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Gunbuster Watch Order
4 entries · · community-maintained
Also known as Aim for the Top!, Top wo Nerae!, Gunbuster 2, Diebuster, Top wo Nerae 2!, Gunbuster Diebuster, Aim for the Top 2!, Top wo Nerae 3
Where to start Gunbuster: begin with Gunbuster (1988), then Diebuster (2004). This Gunbuster watch order is in story order. Gunbuster (Episodes 1-6) is Hideaki Anno's classic OVA about Noriko Takaya and the fight against space monsters. Diebuster, also called Gunbuster 2 (Episodes 1-6), is set years later with a new cast in the same universe; watch it after Gunbuster. The Science Lesson shorts and the 2006 compilation movies are optional. A third series, Top wo Nerae 3!, has been announced but is not out yet. Release order for the two main OVAs matches story order.
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Start with Gunbuster (6 OVA episodes), then Diebuster (6).
Checked November 2026
Chronological order
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Gunbuster
#1 · 1 entry
- 1Gunbuster
Start here. Gunbuster (6 OVA episodes, 1988): Noriko Takaya trains to pilot a space mecha against space monsters.
OVA
Science Lesson
#2 · 1 entry
- 2Gunbuster Science LessonOptional
Optional shorts (1988): cheeky science explainers packaged with Gunbuster. Skip if you only want the story.
Special
Diebuster
#3 · 1 entry
- 3Diebuster (Gunbuster 2)
Diebuster (6 OVA episodes, 2004): set later in the Gunbuster universe with Nono and a new squad. Watch after Gunbuster.
OVA
Compilation movies
#4 · 1 entry
- 4Gunbuster & Diebuster compilation moviesOptional
Optional 2006 theatrical recuts of Gunbuster and Diebuster. Skip if you already watched the OVAs.
Movie
More on where to start
Checked November 2026
The Science Lesson shorts and compilation movies are optional.
Top wo Nerae 3! is announced but not released yet.
What to skip
- Watch first
- Start with Gunbuster.
- What to skip
- 2 entries are optional: Gunbuster Science Lesson and Gunbuster & Diebuster compilation movies. The story still tracks without them.
- Filler notes
- Gunbuster & Diebuster compilation movies. Optional 2006 theatrical recuts of Gunbuster and Diebuster.
- Gunbuster Science Lesson. Optional shorts (1988): cheeky science explainers packaged with Gunbuster.
Side branches
Part of Gunbuster, but outside the chronological order above. Each note says when it fits.
Top wo Nerae 3! (provisional title)
Announced · not released
A third Aim for the Top / Gunbuster project has been announced. Format and date are not set as of November 2026.
The correct order to watch Gunbuster, as one listShowHide
Watch Gunbuster in this order. 4 entries, chronological.
- Gunbuster (OVA)
- Gunbuster Science Lesson (special) — optional
- Diebuster (Gunbuster 2) (OVA)
- Gunbuster & Diebuster compilation movies (movie) — optional
How this order works
AnimeChrono watch orders put every season, movie, OVA, ONA and special for a franchise in chronological story order, the order the events happen. When an OVA or movie takes place partway through a season, the episode range is split so it sits where it belongs. Entries you can skip are marked optional, and each order says where to start. Release order, sorted by air date, is a secondary view once every entry has a date. The orders began as a hand-curated set, and episode counts and air dates come from AniList. Fans maintain the orders from there. Any signed-in user can edit one. Edits from trusted contributors go live right away and the rest are reviewed first. Every change is versioned and can be reverted, and each order shows when it was last updated and last checked.
Something wrong or missing?
This order is maintained by the community. Report a problem, or sign in to fix it yourself.
Gunbuster watch order FAQ
What order should I watch Gunbuster in?
Start with Gunbuster (6 OVA episodes), then Diebuster (6). The Science Lesson shorts and compilation movies are optional. Top wo Nerae 3! is announced but not released yet.
Where should I start Gunbuster?
Start with Gunbuster (1988), all six OVA episodes. Then watch Diebuster (2004).
Is Diebuster a sequel?
Yes, in the same universe years later, with a mostly new cast. It lands better after Gunbuster; some twists assume you know the first OVA.
Do I need the Gunbuster movies?
No. The 2006 compilation films recut the OVAs. Watch the original six-plus-six episodes instead.
Is there a Gunbuster 3?
A project called Top wo Nerae 3! has been announced, but it had not been released as of November 2026.
What is the chronological order of Gunbuster?
Start with Gunbuster, then continue with Gunbuster Science Lesson, Diebuster (Gunbuster 2), and Gunbuster & Diebuster compilation movies. The full Gunbuster watch order on this page has 4 entries across 4 series, listed in chronological viewing order.
What is the release order of Gunbuster?
Gunbuster aired in the same order as the chronological watch order, starting with Gunbuster.
How many episodes is Gunbuster?
Gunbuster has no TV episode blocks in this order, plus 1 movie, 2 OVAs, and 1 special.
Where do the Gunbuster movies fit in the watch order?
Gunbuster & Diebuster compilation movies comes right after Diebuster (Gunbuster 2).
Can I skip anything in Gunbuster?
Yes. 2 entries are marked optional: Gunbuster Science Lesson and Gunbuster & Diebuster compilation movies. Everything else is part of the main story.
Is Gunbuster finished?
Yes. Gunbuster has finished airing, and this order covers everything released so far in chronological viewing order.
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