Mononoke anime: A complete watch order guide

Mononoke is a spiritual spin-off of Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales, and often fans get it confused with Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke. This anime series is popular for its unique aesthetic and cryptic storytelling. With the new announcement of an upcoming Mononoke movie, fans of this franchise have been reignited and are hyped for the movie. This guide is specifically written to help viewers navigate the correct watch order.

Whether someone is a first-time viewer or returning to the series before the new movie, following the proper watch order enhances the experience immensely.

Mononoke anime: A complete watch guide

1) Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales (Episodes 10–12)

A scene from Mononoke anime (Image via Toei Animations)

To truly appreciate the Mononoke series, viewers must begin with its predecessor, a series known as Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales (Episodes 10-12). It is an anthology series, and during one of its episodes, it introduces the mysterious protagonist known only as the Medicine Seller.

The name of the arc is Bakeneko, and it follows the story of the Medicine Seller uncovering the secret behind a cat's spirit that is haunting a merchant's family. This foundational story will later be adapted to the type of storytelling and aesthetics for the main series.

2) Mononoke (TV Series – 12 Episodes)

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Then comes the main series, produced by Toei Animation and directed by Kenji Nakamura. It has 12 episodes that have been divided into five story arcs and was released in 2007.

Interestingly, each story arc covers a different type of vengeful spirit and how the Medicine Seller attempts to exorcise them. The best part of this anime is that each arc has a separate ending. The only thing that ties them together is the theme of guilt, repression, trauma, and the nature of truth.

3) Mononoke: Karakasa no Kai (Netflix Movie, 2024)

Medicine Seller as seen in anime movie (Image via Toei Animations)

After 10 years of the original anime being released, Netflix released a Mononoke film in 2025. Officially titled Mononoke: Karakasa no Kai, the movie is again about the Medicine Seller’s journey and introduces various new characters.

Some significant changes in this version of the series are that the voice actor has been changed, and the new voice has a more mysterious but grounded presence in the Medicine Seller. Another change that has been incorporated is exploring more modern themes while maintaining the original aesthetic.

4) Mononoke: Upcoming movie (2025 – Yet to be announced)

Finally, the creators have built on the momentum created by Netflix, and a sequel movie was announced for late 2025, currently in production under the direction of Kenji Nakamura. This film is about to go deeper into the Medicine Seller’s origins.

They have not revealed a whole lot of details, although this film might explore themes of social commentary through its horror storytelling. Early previews of this movie show that it may involve a spirit. This particular spirit is born out of forgotten war memories and national trauma.

What Kind of People Will Like Mononoke?

Fans who enjoy that challenge the conventions of visual storytelling will enjoy Mononoke. If viewers have enjoyed animes like Tatami Galaxy, Wonder Egg Priority, or xxxHOLiC, they will for sure be fascinated by this series.

Every frame of this anime has been treated like a painting. With only 12 episodes and a couple of movies, it is a great weekend watch as it won't require a long time commitment. It’s perfect for those who want to watch something deep, compact, and rewatchable.