Original series - or movie trilogy. TV series released in 1979, 43 episodes.
Watch SeriesComplex Watch Order
Gundam (Universal Century) Watch Order - Complete Guide 2026
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The Universal Century Gundam watch order, covering the original timeline from Mobile Suit Gundam to Unicorn and beyond. This guide focuses on the UC timeline specifically.
153+Episodes
3Movies
1979-2021Years
How do I watch Gundam (Universal Century) in order?
Watch Gundam (Universal Century) (ใฌใณใใ (ๅฎๅฎไธ็ด)) in release order, starting with Mobile Suit Gundam (1979, 43 episodes) and finishing with Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway (2021). This guide covers 8 entries โ 5 essential to the main story and 3 optional side stories, spin-offs or recaps โ released across 1979 to 2021. By format that is 3 TV series, 3 films and 2 OVAs, 153 episodes in all, roughly 100 hours (UC only) of viewing. The essential run is Mobile Suit Gundam, Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack, Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn and Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway. 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 Code Geass watch order covers the neighbouring franchises.
- Mobile Suit Gundam (43 episodes)
- Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin (6 episodes) (Optional)
- Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam (50 episodes)
- Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ (47 episodes) (Optional)
- Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack
- Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn (7 episodes)
- Mobile Suit Gundam Narrative (Optional)
- Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway
Complete Gundam (Universal Century) Watch Order
Follow this order for the best viewing experience. Entries marked as "Essential" are required for the main story.
1
2
Char backstory prequel. OVA released in 2015, 6 episodes.
Watch Series3
Direct sequel to 0079. TV series released in 1985, 50 episodes.
Watch Series4
Sequel to Zeta - lighter tone. TV series released in 1986, 47 episodes.
Watch Series5
Amuro vs Char finale. Movie released in 1988.
Watch Movie6
Modern UC entry point. OVA released in 2010, 7 episodes.
Watch Series7
8
Hathaway's Flash trilogy part 1. Movie released in 2021.
Watch MovieFrequently Asked Questions
Where should I start with Gundam?
For UC timeline, start with the original 1979 series or its movie trilogy. Unicorn also works as a modern entry point.
Are all Gundam series connected?
No, Gundam has multiple timelines. UC is the original. Others like Wing, SEED, and Iron-Blooded Orphans are separate.
Is Gundam ZZ required?
ZZ is optional but connects Zeta to Char's Counterattack. It has a lighter tone that some fans dislike.
Can I watch Gundam Unicorn first?
You can, but you'll miss many references. It's best after at least the original series and Char's Counterattack.
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