Higurashi – When They Cry: The Complete Watch Guide

Higurashi is a supernatural horror mystery anime and is the epitome of all those genres. The series is a master in storytelling, is very well written and perfectly executed. 

There are five TV series, two OVAs and three specials in Higurashi.

Higurashi is a masterpiece and a must-watch for true fans of horror!

1. Release Order

I. TV Series

• When They Cry (2006)
• When They Cry: Kai (2007)
• When They Cry: Rei (2009)
• Umineko: When They Cry (2009)
• Higurashi: When They Cry – Gou (2020) (ongoing)

II. OVAs

• Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kira (2011–2012)
• Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kaku: Outbreak (2013)

III. Specials

• Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Special: Nekogoroshi-hen (2007)
• Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai Specials (2007)
• Umineko no Naku Koro ni Specials (2009)

2. Where To Watch

3. Conclusion

The recommended order for watching Higurashi is its release order. OVAs serve as side stories and can be watched after Season 1.

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kira (2011-12) is optional as it is not related to the main story and has a lot of fanservice. The special includes short clips from Season 2 and can be skipped as well. 

4. How much Time Will It Take To Watch?

It will take you 45 hours and 41 minutes to watch all the installments in Higurashi: When they Die.

This includes all the TV series, OVAs, and specials.

Here’s a quick list of each installment and their run time in order of their release:

• When They Cry – 624 minutes
• When They Cry: Kai – 576 minutes
• Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Special: Nekogoroshi-hen – 23 minutes
• Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai Specials – 24 minutes
• When They Cry: Rei – 150 episodes
• Umineko: When They Cry – 598 minutes
• Umineko no Naku Koro ni Specials – 26 minutes
• Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kira – 116 minutes
• Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kaku: Outbreak – 52 minutes
• Higurashi: When They Cry – Gou – 552 minutes (ongoing)

5. Quick Review

Higurashi is a slap on the face of people who label anime as ‘cartoons for children.’ 

A show that starts with an upbeat tone and environment, quickly reveals its dark nature as it progresses. The plot is contained in a time loop and explores each choice a character could make along with its outcome. 

The story becomes more puzzling as we go deeper into the plot, making us wonder whether a particular event or action acts as a clue or is just a figment of the characters’ imagination.

The story deals with death, despair, mass paranoia, and violent killings only to reset time and experience it all over again until all the clues are gathered to piece together the truth. 

The animation for Higurashi is not the finest but sits well with the story and portrays the atrocities that the characters face, pretty well.

The soundtrack resonates with the eerie chill of darkness and the dreadful atmosphere that occurs throughout the show. 

6. About Higurashi-When They Cry

Keiichi Maebara has just moved to the quiet little village of Hinamizawa in the summer of 1983 and quickly becomes inseparable friends with schoolmates Rena Ryuuguu, Mion Sonozaki, Satoko Houjou, and Rika Furude.

However, darkness lurks underneath the seemingly idyllic life they lead.

When madness and paranoia begin taking root in Keiichi’s heart, he will stumble straight into the mysteries at work in Higurashi no Naku Koro ni, a story that is told across multiple arcs.