Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Complete Watch Order Guide (2026)
If you’re looking to dive into one of the most acclaimed anime of recent years, you’ve come to the right place. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (Sousou no Frieren) has captivated audiences worldwide with its unique take on the fantasy adventure genre, earning a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes and consistently ranking as the #1 most anticipated anime in Japan.
But where should you start? Is there a specific watch order you need to follow? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about watching Frieren in 2026.
What is Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End?
Before we dive into the watch order, let’s understand what makes this anime so special. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is based on the manga by Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe, which has been serialized in Weekly Shōnen Sunday since 2020.
The story follows Frieren, an elven mage who was part of the hero’s party that defeated the Demon King. Unlike her human companions, Frieren is virtually immortal—elves live for thousands of years. The series begins after the hero Himmel passes away, and Frieren starts to reflect on her ten-year journey and the fleeting nature of human lives.
What sets Frieren apart from typical fantasy anime is its contemplative, melancholic tone. This isn’t an action-packed battle shounen (though it has amazing fight scenes). Instead, it’s a thoughtful exploration of memory, regret, connection, and what it means to truly know someone.
The Complete Frieren Watch Order
Here’s the good news: watching Frieren is straightforward. Unlike some anime franchises with complicated timelines, side stories, and movies that need to be watched in specific order, Frieren is refreshingly simple.
Season 1 (2023-2024)
Episodes 1-28
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Season 1 covers the following arcs:
- Episode 1-4: The Departure Arc – Sets up the story after Himmel’s death
- Episode 5-7: The Village Arc – Frieren and Fern’s early adventures
- Episode 8-11: The First-Class Mage Exam Arc (Part 1)
- Episode 12-16: The First-Class Mage Exam Arc (Part 2)
- Episode 17-21: The First-Class Mage Exam Arc (Part 3)
- Episode 22-28: The First-Class Mage Exam Conclusion
The first season aired from September 29, 2023, to March 22, 2024. It was produced by Studio Madhouse, known for their exceptional work on anime like Death Note, One Punch Man, and Hunter x Hunter.
Season 2 (2026)
Episodes 29+
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Premiere Date: January 16, 2026
Season 2 picks up right where Season 1 left off, continuing Frieren, Fern, and Stark’s journey north. As of February 2026, the second season is currently airing and has been receiving universal acclaim—maintaining the quality that made the first season so beloved.
Do I Need to Read the Manga First?
Short answer: No, but you might want to.
The anime is an excellent adaptation that faithfully follows the manga. If you’re new to the series, watching the anime first is perfectly fine. The anime’s animation, music, and voice acting add layers to the story that enhance the experience.
However, if you’ve finished watching and can’t wait for more content, the manga is ahead of the anime. Here’s where to pick up:
- After Season 1: The manga continues from Chapter 60
- Current manga status: Over 130 chapters published
You can read the official manga on Viz Media or Shonen Sunday.
Why Frieren Season 2 is the Most Anticipated Anime of 2026
According to multiple polls from Anime Trending and NicoNico, Frieren Season 2 was the #1 most anticipated anime of Winter 2026. Here’s why:
1. Critical Acclaim
Season 1 received near-universal praise:
- MyAnimeList: 9.33 rating (one of the highest-rated anime ever)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 100% critics score
- Anime Awards 2024: Multiple wins including Anime of the Year
2. Studio Madhouse Quality
Madhouse continues to deliver stunning animation, particularly in the magic battle sequences. The attention to detail in spell effects, character expressions, and background art is unmatched.
3. The Story Gets Even Better
Without spoiling anything, the arcs covered in Season 2 are considered some of the best in the manga. Fans of the source material have been eagerly awaiting these moments in animated form.
4. Competition with JJK
The Winter 2026 season has been called the most stacked in anime history, with Jujutsu Kaisen’s Culling Game arc airing simultaneously. Both shows have been trading the #1 spot in weekly rankings, creating exciting competition.
Character Guide: Who’s Who in Frieren
Main Characters
Frieren – The protagonist, an elf mage who has lived for over a thousand years. Despite her immense power, she struggles to understand human emotions and the significance of their brief lives.
Fern – Frieren’s apprentice, a skilled mage in her own right. She serves as the emotional anchor of the group and often has to keep Frieren on track.
Stark – A warrior trained by Eisen (the former hero party’s warrior). Despite his immense strength, he’s surprisingly timid and easily scared.
The Original Hero’s Party
Himmel – The hero who led the party that defeated the Demon King. Though deceased, his influence on Frieren is central to the story.
Heiter – The party’s priest. He was responsible for bringing Fern to Frieren.
Eisen – The party’s dwarf warrior. He trained Stark and appears occasionally in the present timeline.
How Long Does It Take to Watch Frieren?
If you’re planning a binge session, here’s what to expect:
- Season 1 (28 episodes): Approximately 11-12 hours
- Season 2 (ongoing): Episodes release weekly on Fridays
The pacing of Frieren is deliberately slow and contemplative—this isn’t an anime you’ll want to rush through. Many fans recommend watching 2-3 episodes per sitting to fully absorb the emotional weight of the story.
Where to Watch Frieren
The series is available on:
For the best experience, we recommend Crunchyroll Premium, which offers:
- Simulcast episodes (same day as Japan)
- No ads
- HD/4K streaming
- Download for offline viewing
Frieren Merchandise and Collectibles
If you’ve fallen in love with the series (and you will), here are some ways to support it:
Manga Volumes
The English manga is published by Viz Media:
Figures and Collectibles
Soundtrack
The music by Evan Call is absolutely stunning. The OST is available on streaming platforms and physical release.
Is Frieren Finished?
The manga: No, still ongoing. New chapters release weekly in Weekly Shōnen Sunday.
The anime: Season 2 is currently airing. No Season 3 announcement yet, but given the show’s popularity, it’s almost certain to continue.
Final Thoughts: Should You Watch Frieren?
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is not your typical anime. It’s slow, contemplative, and deeply emotional. If you’re looking for non-stop action, this might not be for you.
But if you appreciate:
- Beautiful animation and art direction
- Complex, nuanced characters
- Philosophical themes about mortality, memory, and connection
- A fresh take on the fantasy genre
- Some of the best-choreographed magic battles in anime
Then Frieren is absolutely must-watch anime.
The series has consistently proven that anime can be both commercially successful and artistically meaningful. It’s the kind of show that stays with you long after the credits roll—much like how the memories of our loved ones stay with us, even after they’re gone.
Quick Reference: Frieren Watch Order
| Order | Content | Episodes | Status |
| ——- | ——— | ———- | ——– |
| 1 | Season 1 | 1-28 | Complete |
| 2 | Season 2 | 29+ | Airing (Jan 2026) |
| Optional | Manga | Ch. 60+ | Ongoing |
Happy watching! And remember—take your time with this one. Frieren teaches us that some things are worth savoring slowly.
Looking for more anime guides? Check out our Jujutsu Kaisen articles or learn about the strongest anime characters.