How to watch Baki in order

Who doesn't love an anime series where you can watch a guy punch away all his problems? If that sounds like you, then Baki is the series for you.

As blasé as that statement may sound, Baki does, in fact, have an epic legacy in Japanese pop culture. The series originally debuted in 1991 and follows a classic fighting genre narrative, placing us in the shoes of a 13-year-old boy whose goal is to defeat his father, Yuujirou Hanma, and become a fighting champion.

Baki, also known as Baki the Grappler, has undergone multiple adaptations over the years, with an anime series released in 2001, 2018, and 2022. However, the latest iterations are available on Netflix, with a new instalment, BAKI-DOU having recently been confirmed to release sometime in 2026.

But where do you even begin with this beloved franchise? There's an intimidating amount to watch, so if you're looking to watch Baki in order, then search no more: we've got the perfect guide for you.

What order should I watch Baki?

Fortunately, Baki has a relatively straightforward story arc, with a timeline that aligns with its release date. There's very little jumping around from past to present, making it easier to follow compared to a series with more elaborate plots. We're looking at you, Naruto and Dragon Ball.

Baki Hanma, the Netflix series that ran from 2021 to 2023, is a standalone sequel to the original Baki that aired in 2001. However, the two series are connected, with the new Netflix show focusing more on its title character.

Meanwhile, the Baki Hanma vs Kengan Ashura crossover with the gladiator-fighting anime Kengan Ashura provides even more material for those who want to see even more intense combat and muscle-bound battle scenes.

Here's the perfect order to watch Baki:

• Baki The Grappler: The Ultimate Fighter
• Baki The Grappler – Season 1: Kid Saga/Underground Arena Saga
• Baki The Grappler – Season 2: Maximum Tournament Saga
• Baki: Most Evil Death Row Convicts Special Anime
• Baki – Season 1: Most Evil Death Row Convicts Saga
• Baki – Season 2: Great Chinese Challenge Saga/Godlike Clash of the Kids Saga
• Baki Hanma: Son of Ogre - Season 1: Combat Shadow Fighting Saga/Great Prison Battle Saga
• Baki Hanma: Son of Ogre - Season 2: Pickle Wars Saga/The Father VS Son Saga
• Baki Hanma VS Kengan Ashura
• Baki-Dou (Release Date TBC)

Are Baki 2001 and 2018 the same?

Like many long-running anime series, Baki can confuse new viewers because there's more than one season 1 and season 2.

The original first season of Baki is the first season of Baki the Grappler, which aired in 2001, followed by a second season later that same year. However, Baki season 1 (2018) is actually the second part of this story, loosely connecting the plot of both shows.

Fortunately, you don't need to watch these earlier series to understand Netflix's recent adaptations.

Are there Baki filler episodes that I can skip?

There's no filler in the traditional sense of a list of skippable episodes. There are, however, two OVAs that serve as an interesting time capsule of the series's history, most of which is recapped later.

The must-watch instalments are the main series themselves: Baki the Grappler, Baki and Baki Hanma. The OVAs in question that you can live without are Baki: The Ultimate Fighter and Baki: Most Evil Death Row Convicts Saga.

Will there be a Baki Hanma season 3?

Technically no, but there will be a continuation of the Baki series under a new title: BAKI-DOU. This was announced at the very end of season 2.

What is BAKI-DOU?

Taking place after Baki Hanma, BAKI-DOU has Baki facing a brand new threat: the resurrection of Japan’s greatest swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi. Other warriors, such as Doppo Orochi, Jack Hanma, and Kaoru Hanayama, also make a return to the fight. Baki's greatest strength (and weapon) are his fists, but can this legendary underground fighter take on iconic and powerful samurai? We'll find out sometime in 2026.

You can watch the teaser trailer for BAKI-DOU below.

Where can I watch Baki in the UK?

The majority of the Baki franchise is available on Netflix, including the second season of Baki Hanma: Son of Ogre. Unlike its previous season, which only had 12 episodes, the second season was split into cours and featured 13/14 episodes respectively.

For those without a Netflix subscription, Crunchyroll also offers the anime in its entirety.

Read more:

• How to watch Pokémon in order: All the TV series, movies and specials
• How to watch Evangelion in order
• How to watch Code Geass in order

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