Are you ready to dive into the intense universe of Death Note, but wondering what the perfect Death Note order is so you don't miss anything? This iconic anime, filled with suspense and mind games, has captivated audiences worldwide since its debut in 2006. Follow this guide to enjoy every moment of Light Yagami and L Lawliet's story, ensuring you experience the plot in its entirety without skipping any crucial details.
What is Death Note?
Death Note is one of the most influential and acclaimed works in the psychological thriller genre. The story follows Light Yagami, a high school student with genius-level intelligence who finds a supernatural notebook. This notebook, the Death Note, grants its wielder the power to kill anyone whose name is written in its pages, provided the victim's face is known.
Left in the human world by Ryuk, a bored shinigami (God of Death), the Death Note leads Light on a crusade. He decides to use the notebook to eliminate criminals and create an "ideal" world where he would be god. However, his actions attract the attention of L, an eccentric and equally brilliant detective. The intellectual confrontation between Light and L becomes the central axis of the plot, turning the series into a cat-and-mouse game full of twists.
The genres of Mystery, Psychological, Supernatural, and Thriller well define the atmosphere and depth of the work.
Order to Watch Death Note (Chronological and Essential)
To experience the main story of Light Yagami and L Lawliet, the order to watch Death Note is quite straightforward and focused on a single production. The work centers on a TV series that covers the entire narrative of the original manga. This is the complete and essential experience for any fan, whether they are a newcomer or revisiting the work.
1. Death Note (TV, 2006)
The Death Note television series is the fundamental production and the only essential one to follow the story. It premiered on October 4, 2006, and concluded on June 27, 2007, with a total of 37 episodes. Each episode has an average duration of 23 minutes, packing a steady pace of suspense and complex developments.
The anime was adapted from the manga by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata, and the animation was handled by the renowned studio MADHOUSE. This studio is known for its high quality and other notable works, ensuring a visually impressive adaptation. It is in this series that you will dive into the battle of wits that has become a landmark in Japanese and global pop culture.
The influence of Death Note is so vast that even years after its release, the work is still celebrated. An example of this is the article Death Note: 20 Years of a Dark Hero in Shonen Jump, which reflects on the lasting legacy of its characters and themes.
Optional Content: Recap and Other Connections
In addition to the main TV series, there are other productions related to the Death Note universe. They offer different perspectives or indirect connections but are not crucial to understanding the main narrative. They are ideal for those who have already watched the anime and are looking to complement the experience.
Death Note: Relight (SPECIAL, 2007)
The Death Note: Relight specials are compilation films that retell the events of the original TV series. Released in 2007, they consist of two episodes with extended duration, which serve as condensed summaries of the plot. They are a good option for those who want to quickly recall the key points of the story or for those who prefer a more compact version.
However, it is important to note that these specials do not add any new content or unseen scenes to the main narrative. For this reason, they are considered completely optional for those watching Death Note for the first time. The richest and most complete experience will always come from the original 37-episode series.
Death Parade (TV, 2015)
Although it is not part of the direct Death Note chronology, the anime Death Parade features an interesting connection. L Lawliet, one of Death Note's most iconic characters, makes a cameo appearance in Death Parade. The anime, which premiered in 2015 and has 12 episodes, explores a scenario where souls are judged after death in a mysterious bar.
There, they are subjected to games that reveal the true nature of humanity. Watching Death Parade is completely optional for those seeking to understand the story of Death Note, as the connection is more of an easter egg or a tribute. It does not impact the understanding of Light Yagami's plot. It is an independent work with its own merits, perfect for those who enjoy psychological thrillers with a supernatural touch.
Where to watch Death Note officially
To watch Death Note officially and with the best image and sound quality, you can find the series on several streaming platforms. Availability may vary slightly depending on the region, but in Brazil, there are good options.
Netflix: The platform is one of the main options and generally offers both the subtitled and the dubbed version. Access the Death Note page on Netflix to check availability.
Amazon Prime Video: Another streaming giant that frequently includes the anime in its catalog. Find Death Note on Amazon Prime Video and start watching.
Tubi TV: For those looking for alternatives, this free streaming service may also have Death Note available. Available on Tubi TV.
YouTube: Official versions with subtitles or dubbing can be found on licensed channels on YouTube. Check out the Death Note playlist on YouTube.
For detailed information about the production, cast, and public reception, the Death Note page on AniList is an excellent source.
What fans are saying
The reception of Death Note among fans is overwhelmingly positive, and its influence is undeniable. On AniList, one of the largest anime community platforms, the work boasts an impressive average score of 84/100. This value reflects the high quality that many attribute to the series, from the intricate script to the animation and soundtrack.
The popularity of Death Note is further evidenced by its more than 970,000 users who have added the series to their personal lists. The community frequently praises the intelligence of the psychological confrontations between Light and L, describing them as one of the highlights of the story. Many fans highlight how the series raises deep ethical questions about justice, morality, and absolute power, generating debates and reflections.
The constant tension and unexpected twists are also highly valued aspects, keeping the viewer engaged from beginning to end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Death Note have a Portuguese dub?
Yes, Death Note has a Brazilian Portuguese dub, making the experience accessible to an even wider audience. Additionally, the series offers subtitles in several languages.
How many episodes does Death Note have?
The main Death Note series consists of 37 episodes. Each one is crucial to the development of the plot and the complex game of intellects between the protagonists.
What studio is behind Death Note?
Death Note was animated by studio MADHOUSE, known for its excellence and for productions like Hunter x Hunter (2011) and One-Punch Man (first season). The visual quality contributed greatly to the anime's success.
Is Death Note a horror anime?
Although Death Note features a dark atmosphere and supernatural touches, it fits better into the mystery, psychological, and thriller genres. It is not primarily classified as a horror anime, focusing more on moral dilemmas and tension.
Who are the main characters of Death Note?
The absolute protagonists of Death Note are Light Yagami, the wielder of the notebook, and L Lawliet, the detective. Other central characters include Ryuk, the shinigami, Misa Amane, Mihael Keehl (Mello), and Nate River (Near).
