What order should I watch Rurouni Kenshin in?

Watch in release order: Rurouni Kenshin, Samurai X: Trust and Betrayal, Samurai X: Reflection.

Where do I start Rurouni Kenshin?

Start with Rurouni Kenshin (TV series · 1996 · 94 ep.).

How many episodes is Rurouni Kenshin?

The main story has 100 episodes across 1 series, not counting specials and recaps.

WATCH ORDER

How to watch Rurouni Kenshin in order

Start with Rurouni Kenshin. The main story is 1 series: 100 episodes in total. Below is the release order, then the optional extras.

Main story (release order)

1
Rurouni Kenshin (Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan)TV series · 1996 · 94 ep.
2
Samurai X: Trust and Betrayal (Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan - Tsuioku-hen)OVA · 1999 · 4 ep.
3
Samurai X: Reflection (Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan - Seisou-hen)OVA · 2001 · 2 ep.

Specials, films & side stories (optional)

These aren't needed to follow the main plot. Watch them after the series they come from (by date).

Rurouni Kenshin: Review SpecialSpecial · 1997 · 1 ep. · Side story
Rurouni Kenshin: Special TechniquesSpecial · 1997 · 1 ep. · Side story
Samurai X: The Motion Picture (Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan - Ishinshishi e no Chinkonka)Movie · 1997 · Side story
Samurai X Special (Rurouni Kenshin Special)Special · 1998 · 1 ep. · Side story
Samurai X DVD-BOX Special Ending (Rurouni Kenshin DVD-BOX Special Ending)Special · 2007 · 1 ep. · Alternative version
Rurouni Kenshin: New Kyoto Arc (Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan - Shin Kyoto-hen)OVA · 2011 · 2 ep. · Alternative version

Recaps (skippable)

Samurai X Recap (Rurouni Kenshin Recap)Special · 1997 · 1 ep. · Recap

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Order and relationships from Kitsu's media-relationship data (sequel / prequel / side story), dates and episode counts as listed there; checked 2026-11-15. Release order is the safest first-watch order.

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