New to Black Butler? Here’s the perfect watch order

The anime for Black Butler was initially broadcast to the public in 2008, and since then, many people have become loyal fans. The story is about Ciel Phantomhive, a 12-year-old crown prince in Victorian England, who makes a contract with Sebastian Michaelis, a demon in the guise of a flawless butler. In exchange for Ciel’s soul, Sebastian agrees to help him uncover the truth behind his family’s murder and exact revenge. This guide will be the perfect walkthrough to understand the correct watch order of this beloved series.

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Black Butler watch order (with canon guide)

1. Black Butler Season 1 (2008)

Episodes: 24

Canon: Anime-original after Episode 6

This was the first installment of the franchise. The viewers are introduced to Ciel Phantomhive, who is a 12-year-old boy who solves crimes in Victorian London with his butler, Sebastian Michaelis.

It is soon revealed that his butler is not human but a demon who is bound to Ciel by a supernatural contract. The first six episodes of the anime have followed the storyline from the manga, but from the seventh episode, the anime takes a significant detour.

Though most of the story is not canon, the arcs introduced are interesting because they delve deeper into the psychological trauma behind Ciel’s character. The non-canonical episodes are best viewed after watching the manga canon arcs to avoid confusion in story continuity.

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2. Black Butler: Book of Circus (2014)

Episodes: 10

Canon: Manga-canon

The Book of Circus was long-awaited by fans as it returned to manga-canon storytelling. This arc picks right up after episode 6 of Season 1. In this 10-episode season, Ciel and Sebastian infiltrate the Noah’s Ark Circus under the guise of performers.

They are sent to investigate child disappearances linked to the traveling troupe. This arc was acclaimed by fans as it showed Ciel’s vulnerability, rage, and why he clings to revenge as his sole purpose. Meanwhile, Sebastian continues to become a fan favorite character as he proves his superiority as a demon and his puzzling bond with his master.

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3. Black Butler: Book of Murder (2015)

Episodes: 2 (OVA)

Canon: Manga-canon

This is a 2-episode OVA, and it is set exactly after the ending of the Book of Circus. Ciel Phantomhive is tasked by Queen Victoria to host a dinner party for an esteemed group of nobles and intellectuals. However, when one of the guests is mysteriously found dead and Sebastian is nowhere to be found, panic spreads and suspicions rise.

Because there is no Sebastian around, Ciel is forced to use his intellect and solve his mystery before the culprit runs away. It showcases Ciel’s evolution from a vengeful child to a formidable political schemer. Also, this was important to show that even without his butler, Ciel is a capable boy who can operate in situations independently if needed.

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4. Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic (2017)

Episode: 1 Movie

Canon: Manga-canon

Book of the Atlantic is the most action-heavy and cinematic installment in the series. The story follows Ciel and Sebastian boarding the luxurious cruise ship Campania. Their goal in this story is to investigate the Aurora Society. They are a mysterious group who were rumored to be resurrecting the dead.

This arc begins as a mystery thriller but soon evolves to be a survival horror. In this movie, Sebastian shines in combat, while Ciel faces increasingly complex moral dilemmas.

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5. Black Butler: Public School Arc (2024)

Episodes: Ongoing (began April 13, 2024)

Canon: Manga-canon

Returning after a long hiatus, Black Butler: Public School Arc adapts one of the manga's most critically acclaimed storylines. In this season, Ciel Phantomhive is tasked with sneaking into the prestigious Weston College in England. Because the Queen got some information that there is something mysterious happening among its students.

This arc is different from others because its story leans towards a slow-burning mystery narrative. At the same time, it cleverly deepens the bond between Ciel and Sebastian while showcasing their adaptability in new environments. Even fans have been praising the intelligent writing and the layered portrayal of student life, discipline, and power within institutions.

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6. Black Butler: Book of the Emerald Witch (2025)

Episodes: TBD

Canon: Manga-canon

The arc sees Ciel and Sebastian traveling to Germany to investigate a village rumored to harbor a witch and a cure-all elixir. It delves into secret societies, medical horrors, and a chilling mystery. As the line between science and superstition blurs, Sebastian’s loyalty is tested once again. This arc is a major turning point in the manga and will finally bring animated life to content.

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7. Black Butler Season 2 (2010)

Episodes: 12

Canon: Anime-original (non-canon to manga)

Season 2 of this anime has been seen as the most divisive entry in the franchise. This season is non-canonical to the manga as it introduced a new young master, Alois Trancy, and his demon butler, Claude Faustus. It digresses from the original plot as it pushes themes of obsession, identity, and cruelty into even darker, more controversial territory.

The tension between characters is undeniable as it focuses on the demon contract. For fans who want to explore this what-if scenario, it is worth checking out. Just don't expect manga accuracy or narrative consistency.

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Recommended Watch Order – 2025 Edition

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Final Thoughts

Whether you're drawn to the manga-faithful storyline or enjoy the anime-original detours, Black Butler offers a unique blend of drama, horror, and style. It is okay to skip the anime original series, but for those who want to explore the dynamic between Ciel and Sebastian in an alternate timeline, they can watch all of the series because, at the end of the day, one cannot get enough of Sebastian. No matter how you watch it, Black Butler pulls you into their world and will make sure you turn its audience into a loyal fan for life.