If you're after a gory, exciting anime to get stuck into, "Tokyo Ghoul" is the perfect choice. An adaptation of Sui Ishida's serialized manga, "Tokyo Ghoul" follows student Ken Kaneki as he deals with his transformation after he's attacked by a Ghoul (flesh-eating monsters that inhabit Earth in secrecy).
"Tokyo Ghoul" is available on various streaming services around the world.
• Stream around the globe – Netflix
• US – Hulu
• Watch anywhere – try NordVPN 100% risk-free
However, with a number of prequels and live-action spins offs, it can be tricky to work out how to watch "Tokyo Ghoul" in order – be that chronologically from a story standpoint, by release date, or the order which is most entertaining.
Plus, in some countries "Tokyo Ghoul" is available on Netflix, while in others (notably the US) it's carried by other streaming services. But, even if you've only got Netflix, there's an easy way to watch "Tokyo Ghoul" in order wherever you are that we'll explain below.
Where to stream 'Tokyo Ghoul'
Japanese viewers have the most comprehensive collection of "Tokyo Ghoul" content on Netflix, with all seasons and both animated movies streaming on the service. Japan is also one of few places where both live action movies are streaming, with "Tokyo Ghoul" (2019) and "Tokyo Ghoul: S" streaming on Hulu. So, if you're away from home in Japan, you'll need a Japan VPN to get full access to "Tokyo Ghoul".
Netflix in the U.K. also has a fairly good offering, missing just season 3 of the animated run, so we recommend using a UK VPN for Brits abroad.
In the US "Tokyo Ghoul" isn't available on Netflix. The core three seasons of the anime can be streamed on Hulu, however the OVAs – "Tokyo Ghoul: Jack" and "Tokyo Ghoul: Pinto" – are not available on the platform, or any other U.S. service for that matter. So, if you've only got Netflix, you won't be able to watch when travelling in the States.
However, by using the best VPN, you can change your location and watch "Tokyo Ghoul" on Netflix while you're in the US. Our top choice is NordVPN, but our Netflix VPN guide offers some good alternatives, too.
How to watch 'Tokyo Ghoul' anywhere
Away from home at the moment and blocked from watching "Tokyo Ghoul" on your usual subscription?
You can still watch the fantasy romance thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The software allows your devices to appear to be back in your home country regardless of where in the world you are. So ideal for viewers away on vacation or on business. Our favorite is NordVPN. It's the best on the market:
'Tokyo Ghoul' in release order
If you want to watch "Tokyo Ghoul" in the exact order it was released, this is how to do it:
1. "Tokyo Ghoul" (season 1)
2. "Tokyo Ghoul: Root A" (season 2)
3. "Tokyo Ghoul: Jack" & "Tokyo Ghoul: Pinto" OVAs
Watch Jack on Netflix UK / Watch Pinto on Netflix UK
4. "Tokyo Ghoul" (live-action movie)
Unavailable on Netflix. Watch on Crunchyroll US & Canada, Hulu Japan and Prime Video Japan
5. "Tokyo Ghoul: re" (season 3)
6. "Tokyo Ghoul S" (live-action movie)
Unavailable on Netflix. Watch on Hulu Japan and Prime Video Japan
'Tokyo Ghoul' in chronological order
You may prefer to watch "Tokyo Ghoul" in true chronological order. This means watching the prequels first. We would probably only recommend this to people who are rewatching "Tokyo Ghoul". Note that "Tokyo Ghoul S" more closely follows the manga, which sets it in a somewhat alternate timeline to "Root A" and "re":
1. "Tokyo Ghoul: Jack" & "Tokyo Ghoul: Pinto" OVAs
Watch Jack on Netflix UK / Watch Pinto on Netflix UK
2. "Tokyo Ghoul" (season 1)
3. "Tokyo Ghoul" (live-action movie)
Unavailable on Netflix. Watch on Crunchyroll US & Canada, Hulu Japan and Prime Video Japan
4. "Tokyo Ghoul: Root A" (season 2)
5. "Tokyo Ghoul: re" (season 3)
6. "Tokyo Ghoul S" (live-action movie)
Unavailable on Netflix. Watch on Hulu Japan and Prime Video Japan
How we recommend watching 'Tokyo Ghoul'
In our opinion, this is how to watch "Tokyo Ghoul" in order. Opening with the first season gets things off to a great start. "Jack" and "Pinto" slot in nicely after the second season, and the third season rounds it off well. Completing your viewing experience with both the live-action movies is well worth it, as the first is a different take on the first season's story, while the second takes off in a new direction:
1. "Tokyo Ghoul" (season 1)
2. "Tokyo Ghoul: Root A" (season 2)
3. "Tokyo Ghoul: Jack" & "Tokyo Ghoul: Pinto" OVAs
Watch Jack on Netflix UK / Watch Pinto on Netflix UK
4. "Tokyo Ghoul: re" (season 3)
5. "Tokyo Ghoul" (live-action movie)
Unavailable on Netflix. Watch on Crunchyroll US & Canada, Hulu Japan and Prime Video Japan
6. "Tokyo Ghoul S" (live-action movie)
Unavailable on Netflix. Watch on Hulu Japan and Prime Video Japan
What is 'Tokyo Ghoul'?
Tokyo Ghoul starts out with Ken Kaneki as a regular student, excited and nervous for a date with a girl. However, when she turns out to be a Ghoul and attacks him, things change irreversibly for Ken.
From then on, the anime documents Ken coming to terms with his new life, from befriending Ghouls to hiding his true nature from his human friends – and, of course, plenty more guts and gore.
Released in 2015 after the first two seasons of Tokyo Ghoul were the Original Video Animations Tokyo Ghoul: Jack and Tokyo Ghoul: Pinto. These are prequels to the original seasons, and diverge from the manga's storyline.
Then the live-action Tokyo Ghoul movie was released in 2017, and in 2018 the final season of the anime was released.
