The epic mecha anime series Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion follows Lelouch vi Britannia, a prince of the Holy Britannian Empire who gains the power of Geass from a mysterious girl named C.C. and leads a rebellion as the masked Zero to liberate Japan from Britannian rule. With multiple TV seasons, movies, and a spin-off, knowing the best viewing order can be tricky. This article breaks down the recommended watch order for the entire franchise, from the original series to the latest Rozé of the Recapture, including synopses and streaming details.
Conclusion: Watch in Release Order
The recommended order is to watch the series in release order: TV Season 1 → R2 → Theatrical Trilogy → Lelouch of the Resurrection → Rozé of the Recapture. This allows you to follow the overarching narrative and appreciate the evolution of the story. The spin-off Akito the Exiled is a standalone side story best watched after the main series. Total runtime for the main series is approximately 33 hours 40 minutes (including the spin-off, about 38 hours 26 minutes).
Recommended Viewing Order (Release Order)
| Order | Title | Release Year | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion | 2006 | 25 episodes (approx. 10 hours) |
| 2 | Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 | 2008 | 25 episodes (approx. 10 hours) |
| 3 | Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion I – Initiation | 2017 | 135 minutes |
| 4 | Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion II – Transgression | 2018 | 133 minutes |
| 5 | Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion III – Glorification | 2018 | 140 minutes |
| 6 | Code Geass: Lelouch of the Resurrection | 2019 | 112 minutes |
| 7 | Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture | 2024 | 12 episodes (approx. 5 hours) |
The theatrical trilogy is a recap of TV Season 1 and R2 with some changes (e.g., Shirley’s fate, omission of the Mao arc) and leads directly into Lelouch of the Resurrection. For a quicker watch, you can start with the trilogy, then Resurrection, and Rozé (total about 9 hours 40 minutes). The spin-off Akito the Exiled is set between Season 1 and R2 but is independent; watch it after the main series.
1. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (2006)
Synopsis: In 2010 of the Imperial Calendar, the Holy Britannian Empire conquers Japan and renames it Area 11. Lelouch, a former Britannian prince, meets a mysterious girl named C.C. and gains the power of Geass, which allows him to command anyone to obey an order once. As the masked revolutionary Zero, he leads a resistance to reclaim Japan and create a peaceful world for his sister Nunnally.
Highlights:
- Strategic mind games and psychological battles.
- The ideological conflict between Lelouch and his childhood friend Suzaku.
- High-speed mecha battles with Knightmare Frames.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Broadcast | October 2006 – July 2007 |
| Episodes | 25 |
| Director | Gorou Taniguchi |
| Main Cast | Jun Fukuyama, Takahiro Sakurai, Yukana, Ami Koshimizu, Kaori Nazuka |
2. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 (2008)
Synopsis: About a year after the first season, Lelouch has lost his memories and lives as a normal student. After meeting C.C. again, he regains his memories and once again dons the mask of Zero to lead the Black Knights. He aims to establish the United Federation of Nations and defeat Emperor Charles, plunging into a world-scale war.
Highlights:
- Expanded geopolitical conflict.
- Revelations about the Geass and the emperor’s plans.
- The legendary finale known as the Zero Requiem.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Broadcast | April – September 2008 |
| Episodes | 25 |
| Director | Gorou Taniguchi |
| Main Cast | Jun Fukuyama, Takahiro Sakurai, Yukana, Ami Koshimizu, Kaori Nazuka |
3. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion I – Initiation (2017)
Synopsis: A theatrical compilation of the first half of TV Season 1, with new cuts and scene adjustments. It depicts Lelouch’s journey from receiving Geass to beginning his rebellion as Zero.
Highlights: Enhanced cinema-quality visuals, streamlined storytelling for newcomers, and new animation.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Release | October 2017 |
| Runtime | 135 minutes |
| Director | Gorou Taniguchi |
| Main Cast | Jun Fukuyama, Takahiro Sakurai, Yukana, Ami Koshimizu, Kaori Nazuka |
4. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion II – Transgression (2018)
Synopsis: The second compilation movie covering the latter half of Season 1 and the beginning of R2. The Mao arc is omitted, and the story is re-edited.
Highlights: Reorganized character relationships, streamlined conflict between Lelouch and Suzaku, and the rise of the Black Knights.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Release | February 2018 |
| Runtime | 133 minutes |
| Director | Gorou Taniguchi |
| Main Cast | Jun Fukuyama, Takahiro Sakurai, Yukana, Ami Koshimizu, Kaori Nazuka |
5. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion III – Glorification (2018)
Synopsis: The final compilation movie covering the second half of R2, leading to the Zero Requiem. It features a different ending than the TV series, directly setting up Lelouch of the Resurrection.
Highlights: Alternate timeline with Shirley alive, crucial for understanding the sequel, and epic mecha battles.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Release | May 2018 |
| Runtime | 140 minutes |
| Director | Gorou Taniguchi |
| Main Cast | Jun Fukuyama, Takahiro Sakurai, Yukana, Ami Koshimizu, Kaori Nazuka |
6. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Resurrection (2019)
Synopsis: Set after the theatrical trilogy timeline, a new threat emerges in the kingdom of Zilkhstan. Suzaku and C.C. become involved in a conspiracy, and the fate of Lelouch is revisited.
Highlights: A long-awaited sequel earning 10.6 billion yen at the box office, new characters and settings, and answers to fan speculation.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Release | February 2019 |
| Runtime | 112 minutes |
| Director | Gorou Taniguchi |
| Box Office | 10.6 billion yen |
| Main Cast | Jun Fukuyama, Takahiro Sakurai, Yukana, Ami Koshimizu, Kaori Nazuka |
7. Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture (2024)
Synopsis: Several years after Lelouch of the Resurrection, in the year Kowa 7, Area 11 is once again under occupation. A new protagonist, Rozé, dons the mask of Q-1 and leads a resistance to reclaim Japan. The 12-episode series is split into four acts.
Highlights: New generation characters, familiar setting with renewed conflict, and a four-act structure. Exclusive to Disney+ in Japan. A TV broadcast on MBS/TBS is scheduled for July 2026.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Release | May – August 2024 (4 acts) |
| Episodes | 12 (approx. 5 hours) |
| Director | Yoshimitsu Oohashi |
| Main Cast | Kouhei Amasaki, Makoto Furukawa, Reina Ueda, Miyu Tomita, Kana Ichinose, Hiroki Yasumoto |
Spin-off: Code Geass: Akito the Exiled
This spin-off is set in Europe between Season 1 and R2. It follows a Japanese boy, Akito Hyuga, who pilots a Knightmare for the EU’s special unit wZERO. The story is independent from the main series, so it is best watched after finishing the main storyline.
| Chapter | Title | Release | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Wyvern Arrives | August 2012 | 50 min |
| 2 | The Wyvern Divided | September 2013 | 59 min |
| 3 | The Brightness Falls from the Sky | May 2015 | 59 min |
| 4 | From the Memories of Hatred | July 2015 | 59 min |
| 5 | To the Beloved Ones | February 2016 | 59 min |
Total runtime: approx. 4 hours 46 minutes. Directed by Kazuki Akane.
Key Cast and Voice Actors
Main Series (TV, Movies, Resurrection)
| Character | Voice Actor | Notable Roles |
|---|---|---|
| Lelouch Lamperouge | Jun Fukuyama | Assassination Classroom, Mr. Osomatsu |
| Suzaku Kururugi | Takahiro Sakurai | Jujutsu Kaisen, Demon Slayer |
| C.C. | Yukana | Futari wa Pretty Cure, Infinite Stratos |
| Kallen Stadtfeld | Ami Koshimizu | Kill la Kill, Eureka Seven |
| Nunnally Lamperouge | Kaori Nazuka | Fullmetal Alchemist, .hack//SIGN |
| Shirley Fenette | Fumiko Orikasa | Bleach, Atashinchi |
Rozé of the Recapture – New Characters
| Character | Voice Actor | Notable Roles |
|---|---|---|
| Rozé | Kouhei Amasaki | Yowamushi Pedal, Ensemble Stars! |
| Ash | Makoto Furukawa | One Punch Man, Kaguya-sama: Love is War |
| Sakuya | Reina Ueda | Mushoku Tensei, Hugtto! Pretty Cure |
| Haruka | Miyu Tomita | That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, New Game! |
| Caris | Kana Ichinose | Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury, Ayakashi Triangle |
| Norland | Hiroki Yasumoto | Hozuki’s Coolheadedness, Bleach |
Streaming Availability (As of May 2026)
The most comprehensive service for Code Geass is d Anime Store, offering 7 titles (excluding Rozé of the Recapture) for streaming. DMM TV and U-NEXT provide 6 main titles each. Rozé of the Recapture is exclusive to Disney+ in Japan. Below is a summary of key services:
| Service | Available Titles | Monthly Fee / Free Trial |
|---|---|---|
| DMM TV | 6 titles (Season 1, R2, trilogy, Resurrection) | 550 yen (tax incl.), 14-day free trial, 550 bonus points |
| U-NEXT | 6 titles (same as above) | 2,189 yen, 31-day free trial, 600 points |
| d Anime Store | 7 titles (plus Akito the Exiled, not Rozé) | 660 yen, first month free |
| Disney+ | 6 titles (including Rozé exclusive) | 1,250 yen, no free trial |
| Amazon Prime Video | 2 titles (Season 1, R2) for free; others rental | 600 yen, 30-day free trial |
| Hulu | 3 titles (theatrical trilogy only) | 1,026 yen, no free trial |
| Netflix | 1 title (Season 1) | 890 yen, no free trial |
| TSUTAYA DISCAS | DVD rental (excluding Rozé) | 2,200 yen, 30-day free trial |
Note: Prices include tax. Availability may change. Check each service for the latest information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best order for first-time viewers?
Start with TV Season 1, then R2. After that, watch the theatrical trilogy (Initiation, Transgression, Glorification), then Lelouch of the Resurrection, and finally Rozé of the Recapture.
How does the theatrical trilogy differ from the TV series?
The trilogy is a recut with changes: Shirley survives, the Mao arc is cut, and the ending leads directly into Resurrection (a different timeline from the TV series).
When should I watch Akito the Exiled?
After finishing the main series, as it is a standalone story set in Europe with a different cast.
Total runtime?
Main series: approx. 33 hours 40 minutes. With Akito the Exiled: approx. 38 hours 26 minutes. A quick route (trilogy + Resurrection + Rozé) takes about 9 hours 40 minutes.
Where can I watch Rozé of the Recapture?
It is streaming exclusively on Disney+ in Japan. A TV broadcast on MBS/TBS is scheduled for July 2026.
Summary
For the best experience, watch Code Geass in release order: TV Season 1 → R2 → Theatrical Trilogy → Lelouch of the Resurrection → Rozé of the Recapture. The spin-off Akito the Exiled is best saved for after the main storyline. For cost-effective streaming, DMM TV at 550 yen per month with a 14-day free trial is a good option for the core series.
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