How to Watch Black Butler anime? Easy Watch Order Guide

Set in the Victorian era England, Black Butler is a supernatural Shonen anime with a touch of comedy.

Unlike most anime, Black Butler effortlessly transitions between lighter and comedic themes to more somber ones without making it feel forced in any way.

The characters are an absolute bundle of joy, and they will quickly make their way in the audiences’ hearts.

The demon Sebastian is the most elegant butler in all of England, and Ciel Phantomhive is the coolest 12-year-old ever! Watch Black Butler if you love horror blended with supernatural comedy and action!

1. Release Order

I. TV Series

• Season 1: Black Butler (2009)
  • Episodes: 24
  • Canon: 2-6, 13-15
  • Filler: 1, 7-12, 16-24
• Season 2: Black Butler II (2010)
  • Episodes: 12
  • Canon: None
  • Filler: 1-12
• Season 3: Black Butler: Book of Circus (2014)
  • Episodes: 10
  • Canon: 1-10
  • Filler: None

II. Movies

• Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic (2017)

III. OVAs

• Black Butler: Book of Murder (2015)

IV. Specials

• Kuroshitsuji Recap (2009)
• Black Butler Special (2009)
• Black Butler II Specials (2011)

2. Canon Watch Order

• Season 1: Black Butler (Episodes: 2-6, 13-15)
• Season 3: Black Butler: Book of Circus
• Black Butler: Book of Murder
• Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic

3. Conclusion

If you want to watch the anime only and not read the manga, go by the release order of Black Butler. If you wish to read the manga without any confusion, follow the canon order.

Black Butler: Season 1 - Official Trailer

The Specials are filler comic relief, so feel free to skip them.

4. Fillers: Watch or Skip?

Fillers in Black Butler can be really annoying if you want to follow the manga later on. It is highly recommended to skip all the fillers (including the entire season 2) if you’re going to read the manga after watching the anime.

You can watch the fillers (if you want) after catching up with the manga.

If you’re not interested in the manga, you can watch all the episodes, including the fillers.

5. Where Does Black Butler End In The Manga?

It is highly recommended to Black Butler manga from the beginning because, in the canon episodes, there are many missing details.

However, if you’ve already watched the anime, movie, and OVA, you can start reading the manga from chapter 66. Both the film and OVA are canon, so make sure to not skip them.

6. About Black Butler

Black Butler anime is directed by Toshiya Shinohara and produced by A-1 Pictures. The anime has been adapted from the manga of the same name, written and illustrated by Yana Toboso.

Black Butler is a story about Ciel Phantomhive, who is known as “The Queen’s Guard Dog” for taking care of the troublesome issues that take place behind the Queen’s back.

He is accompanied by Sebastian, a demon in disguise as a butler. Sebastian has signed a contract with Ciel for his vengeance against those who did injustice to him.

This is a story that plays the tune of mystery, demon, and comedy in perfect harmony.