A Certain Magical Index Watch Order [Where To Watch]
A Certain Magical Index is one of the most interesting anime series you will ever watch. With an engaging storyline and gripping characters, this show always had the potential to become a staple on its own.
And it did, without breaking a sweat. However, a lot of fans find it difficult to start the anime, mainly because of the watch order that it follows. And if you are one of those fans then this might be an issue for you as well.
But don’t worry because we are here to save the day! In today’s article, we will be taking a deeper look into the watch order and figuring out the best order for you to relish the series.
I hope you enjoy it.
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A Certain Magical Index Chronological Watch Order
Let’s start by looking at the chronological watch order of the anime. This is the order in which the story of the anime flows and so, if you follow this order, you will experience the anime and its events in the same sequence as their occurrence.
Let’s take a deeper look at this sequence.
Serial Number |
Title |
Format (Series/Movie/OVA) |
Release Date |
1 |
A Certain Scientific Railgun |
Series |
Oct 3, 2009 |
2 |
A Certain Scientific Railgun S |
Series |
Apr 12, 2013 |
3 |
A Certain Magical Index |
Series |
Oct 5, 2008 |
4 |
A Certain Scientific Accelerator |
Series |
Jul 12, 2019 |
5 |
A Certain Magical Index II |
Series |
Oct 8, 2010 |
6 |
A Certain Scientific Railgun T |
Series |
Jan 10, 2020 |
7 |
A Certain Magical Index the Movie: The Miracle of Endymion |
Movie |
Feb 23, 2013 |
8 |
A Certain Magical Index III |
Series |
Oct 5, 2018 |
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, FUNIMATION, Netflix
You can enjoy A Certain Magical Index Watch Order on Crunchyroll, FUNIMATION, and Netflix. However, some of the instalments are not present on FUNIMATION and so, Crunchyroll and Netflix are your best bets if you wish to watch the entire series on just 1 platform.
A Certain Magical Index Watch Order Based on Release Date
The order in which the anime was released and the order in which the events of the anime play out is quite different. And that’s why, there’s another watch order that some fans followed, especially during the airing of A Certain Magical Index series.
This is the order in which the instalments were airing on TV. And if you don’t wish to follow the Chronological Order for some reason then this is the watch order based on the release date that you can refer to.
1. A Certain Magical Index
Academy City, located in Japan, is renowned for its cutting-edge technology and student population primarily focused on developing psychic abilities. Touma Kamijou, a high school student, possesses an extraordinary ability known as “Imagine Breaker,” enabling him to nullify supernatural powers.
Despite his modest psychic ranking, Kamijou leads an ordinary life until he crosses paths with Index Librorum Prohibitorum, a young girl harbouring forbidden knowledge. Pursued by a perilous organization and targeted by magicians, Index becomes Kamijou’s newfound companion.
Driven by a steadfast determination to safeguard her, Kamijou embarks on an enthralling journey into the realm of the supernatural, confronting numerous perils and unravelling enigmatic secrets along the way.
2. A Certain Scientific Railgun
Within the technologically advanced Academy City, where students dedicate themselves to developing psychic powers, Mikoto Misaka, a middle school student and the esteemed “Level 5” esper nicknamed “The Railgun,” finds herself entangled in a string of peculiar occurrences.
These incidents are intricately tied to the enigmatic “Level Upper,” a rumoured device with the ability to enhance esper abilities. As the situation escalates, the true nature of Level Upper is gradually unveiled, exposing a darker underbelly beneath Academy City’s initial facade of a dazzling utopia.
Toaru Kagaku no Railgun chronicles Mikoto and her companions as they navigate treacherous circumstances, unravel the mysteries surrounding Level Upper, and realize that monotony is a foreign concept within this extraordinary city.
3. A Certain Magical Index II
As tensions escalate between the magical realm and Academy City, Touma Kamijou and his ability to nullify powers become entangled in a clash between espers and magicians. Their mission is to protect the lives of their loved ones, which forces them to confront formidable adversaries from both sides.
However, Touma is not alone in this endeavour. With the assistance of both familiar and unfamiliar allies, seen or unseen, they unite to confront the mounting challenges. Toaru Majutsu no Index II continues this thrilling and humorous saga, as Touma and his comrades face increasingly grand battles.
A looming conflict on the horizon sets the stage for the convergence of magic and science, heralding an imminent war.
4. A Certain Magical Index the Movie: The Miracle of Endymion
In the technologically advanced Academy City, a momentous occasion is on the horizon—the imminent completion of the world’s first space elevator, named “Endymion.” Against this backdrop, Touma Kamijou, a high school student, and his companion Index lead their ordinary lives until a fateful encounter with Arisa Meigo, an aspiring and optimistic singer.
As the city experiences a series of strange incidents, a complex network of plots unravels, entwining Arisa and the destiny of Endymion. The situation takes a dramatic turn when Stiyl Magnus arrives, hinting at the involvement of the magical world.
With the convergence of science and magic, the situation grows ever more intricate, setting the stage for a remarkable sequence of events.
5. A Certain Scientific Railgun S
Returning to Academy City, Mikoto Misaka and her companions embark on an investigation fueled by unsettling rumours. Shockingly, their discoveries uncover a grim reality—the city is plagued by a string of horrific experiments, leading to the deaths of countless espers.
Mikoto’s distress deepens as she realizes these espers are not mere individuals, but clones of herself. Overwhelmed by a profound sense of responsibility, she resolves to bring an end to these cruel practices.
However, the opposition she encounters proves to be far more formidable than she had anticipated, pitting her against extraordinarily powerful espers.
6. A Certain Magical Index III
Touma Kamijou continues to elude respite. In the aftermath of the Academy City invasion, the already tense political climate intensifies as the forces of science and magic clash headlong. The intentions of Academy City become clear: they aim to ignite a war against the Roman Catholic Church, a conflict that could engulf the entire world.
Once again, Touma is thrust into the forefront, unwavering in his determination to protect his friends and allies. Toaru Majutsu no Index III serves as the culmination of the original franchise, where Touma, Accelerator, and the enigmatic Level 0 Shiage Hamazura embark on separate journeys that ultimately converge in the climactic final act of the original light novel series.
7. A Certain Scientific Accelerator
Academy City, renowned for its scientific breakthroughs, stands at the forefront of progress, particularly in the development of espers with extraordinary powers. Among these exceptional individuals is Accelerator, an unparalleled Level 5 esper, despite suffering a severe brain injury.
Despite his aloof demeanour, he fiercely safeguards Last Order, a young girl by his side. As Accelerator recuperates, the shadows within Academy City stir, unexpectedly entangling him in a new conflict.
A mysterious woman emerges, seeking the Last Order, drawing Accelerator into a treacherous web woven by a malevolent organization infiltrating Anti-Skill, the city’s peacekeeping unit.
8. A Certain Scientific Railgun T
As the highly anticipated Daihasei Festival commences, Tokiwadai Middle School eagerly joins the competition, renowned for its exceptional all-girls education. Despite the formidable presence of Mikoto Misaka, hailed as the “Ace of Tokiwadai,” the determined participants refuse to back down, undeterred by her overwhelming power.
However, beneath the surface of the festivities, a more sinister reality unfolds. The festival’s commencement opens the gates of Academy City to external influences, attracting various factions plotting to infiltrate the city.
Mikoto becomes a target of interest, and with the festival’s progression, enigmatic figures unveil their true motives.
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Top Rated Episodes of A Certain Magical Index
If you are planning to rewatch A Certain Magical Index series then the following are the best episodes that you can watch from the anime. These are the finest episodes that the franchise has to offer and so, you should not overlook them under any circumstances.
Let’s take a look at these episodes.
1. Chaos
The episode is just what it sounds like. After the September 30th Kazakiri incident, Europe absolutely hates the Academy City and that’s why issues are taking place between these two bodies.
On the other hand, our boy Kamijo is going to be punished for fighting his own classmates.
2. The Right Seat of God
Kamijo and Tsuchimikado are separated. However, despite this hurdle, our boy manages to find Amakusa Church’s Itsuwa. And she happens to be concerned about the situation of the Papal Palace of Avignon.
And this will also link to the issues that are taking place in the world altogether.
3. Sky Bus 365
Itsuwa and Kanzaki escalate their attempts to locate Kamijo. Index and Kamijo are called upon to tackle a magical crisis in Britain, but as they travel, their plane becomes the target of a terrorist plot, putting the lives of all passengers at risk.
The episode will give you goosebumps at multiple scenes.
4. Misaka Mikoto
Kamijo becomes aware of an unconventional connection between Mikoto and her presumed twin, Misaka. After a friendly interaction with Kamijo, Misaka is thrust into a much more intense confrontation with Accelerator.
5. The Document of C
Kamijo and Itsuwa find themselves in a fierce battle against Terra, struggling to defend themselves from his relentless attacks. At the same time, military forces from Academy City arrive in Avignon, swiftly quelling the protests taking place.
Amidst the tumultuous situation, Terra manages to uncover the closely guarded secret that Kamijo has been protecting.
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FAQs
1. Should I watch Railgun or Index first?
You should go for A Certain Scientific Railgun first since it is the first one in chronological order. And although A Certain Magical Index is the first one released, the events in the anime might not be as impactful to you if you haven’t watched A Certain Scientific Railgun before that.
2. How do I watch Toaru in chronological order?
The following is the chronological watch order of the Toaru series: A Certain Scientific Railgun, A Certain Scientific Railgun S, A Certain Magical Index, A Certain Scientific Accelerator, A Certain Magical Index II, A Certain Scientific Railgun T, A Certain Magical Index the Movie: The Miracle of Endymion, A Certain Magical Index III
3. Do I need to watch A Certain Magical Index to watch a certain scientific railgun?
Although it is not absolute, it is advised by some fans that one should at least watch the first season of A Certain Magical Index before going for A Certain Scientific Railgun.
Now which one you should go for also depends on other factors like the amount of time you have, the 3-episode rule, etc.
4. Should I watch Index 3 before Railgun T?
The timelines of A Certain Magical Index II overlap with that of Railgun T. Therefore, you don’t need to watch A Certain Magical Index III altogether. On the other hand, you can skip Railgun T and watch A Certain Magical Index III only.
This is how you can approach the series.
5. Is Railgun better than Index?
While it is extremely subjective, quite a lot of people believe that A Certain Scientific Railgun is better than A Certain Magical Index. Whether that’s true for you or not is a question on its own.
Therefore, you should go for both anime and see which one you prefer more and watch accordingly.