For many fans, Death Note has been the gateway into anime. It is still one of the easiest anime to recommend to someone new to the medium who wants to try something truly epic. After all, following the original anime is not that hard, as it does not have a complicated watch order. However, a watch guide for Death Note is required because of its many adaptations.
A new fan may search for Death Note online, and it may lead them to something we wouldn’t exactly recommend. For example, the multiple live-action adaptations aren’t really a good gateway into the franchise. So, how exactly should you watch Death Note? Here’s everything you need to know before diving in.
What’s the Best Order to Watch Death Note?
The best watch order for the entire Death Note franchise, if you’re a completionist, is to watch the anime first, then the first live-action film series, and finally Netflix’s recent standalone live-action movie adaptation.
Technically, you can stop right after finishing the main 37-episode anime, but if you don’t like leaving any breadcrumbs, then this order should be followed:
- Death Note (anime, episodes 1-37)
- Death Note Relight: Visions of a God
- Death Note Relight: L’s Successors
- Death Note (2006)
- Death Note 2: The Last Name (2006)
- L: Change the World (2008)
- Death Note: New Generation (2016)
- Death Note: Light Up the New World (2016)
- Death Note (Netflix live-action, 2017)
A Chronological Listing of Every Death Note Anime
Since the original 2006 Death Note anime is still revered as one of the greatest mystery thrillers of all time, it’s a must-watch first. The original anime ran for a total of 37 episodes, followed by two recap movies. However, there’s a reason why we’re asking you to watch the movies as well, which we’ve explained below.
1. Death Note (Episodes 1-37)
Right from the very first episode of the Death Note anime, the plot hooks you in. It wastes no time setting up the series’ titular protagonist, addressing his goals and the consequences they may bring. The introduction of the Death Note notebook itself is one of anime’s most iconic moments. And Light’s vow that he will eradicate evil from this earth using the Death Note by killing every criminal makes for a polarizing narrative that is boldly followed throughout the anime.
The series also has a halfway point after Episode 25, which leaves viewers with a cliffhanger, where viewers may take a break before continuing the anime again. By the very end of Episode 37, everything comes to a decisive conclusion.
2. Death Note Relight: Visions of a God
Death Note Relight: Visions of a God is fundamentally a 2-hour and 11-minute recap movie of the first 26 episodes of the anime, so it is not mandatory to watch. However, the movie does take a unique storytelling approach. It is presented from Ryuk’s perspective, telling Light’s story to another Shinigami, who is widely theorized to be the incarnation of Light himself. Therefore, there are also new scenes added, including a distinct opening and closing conversation with Ryuk.
3. Death Note Relight: L’s Successors
If you supported L in the anime, then Death Note Relight: L’s Successors becomes somewhat of a must-watch for you. Though essentially it’s another recap movie of the remaining 27-37 episodes, it also sheds much light on L’s character that wasn’t shown in the original anime. The famous L dialogue, “Because in truth, I am that monster,” was exclusively shown in this movie, which truly gave his character more insight. So, you can watch it after watching the prior two installments.
How to Watch Death Note in Release Order
The release order of the Death Note anime is similar to the chronological order because the studio only produced the recap movies after the conclusion of the original anime. But if you want to know the exact release dates and current IMDb ratings of each Death Note anime entry, then this table should help you:
| TITLE | RELEASE DATE | IMDb RATING (as of July 24, 2026) | WHERE TO WATCH (U.S) |
| Death Note | October 4, 2006 | 8.9/10 | Prime Video, Hulu |
| Death Note Relight: Visions of a God | August 31, 2007 | 7.4/10 | Not available for streaming in the US |
| Death Note Relight: L’s Successors | August 22, 2008 | 7.1/10 | Not available for streaming in the US |
Are There Any Filler Episodes in the Death Note Anime?
No, there are no traditional filler episodes in the Death Note anime. While the recap Relight movies can feel like extras, they don’t exactly fit the definition of what makes up a filler episode. Every episode in the original 37-episode anime is equally important to the plot. In fact, Death Note is highly regarded as one of the most jam-packed anime storylines ever told. It demands your full attention from start to finish if you don’t want to miss any major plot points.
Should You Watch the Death Note Live-Action Series?
Quite interestingly, the first Death Note live-action film, titled Death Note, was released in Japan on June 17, 2006, even before the Death Note anime premiered on October 4, 2006. Then came the second movie, Death Note 2: The Last Name, which was released on November 3, 2006. Later, the live-action franchise released three more movies, bringing the total to five major films.
Here’s a list of them all in release order:
| TITLE | RELEASE DATE | IMDb RATING (as of July 24, 2026) | WHERE TO WATCH (U.S) |
| Death Note | June 17, 2006 | 7.5/10 | Not available for streaming in the US |
| Death Note 2: The Last Name | November 3, 2006 | 7.1/10 | Not available for streaming in the US |
| Death Note: L Change the World | February 9, 2008 | 6.0/10 | Not available for streaming in the US |
| Death Note: Desu nôto (11 episodes) | July 5, 2015 | 7.0/10 | Prime Video |
| Death Note: New Generation (3 episodes) | September 16 – September 30, 2016 | 5.7/10 | Not available for streaming in the US |
| Death Note: Light Up the New World | October 29, 2016 | 5.7/10 | Not available for streaming in the US |
If you haven’t watched the original Death Note anime, then the movies aren’t exactly recommended to watch first, even though they were released before the anime. The movies condense major plot points from the manga, leaving them with little impact on the viewers. But if you like live-action movies in general, then they can surely be a refreshing watch. Just don’t watch them too seriously.
Is Netflix’s Death Note Live-Action Worth Watching?
If you are already a fan of the Death Note anime, Netflix’s Death Note live-action adaptation, released on August 25, 2017, isn’t exactly worth watching. The movie westernizes the storyline, which ultimately deprives it of the series’ whole appeal.
Apart from the initial plot, the entire narrative is changed in the movie to cater to those who are more likely to be drawn toward movie binge sessions. But if you have the time and have already finished the Death Note anime, then you can watch the movie to form your own opinion on it.
Where to Watch the Death Note Anime Online?
The Death Note anime is currently available to stream on Prime Video in the USA. Likewise, it’s also available on Hulu, but the platform is exclusive to US viewers. On Hulu, you would need a subscription plan starting at $11.99/month. Unfortunately, the anime isn’t available on Crunchyroll in the USA due to licensing reasons. Similarly, it’s also not streaming on Netflix USA, though it’s available on the platform in other selected regions.
So how helpful has this guide been? Let us know in the comments.
The Death Note anime is currently available to watch on Prime Video and Hulu (U.S)
