In the vast, ever-expanding universe of anime, there are titans of action (Dragon Ball Z, One Piece), masters of drama (Death Note, Attack on Titan), and pioneers of emotion (Clannad, Your Lie in April). But perched precariously on a trash can in a retro-futuristic Edo period sits a show that defies all categorization: Gintama.
For the uninitiated, approaching the Gintama Complete Series can feel like trying to drink from a fire hose. With over 367 episodes, multiple movies, and a convoluted streaming history, knowing where to start—and how to finish—is a challenge. This guide serves as your definitive roadmap through the mayhem, covering every arc, every movie, and how to watch the complete series in the correct order.
The first ~20–25 episodes are introducing characters and tone, but many newcomers find the early episodes hit-or-miss (especially episodes 1–2, which are filler for manga readers). General advice: Start from episode 3, or commit to watching until episode 25–30 before judging. Gintama Complete Series
While action arcs are fluid and cinematic, regular episodes can have off-model characters, stiff movement, or slideshow quality. The budget clearly prioritizes serious moments.
Skip Episode 1 & 2 of the 2006 series.
Setting: The story takes place in feudal Japan, specifically the Edo period. However, history is altered when aliens known as Amanto descend from space. The Shogunate surrenders, and Japan is rapidly modernized with futuristic technology while retaining its feudal class system. Carrying swords in public is banned for samurai.
Plot: Gintoki Sakata is a former samurai who fought in the war against the Amanto. Now, refusing to let go of his samurai code but unable to find proper work, he operates the Yorozuya (Odd Jobs) agency. Along with his employees—Shinpachi Shimura (a straight-laced glasses-wearing nerd) and Kagura (a member of a powerful alien race with a huge appetite)—he takes on any job for money, getting caught in absurd situations and dangerous conspiracies. In the vast, ever-expanding universe of anime, there
In most anime, filler is garbage. In Gintama, there is no "filler," only "anime-original episodes" that are often better than the manga.
Verdict: Watch every single episode of the Gintama complete series. There is no "skip" list. Every episode contains at least one gag that will destroy you. Setting: The story takes place in feudal Japan,
