For a first watch, follow the original Gintama anime in release order; for a first read, start with manga volume 1 and continue in volume order. The anime route is the simplest way to follow how the series was released, while the manga route avoids episode-placement questions altogether. There is no need to solve a complicated chronology before starting.
What order should I watch Gintama in?
Watch the original TV anime in release order, then finish the main story with Gintama: The Very Final. The official Gintama 20th Anniversary portal dates the TV anime’s start to 2006 and records its later series, finale, films and manga conclusion. This is a practical beginner recommendation based on release milestones, not an officially published episode-by-episode viewing guide.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Gin Tama, Volume 1 | $9.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Gin Tama, Volume 2 | $11.17 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Gin Tama, Volume 3 | $11.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Gin Tama, Volume 5 | $9.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Gin Tama, Volume 6 | $7.13 | Buy on Amazon |
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- Start with the original TV anime. Begin with its 2006 run and continue through the succeeding TV series in release order.
- Include the earlier theatrical films as you reach their release era. The portal lists the Benizakura film in 2010 and Be Forever Yorozuya in 2013. The sources cited here establish release years, not precise episode cut points, so use a reliable episode guide or your platform’s ordering if you want to place those films between TV episodes.
- Continue through the later TV series and finale. The portal’s timeline includes TV series in 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2017, with the 367-episode TV run ending on October 7, 2018.
- End with Gintama: The Very Final. The portal dates the film to 2021 and describes it as depicting the manga’s ending.
This sequence keeps the main story in its release-era context without pretending that every special or OVA has a verified position. The official pages reviewed do not supply a complete special-by-special order, so treat those as optional rather than trying to insert them into a supposedly definitive list.
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The timeline below is a record of major franchise milestones, not a numbered episode guide. Dates and titles are from the official anniversary portal unless noted otherwise.
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| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2006 | Original TV anime begins |
| 2010 | Benizakura theatrical anime film |
| 2011 and 2012 | TV anime series releases |
| 2013 | Be Forever Yorozuya theatrical anime film |
| 2015 and 2017 | Later TV anime series releases |
| 2018 | TV anime concludes on October 7, at 367 episodes |
| 2019 | Manga concludes |
| 2021 | Gintama: The Very Final releases |
The official [anniversary timeline] is useful for checking the broad sequence. It does not establish every film’s exact placement among numbered episodes.
Where does the 2026 Yoshiwara Flame film fit?
New Gintama Theatrical Edition: Yoshiwara Flame is a new film adaptation of the Yoshiwara Flame arc, rather than a replacement for the original TV series order. For a first watch, treat it as an optional later revisit after encountering the arc in the original series; the official pages cited here do not designate it as a beginner starting point or provide a new viewing sequence. Aniplex lists its Blu-ray/DVD release date as August 26, 2026. Availability and release formats may differ by market; see the [Aniplex listing].
Rank #2
Should I watch the anime or read the manga first?
Choose based on the format you are more likely to stick with. The anime has voice acting, music and animated performance, but its TV run is a substantial 367 episodes. The manga is the original sequential format and lets you read at your own pace. These are format differences, not a claim that one is objectively better.
| Route | Good fit if you want | Order |
|---|---|---|
| Anime | Voices, music and animation | Original TV anime in release order, then The Very Final |
| Manga | The original comics format and control over pace | Collected volume 1 onward |
Streaming availability, print stock and digital editions vary by region and language. Check local services and retailer listings before committing; the official catalog pages do not establish current availability everywhere.
Rank #3
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What is the right order to read the Gintama manga?
Start with volume 1 and continue in collected-volume order. Shueisha’s official Gintama series catalog provides volume listings, and the Shonen Jump Gintama page presents the collected series. Shueisha’s catalog is Japanese, so confirm the language, format and regional availability of the edition you want before buying or reading digitally.
You can read the manga alongside the anime if you prefer, but avoid relying on an assumed one-to-one episode-to-chapter conversion: the sources cited here do not provide a complete mapping. The simplest reading path remains sequential volumes.
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What should a beginner expect from Gintama?
Gintama began as a manga and expanded into TV anime, theatrical films and other media. Its mix includes episodic comedy as well as longer dramatic arcs; the official arc index names storylines such as Benizakura, Yoshiwara Flame, Shogun Assassination, Farewell Shinsengumi and Silver Soul. The overall TV episode count makes it a long commitment, so it is reasonable to try the opening episodes before deciding whether to continue.
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