Updated May 12, 2024 by testing

Huzzah, I’m back! Demons vs. Exorcists, was it? It is no wonder that Blue Exorcist (Ao no Exorcist) has been one of the most all-time watched anime since its release in 2011 to the point that there have been OVAs and movies following its success through the years. 

It pulls you to understand how Rin Okumura and his twin brother, Yukio Okumura have two opposing personalities and their struggle to survive while supporting each other, defying what their father had ordained them to be. Big words, right? 

It was adapted from a manga penned by Kazue Kato and it is without a doubt full of thrill and adventure not many Shounen animes are capable of doing.

Now, the most commonly asked question: In what order do we watch Rin Okumura‘s journey through this strange world he was dragged into?

At first, it may look like a pretty straightforward series but it can be a whirlwind of events after you are done with the first Season with how there is a Season 2, a movie, and three OVAs—folks, we’re in for a wild ride! 

HOW TO WATCH BLUE EXORCIST

QUICK WATCH ORDER

Blue Exorcist: Season 1 (2011)

Covering 25 episodes, we are given the situation of Rin Okumura and his twin brother, Yukio, and their struggles in the human world only for their own reality to be flipped. Here we find out that the world is split into two: Assiah where humans live and Gehenna where demons ruled. The brothers find out that they were sons of Satan and how they are part of his plans on taking over Assiah.

Against this, Rin attends the True Cross Academy to become an Exorcist. 

Now you must take note that episodes 17 – 25 are anime exclusives and considered to be non-canon by a lot of fans who preferred only seeing content from the manga. If you are like them, stop at episode 16 and proceed to the movie but if not go do enjoy the fillers. It’s another kind of fun and entertainment.

Blue Exorcist: The Movie (2012)

Ever wondered how school celebrations happen in their school? Say no more! 

Here, Rin Okumura, Yukio, his twin brother, and Shiemi Moriyama are tasked to exorcise a demon known as Phantom Train in a combined effort to remove the threats for the upcoming grand festival of True Cross Academy that happens only every 11 years!

Things get interesting when Rin develops a friendship with a child named Usamaro, a time-turner. His ability to remove  the aspect of responsibility and sad memories within people in exchange for playing games with him–will it be of help for the mission or not? 

Blue Exorcist: Runaway Kuro OVA (2011)

Who doesn’t like cats? Just as the title says, Kuro, our protagonist’s cat and familiar felt slighted, hence it runs away! As the search for him goes, we find that things in a village are more than what it seems and it involves something all of us can relate to—an epidemic! 

The episode is treated like those from the first 12 episodes of the first season, happening before the events of the True Cross Amusement Park and the Training Camp. 

This OVA is one of three that prepares you for what is to come next and what happens around the Academy so it is important to actually pay attention to the little details.

Blue Exorcist: Season 2:  Kyoto Saga (2017)

Alright, remember when we pointed out the filler episodes in the first season? You better have taken note of it because this part begins after episode 16 of the first season.  Don’t forget. 

The Knights of the True Cross Academy kept the left eye of the Impure King, a demon who killed thousands of people during the late Edo period.  Imagine that to be gone and learning that the thief has a child hostage! Rin and his brother, Yukio, proceeded with investigating the case and soon found themselves in a more sinister plot in Kyoto. 

Wait–his friends also found out that he’s the son of Satan midway and as things get revealed, it gets even more hyped! It is very much thought-provoking and not to mention it tests the mentality of the characters. It also helps cement the events that had transpired and explain them to the viewers. The cause-and-effect scenario is more prominent here as well so you better keep your eyes peeled. 

Blue Exorcist: Snake and Poison OVA (2017)

Things continue to get heated and heated as sometimes this is referred to as the second half of the Kyoto Saga.

This gives us a further background of what had transpired in Edo during the time of the Impure King’s attack. Instead of focusing on Rin or his twin brother, Yukio, it focuses on Mamushi Hojo and Juzo Shima while they were still students in the Academy. 

Blue Exorcist: Spy Game OVA (2017)

And at last, we arrive at the very last part! Wooo!

It talks about Mephisto Pheles, The King of Time, who was the one who enrolled our protagonist in True Cross Academy, wanting Renzo Shima as a double agent in the Academy–in short, folks, this is a flashback story to help flesh out the premise of whole anime. The proposal scene is simply gorgeous and attaches itself nicely to the current plot.

BLUE EXORCIST CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER:

• Blue Exorcist: Season 1 (2011)
• Blue Exorcist: The Movie (2012)
• Blue Exorcist: Runaway Kuro OVA (2011)
• Blue Exorcist: Season 2:  Kyoto Saga (2017)
• Blue Exorcist: Snake and Poison OVA (2017)
• Blue Exorcist: Spy Game OVA (2017)

CONCLUSION

Now that was quite a ride. Putting aside the story building, one of the best qualities this anime has is the music and the art combination! I hope this  watch list helps anyone who wants to get into Blue Exorcist and  we could all enjoy this masterpiece. As Rin Okumura said, “Don’t just mindlessly judge people as you go!” See you all soon!