What is Haikyuu?
Haikyuu is a popular anime and manga series that revolves around the sport of volleyball. Created by Haruichi Furudate, the series debuted in 2012 and quickly gained a massive following for its dynamic characters, intense matches, and compelling storytelling.
The story of Haikyuu centers around a high school student named Shoyo Hinata who is inspired by a legendary “little giant” volleyball player. Despite being short in stature, Hinata possesses exceptional jumping abilities and a passion for the sport. Determined to become the best volleyball player, he joins the Karasuno High School volleyball team, where he meets and forms a close bond with his teammates.
Haikyuu explores the journey of the Karasuno team as they face various challenges on and off the court. From intense rivalries with other schools to personal growth and friendship, the series delves into the intricacies of the sport and the emotional journeys of its characters.
What sets Haikyuu apart is its ability to capture the essence of volleyball through its engaging animation, thrilling matches, and intricate character development. The series showcases the strategic and physical aspects of volleyball, while also highlighting the psychological and emotional battles that players face during competitions.
Moreover, Haikyuu’s success lies in its diverse and well-developed cast of characters. Each character brings a unique set of skills, personalities, and backstories that further enrich the overall narrative. The bonds formed between the characters, their determination to overcome obstacles, and the unwavering support they offer one another create a sense of camaraderie that resonates with audiences.
Overall, Haikyuu is not just a sports anime, but a story of growth, teamwork, and the pursuit of dreams. It has captivated fans worldwide with its captivating storyline, memorable characters, and exhilarating volleyball action. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or not, Haikyuu has something to offer to anyone who appreciates compelling storytelling and a dash of enthralling sports excitement.
Haikyuu Watch Order
If you’re new to the world of Haikyuu and wondering where to start, this section will guide you through different watch order options. While the series can be enjoyed in various orders, it’s recommended to follow a specific sequence to fully immerse yourself in the story.
Option 1: Chronological Order
In chronological order, you start by watching the first few seasons of the anime, followed by the movies and OVAs. This order allows you to experience the events in the series as they unfold in the story’s timeline. Begin with Haikyuu Season 1, then proceed to Season 2, Season 3, and so on. Once you’ve completed the main series, you can watch the Haikyuu movies and OVAs in chronological order as well.
Option 2: Release Order
The release order is another popular way to watch Haikyuu. In this order, you start with Season 1 and progress through each subsequent season in the order they were released. Following the release order allows you to witness the evolution of animation and storytelling techniques throughout the series.
Option 3: Mixed Order
If you’re looking for a different viewing experience, you can opt for a mixed order. This order involves watching certain arcs or episodes from different seasons simultaneously, based on their interconnected storylines. This approach can provide a fresh perspective and add an element of surprise to your viewing experience.
Ultimately, the watch order you choose depends on your preference and viewing style. Whether you prefer the chronological order for a linear story progression, the release order for consistency, or the mixed order for a unique experience, any of these options will allow you to enjoy the world of Haikyuu.
Keep in mind that all the episodes, movies, and OVAs are interconnected, so make sure to watch them all to fully immerse yourself in the captivating world of Haikyuu.
Option 1: Chronological Order
If you prefer to experience the events in Haikyuu as they unfold in the story’s timeline, then watching the series in chronological order is the way to go. This order allows you to follow the progression of the characters and their journey from the beginning.
In chronological order, you start with the first season of Haikyuu, aptly titled “Haikyuu!!” or “Haikyuu!!: To The Top”. This season introduces us to the main protagonist, Shoyo Hinata, and his determination to become a strong volleyball player despite his short stature. It showcases his journey from his days in junior high to joining the Karasuno High School volleyball team.
After completing the first season, you proceed to watch the subsequent seasons in order. This includes “Haikyuu!! Second Season” and “Haikyuu!! Third Season”, where you witness the intense matches, rivalries, and the growth of the Karasuno team.
Once you’ve finished the main seasons, you can move on to the Haikyuu movies and OVAs, which further expand on the storyline and provide additional insights into the characters and their experiences.
It’s important to note that the Haikyuu movies and OVAs should be watched after completing the corresponding seasons since they often reference events or character development from the main series.
By following the chronological order, you get to fully immerse yourself in the world of Haikyuu and experience the character’s growth, their triumphs, and their journeys in a linear and cohesive manner.
So, if you prefer a storytelling approach that unfolds in chronological order, starting from the beginning and progressing through the series as the characters do, then watching Haikyuu in chronological order will provide you with a rich and engaging viewing experience.
Option 2: Release Order
If you prefer to experience Haikyuu in the order it was released, then following the release order is the recommended approach. This order allows you to witness the series’ evolution and see how the animation, storytelling, and characters develop over time.
Starting with the first season, “Haikyuu!!” or “Haikyuu!!: To The Top”, you are introduced to Shoyo Hinata and the Karasuno High School volleyball team. This season sets the foundation for the story and establishes the characters and their dynamics.
Following the first season, you proceed to watch the subsequent seasons in the order they were released. This includes “Haikyuu!! Second Season” and “Haikyuu!! Third Season”. Each season builds upon the previous one, showcasing the growth of the characters, their intense matches, and the challenges they face both individually and as a team.
After completing the main seasons, you can move on to the Haikyuu movies and OVAs. These additional content pieces provide deeper insights into the characters’ backstories, offer new perspectives on certain events, and even introduce new story arcs.
By following the release order, you get to experience the series in the same manner as fans did when it originally aired. This allows you to appreciate the progression of the animation quality, the development of the storyline, and the anticipation that comes with waiting for each new season.
It’s worth noting that the Haikyuu movies and OVAs should be watched after completing the corresponding seasons, as they often reference events or character development from the main series.
So, if you’re looking for a viewing experience that mirrors the order of the series’ release, allowing you to witness the growth and development of Haikyuu over time, then following the release order is the ideal choice for you.
Option 3: Mixed Order
If you’re seeking a unique and alternative viewing experience, then opting for a mixed order when watching Haikyuu might be an interesting choice. This approach involves watching certain arcs or episodes from different seasons simultaneously, based on their interconnected storylines.
In a mixed order, you have the flexibility to create your own personalized viewing sequence. For example, you can watch specific matches or story arcs from different seasons together that focus on a particular character, rivalry, or team. This way, you can explore different aspects of the story and witness the development of multiple storylines simultaneously.
One advantage of the mixed order is that it adds an element of surprise to your viewing experience. Instead of following a linear progression, you can jump between different points in the series, keeping you engaged and intrigued as the story unfolds in a non-chronological manner.
However, it is important to note that by opting for a mixed order, you may encounter slight continuity gaps or references to events that you haven’t seen yet. It is recommended to have a basic understanding of the overall story and the primary characters before embarking on this viewing approach to fully appreciate the intricacies of the plot.
The mixed order approach allows you to explore different perspectives, experience cliffhangers and revelations in a new light, and potentially discover hidden connections between storylines. It offers a fresh and non-traditional way to enjoy Haikyuu and adds a layer of unpredictability to the viewing experience.
So, if you’re up for a unique and unconventional approach to watching Haikyuu, where you can create your own sequence based on specific story arcs or character-focused episodes, then the mixed order might be the perfect choice for you.
Where to Watch Haikyuu?
If you’re excited to dive into the world of Haikyuu, you may be wondering where you can watch the anime series. Fortunately, there are several platforms where you can stream and enjoy this captivating sports anime.
One of the most popular platforms to watch Haikyuu is Crunchyroll. As a leading anime streaming service, Crunchyroll offers a vast library of anime series, including all the seasons of Haikyuu. You can watch the series in their original Japanese language with English subtitles, allowing you to experience the authentic voice performances and nuances of the characters.
In addition to Crunchyroll, Haikyuu is also available on other streaming platforms such as Hulu and Netflix. Hulu offers both the subbed and dubbed versions of the series, providing viewers with the option to watch in their preferred language. Netflix also features Haikyuu, making it easily accessible to a wider audience.
If you prefer to own a physical copy of the series, you can purchase the DVDs or Blu-ray sets of Haikyuu. These sets often come with additional bonus content, such as art cards or behind-the-scenes footage, which can enhance your viewing experience even further.
Lastly, depending on your region, Haikyuu may also be available on other local streaming services. It’s worth checking out any anime-specific streaming platforms or cable channels in your area to see if they offer Haikyuu as part of their lineup.
With the availability of various streaming platforms and the option to own physical copies, you have multiple choices and flexibility in selecting the best method to watch Haikyuu that suits your preference and convenience.
So, whether you opt for streaming services like Crunchyroll, Hulu, or Netflix, or decide to own a physical copy of the series, you can embark on your Haikyuu journey and immerse yourself in the thrilling world of high school volleyball and the unforgettable characters that inhabit it.
Haikyuu Movies and OVA
In addition to the main anime series, Haikyuu has also produced a number of movies and original video animations (OVAs) that provide fans with extra content and further expand upon the story and characters.
One of the notable movies in the Haikyuu franchise is “Haikyuu!! Movie 1: Owari to Hajimari” (or “Haikyuu!! The End and The Beginning”). This movie is a compilation film that condenses the events of the first two seasons of the anime series. It serves as a recap and provides a concise overview of the major story arcs and character development up to that point, making it a great way to refresh your memory or introduce new viewers to the series.
Another movie, “Haikyuu!! Movie 2: Shousha to Haisha” (or “Haikyuu!! Winners and Losers”), focuses on the events of the third season. It covers the intense match between Karasuno High School and Shiratorizawa Academy, which is one of the most crucial and thrilling arcs in the series. This movie offers an immersive experience, allowing fans to relive the exhilaration of the match on the big screen.
In addition to the movies, Haikyuu has several OVAs that delve deeper into specific storylines and offer additional character development. These OVAs are often bundled with manga volumes or special edition box sets. Some of the OVAs explore events such as the training camp, beach volleyball, or the perspectives of different characters, providing fans with a more comprehensive look into the Haikyuu universe.
It’s worth noting that the Haikyuu movies and OVAs should be watched after completing the corresponding seasons, as they may contain spoilers or references to events from the main series.
Whether you choose to watch the movies for a condensed recap or dive into the OVAs for more in-depth content, the Haikyuu movies and OVAs offer additional insights, character development, and an opportunity to immerse yourself further in the world of Haikyuu.
So, if you’re a devoted fan looking to enhance your Haikyuu experience or simply want to enjoy more of the captivating story, don’t miss out on the movies and OVAs that provide an extra layer of excitement and exploration to this beloved sports anime.
