How to watch

Created by Monkey Punch, Arsène Lupin III is a charismatic master thief who, alongside gunman Jigen, swordsman Goemon, and femme fatale Fujiko, stays one step ahead of the dogged Inspector Zenigata. The franchise has run since the 1970s, so most entries are standalone — but there's still a sensible way to approach it.

🕐 Release Order

Release order highlights the franchise's evolution, from its gritty debut to the stylish modern 'color' series.

1. Lupin the Third Part I (1971)
2. Lupin the Third: The Castle of Cagliostro (1979 film)
3. Lupin the Third Part II (1977) and Part III (1984)
4. Lupin the Third: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine (2012)
5. Lupin the Third Part IV: The Italian Adventure (2015)
6. Lupin the Third Part V (2018)
7. Lupin the Third Part VI (2021)

Because the stories are mostly self-contained, you don't have to follow a strict timeline — but a few picks make for the best introduction.

📖 Story Chronology

There's no rigid internal chronology; each series and film is its own caper. The modern color-coded series form a loose continuity worth watching in order.

1. The Woman Called Fujiko Mine (2012) — an origin-flavored prequel
2. Part IV, Part V, and Part VI (2015–2021) — the modern run

Which Order Should You Choose?

Newcomers have two great options. For a timeless starting point, watch The Castle of Cagliostro — Hayao Miyazaki's classic film works perfectly on its own. For modern, bingeable continuity, begin with Part IV: The Italian Adventure and continue through Parts V and VI. The vintage series are wonderful but episodic, so you can dip into them in any order once you're hooked on Lupin's charm.

🔗 Related Guides

• Cowboy Bebop Watch OrderGuide
• Trigun Watch OrderGuide
• Spy x Family Watch OrderGuide

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