fate/stay night: UBW β Heaven's Feel trilogy. This order provides the best narrative flow and visual consistency.
Should I watch Fate/stay night (2006)?
Generally no. The 2006 DEEN adaptation has dated animation and awkwardly mixes elements from all routes. The ufotable adaptations (UBW and Heaven's Feel) are far superior.
Can I start with Fate/Zero?
Yes! While Zero was made as a prequel to stay night, it works excellently as an entry point and many fans prefer starting here for its mature storytelling.
What about Fate/Grand Order anime?
FGO adaptations assume familiarity with the mobile game. Watch "First Order" first, then Babylonia and Camelot movies. Best enjoyed after the main series.
Ready to Start Fate Series?
Begin your journey with Fate/Zero now on OZZO.TV!