The BanG Dream! anime successfully blends music, friendship, and everyday life drama with an inspiring story about the struggles of forming a band.
To avoid confusion with the plot and character development, follow this chronological watch order guide based on release year.
Why Should You Watch by Release Order?
- Story Continuity: Each season introduces new characters and conflicts linked to previous stories.
- Character Development: You can witness the evolution of Poppin’Party and other bands from their formation to achieving their dreams.
- Introduction of New Bands: The franchise gradually introduces groups like Roselia, Afterglow, and eventually RAISE A SUILEN.
BanG Dream! Watch Order (Chronological by Release Year)
1. BanG Dream! (Season 1 – 2017):
This season focuses on the initial story of Kasumi Toyama searching for the “star beat” and the formation of Poppin’Party.
The central conflict revolves around Kasumi’s struggles in recruiting members, their initial practices, and leading up to their debut concert.
This season is crucial as it introduces the main characters and establishes the core themes of friendship and self-discovery.
2. BanG Dream! Season 2 (2019):
Set during a new school year at Hanasakigawa Girls’ High School, the plot follows Poppin’Party as they plan an independent concert while navigating competition with other bands like Afterglow and Roselia.
This season is notable for the introduction of new bands and the improved animation quality.
3. BanG Dream! FILM LIVE (2019):
This is a concert film featuring live performances by all the main bands, including Poppin’Party, Roselia, Afterglow, Pastel*Palettes, and Hello, Happy World!.
While it doesn’t advance the plot, it’s considered a must-watch for fans of the series’ music and virtual concerts.
4. BanG Dream! Season 3 (2020):
This season presents Poppin’Party with a new challenge: performing at the Budokan, a legendary Japanese stadium.
The new band RAISE A SUILEN emerges as their fierce rival. New characters, such as Masuki and the members of RAISE A SUILEN, begin to play significant roles in the story.
5. BanG Dream! FILM LIVE 2nd Stage (2021):
This second concert film showcases special collaborations between the bands and features new original songs and rearrangements of popular tracks.
6. BanG Dream! Poppin’ Dream! (2022):
Following their success at the Budokan, Poppin’Party receives an offer to perform overseas.
The focus shifts to their international journey and the dynamics of the relationships among the band members.
7. BanG Dream! It’s MyGO!!!!! (2023):
This series introduces new characters, Anon and Tomori, from Haneoka Girls’ Academy.
It tells the story of a new band’s formation at the academy, featuring a different musical genre, and connects to the Ave Mujica project.
8. BanG Dream! Ave Mujica (Scheduled for 2025):
This spin-off focuses on the band Ave Mujica, known for its darker and more mysterious vibe.
It’s anticipated to explore the members’ internal conflicts and their relationships with other bands.
Additional Tips for Fans
- Don’t Skip the Concert Films: Although plotless, the FILM LIVE movies showcase spectacular performances that enrich the experience.
- Follow the Multimedia Project: The BanG Dream! franchise also includes the game BanG Dream! Girls Band Party! and songs on music platforms.
- Pay Attention to Your Favorite Bands: Each season tends to give more spotlight to certain bands. For example: Season 3 focuses on RAISE A SUILEN, while It’s MyGO!!!!! focuses on the new Haneoka band.
FAQ About BanG Dream! Watch Order
Q: What’s the difference between the BanG Dream! anime and the game?
A: The anime has an original plotline, while the game focuses more on character interactions and rhythm gameplay.
Q: Can I watch Ave Mujica without seeing the previous series?
A: Not recommended, as its story is connected to events in BanG Dream! It’s MyGO!!!!!.
Q: Where can I watch all the BanG Dream! series?
A: Available on legal platforms such as Crunchyroll and Bilibili.
Conclusion
Following the order above allows you to fully immerse yourself in the world of BanG Dream!—from the passion of Poppin’Party to the complexity of Ave Mujica.
Prepare to be swept away by the music, the drama of friendship, and the inspiring moments that make this franchise so special.
Don’t forget to turn up your speakers to feel the energy of their songs.