The iDOLM@STER franchise recently celebrated its 15th Anniversary on July 27, 2020! Its been a long way coming, and to celebrate what is there better to do than marathoning the entire iDOLM@STER anime series?
Now before we begin, there are currently at least 20 iDOLM@STER "Anime's" out there, and not all of them are part of the main series. For that reason, we will not be including any spin-offs such as the "Puchimas" and "Gekijou" series. As well as any PV's and the "Xenoglossia" series from the alternate universe. With that out of the way, let us begin with the (unofficial) iDOLMASTER Watch Order! (No Spoilers BTW).
1. The iDOLM@STER Live For You! (2008)
This OVA is optional, but I included it anyway as it is considered the first "Anime" featuring the girls from "765 Production". It was included in the XBOX 360 game "THE iDOLM@STER: Live for You!". The plot is basically a short, following the misadventures of Haruka, Chihaya, and Miki the day before a big event.
2. The iDOLM@STER (2011)
"The IDOLM@STER" is considered the main series of the franchise, this is where it all began... follow 13 girls from the "765 Production", and their dreams to become top idols in the Japanese entertainment industry. This is a must-watch for any fans looking to start their way into the iDOLM@STER fandom!
3. The iDOLM@STER: 765 Pro to Iu Monogatari (2012)
AKA "The iDOLM@STER Special", is a 1 episode OVA released with the 9th Blu-ray volume of The iDOLM@STER series. It is essentially a compilation of short and quick stories revolving around everybody within "765 Productions".
4. The iDOLM@STER Shiny Festa (2012)
3 new OVA episodes released with each of the three iDOLM@STER Shiny Festa PSP games (Honey Sound, Funky Note, and Groovy Tune). The 3 episodes are essentially three variations of the same setting featuring the three different units.
5. The iDOLM@STER Movie: Kagayaki no Mukougawa e! (2014)
The last anime featuring the girls from "765 Production"... As the girls prepare to perform a concert at an arena, Haruka, who was voted as leader of the idols, must stand up and gather all the idols together once again for the greatest concert they've ever performed.
I personally still remember when this movie came out, the chills, the shivers... It was indeed a M@STERPIECE.
6. The iDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls (2015)
The first anime featuring the girls from 346 Production, and also my personal favorite group of the franchise xD... A girl aiming to become an idol has been accepted into the Cinderella Project, a new project that collects girls and polishes them to become idols. Follow 14 girls and their journey at the 346 Pro talent agency, as they overcome many trials and hope to one day stand on the same stage as their senior idols.
7. The iDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls 2nd Season (2015)
The second season of The iDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls. The series originally intended to be one continuous two-cour series. But due to production problems, the show's run ended early with episode 13. The originally planned second cour returned as a second season on July 18, 2015.
8. The iDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls: Anytime, Anywhere with Cinderella. (2016)
AKA the unaired 26th and last episode of the series. It was bundled with the 9th BD/DVD volume of The iDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls series... The ending that would keep you S(mile)ING!
9. The iDOLM@STER Prologue SideM: Episode of Jupiter (2017)
As the title suggests, this is a 1 episode prequel story of "The iDOLM@STER SideM" series featuring the unit "Jupiter". As a reviewer mentioned: "Episode of Jupiter is a wonderful way for fans to go from idol girls to idol boys."
10. The iDOLM@STER SideM (2017)
Now onto "315 Production", the main male group of the IDOLM@STER anime series... A newly created entertainment agency, 315 Production, specializes in scouting prospective idols who previously held other jobs. Whether they were a former lawyer, surgeon, or pilot, they had a place at the agency. As they grow to understand their new positions, they'll aim to achieve their dreams of becoming top idols!
11. The iDOLM@STER SideM: 315 Variety Pack! Made In Passion! (2018)
AKA "The iDOLM@STER SideM Special" was an unaired episode included with the 7th volume of the BD/DVD release of The iDOLM@STER SideM series.
12. The iDOLM@STER Million Live! (2022?)
The long-awaited announcement of The iDOLM@STER Million Live! anime series was announced on the 4th of July 2020, during "The Idolmaster: Million Live! Theatre Days" 3rd Anniversary celebration Livestream. Not much information has been revealed regarding the anime, as the project has just begun. Nevertheless, fans like myself cannot wait for this to come out! Hypeee
That's all for the iDOLM@STER Watch Order! Even though I listed this iDOLMASTER Watch Order to my own preferences, you could watch each individual "Production Company" as their own series, and you wouldn't miss anything. Enjoy! ヽ(o＾▽＾o)ノ
