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In the world of sports anime, Haikyuu!! is one of the series that has achieved the emotional depth, cultural impact, and sheer adrenaline like no other. Haruichi Furudate created it, and the series was initially serialized as a manga in 2012. Moreover, it did not take long for it to become globally popular, and then was also adapted into an anime series.
In many ways, this series has revolutionized the perception of volleyball in both Japan and around the world. Many institutions and individuals began their journey into the sport because of the anime’s influence. The credit for the success is also to be shared with the production house, Production I.G. It is because of their impeccable animation and deep understanding of the sport, Haikyuu!! remains one of the most beloved sports anime to date.
Now that the franchise is nearing its end with just one final movie left to be released, Haikyuu!! Battle of the Garbage Dump, there's never been a better time to jump into the series or rewatch it in the correct order. In this article, we will get in-depth information about the complete watch order with detailed explanations of every season, OVA, and movie.
Haikyuu!! Complete watch order
1. Haikyuu!! Season 1 (2014)
The first season of Haikyuu!! sets the foundation of the show. From the first episode itself, we are introduced to Hinata Shoyo, a boy with a huge dream but short in height. His goal is to become a volleyball ace after being inspired by a player known as the Little Giant.
This season has 25 episodes and is introduced with Kageyama, who becomes a key player who helps Hinata reach his potential. We also see key matches against teams like Date Tech and Aoba Johsai showcase the show’s thrilling animation and superb pacing.
2. OVA: The Arrival of Lev! (2014)
This OVA takes a break from serious training and intense matches as it is more on the fun side. It shows viewers more about a side story featuring Nekoma High. While this OVA is not part of the main storyline, it does introduce one of the key characters to Nekoma High, Lev Haiba. His arrival at the school shakes up the team’s dynamics. Moreover, this extra episode is focused on Nekoma's coordinated, defense-oriented play style.
3. Movie 1: Haikyuu!! The End and the Beginning (2015)
This movie is technically the first compilation film of the franchise. For viewers who have watched Season 1, they might skip this movie. This film provides a tightly edited, cinematic refresher of Hinata’s volleyball journey from middle school to his first real matches with Karasuno. Although due to time restrains, the movie skips past the team-building scenes and offers a condensed key moment such as the first training sessions, team dynamics, and Karasuno’s early matches.
4. Movie 2: Haikyuu!! The Winner and the Loser (2015)
This film is again a recap of the latter half of Season 1, especially covering the part where Karasuno’s emotionally pivotal matches against Aoba Johsai are. Though the story is recapped, the film’s editing, soundtrack variations, and slight animation tweaks add cinematic tension to an already intense arc. Again, for those who have watched the first season, can skip this, but it’s a satisfying way to relive one of the series’ most defining moments.
5. Haikyuu!! Season 2 (2016)
Season 2 of Haikyuu!! is where the stakes start to increase. The story picks up after Karasuno’s tough loss to Aoba Johsai. The team is more motivated than ever to rebuild, learn from their mistakes, and aim higher for the Spring High Tournament. The duo of Hinata and Kageyama is more refined as they work on their teamwork. Finally, this season is essential to the narrative as it teaches how losing isn’t failure, and how hard work, trust, and heart can change everything.
6. OVA: Vs. Failing Grades (2016)
This OVA again serves as a breather after the intense end of Season 2 of the anime. It focuses more on the slice of life genre than on intense sports. It deals with the academic side of being a student-athlete; several players are in danger of failing their classes, and they need to pass if they ever want to attend the Tokyo training camp. Though it doesn't progress the main volleyball plot, this OVA is an essential addition for fans who love seeing the team’s daily lives and personalities outside the court.
7. Haikyuu!! Season 3 (2016)
This season of Haikyuu!! is unique when compared to other instalments of the franchise. It is because it covers only one match: Karasuno vs. Shiratorizawa. Although this season only has 10 episodes, they are some of the most intense games Karasuno has ever played.
As their opponent, Shiratorizawa, is the reigning champion school. If that was not intimidating enough, this school is being led by Wakatoshi Ushijima, the strongest ace in the prefecture. This season is particularly important for Tsukishima as he finally breaks out of his stoic self and starts to truly enjoy the sport.
8. OVA: Betting on the Spring High Volleyball (2017)
This OVA is special as it functions as a recap and emotional reflection following Season 3. It’s a short feature that walks viewers through Karasuno’s journey so far, highlighting their battles, growth, and what’s at stake as they head into the Nationals. Planning to binge-watch the series or refresh your memory before Season 4, this OVA is worth the short runtime.
9. Movie 3: Haikyuu!! Talent and Sense (2017)
This movie is again a recap as it revisits all the important events of Season 2. The film condenses Karasuno's training and development journey, focusing heavily on the mental evolution of its core characters. It highlights moments like Hinata’s increasing volleyball IQ, Kageyama’s emotional breakthroughs, and Yamaguchi’s bravery under pressure.
10. Movie 4: Haikyuu!! Battle of Concepts (2017)
This movie is a compilation of the match against Karasuno and Shiratorizawa. As a standalone film, it masterfully condenses the ten-episode arc into a tighter cinematic experience, without losing the emotional gravity or the strategic brilliance of the original. The animation is repolished for cinematic clarity, giving key plays a renewed sense of power and fluidity.
11. Haikyuu!! Season 4 (2020)
This season was long-awaited by the fans and was aired in two parts. While earlier seasons had a clean, polished look, Season 4 adopted looser character designs with more expressive motion and emphasis on psychological nuance.
In this season, all the teams are entering the nationals, and Karasuno enters a whole new battlefield. Their matches are a masterclass as the team has now worked on their teamwork, and now Karasuno has to display their 100 percent to qualify and proceed. The build-up to the next game, Karasuno vs. Nekoma, is set perfectly.
12. OVA: Land vs. Air (2020)
This OVA provides rich context for characters outside the Karasuno spotlight. We see Bokuto of Fukurodani rise to the occasion after a slump, showcasing why he’s one of the most feared aces in the country. We’re also introduced to Sakusa, a top-tier spiker from Itachiyama who later plays a larger role in the story.
13. OVA: The Path of the Ball (2020)
This OVA picks up just after Land vs. Sky and expands on Nekoma's journey to Nationals and ties up loose ends from the Tokyo qualifiers. This OVA further explores the strategies, pressure, and grit that define top-level high school volleyball. While this OVA is technically a side story, it is recommended not to skip it. It also set the emotional foundation for the Battle of the Garbage Dump, making the inevitable clash all the more powerful.
14. Movie 5: Haikyuu!! Battle of the Garbage Dump (2024)
After years of build-up, the legendary Battle of the Garbage Dump finally hit the screen in 2024, and it did not disappoint. This movie adapts the much-anticipated match between Karasuno and Nekoma, the culmination of a long-standing rivalry filled with mutual respect, contrasting philosophies, and emotional ties. By the end, the film leaves fans emotional, nostalgic, and in awe. It’s not just a match, it’s a story of connection, perseverance, and friendship. Battle of the Garbage Dump is the payoff that years of storytelling promised, and it lives up to every expectation.
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In conclusion, Haikyuu!! It's more than just a sports anime. It offers viewers a story about overcoming odds, embracing teamwork, and finding purpose through passion. It elevated sports anime to new emotional heights and left a lasting legacy in both anime fandom and real-world sports communities. And as viewers await the final movie, one thing is certain that this series will spike its way into anime history and dominate the internet one last time.
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