Updated on January 16, 11:15 a.m. (GMT+8): Improved relevancy.

Wondering how to experience the thrilling world of Rurouni Kenshin? Let’s dive into the best Rurouni Kenshin watch order to fully appreciate this iconic anime series.

Rurouni Kenshin, also known as Samurai X in some regions, is a story set in the Meiji era, following Kenshin Himura as he grapples with his violent history and seeks to protect the innocent while atoning for his sins.

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In this ONE Esports guide, we explore the best ways to watch Rurouni Kenshin, whether you prefer following the release order that captures the original experience or the chronological sequence that aligns with Kenshin’s journey.

What is Rurouni Kenshin about?

Rurouni Kenshin is a Japanese historical action anime and manga series created by Nobuhiro Watsuki. The story follows Kenshin Himura, a former assassin known as the Battosai, who has vowed to never kill again after the chaos of Japan’s Bakumatsu era.

Kenshin Himura from Rurouni Kenshin
Credits: @rurounikenshin on X

Now a wandering swordsman in the Meiji period, Kenshin uses his reverse-blade sword to protect the weak and uphold peace. Throughout the series, Kenshin encounters old enemies and new allies as he struggles to atone for his violent past while battling formidable foes who threaten Japan’s fragile peace.

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Rurouni Kenshin first aired in 1996, adapting Nobuhiro Watsuki’s beloved manga and spanning three major arcs. This iconic manga series has been brought to life through multiple adaptations and has since expanded with OVAs and live-action films, offering new takes on the classic story.

Complete Rurouni Kenshin watch order

Kenshin, Yahiko, and Sanosiko from Rurouni Kenshin - Rurouni Kenshin watch order
Credits: @rurounikenshin on X

You can watch Rurouni Kenshin in two main ways, either by following the release order, which mirrors the original audience’s experience, or by watching in chronological order, which follows Kenshin’s journey as events unfold in the story.

For those who want to experience the chronological order with the modern animation of Rurouni Kenshin, you may replace some parts of the classic anime with the newer ones released 2023 onwards.

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Here’s a detailed list on how to watch the Rurouni Kenshin anime and live action series in order:

Rurouni Kenshin Anime watch order according to year of release:

  1. Rurouni Kenshin (1996)
  2. Rurouni Kenshin: The Motion Picture (1997) 
  3. Rurouni Kenshin: Trust and Betrayal (1999)
  4. Rurouni Kenshin: Reflection (2002)
  5. Rurouni Kenshin: New Kyoto Arc (2011) 
  6. Rurouni Kenshin (2023)
  7. Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Disturbance (2024)
  8. Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Disturbance Season 2 (2025)

Rurouni Kenshin Anime watch order according to chronological order:

  1. Rurouni Kenshin: Trust and Betrayal (1999)
  2. Rurouni Kenshin Season 1: Tokyo Arc (1996) / Rurouni Kenshin (2023)
  3. Rurouni Kenshin: The Motion Picture (1997) 
  4. Rurouni Kenshin:Season 2: Kyoto Arc (1996)  / Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Disturbance (2024)
  5. Rurouni Kenshin: Season 3: The Jinchu Arc (1996)

Optional: 

  1. Rurouni Kenshin: Reflection (2002) (skippable) 
  2. Rurouni Kenshin: New Kyoto Arc 2 OVAs (2011) 
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Rurouni Kenshin live action watch order according to year of release:

  1. Rurouni Kenshin: Origins (2012)
  2. Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno (2014) 
  3. Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends (2014)
  4. Rurouni Kenshin: The Final (2021)
  5. Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning (2021)

Rurouni Kenshin live action watch order according to chronological order:

  1. Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning (2021)
  2. Rurouni Kenshin: Origins (2012)
  3. Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno (2014) 
  4. Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends (2014)
  5. Rurouni Kenshin: The Final (2021)

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