Code Geass Watch Order June 2026
Code Geass splits into two continuities: the original TV story (Lelouch of the Rebellion + R2, 2006-2008) and a recap-movie trilogy (2017-2018) that retells the same events with ALTERED plot points so the heroes survive. The 2019 sequel film Re;surrection and the 2024 Roze of the Recapture both continue the MOVIE timeline, not the TV ending — which is why newcomers get confused about whether to watch the TV series or the 3 movies before the sequels, and where the side-story Akito the Exiled fits. Below is the full recommended Code Geass watch order for June 2026, cross-checked against multiple community guides — plus alternative orders and what you can safely skip. Last verified June 27, 2026.
✅ Recommended order (TV series first)
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1
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
The original Season 1 (R1). The best, most-complete way to experience the core story. Start here.
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2
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2
Direct continuation of Season 1; together R1+R2 form one complete 50-episode story with a famous, conclusive ending. This is the canonical TV finale.
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3
Code Geass: Akito the Exiled
Optional side story (5 parts, 2012-2016), set in the European theater chronologically BETWEEN R1 and R2. Self-contained; R2 makes no major references to it, so you can watch it after R2 or skip it. Lelouch is not the focus.
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4
Lelouch of the Rebellion I-III (Initiation / Transgression / Glorification)
A condensed 3-film retelling of the R1+R2 TV story (2017-2018) with deliberately CHANGED events and character fates. If you already watched the TV series this trilogy is skippable as a story — BUT it is the official continuity that the sequel film follows. Watch it (or read a summary of its changed ending) if you want the 'intended' lead-in to Re;surrection.
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5
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection
Sequel film that continues the MOVIE-trilogy timeline (not the TV ending). Because the recap films altered the finale, Re;surrection follows from the movies. Watching it right after the TV series works, but you'll notice the ending discrepancy — the 3 movies are the 'correct' lead-in.
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6
Code Geass: Roze of the Recapture
The newest entry (2024): released as four theatrical 'Acts' (May-Aug 2024), then redistributed as a 12-episode ONA. A direct sequel to Re;surrection within the movie continuity, following new mercenary brothers Roze and Ash. Watch last.
🔀 Alternative orders
Movie-continuity route
Watch the 3 recap films then Re;surrection (and Roze) — the 'intended' continuity lead-in to the sequels, skipping the 50-episode TV series. Faster, but you lose the depth and the celebrated TV ending.
Lelouch of the Rebellion I: Initiation (2017) → II: Transgression (2018) → III: Glorification (2018) → Lelouch of the Re;surrection (2019) → Roze of the Recapture (2024)
Full chronological incl. Akito
The complete watch-everything path that interleaves the Akito side story where it falls in-universe.
R1 (2006) → Akito the Exiled (2012-2016, set between R1 and R2) → R2 (2008) → recap movies Initiation/Transgression/Glorification (2017-2018) → Lelouch of the Re;surrection (2019) → Roze of the Recapture (2024)
⏭️ What can you skip?
The recap movie trilogy (Initiation/Transgression/Glorification) is skippable IF you watched the TV series — it's a condensed retelling with altered events — but it is the canonical lead-in to Re;surrection (and therefore Roze). Akito the Exiled is an optional self-contained side story you can watch or skip with no impact on the main plot.
📺 Where to stream
- Crunchyroll (TV series R1 + R2, Akito the Exiled, the recap films, Re;surrection — most regions)
- Disney+ / Hulu / Star (Roze of the Recapture, 2024, internationally)
- Funimation / Netflix (select titles, region-dependent)
❓ FAQ
TV series or the movies first?
For the best experience watch the TV series first: Lelouch of the Rebellion (25 eps, 2006) then R2 (25 eps, 2008). The 3 recap movies cover the same story in condensed, altered form, so they're mainly for people who want a faster path or the official lead-in to the sequel films.
Do I need to watch the 3 movies before Re;surrection?
Technically yes for full consistency: Lelouch of the Re;surrection (2019) is a sequel to the MOVIE trilogy, which changed the ending so the story could continue. You CAN jump to Re;surrection straight after the TV series and follow it fine, but you'll notice the finale discrepancy — the 3 movies (or at least a recap of their changed ending) are the intended setup.
Where does Akito the Exiled fit?
Akito the Exiled (5 OVA parts, 2012-2016) is an optional spin-off set in Europe chronologically BETWEEN R1 and R2. It barely connects to Lelouch's main arc, so most viewers watch it after R2 or skip it entirely.
What is Roze of the Recapture?
The newest Code Geass installment (2024). It premiered as four theatrical 'Acts' from May to August 2024, then was redistributed as a 12-episode ONA. It's a direct sequel to Re;surrection in the movie continuity, with new leads (mercenary brothers Roze and Ash), and is the last thing to watch.
Where can I stream Code Geass?
The main TV series and films stream on Crunchyroll in most regions (with Funimation/Netflix carrying select titles by region). Roze of the Recapture streams internationally on Disney+ / Hulu / Star.
Is the story finished?
The 2008 TV ending (R2) is a complete, conclusive finale on its own. The separate movie timeline reopened the story — Re;surrection (2019) and Roze of the Recapture (2024) are ongoing continuations in that branch, and the franchise has kept producing within the movie continuity rather than new TV canon.
📚 Sources
Cross-checked against: Code Geass Wiki (Fandom) — Movies · Wikipedia — Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture. Last verified June 27, 2026.