Should First-Time Viewers Watch the Attack on Titan Movies?
As an avid fan who has been following Attack on Titan since the early manga chapters, I‘m often asked by new viewers if they need to watch the compilation movies before the main anime series. My expert advice? No, first-time viewers should skip the AOT recap movies entirely.
What Are the AOT Movies?
For those unfamiliar with the franchise, Attack on Titan (or Shingeki No Kyojin) is a popular anime adapted from the manga by Hajime Isayama. It tells the story of Eren Yeager and the Survey Corps soldiers who battle giant man-eating Titans that have overrun civilization.
The series exploded into mainstream popularity with its first season in 2013, known for its intense action, gripping mystery, and visceral graphic violence. It currently spans 4 seasons totaling 75 episodes, along with additional OVA side stories.
In response to season 1‘s success, two compilation films were produced that cut together footage from the first 25 episodes:
- Attack on Titan Part 1: Crimson Bow and Arrow (2014)
- Attack on Titan Part 2: Wings of Freedom (2015)
These movies combine and condense the events of season 1 into just 120 minutes each. They are recap piles, including no new footage or story content.
There are also two live-action film adaptations of Attack on Titan which diverge from the anime canon even more significantly, though they have no bearing on viewing order.
Why the Movies Are Not Essential Viewing
While the compilation films act as digestible recaps for existing fans looking to refresh their memory, they offer no value to first-time viewers wanting the authentic Attack on Titan experience. Here‘s why they fail to substitute for season 1 of the anime:
They Skip Critical Details
Attempting to cram 25 episodes into 2 hours forces the movies to gloss over much of the nuance, worldbuilding, and character development. Many important scenes are chopped entirely or reduced to brief montages.
For example, Eren‘s backstory with Armin and Mikasa, his drove to join the military, and the Colossal Titan‘s destruction of Wall Maria are significantly abridged. We lose time spent crafting sympathetic connections with the core cast.
Complex Plots Are Over-Simplified
Part of what makes Attack on Titan fascinating is the intricate plotting around military conspiracies, Titan origins, and mysteries behind the walls. The movies flatten much of this intriguing complexity in the name of pacing.
Political machinations and reveals about Reiner, Bertholdt, and Annie feel rushed and confusing without proper time to cultivate intrigue. The impetus for Eren‘s rage also does not hit as hard.
It Lacks Emotional Weight
Beyond just the plot, the hurried pace of the films deny many scenes their proper dramatic and emotional weight. We blaze through moments of triumph, grief, despair, and anger that define these characters.
For instance, Eren‘s vengeful outburst after the death of his mother feels severely muted. It‘s hard to get invested when iconic moments are not given space to sink in.
Fans Found Them Lacking
In polls and reviews aggregated on sites like MyAnimeList and Anime-Planet, the compilation films average only a 60% approval rating compared to over 90% for the main series. Many fans cite the above issues in summarizing why the movies fail to recreate season 1‘s impact.
"They lack so much context that made the anime good in the first place. I don‘t recommend them at all for new viewers." – review by @KiraYoshikage
They Are Not Canon
Aside from condensing content, the movies do not accurately reflect the canon timeline and events. They alter and omit certain details that contradict the continuity of the anime. These may confuse viewers jumping into the later seasons.
How to Watch Attack on Titan for the First Time
If you‘re looking to properly dive into the Attack on Titan story and world for the first time, here is the recommended viewing order:
- Attack on Titan Season 1 (Episodes 1-25)
- Attack on Titan OVAs (Ilse‘s Notebook, etc.)
- Attack on Titan Season 2
- Attack on Titan Season 3
- Attack on Titan Season 4
The OVAs are side stories that are canon and help expand on events or characters. But by skipping the movies and watching the complete anime series chronologically from S1E1 through S4, you will get the full Attack on Titan story and experience.
I advise against jumping randomly around seasons or relying on the compilation films to summarize anything, as context and build-up is crucial. Release order is best for first exposure.
Conclusion
While the Attack on Titan recap movies act as decent refreshers for existing fans, they fail to adequately replace season 1 of the anime for new viewers. Too much depth and emotion is lost compressing 25 episodes into 2 hours. I strongly recommend skipping the films entirely, and starting properly from episode 1 of season 1 for the complete and intended experience. Trust me, it‘s worth it to invest the time up front and avoid spoilers!
Let me know if you have any other AOT questions. I‘m always happy to help new fans get into one of my favorite franchises. Enjoy the incredible journey!
