Why settle for stories with ancient heroes when mages can summon these warriors to fight on their behalf? Type-Moon's Fate franchise combines noble warriors, historic figures, and mythological beings. Moreover, its premise requires them to duke it out in a battle royale that rewards one wish to the victor. Originally just the Fate/stay night visual novel, the Fate franchise evolved its story across more VNs, light novels, and even anime and film.
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Of course, having this much material to view can make any newcomer feel overwhelmed by the Fate anime franchise. Thankfully, following a specific order can help viewers feel more acquainted with Fate and the machinations of its Holy Grail War.
Updated on February 20, 2025 by Mark Sammut: At some point in 2025, Fate/strange Fake should make its debut, adding (hopefully) another great entry to the Fate anime series. A section dedicated to this show has been added.
Fate/Stay Night
January - February 2004 AD, Main Timeline
Fate/stay night
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- January 7, 2006
- Seasons
- 1
- Studio
- Studio Deen
- Number of Episodes
- 24
- Based On
- Visual Novel
- Creator
- Type-Moon
- Streaming Service(s)
- HIDIVE
This Fate anime adaptation stars Shirou Emiya, the sole survivor of an incident that engulfed an area in Fuyuki City in flames. A decade later, Shirou keeps himself busy by the day with schoolwork and some odd jobs. Meanwhile, he also secretly practices basic magic taught by his late adoptive father, Kiritsugu. Despite his ordinary nature, Shirou aspires to live by his adoptive father's code: becoming a hero of justice. Unfortunately, a series of events would drag Shirou to the Holy Grail War.
Being a 2006 adaptation, fans should only treat Fate/stay night as a base introduction to the franchise. Moreover, given the anime tries to incorporate all three routes in the VN, it's arguably kind of a mess. However, fans should strictly treat this 2006 anime as an interpretation of the "Fate Route," focusing on Shirou's relationship with Saber.
Why Watch It?
Despite reviews, Fate/stay night remains a decent introduction to the Fate franchise as a whole. It makes a fair attempt to summarize all the routes in the VN, leaving viewers enticed to play the game themselves. This is a great way for viewers to see whether Saber is their best waifu, or if they prefer being closer to Rin Tohsaka or Sakura Matou.
Why Skip Fate/Stay Night?
Despite the original Fate/Stay Night following the original visual novel’s canonical Saber ending, the underwhelming adaptation can turn off fans from watching other anime from the series - particularly those exploring alternate routes and endings. In terms of production, both Unlimited Blade Works and Heaven’s Feel have significantly better approaches to characterization, dialogue, and overall narrative flow. Likewise, fans may have a more fulfilling time playing through the VN instead of this adaptation.
Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works
January - February 2004 AD, Main Timeline (UBW Route)
Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2014 - 2015
WHERE TO WATCH
- Seasons
- 2
- Studio
- Ufotable
- Number of Episodes
- 26
- Based On
- Visual Novel
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll, Hulu
At first glance, Unlimited Blade Works seems to copy the first few episodes of the original Fate/stay night adaptation. However, things begin to change when Shirou Emiya and Rin Tohsaka are forced to team up for their survival. This time around, Shirou begins to have a growing friendship with the more experienced magi Tohsaka. At the same time, Shirou explores his immense dislike of her Servant, the mysterious Archer.
This adaptation branches away from the VN's "Fate Route" and takes its "Unlimited Blade Works Route," where Rin becomes Shirou's leading lady. Given its recent adaptation, UBW 2014 has quite the striking visuals and more fleshed-out characters.
Why Watch It?
Given its more updated visuals, UBW finally gets to showcase the awesome fight scenes that the 2006 anime failed to show and the VN only got to describe in words. Fans of the Nasuverse's tendencies for technical magical jargon will love the serious take on magic here. This is a perfect gateway to Fate/Zero, another anime that tries to get technical on the Holy Grail War.
Why Skip Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works
The more tense and action-packed Unlimited Blade Works might be worth the skip for fans who want less of Fate's rather complex terminologies and more of its emotional aspect. This anime is also worth skipping for fans who aren't into the Shirou-Rin dynamic, and would very much prefer Rin as more of a boyish close friend than a love interest. Likewise, fans who think the action-centric focus of Unlimited Blade Works is right up their alley might instead want to finish this arc in the visual novel first. Despite the anime having remarkable production value, reading through Shirou's thoughts as he braves new threats in the Holy Grail War can make Unlimited Blade Works truly feel as though the protagonist is coming to terms with his legacy.
Fate/Stay Night: Heaven's Feel I Presage Flower
January - February 2004 AD, Main Timeline (HF Route)
Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel - I. Presage Flower
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- October 14, 2017
- Runtime
- 2 Hours
- Director
- Tomonori Sudou
- Studio
- Ufotable
- Based On
- Fate/stay Night Visual Novel
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll
Adapting the third route of ShiEmiya'siya story in the Fate/Stay Night visual novel is Fate/Stay Night: Heaven’s Feel I Presage Flower, a 2017 film that condenses the first act of “Heaven’s Feel” that focuses on Shiro’s romance with Sakura Matou. When Shiro and Saber are dragged much deeper into the Fifth Holy Grail War’s affairs, the discovery of Sakura being a prime target of shadowy parties forces Shiro to fulfill his adoptive father’s dying wish to become a hero.
Given the nature of “Heaven’s Feel” as a “repeat” of the original route with a different method of escalation, Presage Flower also rushes the beginning of the story to escalate Sakura’s eventual importance in the plot. The word-heavy nature of the original visual novel is evident in changes in Presage Flower’s narrative, especially with the focus on the relationship of Shirou Emiya with the siblings Sakura and Shinji Matou. Should viewers get past the film’s assumption of being familiar with the source material, Presage Flower caps the first part of the trilogy with the foreboding feeling of things just about to get worse for the protagonists.
Why Watch It
Regardless of the rushed beginning, Presage Flower’s heavy focus on Shirou and Sakura’s relationship hopes to firmly establish how the two’s lives are intertwined in this retelling of the “Heaven’s Feel” route. Gone is the implied budding romance between Shirou and Saber in the “Fate” route, as well as Shirou and Rin’s rivals-turned-lovers trope in “Unlimited Blade Works.” The story establishing Sakura as a vital part of what keeps Shirou sane in the horrific affairs of the Holy Grail War immediately implies the darker tone of the overall story.
Why Skip Fate/Stay Night: Heaven's Feel I Presage Flower
For a supposed adaptation of a mere route in Fate/Stay Night, the presentation of Presage Flower is among the best in Fate media. The only reason for fans to skip this entry is if they're not into the Shirou-Sakura ship, or if they're content with the endings presented by both the original Stay Night and Unlimited Blade Works. Alternatively, fans who are just about to watch this entry may want to play through this part of the visual novel first, as reading Shirou's thoughts does an excellent job in framing the initial stakes and the eventual escalation of the Holy Grail War - especially by the time the arc reveals Sakura's true purpose in relation to the artifact.
Fate/Stay Night: Heaven's Feel II Lost Butterfly
January - February 2004 AD, Main Timeline (HF Route)
Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel - II. Lost Butterfly
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- January 12, 2019
- Runtime
- 117 Minutes
- Director
- Tomonori Sudou
- Studio
- Ufotable
- Based On
- Fate/stay Night Visual Novel
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll
Being the second part of the “Heaven’s Feel” trilogy, Fate/Stay Night: Heaven’s Feel II Lost Butterfly ups the ante for protagonists Shirou Emiya and Sakura Matou at the onset. This time, the protagonists alongside their Servants Saber and Rider, as well as allies Rin Tohsaka and Archer, are confronted with horrors beyond their comprehension. As the Fifth Holy Grail War quickly spirals out of control, tensions escalate with Sakura smack dab at the center of it all.
Both action and narrative get an uptick of escalation in Lost Butterfly, especially with the inclusion of the Black Shadows and True Assassin as some of the largest threats in the Fifth Holy Grail War. Relationship dynamics between the cast become more integral in this part of the story, especially when hints of Sakura’s true relationship with the Holy Grail War are being hinted at, and forces begin to dismantle the heroes of their capabilities of saving her from certain doom. Once again, Lost Butterfly ends with the implication that all hope is lost, gearing audiences for a tense climax and the hopes of an emotional payoff in the latter part of the trilogy.
Why Watch It
It’s within Heaven’s Feel II Lost Butterfly that the film drives its status as perhaps the “darkest” Fate adaptation home. As though paying homage to the series’ adult visual novel roots, the film features more violence, mature scenes, and psychological horror far contrasting the more romantic shonen of the “Fate” route and the action-packed “Unlimited Blade Works.” Both fans and detractors of the Shirou-Sakura ship can appreciate the depth invested in their relationship, with the first film’s focus on their bond starting to pay off in this sequel.
Why Skip Fate/Stay Night: Heaven's Feel II Lost Butterfly
The escalation of events in Lost Butterfly means viewers should only skip this film if they haven't watched the preceding entry. This is largely due to the weight of Lost Butterfly's exposition and its escalation of intensity - not having a clear understanding of the stakes at hand can ruin a Lost Butterfly watch-through. Fans who have yet to see this film are recommended to play through the visual novel and reach Sakura's arc, as the original take on Heaven's Feel could help ground not just concepts but also the emotional tension felt throughout the movie.
Fate/Stay Night: Heaven's Feel III Spring Song
January - February 2004 AD, Main Timeline (HF Route)
Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel - III. Spring Song
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- August 15, 2020
WHERE TO WATCH
- Director
- Tomonori Sudou
- Based On
- Fate/stay Night Visual Novel
- Studio(s)
- ufotable
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll
With odds stacked against them, Shirou Emiya and Rin Tohsaka need to work together in Fate/Stay Night: Heaven’s Feel III Spring Song in order to accomplish the seemingly impossible mission of saving Sakura Matou from certain doom. In this final part of the “Heaven’s Feel” film trilogy adaptation, fans of Fate get a horrific firsthand look at the real nature of the Holy Grail War and how humans like Shirou could attempt to grasp its incomprehensible nature. Shirou and Sakura’s relationship becomes part of the highlights of the film, which some fans may find odd to see considering how this takes away the participation of other integral characters like Ilyasviel von Einsberg and Kirei Kotomine.
However, Rin Tohsaka’s eventual overtake of the spotlight can feel both surprising and satisfying for viewers, especially once they realize her role in the story. Despite Spring Song taking the traditional route of desperate heroes attempting to do good, the emotional payoff in this dark story is worthwhile after the film reaches its final scenes.
Why Watch It
Being the last part of the “Heaven’s Feel” trilogy, Heaven’s Feel III Spring Song succeeds in the challenge of creating an adaptation of the gritty Fate route without sacrificing too much in terms of story and narrative. While the film eventually reveals a failure to include other integral cast members in its take on the story, Spring Song’s focus on Shirou, Sakura, and Rin becomes an appropriate endgame with its established relationships. This final film of the trilogy is a must-watch not only because it finishes the “Heaven’s Feel” adaptations, but it shows Fate as a more compact story instead of one with a grand narrative that can isolate viewers.
Why Skip Fate/Stay Night: Heaven's Feel III Spring Song
As a successful finisher to a riveting three-part storyline, the only reason to truly skip this entry is if viewers haven't seen the two previous films. Aside from this, viewers may prefer deep-diving into the original Fate/Stay Night visual novel to tackle Sakura's arc for themselves. The latter can add a more satisfying depth to the arc's finish, especially considering how Sakura's arc is often the final route tackled after Saber's and Rin's.
Fate/strange Fake: Whispers Of Dawn
2009 AD, Main Timeline
Fate/strange Fake: Whispers of Dawn
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- Release Date
- July 2, 2023
- Director
- Shun Enokido, Takahito Sakazume
- Studio
- A-1 Pictures
- Based On
- Fate/strange Fake light novel by Ryohgo Narita
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll
Treading the line between anime and film, Fate/strange Fake: Whispers of Dawn, is a 55-minute anime special based on the events of the Fate/strange Fake light novel. Set in 2009, the story of Strange Fake revolves around the city of Snowfield, Nevada being the site of a Grail War orchestrated by forces outside the usual Mage Association in London.
Being a mere attempt at the original Holy Grail War, the Snowfield iteration may have attracted similar pairs of Masters and Servants but now have rules beyond their understanding. With the Saber Class lost and the definition of summonable “heroes” being blurred, Fate/strange Fake: Whispers of Dawn adds layers of mystery on top of the complicated relationships between its participants.
Why Watch It?
At its core, Fate/strange Fake: Whispers of Dawn showcases the potential of Fate’s Holy Grail War concept outside the usual confines of Fuyuki City. The underlying “fake” nature of the Snowfield Grail War gives the anime a unique spin on the mystery-thriller idea, with even the characters trying to unravel the events around them. With the original Strange Fake story still ongoing, the anime serves as a decent showcase of its overall plot, leaving questions out in the open that could be satisfyingly left untouched or answered by a full-blown anime.
Why Skip Fate/strange Fake: Whispers Of Dawn
Given the fanfare towards Whispers of Dawn as being among one of the best recent Fate projects, it can be difficult to skip such an acclaimed entry. However, instead of following the prospect of skipping it entirely, perhaps Whispers of Dawn is best enjoyed after reading the original Strange Fake series of books. Doing this before watching Whispers of Dawn can help viewers better appreciate the artistic vision put into the anime - especially in terms of character interactions, set design, and even action scenes.
Fate/strange Fake
2009 AD, Main Timeline
Fate/strange Fake
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end- Studio
- A-1 Pictures
- Based On
- Light Novel
- Creator
- Ryōgo Narita
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll
Continuing directly from Fate/strange Fake: Whispers of Dawn, Fate/strange Fake will chronicle the Snowfield Holy Grail War, a conflict that does not follow the natural rules that usually govern these events. Ayaka Sajyou, a girl from Japan, enters the city, dragged into the upcoming conflict due to manipulation by external forces. She wants to regain control of her life, but she is also forced to summon King Arthur and, consequently, become a Master in the Holy Grail War.
Fate/strange Fake is based on a fairly popular light novel and manga that both started in 2015 and are still ongoing today. Besides Whispers of Dawn, the anime adaptation has only aired one episode so far, which mostly served as a teaser for things to come. The rest of A-1's series is expected to drop at some point in 2025, but the studio has yet to confirm the release season.
Why Watch It?
Fate/strange Fake shakes up the franchise's standard formula, while still retaining the same thrills associated with the most beloved entries like Fate/Zero and Fate/stay Night.
Why Skip Fate/strange Fake
While not the most crucial entry to the overall saga, there is no reason to skip Fate/strange Fake. That said, people might want to wait until the anime season starts to watch the currently available episode or even Whispers of Dawn.
Fate/Prototype
February 1999 AD, Prototype Timeline
Fate/Prototype
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- December 31, 2011
- Studio
- Lerche
- Number of Episodes
- 1
Despite the reception towards Fate/stay night as an interesting take on the battle royale concept, this was not necessarily the first and only version of the story. In Fate/Prototype, the story stars Ayaka Sajyou, the last member of the Sajyou family whose destiny calls her to participate in the Second Holy Grail War in Fuyuki City. When a warrior saves her from being pursued by a mysterious man and some creatures, she is pulled into the middle of the conflict.
Before Kinoko Nasu’s Fate/stay night became the most popular entry of Type-Moon’s Nasuverse, the story of the Fifth Holy Grail War was originally the Second Tokyo Holy Grail War. Being the “original” take on the /stay night story, it’s a refreshing take to see the first versions of Fate’s characters, such as Arthur Pendragon’s Saber and a louder (and less-armored) version of Gilgamesh.
Why Watch It
One of the best elements of Fate/Prototype is its nature as a 12-minute OVA, making it a pretty condensed piece of media to digest. Being a story set a few Holy Grail Wars before Shiro Emiya’s journey, Fate/Prototype is an interesting take on a more severe version of the Holy Grail War concept - especially considering Ayaka’s more personal stakes on the Second Holy Grail War. The short nature of the OVA makes it a fascinating look into what the Fate series could offer without diving deep into specifics. Considering it’s a “piece of history” in the context of modern Fate stories, the short peek into the overall Fate mythos makes this a neat must-watch.
Why Skip Fate/Prototype
Being set up as more of a "hidden pilot episode" than having a direct relation to the Fate franchise, fans can perfectly skip Fate/Prototype and get right into the intensity of Fate/Zero. Perhaps the only reason to truly engage with Prototype is to get a glimpse of the original plans set up for the core cast and the many changes they underwent - particularly for Arthur and Gilgamesh, whose characters drastically changed in the final release.
Fate/Zero
November 1994 AD, Main Timeline
Fate/Zero
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2011 - 2012
WHERE TO WATCH
- Seasons
- 2
- Number of Episodes
- 25
- Studio
- Ufotable
- Based On
- Light Novel
- Creator
- Gen Urobuchi
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll, Hulu
Fate/Zero once again takes place in Fuyuki City, a decade before the events of Fate/stay night. As this setting implies, Fate/Zero serves as the prequel to Shirou's adventures. This time around, Kiritsugu Emiya becomes a participant in the Fourth Holy Grail War. Unlike the innocent Shirou, Kiritsugu has a noticeable edge as the world-renowned mage killer. He also receives the backing of the Einzberns, his wife's family.
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This anime serves as the adaptation of the Fate/Zero light novels. Unlike the main series, Fate/Zero has a profoundly deeper approach to the complexities of the Holy Grail War. Aside from its stellar animations, its exploration of the themes of sacrifice and ambition earned the praise of viewers and critics.
Fate/Zero serves as a great third piece of media to bridge the main Fate/stay night story and its spinoffs. After Fate/Zero, fans may also choose to play the /stay night sequel, /hollow ataraxia.
Why Watch It?
Arguably one of the best prequel anime out there, Fate/Zero is a great way to look at the Holy Grail War from the perspectives of more mature audiences. Unlike Shirou Emiya and his desire to be a hero, Kiritsugu Emiya has a darker look at the world – something reflected by most other participants in the war and certainly evident throughout the series. This stark change in tone makes Fate/Zero a worthwhile watch in the entire series.
An argument can be made that Fate/Zero should be watched before Fate/stay night; however, the latter's visual novel is meant to be read prior to the former's. Consequently, the same can hold true for the anime versions.
Why Skip Fate/Zero
Despite top-tier production quality from Ufotable and the grim atmosphere of Fate/Zero, the series can be among those "saved the best for last" among works in the Fate franchise. Beyond Fate/Zero are spinoffs set in different timelines and perspectives, making this anime the perfect stopping point to start deep-diving into the core visual novels, games, and even light novels - especially in the case of Fate/Zero. Once fans get a closer look into the intricacies of what Fate as a franchise can offer, they can dive deep into perhaps one of the darkest and most nuanced anime releases associated with the series.
Lord El-Melloi II’s Case Files
September 2003 - February 2004 AD, Main Timeline
Lord El-Melloi II's Case Files: Rail Zeppelin Grace Note
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- July 7, 2019
- Japanese Title
- Lord El-Melloi II Sei no Jikenbo: Rail Zeppelin Grace Note
- Seasons
- 1
- Studio
- Troyca
- Number of Episodes
- 13
- Based On
- Light Novel
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll, Funimation
Aside from the gut-wrenching story between Kiritsugu Emiya and Irisviel von Einzbern in Fate/Zero, Waver Velvet’s relationship with his Servant Rider remains one of the most appealing parts of the story. Originally a young mage out to prove himself to his peers in the Mage’s Association, Waver eventually transitions into a professor of the organization. Not only that, but his position as head of the Department of Modern Magecraft, Waver - now Lord El Melloi II - is in charge of solving various mysteries and problems plaguing the world of magic.
Lord El Melloi II’s adventures with his apprentice Gray are explored in Lord El Melloi’s Case Files, where their cases eventually lead them deep into the politics of the Association’s deeper echelons in the form of the Clock Tower.
Why Watch It
While there are no direct relations to the Holy Grail War in Lord El-Melloi II’s Case Files, the anime offers a much-needed look into the deeper aspects of Fate lore. Given how it’s the Mage’s Association’s mission to “regulate” magic around the world, fans of Fate can get more insights about the world’s lore - especially on the side of technical magic. Viewers planning on getting into more Fate media such as the Fate/Grand Order mobile game may appreciate concepts explored in Case Files, especially with how the gacha game emphasizes the narrative.
Why Skip Lord El-Melloi II's Case Files
Fans of Fate who prefer seeing Masters and Servants duke it out in grand battles where wishes, lives, and principles are at stake won't necessarily see the same things in Lord El-Melloi II's Case Files. Instead, the anime is more suitable for fans of the franchise who want to get out of the Holy Grail War and look at the more "normal" side of the setting - particularly from the setting of mages and a magical society trying to stay hidden from the rest of mankind.