Here’s the clearest way to handle how to watch Re:Zero in order so you don’t miss anything or get confused.

Best watch order (simple version)

For a first watch, most fans and guides recommend release order , which also basically matches the story’s internal timeline.

  1. Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World, Season 1 (25 eps)
  2. Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World: Memory Snow (OVA)
  3. Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World: Frozen Bonds / Frozen Bond (OVA / movie-length special)
  4. Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World, Season 2 Part 1
  5. Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World, Season 2 Part 2
  6. If/when Season 3 and beyond are available to you, just continue in release order.

Many fans phrase it simply as:

Season 1 → Memory Snow → Frozen Bonds → Season 2 (Part 1 & 2) → later seasons.

Director’s Cut vs original S1

There are two ways to watch Season 1, which confuses a lot of new viewers.

  • Original Season 1 (25 episodes)
    • Standard TV cut, with the original episode pacing and music.
    • Some fans prefer this version, saying the soundtrack and episode endings hit harder.
  • Season 1 Director’s Cut (13 double-length episodes)
    • Re-edited episodes, sometimes with small added scenes and different cuts.
    • Good if you want fewer, longer episodes and some visual updates.

You only need one version:

  • Pick original S1 if you want the “classic” experience that many long-time fans recommend.
  • Pick Director’s Cut if you like movie-length episodes and don’t mind minor differences.

Chronological vs release order

If you’re wondering about strict timeline order, it’s only slightly different and mostly affects Frozen Bonds , which is a prequel about Emilia.

Two common approaches:

  • Recommended for first-timers (release order)
    • Season 1 → Memory Snow → Frozen Bonds → Season 2 (P1 & P2)
    • This preserves the intended mystery around Emilia and then deepens it with her backstory later.
  • Stricter chronological flavor (some guides suggest)
    • Frozen Bonds → Season 1 → Memory Snow → Season 2
    • This front-loads Emilia’s past but slightly changes the emotional reveal balance in Season 1.

Most community discussions lean toward release order for your first watch , and only trying strict chronological order on a rewatch.

Mini arcs, tone, and where OVAs “fit”

To get a feel for why the OVAs are where they are:

  • Memory Snow
    • Takes place after some early Season 1 events, feeling like a cozy “breather” episode with winter festival, comedy, and character bonding.
    • Many guides place it after Season 1 as a light cooldown before heavier arcs.
  • Frozen Bonds
    • Focuses on Emilia and Puck’s past, giving emotional context for their bond and Emilia’s personality.
    • Canon prequel, but often watched after Season 1 so it enhances what you already know instead of spoiling the sense of mystery.

That’s why a lot of fans say Memory Snow and Frozen Bonds “slot between arcs” emotionally rather than just chronologically.

Quick HTML table (watch list)

html

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>#</th>
      <th>Title</th>
      <th>Type</th>
      <th>Recommended spot</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>1</td>
      <td>Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World Season 1 (original or Director’s Cut)</td>
      <td>TV season</td>
      <td>Start here</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>2</td>
      <td>Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World: Memory Snow</td>
      <td>OVA</td>
      <td>After Season 1</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>3</td>
      <td>Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World: Frozen Bonds</td>
      <td>OVA / movie special</td>
      <td>After Season 1 or after Memory Snow</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>4</td>
      <td>Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World Season 2 Part 1</td>
      <td>TV season</td>
      <td>After the OVAs</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>5</td>
      <td>Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World Season 2 Part 2</td>
      <td>TV season</td>
      <td>Immediately after Part 1</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

TL;DR: For “how to watch Re Zero in order,” just go: Season 1 → Memory Snow → Frozen Bonds → Season 2 (Part 1 & 2) → later seasons in release order, and pick either original S1 or Director’s Cut, not both.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.