What order should I watch When They Cry in?

Watch in release order: When They Cry, When They Cry: Kai, When They Cry: Rei.

Where do I start When They Cry?

Start with When They Cry (TV series · 2006 · 26 ep.).

How many episodes is When They Cry?

The main story has 55 episodes across 2 series, not counting specials and recaps.

WATCH ORDER

How to watch When They Cry in order

Start with When They Cry. The main story is 2 series: 55 episodes in total. Below is the release order, then the optional extras.

Main story (release order)

1
When They Cry (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)TV series · 2006 · 26 ep.
2
When They Cry: Kai (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai)TV series · 2007 · 24 ep.
3
When They Cry: Rei (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei)OVA · 2009 · 5 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).

When They Cry: Cat Killing Arc (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Special: Nekogoroshi-hen)Special · 2007 · 1 ep. · Side story
When They Cry Kai Specials (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai Specials)Special · 2007 · 24 ep. · Spin-off
Umineko: When They Cry (Umineko no Naku Koro ni)TV series · 2009 · 26 ep. · Alternative setting
When the Seagulls Cry Specials (Umineko no Naku Koro ni Specials)Special · 2009 · 26 ep.
When They Cry Kira (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kira)OVA · 2011 · 4 ep.
When They Cry: Outbreak (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kaku: Outbreak)OVA · 2013 · 1 ep. · Side story
Higurashi: When They Cry - Gou (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Gou)TV series · 2020 · 24 ep.
Higurashi: When They Cry – SOTSU (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Sotsu)TV series · 2021 · 15 ep.

Own When They CryBox sets, Blu-ray and figures. Some links are affiliate links: as an Amazon Associate, Kitanime earns from qualifying purchases, and we may earn a commission from other partners. It does not change your price.

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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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