If you’ve ever been curious about drifting, Japanese car culture, or epic anime rivalries with high-octane races, then Initial D is a must-watch. The franchise has become legendary for its thrilling driving scenes, iconic Eurobeat soundtrack, and unforgettable characters—especially the humble tofu delivery driver turned racing prodigy, Takumi Fujiwara.
However, navigating the Initial D watch order can be tricky. With multiple stages, OVAs, movies, and remakes, newcomers often ask: “Where do I even begin?”
This comprehensive guide lays out the correct Initial D watch order—chronologically and by release—so you can enjoy the story as it was meant to be experienced. Whether you’re a die-hard fan returning to the series or a curious first-timer, buckle up—we’re taking a deep dive into the world of Initial D.
🚗 What is Initial D?
Initial D is a Japanese manga and anime series centered around the underground world of street racing in Japan’s mountainous regions. The story follows Takumi Fujiwara, a seemingly uninterested teenager who unknowingly develops exceptional driving skills while delivering tofu for his father every morning in a Toyota AE86 Sprinter Trueno.
What starts as a humble delivery job quickly turns into a journey of self-discovery, rivalry, and speed, as Takumi is pulled into the world of street racing on the mountain pass known as Mount Akina.
Created by Shuichi Shigeno, the manga ran from 1995 to 2013, and the anime adaptation debuted in 1998, with multiple sequels and adaptations following suit.
🔢 The Correct Watch Order for Initial D (Chronological)
To follow the Initial D story as smoothly as a drift around a hairpin curve, this is the recommended chronological watch order:
1. Initial D: First Stage (1998)
📺 Episodes: 26
This is where it all begins. We’re introduced to Takumi, his friends, and the local street racing scene. Watch this first—no exceptions.
2. Initial D: Second Stage (1999)
📺 Episodes: 13
The story picks up directly after First Stage, diving into tougher races and exploring Takumi’s growth as a driver.
3. Initial D: Extra Stage (2000)
📺 Episodes: 2 (OVA)
This side story focuses on the female racing duo Impact Blue—Sayuki and Mako. It’s not essential to the main plot, but a fun and well-loved addition.
4. Initial D: Third Stage – The Movie (2001)
🎬 Runtime: 1 hour 44 minutes
This movie continues from where Second Stage ends and includes major plot developments—especially Takumi’s emotional journey and his next big challenge.
5. Initial D: Battle Stage (2002)
🎬 Runtime: ~50 minutes
This isn’t required viewing—it’s a compilation of race scenes from First, Second, and Third Stage with improved CGI. Great if you want a recap.
6. Initial D: Fourth Stage (2004–2006)
📺 Episodes: 24
A significant leap in animation quality and racing intensity. Takumi is now part of Project D, aiming to become the fastest street racer in Japan.
7. Initial D: Battle Stage 2 (2007)
🎬 Runtime: ~1 hour
Like the first Battle Stage, this is a race-only recap from Fourth Stage. Optional, but worth watching for refreshed visuals and sound.
8. Initial D: Extra Stage 2 (2008)
📺 Episodes: 1
A follow-up OVA focusing again on Mako and her racing ambitions post-Impact Blue. Good character development but skippable for plot.
9. Initial D: Fifth Stage (2012–2013)
📺 Episodes: 14
This continues Project D’s journey and features some of the most technical and thrilling races in the series.
10. Initial D: Final Stage (2014)
📺 Episodes: 4
This is the end of Takumi’s street racing story. Emotional, powerful, and a fitting sendoff to a legendary anime journey.
🕰️ Initial D Watch Order by Release Date
If you prefer to watch Initial D as fans experienced it over time, here’s the release order:
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Initial D: First Stage (1998)
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Initial D: Second Stage (1999)
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Initial D: Extra Stage (2000)
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Initial D: Third Stage – The Movie (2001)
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Initial D: Battle Stage (2002)
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Initial D: Fourth Stage (2004–2006)
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Initial D: Battle Stage 2 (2007)
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Initial D: Extra Stage 2 (2008)
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Initial D: Fifth Stage (2012–2013)
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Initial D: Final Stage (2014)
🔁 What About Initial D: Legend Movies (2014–2016)?
These are reboot films that retell the early stages of Initial D with modern animation:
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Legend 1: Awakening (2014)
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Legend 2: Racer (2015)
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Legend 3: Dream (2016)
They’re great for newer viewers looking for a faster-paced, condensed version of the story—but they skip a lot of character development. We recommend watching them only after the original series, or if you want a recap.
🎶 The Power of Eurobeat
One of Initial D’s most iconic features is its Eurobeat soundtrack, with adrenaline-pumping tracks like:
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“Deja Vu”
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“Running in the 90s”
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“Night of Fire”
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“Gas Gas Gas”
The music became a cultural phenomenon and even sparked countless memes. While later dubs and re-releases sometimes replace the music, fans agree—watch the subbed version with original Eurobeat for the most authentic experience.
📦 Where to Watch Initial D
As of now, Initial D can be watched on various platforms depending on your region:
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Crunchyroll – Subbed episodes
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Funimation – Dubbed and subbed
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Amazon Prime Video – Some stages available for purchase
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YouTube – Various stages and compilations available
Check your local streaming services or physical media for full access.
🏁 Tips for Watching Initial D
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Start from the First Stage: Don’t skip ahead—the early episodes are vital for understanding Takumi’s journey.
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Watch Subbed if Possible: The voice acting and Eurobeat make for a legendary combo.
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Battle Stages Are Optional: They’re great for recaps but not essential.
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Save the Legend Movies for Later: Use them as a bonus, not a replacement.
🤯 Fun Facts About Initial D
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The AE86: Takumi’s car became a cultural icon, leading to a boom in real-world demand for old Toyota models.
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Based on Real Places: Mount Akina is based on the real Mount Haruna in Gunma Prefecture.
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Inspired a Game Franchise: There are numerous arcade and console games based on Initial D—many with cult followings.
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Manga vs. Anime: The manga dives deeper into Takumi’s internal thoughts and relationships.
💬 FAQs About Initial D Watch Order
Q: Should I watch the Legend movies first?
No. They are condensed remakes and skip a lot of detail. Watch them after the original series.
Q: Can I skip Extra or Battle Stages?
Yes, they are optional side stories and recaps, but they add flavor and backstory.
Q: What comes after Final Stage?
Final Stage concludes the main story. After that, check out the Legend movies or manga for a deeper dive.
Q: Is Initial D good for car lovers?
Absolutely. It’s filled with detailed car mechanics, real-world techniques, and racing strategies.
📚 What to Do After Watching Initial D
Loved the series and don’t want to stop there? Here’s what to check out next:
1. Read the Manga
The manga offers more backstory, especially regarding character emotions and rivalries.
2. Watch MF Ghost
This is a spiritual successor set years after Initial D, featuring a new protagonist and modern cars. It’s written by the same author and contains plenty of Easter eggs for fans.
3. Play the Games
Try out the Initial D Arcade Stage games or console versions to live the racing life.
✨ Final Thoughts
Initial D is more than just a racing anime—it’s a cultural touchstone that captured the spirit of street racing, youthful ambition, and personal growth. Whether you’re watching for the first time or reliving it with fresh eyes, following the correct watch order enhances the emotional impact, narrative flow, and overall experience.