How to watch Gintama in order
Gintama can look a little confusing, but we promise it's easier than it looks to watch this sci-fi series.
Developed by creator Hideaki Sorachi in 2003, Gintama follows the a space samurai known as Gintoki Sakata, a self-established freelancer who works alongside his friends Shinpachi Shimura and Kagura in a store to help pay rent.
Oh, and the Tokyo they live in has been conquered by aliens. Because why not?
If that sounds a little wacky, then it's because it is. But that's what makes the series so memorable in the first place.
Fun fact: Gintama is cited as one of the best-selling manga series of all time, with over 55 million copies in print alone.
But it isn't just the manga that's popular. Gintama's anime, which began in December 2003 and only ended in June 2019, has had its home entertainment releases consistently in the top ten rankings of DVDs and Blu-rays.
If that isn't worth bragging about, then we don't know what is.
Gintama is also coming back in a major way with a brand new spin-off series: Gintama '3-Nen Z-Gumi Ginpachi-sensei.
Its first trailer was revealed earlier in the year, but its launch is set to come sometime in October 2025. Of course, some fans may be wondering if you need to watch everything Gintama to understand it. If that's you, then you're in the right place.
Read on to learn the best way to watch this expansive anime (though not quite as expansive as One Piece) in order.
Should I watch Gintama in chronological order?
Gintama can seem a little confusing initially due to all the slightly different wordings of each season, with some being cited as ‘sequel series’ – but in actuality, they’re all seasons of a singular show just branded slightly differently to reflect each season’s different tone and style.
Here’s the best way to watch all of Gintama in order:
- Gintama episodes 1 - 57
- Gintama: The Movie (this serves as a remake of episodes 58 - 61)
- Gintama episodes 62 - 201
- Gintama’ episodes 1 - 51
- Gintama’ Enchousen episodes 1 - 53
- Gintama: The Movie: The Final Chapter: Be Forever Yorozuya
- Gintama° episodes 1 - 51
- Gintama. episodes 1 - 12
- Gintama.: Slip Arc episodes 1 - 13
- Gintama.: Silver Soul Arc 1 - 26
- Gintama: The Semi-Final
- Gintama: The Final
What episodes of Gintama should I skip?
Given how extensive the anime is in terms of episodes, there’s a surprisingly low number of episodes that serve as ‘filler’, but as always, there are at least a few that you can trim if you’re looking to get a straight-up story.
The first two episodes of the original Gintama series are skippable because they’re more just celebrating that the manga has been adapted to anime, rather than setting up any kind of story.
You can also skip episodes 58-61, as Gintama: The Movie exists, serving as a direct remake of that run of episodes. While you can still watch them if you like, The Movie has far better animation.
Where can I watch Gintama in the UK?
The best way to currently watch Gintama is through Crunchyroll. Otherwise, its seasons are available to purchase through Amazon on DVD and Blu-ray.
Check out more of our Anime coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
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