# Code Geass Watch Order

Begin with Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, then continue directly into R2. If you still want more afterward, finish with the film Lelouch of the Resurrection. Sunrise combines large scale mecha action with a tense political contest, following an exiled prince who receives the power to force anyone to obey him and turns it against the empire that conquered his homeland. The two television seasons form one continuous story, so R2 belongs immediately after the first season. It picks up from that season's devastating finale and resolves what the opening half set in motion. The 2019 film serves as an optional epilogue set well after the ending, which is why it comes last. Following this sequence lets Lelouch's plan develop as intended and preserves the full effect of the story's tragedy and ambition.

> Fans mainly disagree about whether the compilation films should come before Lelouch of the Resurrection. The film technically follows the continuity of a later compilation trilogy, made up of three films that condense R1 and R2 and give the story a slightly altered ending. We recommend watching the complete television version, R1 followed by R2, and then moving to Resurrection if you want an epilogue. This means accepting a minor continuity adjustment between the television finale and the film's starting point, but no essential part of the story is lost and the film still works clearly in that position. Viewers who want the precise version of events that leads into Resurrection can watch the recap trilogy first. Everyone else is better served by the fuller television telling.

## The order

1. **[Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch](https://hozuna.com/anime/code-geass)** (TV · 2006 · 25 eps)
   Start with this 25 episode first season from 2006. Exiled prince Lelouch receives the power of Geass and uses it to begin a masked rebellion against the Britannian empire. This is where you learn how the occupied world works and meet the people whose choices shape everything that follows. Every later entry builds on the conflicts introduced here. Nothing else in the recommended order is meant to come before it, so this is the required starting point.
   Streams on: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix

2. **[Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch R2](https://hozuna.com/anime/code-geass-lelouch-of-the-rebellion-r2)** (TV · 2008 · 25 eps)
   Continue straight into R2, the second 25 episode television season from 2008. The story opens one year after the first season and continues Lelouch's conflict through to its intended conclusion. Because this is the back half of the same story rather than a separate sequel, do not place another entry between the two seasons. R2 is also the definitive endpoint of the main saga, even if you decide to watch the later film.
   Streams on: Crunchyroll, Netflix

3. **[Code Geass: Fukkatsu no Lelouch](https://hozuna.com/anime/code-geass-lelouch-of-the-re-surrection)** (Movie · 2019 · 1 eps) _(optional)_
   Save this optional 2019 feature film for after R2. Set years after the series finale, Lelouch of the Resurrection revisits the cast once the main television story is already complete. The film follows the compilation movie continuity instead of the original television ending, as explained above, but it can still be watched here as a bonus epilogue. If you are satisfied with R2's conclusion, you can skip it without missing the ending of the central story.
   Streams on: Crunchyroll, Netflix

## FAQ

**Where should I start with Code Geass?**

Start with Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, the first season released in 2006. It introduces Lelouch and his Geass while establishing Britannia's occupation of Japan. Every later entry expects you to know the people and events presented here. There is no earlier prequel that needs to come first. This season is the beginning of the main story.

**Which order should I watch Code Geass in?**

Watch Lelouch of the Rebellion, also called R1, followed by R2. After those two seasons, you can optionally watch the film Lelouch of the Resurrection. R1 and R2 are consecutive halves of one television story and need to stay in that order. The later movie is an epilogue, so it is the only entry in this recommended sequence that you can skip.

**Do I need the Code Geass compilation movie trilogy?**

No. The compilation trilogy compresses the two television seasons into three films and changes the ending slightly. Lelouch of the Resurrection technically continues from that movie continuity, but the recaps are not required to understand or enjoy it. We recommend the complete R1 and R2 television series as the definitive telling, followed directly by Resurrection if you choose to watch it. Seek out the compilation trilogy only if you want to see the exact version of events that the later film follows.

**Is Lelouch of the Resurrection skippable?**

Yes. R1 and R2 already tell a complete, self contained story with a definitive ending. Lelouch of the Resurrection is bonus material, a 2019 feature film that returns to the cast well after the television finale. Watch it if you would enjoy spending more time with these characters. If the series ending already feels complete to you, you can skip the film without leaving the main story unfinished.

**What about Code Geass: Akito the Exiled? Is it required?**

No. Akito the Exiled is a side story spin off that takes place alongside the main saga instead of continuing Lelouch's arc, so it does not belong in this core order. It is an optional extra for viewers who want another story set in the Code Geass world. Nothing in it is needed to understand R1, R2, or Lelouch of the Resurrection.

**Where can I watch Code Geass?**

Crunchyroll and Netflix both carry the full recommended order: R1, R2, and Lelouch of the Resurrection. Either platform therefore lets you watch the entire sequence in one place. Availability can vary by region, so check the individual title pages on each service for current local details.