Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac, originally a manga series created by Masami Kurumada, was first serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump by Shueisha in 1986. This legendary tale follows a group of mystical warriors known as Saints who don sacred armors inspired by constellations. Empowered by a mystical energy called “Cosmo,” these Saints pledge to protect the reincarnation of the Greek goddess Athena as she battles deities bent on conquering Earth.
Over the decades, Saint Seiya has expanded into a rich franchise, encompassing anime series, movies, and reboots. Below is a chronological watch order of Saint Seiya in animation, updated with the latest releases.
Saint Seiya Watch Order
1. Saint Seiya (1986)
- Japanese Title: Saint Seiya: Knight of the Zodiac
- Broadcast: 1986-1989
- Episodes: 114
The Saint Seiya manga, created by Masami Kurumada, was adapted into an anime television series by Toei Animation and originally aired in the mid-1980s, becoming a hallmark of the classic shonen genre. Known for its mythological themes, dynamic battles, and iconic characters, the series quickly gained a global fanbase.
The show captivated viewers with its story of the Bronze Saints, led by Seiya, as they fought to protect the reincarnation of the goddess Athena and confront powerful foes inspired by Greek mythology.
The enduring appeal of Saint Seiya lies in its mix of dramatic storytelling, themes of friendship and sacrifice, and its visually stunning depiction of cosmic battles, making it a beloved classic not just in Japan but across the world.
2. Saint Seiya: Jashin Eris (1987)
- Title: Saint Seiya the Movie: Evil Goddess Eris
- Released: 1987
- Episodes: 1 Movie
In the Saint Seiya storyline, Eris, the goddess of chaos and discord, seeks to revive herself by using the body of Elien, a friend of Hyoga. Through this possession, she aims to bring turmoil and destruction to the world.
Eris’s plan centers on the golden apple, a powerful artifact she uses to drain Athena’s life energy. By doing so, she intends to complete her resurrection and plunge the world into chaos, transforming it into a realm of disorder under her rule.
Seiya and the other Bronze Saints must first confront her formidable Ghost Knights to thwart Eris’s sinister ambitions. These warriors, resurrected by Eris, serve as her loyal protectors and stand as the final obstacle between the Saints and the goddess herself. Only by overcoming the Ghost Knights can Seiya and his friends reach Eris, protect Athena, and restore balance to the world.
3. Saint Seiya: Kamigami no Atsuki Tatakai (1988)
- Japanese Title: Saint Seiya: The Heated Battle of the Gods
- Released: 1988
- Episodes: 1 Movie
In the Saint Seiya narrative set in Northern Europe, Odin’s reincarnation, Dolbar, dominates Asgard. Under his reign, the region faces unrest and mystery, setting the stage for a climactic conflict.
Hyoga, stationed in Siberia, rescues a man who warns him of an impending threat to Asgard. Heeding the warning, Athena sends Hyoga to investigate while she and the other Bronze Saints prepare to follow. However, upon their arrival in Asgard, they find that Hyoga has mysteriously disappeared, raising concerns about his fate.
As Athena moves to confront Dolbar, who has taken control of Odin’s sanctuary, the situation becomes dire. Dolbar retaliates against Athena, and the Bronze Saints act to assist her. However, their path is blocked by the God Soldiers, mighty warriors loyal to Dolbar and determined to defend his regime.
4. Saint Seiya: Shinku no Shounen Densetsu (1988)
- Japanese Title: Saint Seiya: Legend of Crimson Youth
- Released: Summer 1988
- Episodes: 1 Movie
The former sun god Abel returns to life, bent on punishing humanity and ridding Earth of their presence.
When Athena joins him, leaving humanity to their fate, the Bronze Saints must defend Earth in their greatest battle.
5. Saint Seiya: Saishuu Seisen no Senshi-tachi (1989)
- Japanese Title: Saint Seiya: Warriors of the Final Holy Battle
- Released: 1989
- Episodes: 1 Movie
Lucifer has been awakened from his eternal sleep by the spirits of Eris, Abel, and Poseidon. He had come to kill Athena and fulfill his heart’s burning desire: to become the strongest of all the gods.
6. Saint Seiya: Meiou Hades Juuni Kyuu-hen (2002)
- Japanese Title: Saint Seiya: The Hades Chapter – Sanctuary
- Broadcast: 2002-2003
- Episodes: 13
Hades plans to take over the world. He sends a deceased Gold Saint to take Athena’s head to achieve that goal.
Seiya and the other Bronze Saints come to help, but their help is not appreciated by the remaining Gold Saints, who are still alive.
7. Saint Seiya: Tenkai-hen Josou – Overture (2004)
- Japanese Title: Saint Seiya: The Heaven Chapter – Overture
- Released: 2004
- Episodes: 1 Movie
After the Saint’s victory against Hades, Seiya was left injured and immobilized in a wheelchair with no possibility of recovery.
Athena’s sister Artemis, the Virgin Moon Goddess and the twin sister of Apollo, makes an elaborate proposal – to restore Seiya’s physical health in exchange for the supremacy of the Sanctuary. Athena accepted, and Artemis and the “Sky Knights” quickly overtook the Sanctuary.
Now Seiya and his fellow Bronze Saints battle the power of Zeus to regain their homeland, but it won’t be easy. Bronze Saint Hydra Ichi and Unicorn Jabu and Silver Saint Ophiuchus Shaina had joined forces with Artemis and Apollo.
8. Saint Seiya: Meiou Hades Meikai-hen (2005)
- Japanese Title: Saint Seiya: The Hades Chapter – Inferno
- Broadcast: 2005-2007
- Episodes: 12
Seiya and the other Bronze and Gold Saints who survived the Sanctuary battle have entered the world of the Dead. They fight their way to Hades and defeat him.
9. Saint Seiya: Meiou Hades Elysion-hen (2008)
- Japanese Title: Saint Seiya: The Hades Chapter – Elysion
- Released: 2008
- Episodes: 6
After the 12 Gold Saints sacrificed their lives to destroy the Wailing Wall, the Bronze Saints entered the most profound realm of the Underworld, Elysion.
They encounter two of Hades’ most powerful servants, the Twin Gods, Hypnos, and Thanatos, before reaching Hades for the final battle.
10. Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas – Meiou Shinwa (2009)
- Broadcast: 2009-2010
- Episodes: 13
The story is set in 18th-century Europe, 243 years before the events of the original Saint Seiya, during a time when Tenma, Alone, and Sasha shared a joyful and carefree childhood.
At the tale’s heart lies an ancient Holy War—a recurring battle from mythology where the Goddess Athena and Hades clash to protect or claim the Earth, a cycle repeated for over two centuries.
Tenma, known for his fiery and determined nature, travels to the Sanctuary to train as a Saint. There, he reunites with Sasha, Alone’s sister, and learns of her true identity as the reincarnation of the Goddess Athena.
As Tenma rises to become the Pegasus Saint, he faces a heartbreaking reality—his closest friend, Alone, has become the host for Hades, the King of the Underworld. This pits Tenma against Alone in a fierce struggle, testing their bond and beliefs.
The intertwined fates of Pegasus Tenma, Hades, and Athena lay the foundation for a legendary saga. Their trials and sacrifices open the curtain to the events that eventually lead to the epic battles of the original Saint Seiya.
11. Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas – Meiou Shinwa 2 (2011)
- Released: 2011
- Episodes: 13
12. Saint Seiya Omega (2012)
- Japanese Title: Saint Seiya Ω
- Broadcast: 2012-2014
- Episodes: 97
Mars, the god of war and protector of the planet bearing his name, was once sealed away by Seiya. However, with time, his reawakening is drawing near.
Meanwhile, Saori Kido (the reincarnation of Athena) is caring for Kouga, a boy whose life was saved by Seiya. Under Saori’s guidance, Kouga trains diligently daily, preparing himself for the challenges.
Unaware of his destined role, Kouga’s life takes a dramatic turn when his latent Cosmo power awakens. This moment marks the beginning of a new chapter in the saga of the Saints, heralding the rise of a new legend.
13. Saint Seiya: Legend of Sanctuary (2014)
- Released: 2014
- Episodes: 1 Movie
To celebrate the series’ 25th anniversary and the mangaka’s 40-year legacy, a CG anime was created as a tribute.
Since ancient times, warriors known as Saints have protected the Goddess Athena. Whenever evil forces rise, these Saints emerge to defend the Earth.
The story follows a young girl, Saori Kido, as she discovers her connection to a mysterious power called the “Cosmos.” She learns that she is the reincarnation of Athena, the goddess dedicated to safeguarding love and peace on Earth.
14. Saint Seiya: Soul of Gold (2015)
- Released: 2015
- Episodes: 13
During the intense battle against Hades in the Underworld, 12 Gold Saints sacrificed their lives to shatter the Wailing Wall, paving the way for Seiya and his companions to press on.
Yet, against all odds, Aioria and the other Gold Saints—fated to vanish—find themselves resurrected on a radiant Earth filled with light. The question remains: how could they return when their destiny was to perish?
Amid this lingering mystery, Aioria faces a new challenge. As his Cosmo reaches its peak, a profound transformation begins within the Leo Saint.
15. Saint Seiya: Saintia Shou (2018)
- Broadcast: 2018-2019
- Episodes: 10
The anime takes place after the Sanctuary arc, following the defeat of the Gemini Saga in Masami Kurumada’s original Saint Seiya manga, but before the Poseidon arc.
Unlike the original story, which focused on Seiya and other male Saints protecting the goddess Athena, this new series centers on Shō, a female Saintia. She takes on the mission to safeguard Athena while battling an evil god, offering a fresh perspective on the timeless struggle.
16. Knights of the Zodiac: Saint Seiya (2019)
- Release: 2019
- Episodes: 12
CG anime series worked on Netflix, and Toei Animation is bringing back Saint Seiya’s story from the beginning.
17. Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac – Battle for Sanctuary (2022)
- Release: Summer 2022
- Episodes: 12
The sequel to the previous CG anime picks up after the events of the Sanctuary arc.
Seiya must ascend the Sanctuary and face the twelve legendary Golden Saints in a desperate bid to save Athena’s life. However, time is against him, as he only has twelve hours to defeat them and prevent Athena’s impending doom.
