Puella Magi Madoka Magica watch order
Middle-schooler Madoka Kaname is offered one wish by a small white creature, Kyubey, if she becomes a magical girl and fights witches. Shaft's original anime, written by Gen Urobuchi, is a 12-episode series followed by two recap films, the sequel film Rebellion, the Magia Record spin-off and, in 2026, Walpurgisnacht: Rising.
First time? Watch the TV series (12 episodes), then Rebellion, then Walpurgisnacht: Rising. The recap films Beginnings and Eternal can replace the TV series, and Magia Record is an optional side story.
Story order
The main story: the TV series (or the two recap films in its place), Rebellion, then Walpurgisnacht: Rising. Magia Record is left out because it's a side story in its own timeline; watch it any time after the TV series.
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica
The whole original story, and the place to start: it looks like a cute magical-girl show and quickly turns into something much darker. Episodes 11–12 were held back by the March 2011 earthquake and aired together in April.
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Rebellion
A new story set after the ending of the TV series (or Eternal), from the same writer and directors. Essential, but only after the original story.
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Walpurgisnacht: Rising
The sequel to Rebellion, announced in 2021 and delayed several times. It opened in Japan on August 28, 2026; US cinemas get it January 16–19, 2027, subtitled and dubbed.
Release order
Everything in the order it came out in Japan. The recap films and the 2025 TV Edition retell the TV series, so you only need one version.
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica
The whole original story, and the place to start: it looks like a cute magical-girl show and quickly turns into something much darker. Episodes 11–12 were held back by the March 2011 earthquake and aired together in April.
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie Part 1: Beginnings (optional)
Retells TV episodes 1–8 almost scene for scene, with redone animation and a new opening song. An alternative to the TV series, not something to watch as well.
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie Part 2: Eternal (optional)
Retells episodes 9–12 and finishes the story, with a few extra Homura moments. Watch it straight after Beginnings if you take the film route.
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Rebellion
A new story set after the ending of the TV series (or Eternal), from the same writer and directors. Essential, but only after the original story.
- Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story (optional)
A spin-off of the mobile game: new lead Iroha Tamaki looks for her missing sister in Kamihama City. It gives away the original series' twists, so watch it after the TV series.
- Magia Record Season 2: The Eve of Awakening (optional)
Episodes 14–21. Madoka, Homura and Sayaka join the story, which is set during one of Homura's earlier time loops. Episode 20.5 is a recap you can skip.
- Magia Record Final Season: Dawn of a Shallow Dream (optional)
The last four episodes (22–25), all aired on one day, finishing Magia Record's story.
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica: TV Edition (optional)
An 11-episode TV cut of the Beginnings and Eternal films, aired in Japan in late 2025. A re-edit of footage you've already seen; skip it.
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Walpurgisnacht: Rising
The sequel to Rebellion, announced in 2021 and delayed several times. It opened in Japan on August 28, 2026; US cinemas get it January 16–19, 2027, subtitled and dubbed.
Explained
TV series or the recap films?
Either. Beginnings and Eternal follow the TV series almost scene for scene, with improved animation, a new opening song and a few small cuts and additions, so they're an alternative, not extra viewing. Most people start with the TV series; the films are a good way to rewatch before Rebellion.
Is Rebellion necessary?
Yes, if you want the rest of the story. It's a direct sequel by the same writer and directors, set after the TV ending, and Walpurgisnacht: Rising continues from it. Don't watch it before the TV series or the films; it assumes you know everything.
What is Magia Record, and do I need it?
A 25-episode spin-off based on a mobile game, with a new heroine. Madoka, Homura and Sayaka appear from season 2, in a version of events from one of Homura's earlier time loops, so it sits beside the main story rather than in it. It isn't needed for Rebellion or Walpurgisnacht: Rising, and it spoils the TV series, so save it until after.
When can I watch Walpurgisnacht: Rising?
It opened in Japan on August 28, 2026, after delays from its original winter 2024 date. In the US, Fathom Entertainment and Aniplex of America are showing it in cinemas on January 16–19, 2027, with subtitled and dubbed screenings. No streaming or home-video date had been announced as of October 2026.