How to watch

Fate Series Watch Order in the correct order

How to watch the Fate series anime in order

Last updated: October 4 2026

Written by: ChronoChris

The Fate series is famous for being one of the most confusing anime franchises to approach, with multiple routes, prequels, and spin-offs. This guide untangles the Holy Grail War so you know exactly where to start.

Born from a visual novel by Type-Moon, the Fate franchise has exploded into dozens of anime series and films centered on the Holy Grail War, a battle royale where mages summon heroic spirits from history and legend. Because the original story has three branching routes, newcomers are often overwhelmed. The good news is that there are a couple of clear paths through it.

πŸ• Release Order

Watching in release order shows how the adaptations evolved, from Studio Deen's early work to ufotable's stunning productions.

  1. Fate/stay night (2006)
  2. Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2010 film)
  3. Fate/Zero (2011)
  4. Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014)
  5. Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel I. presage flower (2017)
  6. Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel II. lost butterfly (2019)
  7. Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel III. spring song (2020)

Release order is fun, but Fate/Zero is actually a prequel, so many fans prefer a story-first approach that keeps the mysteries intact.

πŸ“– Story Chronology

Chronologically, Fate/Zero depicts the Fourth Holy Grail War ten years before the main story's Fifth War, which plays out across three routes.

  1. Fate/Zero (2011) β€” the Fourth Holy Grail War
  2. Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014) β€” the Fifth War, UBW route
  3. Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel film trilogy (2017–2020) β€” the final route

Which Order Should You Choose?

For the smoothest experience, most fans recommend starting with Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014), then Fate/Zero, and finishing with the Heaven's Feel trilogy. This preserves the twists that Zero would otherwise spoil while still giving you the franchise's best-animated entries. If you prefer to follow the timeline, lead with Fate/Zero. Either way, you'll end on Heaven's Feel, widely considered the emotional peak of the saga.

πŸ”— Related Guides

  • Fate/stay night Watch OrderGuide
  • Sword Art Online Watch OrderGuide
  • Re:Zero Watch OrderGuide

Did we miss anything? Let us know and we'll keep this guide up to date!