Reader’s Question:
I want to watch “Higurashi: When They Cry” on U-NEXT, but there are so many series. What order should I watch them in?
How to Watch “Higurashi: When They Cry” on U-NEXT: A Personal Journey
If you’re stepping into the world of “Higurashi: When They Cry,” let me tell you,
you’re in for a wild ride! I remember when I first got my hands on this series. I was living in Japan, juggling my passion for comedy and my dad duties, and someone recommended it to me. I thought, “Okay, how scary can it be?” Spoiler alert: it’s pretty terrifying, but in the best way possible. Before you dive in, let’s chat about the best way to approach this intricate, mind-bending series.
The Starting Point: Original Series
The adventure begins in 2006 with the original series, “Higurashi: When They Cry.” This is where you meet the characters, and it sets the stage for the eerie atmosphere and psychological twists that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat. I remember watching this late at night, clutching my pillow, feeling like I was part of this twisted little village. The characters are super relatable, and their stories will pull you in, even if you’re just there for the supernatural horror vibes.
After the first episode, I couldn’t help but think, “What in the world am I getting into?” I ended up binge-watching the whole thing over a weekend, fueled by coffee and that familiar feeling of dread creeping in. Trust me, you’ll want to pay close attention to the details because they come back to haunt you – literally!
The Follow-Up: “Higurashi: When They Cry Kai”
Next up is “Higurashi: When They Cry Kai,” which aired in 2007. This series is like the sequel you didn’t know you needed. It dives deeper into the mysteries introduced in the first series, revealing more background and connecting the dots in ways that’ll make your head spin. I remember sitting on my couch, halfway through the series, and thinking I understood what was going on, only to have the rug pulled out from under me. Again and again!
It’s essential to watch this one right after the first series because it builds on the foundation perfectly. I can’t stress this enough—watching it out of order would be like reading the last chapter of a book before starting from the beginning. You’d be totally lost, and we don’t want that!
The Shorter Series: “Higurashi: When They Cry Rei” and “Higurashi: When They Cry Kor”
In 2009, we get “Higurashi: When They Cry Rei.” This one is a bit of a mixed bag—think of it as an epilogue or a collection of OVA episodes that give you some light-hearted moments amidst all the chaos. There’s a lot of fan service here, which was a surprise to me considering how dark the series can get. But hey, sometimes you need a breather, right?
Then in 2011, “Higurashi: When They Cry Kor” came out. It’s not essential, but if you’re a die-hard fan like I am, it’s worth a watch. It’s a bit of fun that gives you some closure on certain aspects of the characters. It’s like a dessert after a heavy meal—you know, just enough sweetness to balance out the savory horror you’ve been digesting.
The Return: “Higurashi: When They Cry Gou” and “Higurashi: When They Cry Sotsu”
Fast forward to 2020, and we have “Higurashi: When They Cry Gou.” This series is a bit of a reboot that reimagines some of the original storylines while introducing new elements. Watching this felt like meeting an old friend who’s now wearing a different outfit but still has the same charm. It’s captivating, and the thrill of rediscovering the story made my heart race.
But just when you think you have it all figured out, in 2021, comes “Higurashi: When They Cry Sotsu.” This one ties up the stories from Gou in a way that answers a lot of lingering questions, but be prepared for more plot twists. It’s like they’re saying, “Surprise! You thought you knew what was coming, didn’t you?” I laughed, I gasped, and I might have yelled at my screen a few times!
Final Thoughts: A Journey Worth Taking
So there you have it: the chronological order to watch “Higurashi: When They Cry.” Each series has its own flavor, and experiencing them in this order will give you the most satisfying journey through the twisted horrors of Hinamizawa. Just remember to keep the lights on, maybe have a buddy watch with you if you can, and get ready for an emotional, psychological rollercoaster.
As a dad, I often find myself recommending this series to friends while simultaneously considering if it’s too intense for my kid just yet. It’s a bizarre balancing act between wanting to share my love for anime and ensuring they don’t end up having nightmares! But hey, that’s all part of the fun, right? So grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare for one of the most memorable experiences in the world of anime. Happy watching!
