Now that tickets for Haikyu!!: The Dumpster Battle are available to purchase, fans are more than thrilled to feast their eyes upon this film that is slated to release on Friday, May 31!
Ahead of this highly anticipated release, there are a handful of fans who want to binge the entire anime to catch up on everything they've missed. The only problem is that some don't know where to start or even where to continue from.
So far, Haikyu!! has released so many seasons and corresponding films. So much so that it can get overwhelming. There's no need to panic because there is an optimal way that we think most fans would agree is the best way to watch!
How to watch Haikyu!! in order
First and foremost, fans should look to season 1 to begin their Haikyu!! binge watch!
Season 1 lays down the foundation of the show by introducing to you very important characters and themes that carry on to future episodes of the series. If you skip this season you will be pretty lost and may even risk missing out on some very important information!
After season 1, you're free to watch the short story (or OVA) called "Lev Appears!," which dives deeper into who Nekoma's Lev Haiba is.
If you don't want to watch the first OVA, you can immediately dive into the first thirteen episodes of the sophomore season. Then you have the option to watch another OVA called "Failing Marks." This OVA is just a hilarious look at how badly the Karasuno members need to study to get their grades up, meaning it isn't absolutely imperative to watch if you would rather jump right back into the rest of the sophomore season.
Once you're done with season 2, you can carry on to season 3. The third season is much shorter than the previous two seasons (being listed for 10 episodes) because it's after season 3 that the anime begins to release recap films and even more side stories.
After season 3 is where many fans get confused, so to avoid spoiling the story or mixing up the order, here's the best way to watch the rest of Haikyu!! leading up to the 2024 film:
- OVA 4 - "Land vs. Sky"
- OVA 5 - "The Path of the Ball"
- Haikyu!: To the Top part 1
- Haikyu!: To the Top part 2
The films Haikyu!! The Movie: Talent and Sense and Haikyu!! The Movie: Battle of Concepts recap of the second and third seasons. You're better off watching the second and third seasons in their entirety since it has way more information and isn't condensed into a short film.
Also, the only OVA we haven't mentioned, "Special Feature! Betting on the Spring High Volleyball," is another installment you can skip.
Last but not least is the films of Haikyu!!, The Dumpster Battle and the untitled film, come after everything above. After The Dumpster Battle, the untitled film will serve as the final installment of the entire series.
Now that you know everything to know about the order of Haikyu!!, there are only two things left to do. First, head to Crunchyroll to stream every season and OVA thus far. And, second, visit your local (North American) theater to watch every second of Haikyu!!: The Dumpster Battle!