Few manga and anime properties have woven themselves into global pop culture as deeply as Death Note. Created by writer Tsugumi Ohba and illustrator Takeshi Obata, the series debuted in 2003 in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump and quickly became a phenomenon. Its razor-sharp psychological duels, ethical ambiguity, and unforgettable characters like Light Yagami and L have inspired countless adaptations, spin-offs, and reinterpretations. For new fans eager to explore everything the franchise has to offer, the sheer number of series, films, and side stories can be daunting. This guide breaks down every major entry and provides clear, tailored viewing orders so you can experience the Death Note universe without confusion.

The Original Manga – Where It All Began

While this guide focuses on screen adaptations, the manga remains the definitive work. Published across 12 tankōbon volumes (also available in six oversized Black Editions or a single All-in-One compendium), the complete story is a masterclass in suspense. Reading the manga first or alongside the anime offers deeper insight into character monologues and subtle visual symbolism that the anime streamlined. For those who want to experience the source material, the official English edition is published by VIZ Media, and you can start with Volume 1 or the Black Edition omnibuses. A digital subscription to the Shonen Jump app also gives access to the full series. If you choose to read, do so before watching any adaptation for the purest experience. For those who prefer animation, the manga serves as an excellent companion afterward.

Explore the Death Note manga at VIZ Media

The 2006–2007 Anime Series – The Definitive Adaptation

Produced by Madhouse and directed by Tetsurō Araki, the 37-episode Death Note anime is the cornerstone of the franchise for most viewers. Airing from October 2006 to June 2007, it condenses the manga’s plot while preserving its psychological tension, moral complexity, and iconic soundtrack. The series splits naturally into two major arcs: episodes 1 through 25 cover Light’s initial crusade as Kira and his cerebral cat-and-mouse game with L, while episodes 26 to 37 shift the narrative to a new generation of antagonists and the emergence of Near and Mello. Every episode advances the intricate chess match, and the final stretch delivers one of anime’s most discussed endings.

Complete Episode List

Below is the full episode roster. First-time viewers should watch them in order without skipping:

  • Episode 1: "Rebirth"
  • Episode 2: "Confrontation"
  • Episode 3: "Evidence"
  • Episode 4: "Pursuit"
  • Episode 5: "Tactics"
  • Episode 6: "Death Note"
  • Episode 7: "Overcast"
  • Episode 8: "Glare"
  • Episode 9: "Encounter"
  • Episode 10: "Doubt"
  • Episode 11: "Assumption"
  • Episode 12: "Love"
  • Episode 13: "Confession"
  • Episode 14: "Friend"
  • Episode 15: "Wager"
  • Episode 16: "Decision"
  • Episode 17: "Execution"
  • Episode 18: "Ally"
  • Episode 19: "Matsuda"
  • Episode 20: "Makeshift"
  • Episode 21: "Performance"
  • Episode 22: "Guidance"
  • Episode 23: "Frenzy"
  • Episode 24: "Revival"
  • Episode 25: "Silence"
  • Episode 26: "Renewal"
  • Episode 27: "Abduction"
  • Episode 28: "Impatience"
  • Episode 29: "Father"
  • Episode 30: "Justice"
  • Episode 31: "Transfer"
  • Episode 32: "Selection"
  • Episode 33: "Scorn"
  • Episode 34: "Reunion"
  • Episode 35: "Malice"
  • Episode 36: "3rd Kira"
  • Episode 37: "New World"

Stream the complete anime series on Crunchyroll (subscription may be required) or on various digital storefronts. For many, this is the only Death Note experience needed, but the world expands far beyond these 37 episodes.

Japanese Live-Action Films – Different Lenses on the Same Death Note

Released between 2006 and 2016, the Japanese live-action films offer alternate takes that diverge from the manga and anime in key ways while retaining the core moral conflicts. Watching them after the anime provides a fresh perspective on familiar characters. The four primary films form a loose series, though not a seamless continuity.

'Death Note' (2006) and 'Death Note: The Last Name' (2006)

Directed by Shūsuke Kaneko, this two-part movie adaptation compresses the main story into a thrilling duology. The first film covers Light’s discovery of the notebook and his initial clashes with L, while The Last Name delivers a radically different conclusion from the anime and manga. The films star Tatsuya Fujiwara as Light and Kenichi Matsuyama as L, with Matsuyama’s eccentric, sweet-obsessed detective becoming a fan favorite. Watching these back-to-back is a rewarding way to see an alternative resolution to the Kira investigation.

'L: Change the World' (2008)

A spin-off focusing entirely on L, this film is set during the final stages of the Kira case but tells a standalone story. Kenichi Matsuyama reprises his role, and the plot follows L as he protects a young girl and a scientist from a bio-terrorist group. It is lighter on the Death Note mythology and heavier on action, making it a curiosity piece rather than essential viewing. Still, fans of the character will enjoy spending more time with L.

'Death Note: Light Up the New World' (2016)

Set ten years after the events of The Last Name, this sequel introduces a new generation of Death Note users and a cyber-terrorist threat. Original cast member Masahiro Higashide plays a new detective, while several legacy characters make cameo appearances. The film assumes knowledge of the prior movies, so it should always be watched last among the Japanese live-action entries.

For completionists, the recommended order of these films is release order: start with the 2006 two-parter, then L: Change the World, and finally Light Up the New World. An external database like IMDb’s Death Note filmography can help you track them.

Relight Films – Recaps with a Twist

Long after the anime finished airing, Madhouse produced two special movies: Death Note Relight 1: Visions of a God (2007) and Death Note Relight 2: L's Successors (2008). These are primarily recaps of the main story, re-edited from the perspective of Ryuk, but they add a handful of new scenes and dialogue. In Visions of a God, a short original sequence shows Ryuk telling a tale of the human who used the Death Note, reframing the entire story as a flashback. L's Successors condenses the Near and Mello arc with minimal new content. While they are not required to understand the plot, the Relight films serve as an interesting rewatch for fans who want a tighter, movie-length recap without committing to all 37 episodes. Newcomers should avoid these until after they have finished the original anime, as the condensation inevitably cuts significant character development.

The 2015 Television Drama – A Remixed Narrative

Nippon TV produced an 11-episode live-action drama that re-imagines the Death Note tale with modern sensibilities and an entirely original ending. Starring Masataka Kubota as Light and Kento Yamazaki as L, the series grounds the character dynamics in a more realistic setting. Light is a timid college student, and the drama explores social media’s role in Kira’s god complex. Because it deviates so heavily from all prior versions, it holds a distinct place in the franchise. If you crave more Death Note and have already seen the anime and films, the drama offers a surprisingly fresh angle. Be aware that pacing and characterizations differ markedly from the Madhouse masterpiece. Watch it after the core anime and Japanese films to appreciate the contrast without confusion.

The 2017 Netflix Film – A Western Reimagining

Directed by Adam Wingard, the American Death Note film transplants the story to Seattle and jettisons much of the psychological nuance in favor of a teen thriller aesthetic. It received widespread criticism from fans and critics alike for its drastic alterations to character motivations and the Kira-L dynamic. The film does not connect to any other official adaptation, and its place in a viewing guide is strictly optional. If you decide to watch it, do so only after experiencing the original anime, and treat it as an alternate-universe curiosity rather than a canon entry.

The Musical – A Stage Spectacle

Death Note’s reach extends to theater. Death Note: The Musical, with music by Broadway composer Frank Wildhorn and lyrics by Jack Murphy, premiered in Japan and Korea in 2015 and has since been performed internationally. The stage production adapts the first half of the story (the L arc), emphasizing Light and L’s rivalry through soaring ballads and dramatic duets. A professionally filmed recording has been released in select regions, and an English concept album exists. The musical is a unique interpretation that adds emotional layers through song. It fits best after the anime, especially for viewers who enjoy musical theater. Check the official Death Note musical website for performance updates and media availability.

Supplementary Reading: Light Novels and One-Shots

Although not screen productions, several literary expansions deepen the lore and are worth mentioning. Death Note Another Note: The Los Angeles BB Murder Cases is a prequel novel written by Nisio Isin that follows L and FBI agent Naomi Misora as they investigate a series of bizarre murders in Los Angeles. It provides essential backstory for Misora’s character, who appears briefly in the anime. The novel L: Change the World adapts the 2008 film while adding internal monologue and additional scenes. Additionally, a 2020 one-shot manga chapter set years after the original story introduces a new Kira and a modern digital landscape. Shueisha later released Death Note: Short Stories, a collection that includes that one-shot along with other side tales featuring Ryuk and new owners of the Death Note. If you want to enrich your understanding of the universe, read Another Note after the anime and before the Japanese live-action films; the rest can follow later.

Structuring Your Personal Viewing Path

With so many options, the best approach depends on your time and appetite. Below are three tailored routes that build from the simplest introduction to an all-encompassing marathon. Choose the one that matches your goals.

Route 1: The Essential Newcomer Experience

For the vast majority of new fans, this path delivers the core story without dilution:

  1. Watch the original 37-episode Death Note anime. It is the most complete and accessible adaptation.
  2. If you want a condensed refresher later, watch the two Relight movies (Visions of a God and L's Successors), though they are not necessary.

This straightforward route is how most people fall in love with the series.

Route 2: The Anime + Japanese Films Path

Once you finish the anime, layer on the live-action interpretations for a different flavor:

  1. Complete the anime (all 37 episodes).
  2. Watch Death Note (2006) live-action film.
  3. Watch Death Note: The Last Name (2006) immediately after, as it completes that film duology’s story.
  4. Watch L: Change the World (2008) for a character-focused spin-off.
  5. End with Death Note: Light Up the New World (2016) if you want the film saga’s distant sequel.

This sequence respects release order and lets each film build on your familiarity with the original plot.

Route 3: The Completionist’s Marathon

For those who want to consume every significant adaptation, this exhaustive order weaves together all major entries:

  1. Read the manga or watch the anime (episodes 1–37). The anime is the fastest entry point, but the manga offers the complete vision.
  2. Watch Death Note Relight 1: Visions of a God (optional recap with extra Ryuk framing).
  3. Watch Death Note Relight 2: L's Successors.
  4. Read the light novel Death Note Another Note: The Los Angeles BB Murder Cases for prequel context.
  5. Watch the Japanese live-action Death Note (2006) and The Last Name (2006).
  6. Watch L: Change the World (2008).
  7. Watch Death Note: Light Up the New World (2016).
  8. Sample the 2015 TV drama (11 episodes) for a modern remix.
  9. Watch Death Note: The Musical via official recording or cast album, enjoying the L vs Kira rivalry through song.
  10. Optionally view the 2017 Netflix film as a footnote—approach with managed expectations.
  11. Read the Death Note: Short Stories collection and the 2020 one-shot to close the loop with new tales.

This path leaves no corner unexplored, but it requires a significant time investment. Feel free to drop any step that doesn’t spark curiosity.

Final Thoughts

Death Note’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to provoke existential questions while delivering nail-biting suspense. The original anime remains the beating heart of the franchise, but every spin-off, sequel, and reimagining offers a different shade of the same gray morality. By following one of the viewing orders above, you can build a rich, layered understanding of the series without getting lost in the labyrinth of adaptations. Whether you stop after episode 37 or venture into stage musicals and light novels, the journey through Light’s world is one that continues to resonate with audiences around the globe. Grab your notebook, but maybe leave the names blank—until you’ve decided whose justice you’re writing for.