Code Geass Watch Order (2026): Series, Movies, Re;surrection & Rozé
The Code Geass watch order trips up newcomers because the franchise has two parallel versions of the same story: the original TV run, and a recap film trilogy that the newer sequels actually continue from. Get them mixed up and you either watch the same plot twice or walk into Lelouch of the Re;surrection confused. This guide lays out exactly how to watch Code Geass in order in 2026 — the two TV seasons, the three movies, the 2019 sequel film, and the 2024 series Rozé of the Recapture — and tells you which entries you can safely skip. If you only want the answer, start with the table below; if you want to know why the order splits in two, keep reading.
Code Geass Watch Order at a Glance
Watch Code Geass in release order. That order also happens to match the story's chronology, so there is no separate "chronological" list to worry about. Here is the full franchise in the order it came out.
| # | Title | Year | Format | Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lelouch of the Rebellion (R1) | 2006–2007 | TV, 25 ep | Yes |
| 2 | Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 | 2008 | TV, 25 ep | Yes |
| 3 | Akito the Exiled | 2012–2016 | 5 OVA films | Optional side story |
| 4 | I – Initiation | 2017 | Recap film | Only for Route 2 |
| 5 | II – Transgression | 2018 | Recap film | Only for Route 2 |
| 6 | III – Glorification | 2018 | Recap film | Only for Route 2 |
| 7 | Lelouch of the Re;surrection | 2019 | Film, 114 min | For the sequels |
| 8 | Rozé of the Recapture | 2024 | 12-ep ONA | For the sequels |
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The One Thing That Confuses Everyone: Two Canons
Here is the catch that most "watch order" lists gloss over. The three recap movies (Initiation, Transgression, Glorification) condense the two TV seasons into a trilogy with a few changes — most notably, Shirley Fenette stays alive. The newer sequels, Lelouch of the Re;surrection (2019) and Rozé of the Recapture (2024), are officially set in that movie timeline, not the TV ending.
Code Geass has two viewing routes, and you do not need both the TV seasons and the trilogy — they tell the same story. Pick one based on whether you want the full original or the fastest path to the new material.
Route 1: The TV Series (the full experience)
Watch R1 → R2. This is the complete, uncut original story and the version most fans mean when they say "Code Geass." If you stop here, you have seen the whole acclaimed arc that ends with the Zero Requiem. You can still continue to the sequels afterward; the differences from the movie timeline are minor.
Route 2: The Movie Timeline (fastest lead-in to the sequels)
Watch the trilogy → Re;surrection → Rozé. This is the officially intended lead-in to the 2019 and 2024 releases, and it is far shorter than 50 TV episodes. The trade-off is that the recap films compress a lot, so first-timers lose character moments that the TV version keeps.
Code Geass in Release Order, Explained
Below is each entry with what it is and why it sits where it does.
1–2. Lelouch of the Rebellion R1 & R2 (2006–2008)
The core story: exiled prince Lelouch gains the power of Geass and wages a rebellion against the Holy Britannian Empire as the masked Zero. R1 ran for 25 episodes in 2006–2007 and R2 for another 25 in 2008. Watch these first in Route 1; they are the foundation everything else builds on.
3. Akito the Exiled (2012–2016)
A five-part OVA side story set in Europe between R1 and R2, following soldier Akito Hyuga and commander Leila Malcal rather than Lelouch. It is a spin-off, not part of the main plot, so treat it as optional (more on this below).
4–6. The Recap Trilogy (2017–2018)
Three compilation films — Initiation (October 21, 2017), Transgression (February 10, 2018), and Glorification (May 26, 2018) — that retell R1 and R2 with bonus scenes and a few plot changes. Only watch these if you are taking Route 2 toward the sequels.
7. Lelouch of the Re;surrection (2019)
A 114-minute film released February 9, 2019 that brings Lelouch back and continues the story. Crucially, directors confirmed it takes place after the recap trilogy, not the TV series — which is why the trilogy is the "official" way to reach it.
8. Rozé of the Recapture (2024)
A 12-episode ONA (also screened as four theatrical parts) released on Disney+ from June to September 2024. It is a sequel to Re;surrection, set in the Neo-Britannian Empire on former Hokkaido after Lelouch's death, following mercenary brothers Rozé and Ash as they protect princess Sakuya. A Japanese TV broadcast on the Animeism block began July 11, 2026.
Where Does Each Movie Fit? (Quick Reference)
If the films are what confuse you, this table maps each one to what it covers and whether you need it.
| Film | What it is | Watch it if… |
|---|---|---|
| I–III (Initiation/Transgression/Glorification) | Recap of R1 + R2 with changes | You want the short path to the sequels instead of 50 TV episodes |
| Lelouch of the Re;surrection | Original sequel film (Lelouch returns) | You want the story to continue past the ending |
| Rozé of the Recapture | New story after Lelouch's death | You finished Re;surrection and want the newest chapter |
What You Can Safely Skip
Not every Code Geass release is part of the main journey. Here is what first-timers can leave out.
- Akito the Exiled — a standalone European side story with a different cast. Rewarding for returning fans, but skippable on a first watch.
- The recap trilogy — if you took Route 1 (the TV seasons), you have already seen this story. Only Route 2 viewers need it.
- Nunnally in Wonderland and the picture dramas — short, non-canon comedy extras that do not affect the plot.
The one thing you should not skip is R2 if you started the TV series — the second season is where the central story actually resolves.
How Long Does It Take to Watch Code Geass?
Your total runtime depends on the route you choose.
- Route 1 (full story): R1 + R2 = 50 episodes, roughly 20 hours, before any sequels.
- Route 2 (fast path): the three recap films plus Re;surrection run under ten hours combined.
- Everything: add Rozé's 12 episodes (about five hours) and the five Akito films on top.
Where to Watch Code Geass in 2026
Availability shifts by region, but the broad picture in 2026 is consistent. The original TV seasons and the compilation films stream on Crunchyroll in most English-speaking regions, in both subtitled and dubbed form. Rozé of the Recapture debuted on Disney+ (via Hulu and Star, depending on your country) and is the one entry you will not find alongside the rest on Crunchyroll. Check your local catalog before planning a binge, since licensing differs between regions.
Common Code Geass Watch Order Mistakes
Three errors come up again and again.
- Watching both the TV seasons and the trilogy. They cover the same plot. Pick one route; don't sit through the story twice.
- Jumping into Re;surrection without context. It is a sequel, not a reboot — watch the TV seasons or the trilogy first.
- Starting with Akito the Exiled. It is a side story with a different protagonist, not the beginning of the series.
Code Geass Watch Order FAQ
Do I need to watch the Code Geass movies?
Only if you want to continue to Re;surrection and Rozé, which are set in the movie timeline. For the original story alone, the TV seasons are enough.
Is Rozé of the Recapture a sequel or a remake?
A sequel. It takes place after Lelouch's death with a new cast and is a continuation of Lelouch of the Re;surrection, not a retelling.
Can I skip the recap trilogy?
Yes, if you watched the TV seasons — they are the same story. You only need the trilogy as a shortcut to the sequels.
Where does Akito the Exiled go in the order?
Chronologically it falls between R1 and R2, but it is an optional spin-off, so most viewers watch it after the main series or not at all.
Is Code Geass watch order the same as chronological order?
Essentially yes. Release order matches the story's timeline, so there is no separate chronological list to follow.
The Short Version
- Full experience: R1 → R2 → (optionally) Re;surrection → Rozé.
- Fast path to the sequels: recap trilogy → Re;surrection → Rozé.
- Don't watch both the TV seasons and the trilogy — same story.
- Akito the Exiled is an optional side story; Nunnally in Wonderland is skippable.
Working your way through a mecha epic like Code Geass is the perfect time to start a figure shelf. Fans of its Knightmare Frames often also collect Gundam, so if the mecha bug bites, Akibato ships Gundam figures and gashapon from Japan. For more guides like this, see our Evangelion watch order, Re:Zero watch order, and Steins;Gate watch order.