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Have you ever heard the words “Zero Requiem”? Anyone who has watched Code Geass will feel their eyes welling up at that phrase alone. The Code Geass series, which began in 2006, celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2026 — the TV broadcast of “Rozé of the Recapture” begins in July, and a completely new title, “Hoshioi no Aspar,” has been announced as well. There has never been a better time to get into the series.
“Where do I start?” “How are the movies different from the TV series?” “When should I watch Akito the Exiled?” — with a main series, theatrical films, spin-offs, and sequels all in the mix, it’s only natural for newcomers to feel lost. This page scores all six entries across four axes — “Accessibility,” “Story Quality,” “Character Appeal,” and “Time Value” — and lays out the definitive recommended watch order.
This article is based on information as of June 2026. Streaming availability and pricing can change, so please check each service’s official page for the latest details.
- When in doubt, start with Season 1 — “Lelouch of the Rebellion” tops all six entries with 368 points as the ultimate entry point
- Short on time? The movie trilogy is your shortcut — a re-edited alternate-continuity “complete edition” of the TV series
- Four routes to choose from: full completion, shortest path, movies-only, or straight-to-the-new-show
“Accessibility” measures how much you can enjoy an entry going in completely blind, while “Time Value” reflects satisfaction relative to time invested. See for yourself in this ranking why Season 1, which aired back in 2006, still hasn’t aged a day and posts the highest score of them all.
All 6 Code Geass Entries: Score Comparison Chart
We scored every entry out of 100 points across four criteria. The higher the “Accessibility” score, the more you can enjoy it with zero prior knowledge. Don’t just go by the totals — use whichever axis matters most to you as your guide.
| Entry | Accessibility | Story Quality | Character Appeal | Time Value | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lelouch of the Rebellion (Season 1) | 95 | 90 | 95 | 88 | 368 |
| Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 (Season 2) | 60 | 98 | 95 | 98 | 351 |
| Movie Trilogy (Initiation / Transgression / Glorification) | 82 | 84 | 90 | 80 | 336 |
| Lelouch of the Re;surrection | 58 | 80 | 85 | 85 | 308 |
| Akito the Exiled | 65 | 75 | 78 | 76 | 294 |
| Rozé of the Recapture | 52 | 80 | 78 | 78 | 288 |
Season 1 claims the top spot on the strength of its overwhelming accessibility, but R2 — which posted a 98 in both “Story Quality” and “Time Value” — is a door that only opens for those who have finished Season 1. The movie trilogy, meanwhile, is a re-edit of the TV series that carries its own continuity changes, making it a genuine alternate route. Which door you enter through changes the experience.
No. 1: Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (Season 1) — Where It All Began. You Only Get One First Viewing
| Accessibility | Story Quality | Character Appeal | Time Value | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 95 | 90 | 95 | 88 | 368 |
If you’re watching Code Geass for the first time, start with Season 1. No hesitation. The 25-episode run that premiered in October 2006 was built with the completely uninitiated viewer in mind, carefully constructing its fictional world — a Japan conquered by the Holy Britannian Empire and renamed “Area 11” — from the ground up. By the end of episode one alone, you’ll understand the world, the protagonist’s goal, the power of “Geass,” and the existence of the Knightmare Frames. That’s by design.
Protagonist Lelouch vi Britannia is a high schooler — and an exiled prince of the Empire — who swears revenge over his mother’s death and his sister’s crippling injury. Armed with the “Geass of absolute obedience” he stumbles into, he dons a mask as the knight “Zero” and leads the resistance army known as the Black Knights. This is the anti-brawn tactical mind-games anime, delivering the intellectual thrill of “how does he escape THIS?” every single episode. The 95-point accessibility score rests on two pillars: a first episode that explains everything, and a protagonist who discovers the world at the same pace as the audience.
Yes, it’s a 2006 production, but the sheer force of its characters and story steamrolls any roughness in the animation. The clash between Lelouch and Suzaku — childhood friends carrying opposing ideals of justice — and the enigmatic presence of C.C. mean that by the time you finish all 25 episodes, you will physically need to watch what comes next. It’s streaming now on DMM TV from 550 yen (tax included) per month.
- 25 episodes, zero prior knowledge needed — the world and its rules are fully explained from episode one
- The Lelouch-Suzaku-C.C. triangle fires on all cylinders from the very start
- Available on DMM TV’s subscription plan — watch instantly from 550 yen (tax included) per month
- The story doesn’t wrap up in Season 1 alone — watching it as a set with R2 (Season 2) is assumed
- The 2006-era animation shows its age in places, but the density of the content more than makes up for it
No. 2: Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 (Season 2) — One of the Greatest Finales in Anime History
| Accessibility | Story Quality | Character Appeal | Time Value | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | 98 | 95 | 98 | 351 |
To everyone who has finished Season 1: hit play on R2 right now. The 25-episode run that began airing in April 2008 resolves every thread Season 1 laid down while converging on the heart of the entire Code Geass saga — the “Zero Requiem.” That 60-point accessibility score is simply a warning to those who skipped Season 1; for anyone who has finished it, this is a 100-point continuation.
R2’s greatest strength is captured in that 98-point story score. Every element locks together organically as the endgame approaches, and the finale’s impact will exceed whatever you’re expecting. What is the “Zero Requiem”? That can’t be discussed without spoilers — but come back and reread this ranking after you finish, and the 98-point time value score will make perfect sense.
The middle stretch has its detractors, but treat it as the run-up to the finale and press on. Season 1’s 25 episodes plus R2’s 25 — 50 episodes, roughly 1,200 minutes — deliver a density of entertainment that is unquestionably worth every second. Watching Season 1 and R2 as a set is the only correct answer.
- The “Zero Requiem” finale is one of the most moving experiences in anime history — the basis of that 98-point time value score
- Every thread from Season 1 is resolved perfectly, with closure for the entire cast
- Available on DMM TV’s subscription plan — set up to binge straight through from Season 1
- Do not attempt without Season 1 — finish every episode of it first
- The middle act draws valid criticism, but the catharsis of the finale eclipses all of it
No. 3: The Movie Trilogy (Initiation / Transgression / Glorification) — A Refresher for Veterans, the Fastest Route for Newcomers
| Accessibility | Story Quality | Character Appeal | Time Value | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 82 | 84 | 90 | 80 | 336 |
The movie trilogy released in 2017-2018 — “Initiation,” “Transgression,” and “Glorification” — is a rebuilt version of the 50-episode TV series. This is no mere recap compilation: beyond new footage and dialogue, parts of the setting and plot have been reworked, so it functions as an alternate-continuity “complete edition” that feels fresh even to viewers who know the TV series inside and out.
For newcomers, the appeal is time efficiency. Instead of 50 TV episodes, the three films — about 5 hours total — get you through the equivalent arc. That said, to appreciate what changed, what was cut, and what was reworked, the ideal experience is still comparing it against the TV series. And since the trilogy is the direct lead-in to “Lelouch of the Re;surrection,” it has real value as a shortcut for anyone who wants to reach the sequels.
The remastered theatrical-grade visuals and audio hit on an entirely different level than the original 2006 broadcast. For those who have already seen the TV series and want to bathe in Lelouch’s story one more time, this is also the ideal rewatch.
- Cuts 50 TV episodes down to 3 films (about 5 hours) — a massive time saver
- New footage and continuity changes make it enjoyable as a genuine “alternate version”
- The direct prologue to “Lelouch of the Re;surrection” — a bridge straight to the sequels
- Its continuity differs from the TV series — comparing it after watching the TV version is the richest experience
- Some cut scenes mean certain characters get less development than in the TV series
No. 4: Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection (2019 Film) — The New Chapter Waiting Beyond “That Ending”
| Accessibility | Story Quality | Character Appeal | Time Value | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 58 | 80 | 85 | 85 | 308 |
Released in February 2019, “Lelouch of the Re;surrection” is the canonical sequel to the movie trilogy. Set in the second year of the Kowa era — the world after R2’s finale — it tells a new story with Lelouch once again at its center. The 58-point accessibility score means one thing: this is exclusively for viewers who have seen the movie trilogy or Seasons 1 and 2. It functions as a reward for Code Geass fans.
It’s a self-contained film running just over two hours, satisfying every fan who ever wanted to see what happens after R2’s finale. New characters and lore appear too — that 85-point character appeal score includes the sheer joy longtime fans feel at seeing familiar faces again. The story doesn’t reach R2’s heights, but as a standalone film, it has more than enough density.
“Lelouch of the Re;surrection” is streaming on DMM TV’s subscription plan (as of June 2026). The most natural flow is to watch it immediately after finishing the movie trilogy.
- A complete standalone film at just over two hours — easy to watch right after the trilogy
- A sequel showing what comes after R2 — the follow-up fans had been waiting for
- On DMM TV’s subscription plan, and doubles as the prologue to Rozé of the Recapture
- Incomprehensible without first watching the movie trilogy (or Seasons 1 and 2)
- The story is smaller in scale than R2’s finale — best approached as a “coda”
No. 5: Code Geass: Akito the Exiled (5-Part OVA) — The European Front Between Seasons 1 and 2
| Accessibility | Story Quality | Character Appeal | Time Value | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | 75 | 78 | 76 | 294 |
“Akito the Exiled,” released in five chapters between 2012 and 2016, is a Code Geass spin-off OVA. It sits between Seasons 1 and 2 on the timeline, and the stage is Europe. The protagonist, Akito, serves in the “W-0” unit — a squad of Japanese soldiers — carrying out near-suicidal missions on the European front. Lelouch isn’t the direct lead here, but you get to feel the breadth of the Code Geass world extending far beyond the main story.
It’s a fully self-contained story, so once you’ve finished Season 1, it stands perfectly well on its own. Akito’s appeal as a character belongs entirely to this series, carrying a weight and tragedy distinct from the main story. The 76-point time value score reflects somewhat slow pacing relative to its length (5 chapters, roughly 5 hours total) — but for fans who want to go deeper into the Code Geass world, it absolutely delivers.
As for timing, either “after finishing Season 1, before starting Season 2” or “after finishing R2” works fine. As a spin-off it’s lower priority, but watch it once your attachment to the world of Code Geass has deepened, and it pays off double.
- Expands the world through the European front between Seasons 1 and 2 — a perspective the main series never showed
- A self-contained story you can enjoy independently once you’ve finished Season 1
- Fairly long at 5 chapters and roughly 5 hours total — one for the devoted fans, not a first recommendation for newcomers
- Lelouch isn’t the star here, so the emotional highs of the main story are muted
No. 6: Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture (2024 Film Series, 4 Acts) — The “Next Story” From a New Generation, 20 Years On
| Accessibility | Story Quality | Character Appeal | Time Value | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52 | 80 | 78 | 78 | 288 |
“Rozé of the Recapture,” released theatrically in four acts starting May 2024, is an all-new entry set in the seventh year of the Kowa era — the world after “Lelouch of the Re;surrection.” Its protagonists are the mercenary brothers Rozé and Ash, on a mission to rescue the royal Sakuya in the former Hokkaido Block, now occupied by the Neo Britannian Empire. A TV broadcast is confirmed to begin July 10, 2026 in the Animeism block on MBS/TBS.
The 52-point accessibility score signals the highest prerequisite-knowledge bar in the series. Without a grasp of Code Geass’s world, its political structures, and the relationships between its nations, it’s hard to understand why any given crisis matters. But with a new protagonist, new characters, and new Knightmare Frames, it delivers a deeply satisfying experience as the next step after conquering the whole series.
The TV broadcast starting July 2026 is the single biggest chance to watch it for the first time. Use this window to get through Seasons 1 and 2, the movie trilogy, and Re;surrection — then welcome “Rozé of the Recapture” as the culmination of the series, and you’re in for the best viewing experience possible.
- TV broadcast begins July 10, 2026 — perfect timing to watch the newest entry after finishing the series
- A new protagonist and a new world: experience “year 20 of Code Geass” as it continues
- The music demands attention too — OP: MIYAVI “Running In My Head,” ED: Hikari Mitsushima “Rozé”
- The steepest prerequisite in the series — watch everything from Season 1 through Re;surrection first
- The protagonist is a brand-new character, not Lelouch — accept it as something separate from the main story’s emotional highs
4 Recommended Code Geass Viewing Routes — Which Entry Point Fits You?
There’s more than one way into this series. The optimal route depends on your time, your goals, and your priorities. We’ve prepared four patterns — pick the one that fits.
| Route | Watch Order | Est. Time | If This Is You |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Completion Route | Season 1 → R2 → Akito the Exiled → Movie Trilogy → Re;surrection → Rozé of the Recapture | About 27 hours | Want everything, and have the time |
| Shortest Main-Story Route | Season 1 → R2 only | About 20 hours | Just want to complete Lelouch’s story first |
| Movie Speed Route | Movie Trilogy → Re;surrection → Rozé of the Recapture | About 10 hours | Short on time, or want the newest content fast |
| New-Show Prep Route | Season 1 → R2 → Movie Trilogy → Re;surrection → Rozé of the Recapture | About 22 hours | Want to be ready for the July 2026 TV broadcast |
With the “Rozé of the Recapture” TV broadcast closing in on July 10, 2026, the top recommendation right now is the New-Show Prep Route. Spread the roughly 22 hours of Season 1, R2, the movie trilogy, and Re;surrection over a month, and you’ll arrive at the July premiere in perfect condition.
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Final Verdict: Start Code Geass With Season 1 — and Get In Before the July 2026 Premiere
Let’s recap the full six-entry ranking. No. 1 is the 25-episode, newcomer-friendly “Lelouch of the Rebellion” (Season 1) at 368 points. No. 2 is “R2” at 351 points — a summit only reachable by those who watched Season 1 — followed by the movie trilogy at 336 points in third. For newcomers, Season 1 is the only correct entry point; if you’re short on time, the movie trilogy is your shortcut.
The answer to “where do I start with Code Geass” hasn’t changed in 20 years — start with Season 1. End of discussion. The magnetism of Lelouch as a protagonist, the weight of the mask called Zero, and the shock of the “Zero Requiem” only land at full force when you experience them with no prior knowledge. With the July 2026 TV broadcast of Rozé of the Recapture as the perfect finish line, this is the moment to hit play on Season 1.
Start today — you only get to experience the “Zero Requiem” for the first time once.
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Snicker Kitamura
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