As someone who has been following anime for years, I can tell you this: Death Note is one of those rare series that stays with you long after the credits roll. It’s a masterpiece of suspense, strategy, and psychological warfare.
But when new fans look it up, they often get confused because apart from the main anime, there are specials, recaps, and even live-action movies. I’ve watched them all, and in this guide, I’ll walk you through the best way to experience Death Note without wasting time or missing important details.
1. Start With the Original Anime (2006 – 37 Episodes)
No matter what anyone says, the anime is where you should begin. The story of Light Yagami, a high school prodigy who discovers the Death Note, and his intellectual battle against the legendary detective L, is told in its purest form here.
Also Watch
If you’re serious about experiencing Death Note, there’s no shortcut. Watch all 37 episodes. Every single one builds up to the payoff, and skipping anything would just ruin the experience.
2. Death Note: Relight 1 – Visions of a God (2007)
After you’ve finished the anime, you’ll come across this TV special. It’s basically a retelling of the first half of the anime from Ryuk’s perspective.
Do you need it? Not really. But as a fan, I enjoyed it because it gave me a different angle on the story. If you just want a quick refresher, this is where it shines.
3. Death Note: Relight 2 – L’s Successors (2008)
This one recaps the later part of the series, focusing on Near and Mello. Again, optional. I only recommend it for fans who want to revisit the second half without watching every single episode again.
4. Death Note Live-Action Movies & Drama (Optional Content)
Now, here’s where things get interesting. Japan produced multiple live-action adaptations of Death Note. As someone who’s seen them all, let me be clear: they’re fun, but they’re not essential.
The movies change certain plot points and characters, which makes them feel more like “alternate universe” versions of the story. If you’re a hardcore fan like me, you’ll enjoy seeing the different takes. If you’re new, stick to the anime first.
My Recommended Watch Order
Here’s the order I’d suggest, based on my own experience as an anime fan who has rewatched Death Note multiple times:
- Death Note (2006 Anime – 37 Episodes)
- Relight 1 – Visions of a God (optional)
- Relight 2 – L’s Successors (optional)
- Live-Action Movies & Drama (optional extras)
Final Thoughts
I still remember the first time I watched Death Note. The tension, the mind games, and the constant “what if” questions kept me hooked till the very end. Even after finishing it, I couldn’t stop thinking about the choices Light and L made.
That’s why I always recommend watching the full anime first. Specials and live-actions are fun side dishes, but the main course—the true experience—is the anime itself.
Also Watch
If you follow this order, you’ll understand why Death Note isn’t just an anime—it’s a cultural phenomenon that shaped the way many people, including myself, view the medium.
