Cutie Honey Watch Order
Cutie Honey is one of the most iconic franchises in anime history, blending action, science fiction, and a bold sense of style with a transforming heroine at its core. Created by Go Nagai in 1973, the series has seen multiple reboots and adaptations across different decades, each with a unique tone and target audience. For those interested in watching the franchise, understanding the correct Cutie Honey watch order can make a huge difference in appreciating how the story, characters, and animation styles evolve over time. Since the series is not linear in its narrative, and some entries are reimaginings rather than sequels, this guide breaks down the best way to watch the Cutie Honey series to enjoy the full experience.
Understanding the Nature of Cutie Honey
Multiple Versions and Timelines
Unlike many anime franchises that follow a single chronological storyline, Cutie Honey is known for its reboots and alternate universes. The central character, Honey Kisaragi, remains consistent in all versions: an android girl who can transform into various personas using her Honey System. However, her origins, enemies, and tone vary across adaptations from comedic and lighthearted to dark and mature.
This flexible storytelling approach means you don’t have to watch the series in release order, but understanding the tone and style of each version helps you decide where to start.
Recommended Watch Order
1. Cutie Honey (1973)
This is the original anime series and the best place to start. It introduces Honey Kisaragi as a cheerful, justice-driven android who battles the evil Panther Claw organization. With a blend of magical girl tropes and action, it set the foundation for many later superheroine series.
- Episodes: 25
- Air Year: 19731974
- Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Comedy
The 1973 version is campy, colorful, and filled with classic 70s anime charm. It might feel outdated in animation style, but it’s essential for understanding the origins of the franchise.
2. Shin Cutey Honey (1994)
Also known as New Cutey Honey, this OVA is a reimagining with a more mature tone. It takes place in a futuristic setting and features more graphic violence and fanservice. This version is darker but still retains the essence of the original character.
- Episodes: 8
- Air Year: 19941995
- Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Ecchi
Watch this series after the original to see how the character evolved with a more adult-oriented audience in mind. It’s not a direct sequel but can be seen as a spiritual successor.
3. Cutie Honey Flash (1997)
This series was produced during the magical girl boom of the 90s and was aimed at a younger, female demographic. It was also part of Toei’s Sailor Moon programming block and borrows much of that aesthetic.
- Episodes: 39
- Air Year: 19971998
- Genre: Magical Girl, Drama, Romance
Cutie Honey Flash is a departure from the usual tone, with more romance, emotion, and less humor. It’s not for everyone, but it offers an interesting perspective on the character when framed as a classic magical girl rather than a transforming android warrior.
4. Re:Cutie Honey (2004)
This three-episode OVA is a stylish and fast-paced reboot produced by Studio Gainax. It returns to the action-comedy roots but with modern animation and a more adult tone. Directed by Hideaki Anno and Hiroyuki Imaishi, it features over-the-top battles and vibrant animation.
- Episodes: 3
- Air Year: 2004
- Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Comedy
This version is widely praised for its energy, bold visuals, and humor. It references past iterations of Honey while forging a strong, standalone narrative. A great watch for both newcomers and longtime fans.
5. Cutie Honey: The Live (2007)
This is a live-action television adaptation that combines elements from multiple versions. It brings Honey’s story into the real world with physical actors, practical effects, and a more grounded setting. The show has a slightly darker and more emotional tone, exploring Honey’s identity and purpose more deeply.
- Episodes: 25
- Air Year: 20072008
- Genre: Live-Action, Sci-Fi, Drama
It’s a unique take on the character and worth watching after you’re familiar with her animated versions. While the special effects may be dated, the storytelling is strong and consistent with the themes of the franchise.
6. Cutie Honey Universe (2018)
The most recent anime adaptation, Cutie Honey Universe brings a fresh but faithful take on the original series. It reintroduces classic characters with modern animation and blends the tone of the original with some of the darker, emotional beats seen in earlier OVAs.
- Episodes: 12
- Air Year: 2018
- Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Drama
This is a good capstone for your watch order, as it includes nods to the franchise’s long history and polishes the presentation with current animation standards. It balances drama and action well and serves as a homage to Go Nagai’s original vision.
Alternative Watch Orders
By Release Date
If you prefer to watch in historical order to observe how animation and storytelling evolved:
- Cutie Honey (1973)
- Shin Cutey Honey (1994)
- Cutie Honey Flash (1997)
- Re:Cutie Honey (2004)
- Cutie Honey: The Live (2007)
- Cutie Honey Universe (2018)
By Tone or Audience
If you want to group the series based on their tone or intended audience, try the following:
- Light and Fun: Cutie Honey (1973), Re:Cutie Honey
- Darker and Mature: Shin Cutey Honey, The Live, Universe
- Magical Girl Style: Cutie Honey Flash
The Cutie Honey watch order depends on what you’re looking to get out of the franchise be it nostalgia, action, depth, or visual style. With each version offering a different lens into Honey Kisaragi’s world, watching them in a thoughtful sequence enriches the experience. Whether you begin with the original 1973 series or jump into a modern reboot like Cutie Honey Universe, there’s a charm and strength to the character that endures across generations. Choosing the right Cutie Honey watch order ensures that you not only enjoy each iteration but also witness the evolution of one of anime’s most enduring heroines.