Some things make the watch order needlessly confusing here.
Summary:
- New fans are trying to get into Re:Zero and are wondering about the watch order.
- You can watch either the normal version or the director’s cut of S1 — both are valid options.
- The OVAs are somewhat important, but fans advise not to start with the prequel one.
With the third season of Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- (Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu) coming out this October, new fans are trying to catch up with the anime before it comes out.
On paper, it might seem easy: just watch the seasons in order. However, there are some things that make it more confusing than it needs to be.
S1: Director’s Cut or Normal Version?
First of all, the first season of Re:Zero actually has two versions. They are the director’s cut version and the original version — and fans can’t actually agree which one is a better experience for a first-timer.
On the one hand, the director’s cut is supposed to be more complete. It has some new (minor) animation cuts, but no major new scenes until the very last episode. Still, it’s 13 double-length episodes long, and many feel it’s how the anime was initially intended to be watched.
Others, however, argue that the original release of the anime is better. In it, only the first episode is double-length — the rest are normal. Fans who think this order is better feel that double-length episodes often break the pacing of the series, and in some places, you’re supposed to take a break — which the director’s cut doesn’t allow.
The additional scene in the director’s cut is also the very first scene of the second season, so you won’t miss out on it either way. Ultimately, it’s up to personal preference — each way to experience the first season would give you all the content.
When to Watch the OVAs?
There are two additional OVAs — also often called movies due to their limited theater screenings — that support the first season of Re:Zero. You can watch both after the first season and not lose out on much. Technically, you can even skip them, though one provides a somewhat important backstory and the other has fun character moments.
If you want to watch them chronologically, the first OVA, Memory Snow, takes place between Episodes 11 and 12. It doesn’t influence the story, but it gives a nice touch to the slowly developing relationship between Subaru and Emilia — it’s quite heartwarming.
The other OVA, The Frozen Bond, is actually a prequel to the series, telling the story of Emilia before she meets Subaru (but after her flashbacks in S2). Technically, you can start with it, but fans advise against it: it spoils some key reveals from later in the series. That said, this OVA is more important than the other (though both are good).
Regardless of where you watch them, after you’re done with both the first season and the OVAs, you watch Season 2 — both parts of it. After that, you should be ready for the upcoming Season 3.