If you are planning to dive into Black Butler (Kuroshitsuji), you’re in for a stylish, mysterious ride. But figuring out the right Black Butler watch order can get confusing fast. Between different seasons, movies, OVAs, and some big story changes, it’s easy to feel lost.
This guide is here to make it simple. Whether you’re a first-time viewer, a returning fan catching up, or someone who wants to watch everything perfectly, this guide will help. We’ll cover all TV series, movies, specials, and OVAs and tell you what you can safely skip.
Get ready! By the end, you’ll know the best order to watch Black Butler in 2025, including the latest Emerald Witch Arc.
Quick Answer: Best Black Butler Watch Order (For Most Viewers)
If you just want the best, easy-to-follow story, watch it like this:
- Black Butler: Book of Circus (Season 3)
- Black Butler: Book of Murder (OVA)
- Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic (Movie)
- Black Butler: Public School Arc (Season 4, 2024)
- Black Butler: Emerald Witch Arc (Season 5, 2025)
Perfect for:
First-time viewers
Fans who want to stick to the manga
Anyone looking for a clear and thrilling story
Why It’s Confusing to Watch Black Butler in Order
Black Butler has a strange anime history.
Season 1 started by following the manga, but halfway through, it went into a completely new story.
Season 2 built on that anime-only ending. It has characters and events not found in the original manga.
Later seasons (Book of Circus and beyond) ignored Season 1’s ending and went back to follow the manga properly.
This split between canon (original manga story) and non-canon (anime-only) creates the confusion.
Franchise Overview: What’s in the Black Butler Universe?
Here’s a quick list of everything officially part of the Black Butler franchise:
- Season 1 (2008–2009) – 24 episodes (partly manga, partly anime-original)
- Season 2 (2010) – 12 episodes (completely anime-original)
- Season 3: Book of Circus (2014) – 10 episodes (full manga-canon)
- OVA: Book of Murder (2014) – 2 episodes (full manga-canon)
- Movie: Book of the Atlantic (2017) – 1 movie (full manga-canon)
- Season 4: Public School Arc (2024) – 11 episodes (manga-canon)
- Season 5: Emerald Witch Arc (2025) – New episodes airing now
- Special OVAs – (Ciel in Wonderland, The Making of Kuroshitsuji) — mostly side stories
All Watch Orders Explained
Chronological (Manga Timeline) Order
Follow the events as they happen in the manga:
- Season 1, Episodes 1–6
- Season 1, Episodes 13–15
- Book of Circus
- Book of Murder
- Book of the Atlantic
- Public School Arc
- Emerald Witch Arc
Good for:
Fans who want the full, correct manga story without confusion
Release Order
Watch in the order everything came out:
- Season 1 (2008–2009)
- Season 2 (2010)
- Book of Circus (2014)
- Book of Murder (2014)
- Book of the Atlantic (2017)
- Public School Arc (2024)
- Emerald Witch Arc (2025)
Good for:
People who want to experience the anime the same way fans did over the years
Creator’s Intended Order (Pure Manga Order)
Skip the anime-original content:
- Book of Circus
- Book of Murder
- Book of the Atlantic
- Public School Arc
- Emerald Witch Arc
Good for:
Anyone who just wants the cleanest version of the real story
Skip or Optional Content
You don’t have to watch everything. Here’s what you can skip:
- Season 1, Episodes 7–12 and 16–24: Anime-original filler
- Season 2: Entirely non-canon, alternative universe story
- Most OVAs: Like Ciel in Wonderland — fun extras, not essential
Pro Tip
If you’re short on time, just start with Book of Circus. You’ll get the best experience right away
Where to Watch Black Butler in 2025
You can stream or buy Black Butler from several platforms:
- Crunchyroll: Seasons 1–5, OVAs, and movies
- Hulu: Seasons 1 and 2 (US viewers)
- Amazon Prime Video: Rentals and purchases for Book of the Atlantic
- Funimation: Older versions still available (merging into Crunchyroll)
Note
Crunchyroll is the best option for worldwide access, including the 2025 Emerald Witch Arc
Pro Tips for First-Time Viewers
Start with Book of Circus if you’re overwhelmed. It’s short, fun, and perfectly canon.
Binge the essentials: Book of Circus, Book of Murder, and Book of the Atlantic in one weekend.
Space it out: If you love the Victorian mood, watch one arc per week and savor it.
Starter Pack
- Book of Circus → Book of Murder → Book of the Atlantic
This combination gives you the best Black Butler experience fast
FAQs About Black Butler Watch Order
Q1: Can I skip Black Butler Season 2?
Yes. It’s an anime-only story not needed for the manga canon.
Q2: Do I need to watch the Black Butler OVAs?
Only Book of Murder is essential. Other OVAs are just for fun.
Q3: What is the best starting point?
Definitely start with Book of Circus for the clearest story.
Q4: Is the 2025 Emerald Witch Arc part of the manga story?
Yes. It continues directly after Public School Arc.
Q5: Is Black Butler done after Emerald Witch Arc?
No. More manga arcs may still get adapted after 2025.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Black Butler watch order depends on what kind of fan you are. If you want the clearest, smoothest story, start with Book of Circus and follow the manga-canon path.
If you’re curious about the anime’s history, the release order will show you everything even the weird parts.
Whichever way you go, Black Butler offers amazing characters, a dark and beautiful story, and some truly unforgettable moments. Bookmark this guide so you always have the best order ready and share it with friends who are starting their own Black Butler journey.