Fruits Basket: Watch Order Guide to Emotional Healing

If you’re looking for a heartwarming anime that explores deep emotions, Fruits Basket: Watch Order Guide to Emotional Healing is a great place to start. This guide, updated for June 10, 2025, will help you navigate the different versions and movies so you can experience the story in the best possible way. Fruits Basket is known for its touching story, well-developed characters, and how it deals with emotional pain. To make sure you enjoy it fully, here’s the recommended order to watch everything.

The Best Way to Watch Fruits Basket

Fruits Basket has two main anime versions: the original from 2001 and a remake that started in 2019. The remake follows the original manga (comic book) more closely. Here’s the order we recommend:

Fruits Basket (2001): This is the first anime version. It’s a good introduction to the characters and the basic story of the Sohma family curse. It has 26 episodes. Keep in mind that it doesn’t cover the entire manga story.
Fruits Basket (2019): This is a complete remake that adapts the entire manga series. It’s highly recommended, especially if you want the full story. You can watch it after the 2001 version or even instead of it.
Fruits Basket 1st Season (2019): The first part of the remake. It covers the beginning of the manga.
Fruits Basket 2nd Season (2020): This season goes deeper into the characters’ backgrounds and the complexities of the Sohma family curse.
Fruits Basket The Final Season (2021): This is the end of the main story. It resolves the Sohma family’s curse and shows what happens to the characters in the future.
Fruits Basket -prelude- (2022): This is a movie that tells the story of Tohru’s parents, Kyoko and Katsuya Honda. It helps you understand Tohru’s motivations and the overall themes of the series. It’s best to watch this after the main series so you don’t get any spoilers.
Fruits Basket the Movie -Fragment of Memories- (2022): This movie summarizes the events of the series and includes some new scenes. It’s optional, but it can be a nice way to remember the story.
Kyoko to Katsuya no Monogatari (2022): A short ONA included with Fragment of Memories, further exploring Kyoko and Katsuya’s relationship.

Why This Order is Recommended

This order lets you enjoy the charm of the original anime while also getting the complete story from the remake. Watching the 2001 version first gives you a nostalgic introduction to the characters. Then, the 2019 remake gives you a more complete and updated version, filling in any missing parts and expanding on the original story.

Differences Between the Two Versions

The 2001 series is fun, but it only covers part of the manga. It also has a slightly different feel and art style. The 2019 remake is much closer to the manga, both in the story and how the characters look. It also explores the darker themes and backstories more deeply, making it a more emotionally powerful experience. As of June 2025, many fans consider the remake to be the best version.

Where to Watch Fruits Basket (as of June 2025)

As of June 10, 2025, you can find Fruits Basket (both versions) on several streaming services. Here are some popular choices:

Crunchyroll: Crunchyroll usually has the most anime, including all seasons of Fruits Basket (2019) and the original 2001 series.
Funimation: Funimation also often streams Fruits Basket, especially the versions dubbed in English.
Hulu: Hulu might have some seasons of Fruits Basket, depending on where you live and your subscription.
Netflix: Netflix’s anime selection changes depending on your region, so check if Fruits Basket is available where you are.

Always check if these platforms are available in your country, as licensing agreements can change. You might also be able to buy digital copies of the series on platforms like Amazon Prime Video or Google Play.

Fruits Basket: A Story About Healing

Fruits Basket is more than just a typical anime; it’s a story about overcoming abuse, finding acceptance, and learning to love yourself. The characters are complex and easy to relate to, each dealing with their own emotional scars. Tohru Honda’s kindness and optimism help the Sohma family heal their wounds.

The series explores important themes like family, friendship, and the importance of connecting with others. It’s a story that will stay with you long after you finish watching it. Whether you’ve been a fan for years or are just starting, Fruits Basket offers a powerful and moving experience.

More About the Characters

One of the reasons Fruits Basket is so beloved is its well-developed characters. Each member of the Sohma family is cursed to transform into an animal of the Chinese zodiac when hugged by someone of the opposite sex (who isn’t also cursed). This curse is more than just a magical affliction; it’s a metaphor for the emotional burdens they carry. Yuki, the rat, struggles with feelings of inadequacy and a desire for connection. Kyo, the cat (who is excluded from the zodiac), battles anger and resentment. Tohru, with her unwavering positivity, becomes a beacon of hope for them.

The supporting characters are equally compelling. From Tohru’s best friends, Hana and Uo, who provide unwavering support, to the other members of the Sohma family, each character adds depth and richness to the story. The series delves into their individual struggles, their relationships with each other, and their journeys toward healing.

The Importance of Tohru Honda

Tohru Honda is the heart of Fruits Basket. Orphaned at a young age, she is kind, optimistic, and always puts others before herself. Her unwavering belief in the good in people is what allows her to break through the Sohma family’s emotional barriers. She doesn’t judge them for their curse or their past traumas; instead, she offers them unconditional love and acceptance.

Tohru’s own past is marked by loss and hardship, but she never allows it to define her. She chooses to focus on the positive and to find joy in the simple things. Her resilience and compassion are an inspiration to those around her, and she becomes a catalyst for change in the Sohma family’s lives.

Themes of Trauma and Healing

Fruits Basket tackles difficult themes such as trauma, abuse, and family dysfunction with sensitivity and nuance. The Sohma family’s curse is a manifestation of the emotional wounds that have been passed down through generations. Each member of the family carries the weight of their past experiences, and they struggle to break free from the cycle of pain.

The series emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and processing trauma in order to heal. It shows that healing is not a linear process and that it requires courage, vulnerability, and the support of others. Through Tohru’s influence and their own individual journeys, the Sohma family members learn to confront their pasts, forgive themselves, and build healthier relationships.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right order to watch Fruits Basket will make sure you enjoy the story as much as possible. By using this guide, updated for June 2025, you’ll be able to fully appreciate the emotional depth and heartwarming moments that make Fruits Basket a truly special anime. It’s a journey of healing, connection, and self-discovery that will resonate with you long after the credits roll.