Order To Watch Fate’s Anime Shows & Movies

Why settle for stories with ancient heroes when mages can summon these warriors to fight on their behalf? Type-Moon’s Fate franchise combines noble warriors, historic figures, and mythological beings. Moreover, its premise requires them to duke it out in a battle royale that rewards one wish to the victor. Originally just the Fate/stay night visual novel, the Fate franchise evolved its story across more VNs, light novels, and even anime and film.

Of course, having this much material to view can make any newcomer feel overwhelmed by the Fate anime franchise. Thankfully, following a specific order can help viewers feel more acquainted with Fate and the machinations of its Holy Grail War.

Updated on February 20, 2025 by Mark Sammut: At some point in 2025, Fate/strange Fake should make its debut, adding (hopefully) another great entry to the Fate anime series. A section dedicated to this show has been added.

Fate/Stay Night

January – February 2004 AD, Main Timeline

This Fate anime adaptation stars Shirou Emiya, the sole survivor of an incident that engulfed an area in Fuyuki City in flames. A decade later, Shirou keeps himself busy by the day with schoolwork and some odd jobs. Meanwhile, he also secretly practices basic magic taught by his late adoptive father, Kiritsugu. Despite his ordinary nature, Shirou aspires to live by his adoptive father’s code: becoming a hero of justice. Unfortunately, a series of events would drag Shirou to the Holy Grail War.

Being a 2006 adaptation, fans should only treat Fate/stay night as a base introduction to the franchise. Moreover, given the anime tries to incorporate all three routes in the VN, it’s arguably kind of a mess. However, fans should strictly treat this 2006 anime as an interpretation of the “Fate Route,” focusing on Shirou’s relationship with Saber.

Why Watch It?

Despite reviews, Fate/stay night remains a decent introduction to the Fate franchise as a whole. It makes a fair attempt to summarize all the routes in the VN, leaving viewers enticed to play the game themselves. This is a great way for viewers to see whether Saber is their best waifu, or if they prefer being closer to Rin Tohsaka or Sakura Matou.

Why Skip Fate/Stay Night?

Despite the original Fate/Stay Night following the original visual novel’s canonical Saber ending, the underwhelming adaptation can turn off fans from watching other anime from the series – particularly those exploring alternate routes and endings. In terms of production, both Unlimited Blade Works and Heaven’s Feel have significantly better approaches to characterization, dialogue, and overall narrative flow. Likewise, fans may have a more fulfilling time playing through the VN instead of this adaptation.

Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works

January – February 2004 AD, Main Timeline (UBW Route)

At first glance, Unlimited Blade Works seems to copy the first few episodes of the original Fate/stay night adaptation. However, things begin to change when Shirou Emiya and Rin Tohsaka are forced to team up for their survival. This time around, Shirou begins to have a growing friendship with the more experienced magi Tohsaka. At the same time, Shirou explores his immense dislike of her Servant, the mysterious Archer.

This adaptation branches away from the VN’s “Fate Route” and takes its “Unlimited Blade Works Route,” where Rin becomes Shirou’s leading lady. Given its recent adaptation, UBW 2014 has quite the striking visuals and more fleshed-out characters.

Why Watch It?

Given its more updated visuals, UBW finally gets to showcase the awesome fight scenes that the 2006 anime failed to show and the VN only got to describe in words. Fans of the Nasuverse’s tendencies for technical magical jargon will love the serious take on magic here. This is a perfect gateway to Fate/Zero, another anime that tries to get technical on the Holy Grail War.

Why Skip Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works

The more tense and action-packed Unlimited Blade Works might be worth the skip for fans who want less of Fate‘s rather complex terminologies and more of its emotional aspect. This anime is also worth skipping for fans who aren’t into the Shirou-Rin dynamic, and would very much prefer Rin as more of a boyish close friend than a love interest. Likewise, fans who think the action-centric focus of Unlimited Blade Works is right up their alley might instead want to finish this arc in the visual novel first. Despite the anime having remarkable production value, reading through Shirou’s thoughts as he braves new threats in the Holy Grail War can make Unlimited Blade Works truly feel as though the protagonist is coming to terms with his legacy.

Fate/Stay Night: Heaven’s Feel I Presage Flower

January – February 2004 AD, Main Timeline (HF Route)

Adapting the third route of ShiEmiya’siya story in the Fate/Stay Night visual novel is Fate/Stay Night: Heaven’s Feel I Presage Flower, a 2017 film that condenses the first act of “Heaven’s Feel” that focuses on Shiro’s romance with Sakura Matou. When Shiro and Saber are dragged much deeper into the Fifth Holy Grail War’s affairs, the discovery of Sakura being a prime target of shadowy parties forces Shiro to fulfill his adoptive father’s dying wish to become a hero.

Given the nature of “Heaven’s Feel” as a “repeat” of the original route with a different method of escalation, Presage Flower also rushes the beginning of the story to escalate Sakura’s eventual importance in the plot. The word-heavy nature of the original visual novel is evident in changes in Presage Flower’s narrative, especially with the focus on the relationship of Shirou Emiya with the siblings Sakura and Shinji Matou. Should viewers get past the film’s assumption of being familiar with the source material, Presage Flower caps the first part of the trilogy with the foreboding feeling of things just about to get worse for the protagonists.

Why Watch It

Regardless of the rushed beginning, Presage Flower’s heavy focus on Shirou and Sakura’s relationship hopes to firmly establish how the two’s lives are intertwined in this retelling of the “Heaven’s Feel” route. Gone is the implied budding romance between Shirou and Saber in the “Fate” route, as well as Shirou and Rin’s rivals-turned-lovers trope in “Unlimited Blade Works.” The story establishing Sakura as a vital part of what keeps Shirou sane in the horrific affairs of the Holy Grail War immediately implies the darker tone of the overall story.

Why Skip Fate/Stay Night: Heaven’s Feel I Presage Flower

For a supposed adaptation of a mere route in Fate/Stay Night, the presentation of Presage Flower is among the best in Fate media. The only reason for fans to skip this entry is if they’re not into the Shirou-Sakura ship, or if they’re content with the endings presented by both the original Stay Night and Unlimited Blade Works. Alternatively, fans who are just about to watch this entry may want to play through this part of the visual novel first, as reading Shirou’s thoughts does an excellent job in framing the initial stakes and the eventual escalation of the Holy Grail War – especially by the time the arc reveals Sakura’s true purpose in relation to the artifact.

Fate/Stay Night: Heaven’s Feel II Lost Butterfly

January – February 2004 AD, Main Timeline (HF Route)

Being the second part of the “Heaven’s Feel” trilogy, Fate/Stay Night: Heaven’s Feel II Lost Butterfly ups the ante for protagonists Shirou Emiya and Sakura Matou at the onset. This time, the protagonists alongside their Servants Saber and Rider, as well as allies Rin Tohsaka and Archer, are confronted with horrors beyond their comprehension. As the Fifth Holy Grail War quickly spirals out of control, tensions escalate with Sakura smack dab at the center of it all.

Both action and narrative get an uptick of escalation in Lost Butterfly, especially with the inclusion of the Black Shadows and True Assassin as some of the largest threats in the Fifth Holy Grail War. Relationship dynamics between the cast become more integral in this part of the story, especially when hints of Sakura’s true relationship with the Holy Grail War are being hinted at, and forces begin to dismantle the heroes of their capabilities of saving her from certain doom. Once again, Lost Butterfly ends with the implication that all hope is lost, gearing audiences for a tense climax and the hopes of an emotional payoff in the latter part of the trilogy.

Why Watch It

It’s within Heaven’s Feel II Lost Butterfly that the film drives its status as perhaps the “darkest” Fate adaptation home. As though paying homage to the series’ adult visual novel roots, the film features more violence, mature scenes, and psychological horror far contrasting the more romantic shonen of the “Fate” route and the action-packed “Unlimited Blade Works.” Both fans and detractors of the Shirou-Sakura ship can appreciate the depth invested in their relationship, with the first film’s focus on their bond starting to pay off in this sequel.

Why Skip Fate/Stay Night: Heaven’s Feel II Lost Butterfly

The escalation of events in Lost Butterfly means viewers should only skip this film if they haven’t watched the preceding entry. This is largely due to the weight of Lost Butterfly‘s exposition and its escalation of intensity – not having a clear understanding of the stakes at hand can ruin a Lost Butterfly watch-through. Fans who have yet to see this film are recommended to play through the visual novel and reach Sakura’s arc, as the original take on Heaven’s Feel could help ground not just concepts but also the emotional tension felt throughout the movie.

Fate/Stay Night: Heaven’s Feel III Spring Song

January – February 2004 AD, Main Timeline (HF Route)

With odds stacked against them, Shirou Emiya and Rin Tohsaka need to work together in Fate/Stay Night: Heaven’s Feel III Spring Song in order to accomplish the seemingly impossible mission of saving Sakura Matou from certain doom. In this final part of the “Heaven’s Feel” film trilogy adaptation, fans of Fate get a horrific firsthand look at the real nature of the Holy Grail War and how humans like Shirou could attempt to grasp its incomprehensible nature. Shirou and Sakura’s relationship becomes part of the highlights of the film, which some fans may find odd to see considering how this takes away the participation of other integral characters like Ilyasviel von Einsberg and Kirei Kotomine.

However, Rin Tohsaka’s eventual overtake of the spotlight can feel both surprising and satisfying for viewers, especially once they realize her role in the story. Despite Spring Song taking the traditional route of desperate heroes attempting to do good, the emotional payoff in this dark story is worthwhile after the film reaches its final scenes.

Why Watch It

Being the last part of the “Heaven’s Feel” trilogy, Heaven’s Feel III Spring Song succeeds in the challenge of creating an adaptation of the gritty Fate route without sacrificing too much in terms of story and narrative. While the film eventually reveals a failure to include other integral cast members in its take on the story, Spring Song’s focus on Shirou, Sakura, and Rin becomes an appropriate endgame with its established relationships. This final film of the trilogy is a must-watch not only because it finishes the “Heaven’s Feel” adaptations, but it shows Fate as a more compact story instead of one with a grand narrative that can isolate viewers.

Why Skip Fate/Stay Night: Heaven’s Feel III Spring Song

As a successful finisher to a riveting three-part storyline, the only reason to truly skip this entry is if viewers haven’t seen the two previous films. Aside from this, viewers may prefer deep-diving into the original Fate/Stay Night visual novel to tackle Sakura’s arc for themselves. The latter can add a more satisfying depth to the arc’s finish, especially considering how Sakura’s arc is often the final route tackled after Saber’s and Rin’s.

Fate/strange Fake: Whispers Of Dawn

2009 AD, Main Timeline

Treading the line between anime and film, Fate/strange Fake: Whispers of Dawn, is a 55-minute anime special based on the events of the Fate/strange Fake light novel. Set in 2009, the story of Strange Fake revolves around the city of Snowfield, Nevada being the site of a Grail War orchestrated by forces outside the usual Mage Association in London.

Being a mere attempt at the original Holy Grail War, the Snowfield iteration may have attracted similar pairs of Masters and Servants but now have rules beyond their understanding. With the Saber Class lost and the definition of summonable “heroes” being blurred, Fate/strange Fake: Whispers of Dawn adds layers of mystery on top of the complicated relationships between its participants.

Why Watch It?

At its core, Fate/strange Fake: Whispers of Dawn showcases the potential of Fate’s Holy Grail War concept outside the usual confines of Fuyuki City. The underlying “fake” nature of the Snowfield Grail War gives the anime a unique spin on the mystery-thriller idea, with even the characters trying to unravel the events around them. With the original Strange Fake story still ongoing, the anime serves as a decent showcase of its overall plot, leaving questions out in the open that could be satisfyingly left untouched or answered by a full-blown anime.

Why Skip Fate/strange Fake: Whispers Of Dawn

Given the fanfare towards Whispers of Dawn as being among one of the best recent Fate projects, it can be difficult to skip such an acclaimed entry. However, instead of following the prospect of skipping it entirely, perhaps Whispers of Dawn is best enjoyed after reading the original Strange Fake series of books. Doing this before watching Whispers of Dawn can help viewers better appreciate the artistic vision put into the anime – especially in terms of character interactions, set design, and even action scenes.

Fate/strange Fake

2009 AD, Main Timeline

Continuing directly from Fate/strange Fake: Whispers of Dawn, Fate/strange Fake will chronicle the Snowfield Holy Grail War, a conflict that does not follow the natural rules that usually govern these events. Ayaka Sajyou, a girl from Japan, enters the city, dragged into the upcoming conflict due to manipulation by external forces. She wants to regain control of her life, but she is also forced to summon King Arthur and, consequently, become a Master in the Holy Grail War.

Fate/strange Fake is based on a fairly popular light novel and manga that both started in 2015 and are still ongoing today. Besides Whispers of Dawn, the anime adaptation has only aired one episode so far, which mostly served as a teaser for things to come. The rest of A-1’s series is expected to drop at some point in 2025, but the studio has yet to confirm the release season.

Why Watch It?

Fate/strange Fake shakes up the franchise’s standard formula, while still retaining the same thrills associated with the most beloved entries like Fate/Zero and Fate/stay Night.

Why Skip Fate/strange Fake

While not the most crucial entry to the overall saga, there is no reason to skip Fate/strange Fake. That said, people might want to wait until the anime season starts to watch the currently available episode or even Whispers of Dawn.

Fate/Prototype

February 1999 AD, Prototype Timeline

Despite the reception towards Fate/stay night as an interesting take on the battle royale concept, this was not necessarily the first and only version of the story. In Fate/Prototype, the story stars Ayaka Sajyou, the last member of the Sajyou family whose destiny calls her to participate in the Second Holy Grail War in Fuyuki City. When a warrior saves her from being pursued by a mysterious man and some creatures, she is pulled into the middle of the conflict.

Before Kinoko Nasu’s Fate/stay night became the most popular entry of Type-Moon’s Nasuverse, the story of the Fifth Holy Grail War was originally the Second Tokyo Holy Grail War. Being the “original” take on the /stay night story, it’s a refreshing take to see the first versions of Fate’s characters, such as Arthur Pendragon’s Saber and a louder (and less-armored) version of Gilgamesh.

Why Watch It

One of the best elements of Fate/Prototype is its nature as a 12-minute OVA, making it a pretty condensed piece of media to digest. Being a story set a few Holy Grail Wars before Shiro Emiya’s journey, Fate/Prototype is an interesting take on a more severe version of the Holy Grail War concept – especially considering Ayaka’s more personal stakes on the Second Holy Grail War. The short nature of the OVA makes it a fascinating look into what the Fate series could offer without diving deep into specifics. Considering it’s a “piece of history” in the context of modern Fate stories, the short peek into the overall Fate mythos makes this a neat must-watch.

Why Skip Fate/Prototype

Being set up as more of a “hidden pilot episode” than having a direct relation to the Fate franchise, fans can perfectly skip Fate/Prototype and get right into the intensity of Fate/Zero. Perhaps the only reason to truly engage with Prototype is to get a glimpse of the original plans set up for the core cast and the many changes they underwent – particularly for Arthur and Gilgamesh, whose characters drastically changed in the final release.

Fate/Zero

November 1994 AD, Main Timeline

Fate/Zero once again takes place in Fuyuki City, a decade before the events of Fate/stay night. As this setting implies, Fate/Zero serves as the prequel to Shirou’s adventures. This time around, Kiritsugu Emiya becomes a participant in the Fourth Holy Grail War. Unlike the innocent Shirou, Kiritsugu has a noticeable edge as the world-renowned mage killer. He also receives the backing of the Einzberns, his wife’s family.

This anime serves as the adaptation of the Fate/Zero light novels. Unlike the main series, Fate/Zero has a profoundly deeper approach to the complexities of the Holy Grail War. Aside from its stellar animations, its exploration of the themes of sacrifice and ambition earned the praise of viewers and critics.

Fate/Zero serves as a great third piece of media to bridge the main Fate/stay night story and its spinoffs. After Fate/Zero, fans may also choose to play the /stay night sequel, /hollow ataraxia.

Why Watch It?

Arguably one of the best prequel anime out there, Fate/Zero is a great way to look at the Holy Grail War from the perspectives of more mature audiences. Unlike Shirou Emiya and his desire to be a hero, Kiritsugu Emiya has a darker look at the world – something reflected by most other participants in the war and certainly evident throughout the series. This stark change in tone makes Fate/Zero a worthwhile watch in the entire series.

An argument can be made that Fate/Zero should be watched before Fate/stay night; however, the latter’s visual novel is meant to be read prior to the former’s. Consequently, the same can hold true for the anime versions.

Why Skip Fate/Zero

Despite top-tier production quality from Ufotable and the grim atmosphere of Fate/Zero, the series can be among those “saved the best for last” among works in the Fate franchise. Beyond Fate/Zero are spinoffs set in different timelines and perspectives, making this anime the perfect stopping point to start deep-diving into the core visual novels, games, and even light novels – especially in the case of Fate/Zero. Once fans get a closer look into the intricacies of what Fate as a franchise can offer, they can dive deep into perhaps one of the darkest and most nuanced anime releases associated with the series.

Lord El-Melloi II’s Case Files

September 2003 – February 2004 AD, Main Timeline

Aside from the gut-wrenching story between Kiritsugu Emiya and Irisviel von Einzbern in Fate/Zero, Waver Velvet’s relationship with his Servant Rider remains one of the most appealing parts of the story. Originally a young mage out to prove himself to his peers in the Mage’s Association, Waver eventually transitions into a professor of the organization. Not only that, but his position as head of the Department of Modern Magecraft, Waver – now Lord El Melloi II – is in charge of solving various mysteries and problems plaguing the world of magic.

Lord El Melloi II’s adventures with his apprentice Gray are explored in Lord El Melloi’s Case Files, where their cases eventually lead them deep into the politics of the Association’s deeper echelons in the form of the Clock Tower.

Why Watch It

While there are no direct relations to the Holy Grail War in Lord El-Melloi II’s Case Files, the anime offers a much-needed look into the deeper aspects of Fate lore. Given how it’s the Mage’s Association’s mission to “regulate” magic around the world, fans of Fate can get more insights about the world’s lore – especially on the side of technical magic. Viewers planning on getting into more Fate media such as the Fate/Grand Order mobile game may appreciate concepts explored in Case Files, especially with how the gacha game emphasizes the narrative.

Why Skip Lord El-Melloi II’s Case Files

Fans of Fate who prefer seeing Masters and Servants duke it out in grand battles where wishes, lives, and principles are at stake won’t necessarily see the same things in Lord El-Melloi II’s Case Files. Instead, the anime is more suitable for fans of the franchise who want to get out of the Holy Grail War and look at the more “normal” side of the setting – particularly from the setting of mages and a magical society trying to stay hidden from the rest of mankind.

Fate/Apocrypha

1939, 2000s, 2004 AD, Apocrypha Timeline

What if the Holy Grail War followed the conventional definition of war? The story takes 60 years after the Third Holy Grail War, where the Yggdmillennia clan declares war upon the Mage’s Association. In this new Greater Grail War, Black and Red teams (assigned to the aforementioned factions) are comprised of Master-Servant pairs who want nothing else for their side to become the victor. And like in the events in Fuyuki City, the Holy Grail War isn’t always as straightforward as it seems.

Unlike the /stay night series, Fate/Apocrypha takes place in an alternate timeline. Given its older premise, fans who appreciate historical fiction will love the Servants and the overall narrative featured in this anime.

Likewise, viewers will love the separate story /Apocrypha shares, and the two sets of Servants who have their own abilities, personalities, and aspirations. This is the perfect start to a renewed look into /stay night spinoffs.

Why Watch It?

Fans of alternate history will appreciate the more nuanced take on historical personalities in Fate/Apocrypha. Unlike the waifu-focused premise of the Fate/Grand Order game, Apocrypha finally gives players a deeper look into the relationships of characters within the time period as well as the new cast coming from various timelines that have to participate in this war to the death.

Why Skip Fate/Apocrypha

Despite Apocrypha being one of the much grander Fate media in terms of sheer scope, fans of Fate‘s storytelling might find the anime lacking when it comes to establishing the nuances between Masters and Servants with enough scenes and dialogue. The focus on fights and setpieces hit much of the anime’s narrative, making its source material a more worthwhile first round into this story before watching the anime as a visual reference.

2032 – 2023 AD, EX Timeline

Events of Fate/EXTRA Last Encore start hazy, and that’s by design. In this anime, Hakuno Kishinami wakes up in a strange world accompanied only by a Servant. With no recollection of his past, he somehow apparently has to win the Holy Grail War and, hopefully, regain his identity in the process.

As with the mainline /stay night series, Fate/EXTRA Last Encore also adapts a game – this time, Fate/EXTRA. Fans should be warned that Last Encore is more of a hypothetical sequel than a strict adaptation of the game’s events. Fans of the Fate series know that its stories often tackle a lot of endings, and Last Encore tackles the aftermath of one such ending. Viewers can alternate between the game and the anime if they’re comfortable trying to “counter-decipher” just which ending of the game the anime will use as its premise.

However, fans of isekai will also love Last Encore for its TYPE-MOON take on the “inescapable VR game” genre. Likewise, some of its terminologies and concepts become relevant to Grand Order.

Why Watch It?

Thanks to Last Encore, fans of Nasuverse will get to see the Fate creators dabble in the idea of the virtual reality isekai but this time with the Holy Grail War twist. Despite its nature as a quasi-video game adaptation, it’s still interesting to see how Hakuno manages to resolve the mystery behind the Holy Grail War without all the grinding and boss battles in between.

A lot of fans may argue that despite Last Encore being an entertaining ride, it’s nowhere near the kind of show one would immediately recommend to a new fan – at least, until they have some background of Fate/EXTRA. On top of its rather lacking production value, it didn’t help that Last Encore was advertised as an entry point for Fate/EXTRA – except the final film became a quasi-sequel to an ending of the game. With the anime also lacking proper exposition and narrative focus, Last Encore can be a mess to watch from a traditional viewer’s point of view.

Fate/Grand Order: First Order

2004, 2015 – 2016 AD, Grand Order Timeline

Unbeknownst to the world at large, the Chaldea Security Organization relies on the analysis of various experts to determine potential extinction events to threaten mankind. Thankfully, their initial 2015 forecast predicts safety for the next century. However, the verdict suddenly announces the end of the world in 2016. With no apparent cause, Chaldea only knows of a link – the events of 2004’s Fifth Holy Grail War, the setting of Fate/stay night.

In turn, Chaldea has announced a Grand Order: to change the past and restore the future. To do this, protagonist Fujimaru Ritsuka – a new Chaldea recruit – and the mysterious Mash Kyrielight need to go back in time.

Fans of the Fate franchise would fondly remember Grand Order as the hit gacha game – with a gripping narrative despite its mobile nature. This movie adapts the prologue of the game’s “Observer on Timeless Temple” storyline.

Why Watch It?

People who couldn’t be bothered to grind through the mobile game’s hours’ worth of story can watch First Order as it is a faithful adaptation of the game’s first chapter. Fans of the game also won’t feel bored watching the film despite knowing what will happen throughout the story, as the adaptation incorporates stellar fight scenes and gives more personality to the characters.

Why Skip Fate/Grand Order: First Order

If one were to judge First Order in the context of being an anime with no relation to the core Fate franchise, then it could certainly use some improvements. Despite decent setpieces and action scenes, exposition, narrative, and even character relationships could use some work. It’s hard to dismiss the possibility that First Order acts more of a commercial for Fate/Grand Order than a film adaptation. Considering how its storyline already adapts the beginning of the gacha title, players may as well skip the film and play the game.

Fate/Grand Order THE MOVIE – Divine Realm Of The Round Table: Camelot – Wandering; Agateram

1273 AD, Grand Order Timeline

The story of Fate/Grand Order THE MOVIE – Divine Realm of the Round Table: Camelot – Wandering; Agateram, the first film of a two-parter, explores the Sixth Singularity and the Chaldea Security Organization’s attempts to “fix” the timeline to avoid Earth’s certain doom. In the story, agents Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight end up encountering the Holy City of Camelot in the middle of Jerusalem, eventually encountering the Knights of the Round Table led by King Artoria as they execute the “unworthy” in their bid to save souls.

Accompanying Ritsuka and Mash is the “star” of the Singularity’s story, Bedivere, whose initial devotion to Artoria is questioned after witnessing these events. The film’s heavy setting is the mere premise of this chapter in Fate/Grand Order gameplay, with the bid to advance the story’s plot sacrificing integral interactions with the Singularity’s multi-faceted cast. On top of rather inconsistent animation and a rushed narrative, Wandering; Agateram can feel quite a lackluster adaptation of the FGO storyline.

Why Watch It

Despite the Fate/Grand Order film’s failure in showcasing the gravity of the “corruption” in the Round Table, Wandering; Agateram remains a must-watch for fans who want a quick grasp of one of the gacha game’s most endearing storylines. Bedivere’s characterization still establishes him as a character to root for, and what the film misses in terms of character interactions, it more than makes up for in terms of exposition. Fans who felt dissatisfied by the film’s portrayal of the story may also find it as a motivation to pursue the Fate/Grand Order story in its purest format, especially with the game’s accessibility as a free gacha title.

Why Skip Fate/Grand Order The Movie – Divine Realm Of The Round Table: Camelot – Wandering; Agateram

Given how Artoria Pendragon remains an integral character throughout the Fate franchise, it makes sense for Wandering;Agateram to become a setup for the much-awaited exploration of Fate‘s version of Camelot where Saber had likely come from. Moreover, the film is an adaptation of the much-applauded Sixth Singularity story arc of Fate/Grand Order, entailing a lot of pressure for it to deliver. The rather dismal reception of the film makes it worth skipping for fans who didn’t quite appreciate its initial exposition, as the Sixth Singularity is likely a more worthwhile read.

Fate/Grand Order THE MOVIE – Divine Realm Of The Round Table: Camelot – Paladin; Agateram

1273 AD, Grand Order Timeline

Despite the dissatisfaction with the Wandering; Agateram film, Fate/Grand Order THE MOVIE – Divine Realm of the Round Table: Camelot – Paladin; Agateram compensates by becoming a somewhat worthwhile payoff of the emotional and narrative burdens established by the two-parter’s first half. Character development remains sparse for the sake of advancing the plot, but the pacing has become more bearable and the escalation boasts more depth, courtesy of the exposition in Wandering; Agateram.

Being the latter half of a story, Paladin; Agateram should be watched in tandem with the first film, especially now that the Sixth Singularity’s journey is about to come to an end. Bedivere’s relationship with Artoria is elevated in the story, giving a more visual vibrance to their relationship compared to simply reading about their interactions in the gacha title.

Why Watch It

Compared to its prequel, Paladin; Agateram is a more consistent film in terms of production. Character designs seem more consistent with sound design and animation, allowing narrative points to shine with better exposition and setpieces. The more impactful climax in Paladin; Agateram makes for a successful payoff in the emotional investment in the first film, taking in all the loose ends and trying to solve them in this interpretation of the Sixth Singularity. After watching this film, viewers are encouraged to try to play its Fate/Grand Order counterpart, especially since the two-parter isn’t able to showcase all relevant players in the Sixth Singularity, as well as story decisions that remain much better in the original.

Why Skip Fate/Grand Order The Movie – Divine Realm Of The Round Table: Camelot – Paladin; Agateram

Save for the vast improvement in terms of overall production – particularly fight scenes and setpieces – there’s not much Paladin;Agateram offers as an adaptation due to the inherent flaws of its first half. As Paladin;Agateram has to set the stage for the climactic finish of this Singularity, there’s not enough room to fix whatever context and exposition was lost in the first half of the two-part series. In this regard, viewers who are aware of Paladin;Agateram having quite a stellar final battle should probably hold off on watching the film until after finishing the Sixth Singularity in Grand Order. The Sixth Singularity is considered as one of the highlights of Nasuverse writing among recent works, making the arc a must-read before pushing through with the adaptation.

Fate/Grand Order – Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia

2655 BC, Grand Order Timeline

In Babylonia, Chaldea’s Ritsuka and Mash travel in time to Mesopotamia in 2655 B.C. Their goal is to fix the Singularity in this era to prevent the Earth’s destruction in 2016 – only for a monster-besieged region to surprise them.

The pair soon discovers that mankind’s only hope against these monsters lies in Uruk, a fortress city. To their surprise, the King of Heroes Gilgamesh has taken leadership in humanity’s last effort against these monsters. And he’s been calling the aid of various Heroic Spirits to aid him.

As with First Order, Babylonia also adapts a chapter from the “Observer on Timeless Temple” storyline in the game. This time around, Babylonia adapts the seventh chapter of the main game. Thankfully, with the way the anime is written, newcomers don’t necessarily need to play Grand Order to understand the ongoing events in Babylonia.

Why Watch It?

Taking place yet again within Grand Order‘s timeline-saving adventures, Ritsuka and Mash show viewers a magnificent take on one of the most ancient civilizations in existence. Perhaps what’s amazing here is how fans finally get introduced to younger versions of more iconic heroes in the franchise, such as Gilgamesh. The film serves as an interesting take on developing his persona, as well as cementing his status as one of the fan favorites in the franchise.

Why Skip Fate/Grand Order – Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia

As among the few standouts of recent Fate media in terms of anime, perhaps the only reason to ever skip Babylonia is to experience it in its rawest form through the Grand Order game. Granted, this does mean having to persevere through extensive build-up within a rather long story. However, understanding the narrative core of the Babylonia story can give a viewer a better capacity to appreciate the anime’s approach in terms of production – exposition, dialogue, and especially fights.

Fate/Grand Order: Final Singularity – Grand Temple Of Time: Solomon

2016 AD, Grand Order Timeline

In Ritsuka and Mash’s adventures to repair the world’s timeline and prevent Earth’s destruction, they stumble upon one final Singularity to fix. Surprisingly, their journey ends when the world is about to end, in 2016. Ritsuka and Mash need to stop Solomon’s plans once and for all.

This upcoming film is slated for a July 30, 2021 release. As with the other Grand Order media, this story adapts a chapter of the “Observer on Timeless Temple” storyline. This film covers the Solomon Singularity, the final chapter of said storyline.

Why Watch It?

As the name implies, Grand Temple of Time: Solomon showcases the final storyline available in the Grand Order game so far. As this film reveals Solomon as the antagonist of the current storyline, some fans may be afraid that this release will be skipping quite a ton of build-up for this grand reveal. However, Grand Temple of Time: Solomon compensates for this through compelling storytelling and quite a captivating take on the game’s final chapter.

Why Skip Fate/Grand Order: Final Singularity – Grand Temple Of Time: Solomon

Grand Temple of Time: Solomon suffers from the same problems as adapting a narrative work into a movie, only this time the film is the equivalent of a movie adapting the final novel of a saga without adapting the other books. As such, it doesn’t help that there’s barely any room to properly execute the plot, but there’s also not enough screen time for relevant Servants, as well as establishing meaningful subtext. In this regard, fans may want to play through Singularities 1 through 7 of Fate/Grand Order – despite how bloated the narrative seems – to understand why the film can be extremely emotional for hardcore fans.

Fate/Kaleid Liner Prisma Illya

2004 AD, Illya’s World

When the Kaleidostick Ruby decides that schoolgirl Illyasviel von Einzbern is a more suitable magical girl than Rin Tohsaka, Illya is suddenly tasked with the duty of collecting Class Cards that contain Heroic Spirits. Throughout Illya’s new adventures, she establishes a friendly rivalry with fellow card collector Miyu, whose Kaleidostick Sapphire abandoned its master, and Rin’s Rival, Luvia Edelfelt.

Despite a lackluster first season, Prisma Illya picks up the pace with more plot-intensive latter seasons establishing its pseudo-mythology attached to the core Fate series. While the plot of Prisma Illya largely parodies Card Captor Sakura, this is only the beginning of the anime’s many hijinks that serve as both running gags to the Fate franchise and an exploration of the series’ potential in other genres.

Why Watch It?

Although not a member of the mainline Fate anime series, Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya remains worth the watch for its altered take on a Fate story and the tackling of characters. Finishing a viewing order with Prisma Illya can make it quite a decent palate cleanser from the otherwise heavy Fate storylines. Its hilarious take on events and plot points that combine running gags and genre exploration makes Prisma Illya more of a treat for fans than just a mere spinoff.

Why Skip Fate/Kaleid Liner Prisma Illya

The status of Prisma Illya as more of a spin-off (some would say alternate timeline) precisely makes the show worth skipping, as it doesn’t add anything to the core Fate premise. Illya as a magical girl in her own show has its own merits in both story and characterization, although the anime carries its own allure as a series of its own – not necessarily in the context of the Fate series. Fans who want to get a comprehensive take on watching all Fate media should consider placing the Prisma Illya series last, as knowing its events won’t necessarily affect their knowledge on the core series.

Fate/Kaleid Liner Prisma Illya: Vow in the Snow

2004 AD, Miyu’s World

By the time Fate fans watch Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya: Vow in the Snow, they may be surprised at the lack of Illya throughout the film. This was as intended and was already hinted at in the trailer and the poster, where Prisma Illya’s deuteragonist Miyu is put front and center while accompanied by Fate protagonist Shirou Emiya himself.

Set in Fuyuki City, Vow in the Snow follows a father and son Shirou and Kiritsugu Emiya as they take the mysterious Miyu under their wing. Proclaimed as a “Child of God,” Miyu becomes the target of various entities and a central part of an impending Holy Grail War. Unlike the original Prisma Illya anime, Vow in the Snow is a darker, more emotional take on Miyu’s backstory that aims to reframe her role in the Prisma Illya series.

Why Watch It?

While Vow in the Snow is technically a prequel to Prisma Illya, the darker tone of the former makes it more suitable as material for later viewing. Granted, the emotional depth of Miyu’s character and backstory isn’t thoroughly tackled throughout Prisma Illya’s latter seasons. However, the meta-implication of Vow in the Snow’s events and how it influences Miyu’s motivations let Vow in the Snow make a more significant impact when approached from the perspective of retrospection.

Why Skip Fate/Kaleid Liner Prisma Illya: Vow in the Snow

Fans who saw Vow in the Snow will likely be taken aback as to the entire “point” of the film. It doesn’t share anything new about Shirou as a character, as well as information regarding the Holy Grail War as a whole. Aside from an inconsistent production presentation, the film’s worth as a prequel of the Prisma Illya manga can be negligible considering the manga itself will eventually elaborate on the outcome of Miyu’s situation.

Fate/Kaleid Liner Prisma Illya: Licht Nameless Girl

2004 AD, Miyu’s World

With the realization that Earth can no longer support life in a few centuries, Julian Ainsworth is driven to the point of desperation. Alongside the Holy Grail, he plans on using the world’s remaining magic as well as a mysterious cube to save humanity from destruction. The only piece left of this puzzle is the sacrifice of Miyu, an innocent girl who becomes the focal point of Fate/Kaleid Liner Prisma Illya: Licht Nameless Girl.

Serving as a direct continuation of the Vow in the Snow film and the Prisma Illya 3rei!! manga, Licht Nameless Girl sees Illyasviel “travel” to this hopeless timeline and save Miyu from certain doom, even if this means dooming mankind with her naivete. Accompanying Illya are her friends who have to make similar choices, making the film quite an interesting philosophical ride on top of its vibrant action sequences.

Why Watch It

While Licht Nameless Girl seems to have quite the rushed ending and unresolved climax, Illya’s seemingly optimistic take on hopeless situations cements her status further as a deserving main character of her own Fate spinoff series. Seeing Illya fight both a magical and philosophical conflict with Julian Ainsworth makes for interesting match-ups in the series, with the moral dilemma being front and center until magical setpieces have to take the reins. Despite the film being wishy-washy with its philosophy, Illya’s attitude towards desperation can be worth watching to see how it contrasts with Shirou Emiya’s own personality.

Why Skip Fate/Kaleid Liner Prisma Illya: Licht Nameless Girl

Fans of the Fate franchise should perhaps read the Prisma Illya 3rei!! manga to get a more comprehensive perspective on the events that happened in Licht Nameless Girl. Aside from the rather off-putting ending and the condensed take of the film, the manga offers a more consistent story that aligns with the other two films.