Interest Stacks

An anime adaptation of Tactics' last visual novel before they became Key. It's generally advised to play the visual novel first, as this adaptation isn't very good, and makes no sense without reading the visual novel first.

An adaptation of Kanon done by Toei Animation. While most agree that this version of the story is still worth a watch, it's probably better to watch this one after you have seen the 2006 version.

An anime-original epilogue to the 2002 version of Kanon. Due to some differences in the stories of the two versions of Kanon, it's not a good idea to watch this after the 2006 version.

An adaptation of the visual novel Air. While this anime certainly has its fans, a common opinion is that it is paced far too fast, and is inferior to its source material.

A movie adaptation of Air that differs so much from the source material that many will tell you it is better to watch this as if it's a standalone work.

A recap episode of the events of Air. Not really worth watching unless you're a big fan of the series.

A two-episode OVA giving more character development and context to the Summer arc of Air. Should be watched after either episode 8 or 9.

The second adaptation of Kanon. This adaptation was so well received that many even consider it superior to the original visual novel.

A movie adaptation of Clannad that, like the Air movie, differs a lot from its source material. While there are some who like it, most say that it's a pretty bad movie.

The first season of the anime adaptation of Clannad. This season adapts everything outside of the true route, and while generally very well-received, is more of a set up to the second season than anything else.

An OVA adapting the Tomoyo route of Clannad. This episode is set in an alternate timeline, and is not necessary to watch.

The second season of the Clannad anime. Widely regarded as the best Key anime adaptation, the one thing to keep in mind is that this should not be watched without watching the original season first.

An OVA adapting the Kyou route of Clannad. This episode is set in an alternate timeline, and is not necessary to watch.

The first anime-original series from Jun Maeda. While there are some complaints about the pacing, the series was very well-received overall.

A short epilogue to Angel Beats. Not necessary to watch, but you may as well, since it's only a few minutes long.

A two episode special that can be watched pretty much at any point during the series, due to it not having any plot importance.

The first season of the Little Busters anime adaptation. The VN is considered to be a lot better, but most agree that this adaptation is still good enough.

An OVA for Little Busters that offers viewers some fanservice and comedy, and can be watched at any point.

The second season of the Little Busters anime adaptation, which adapts the true route of the VN. Generally better received than the first season, though that's in part due to this part of the story being considered the best in the original visual novel too.

This 8-episode special adapts the Kanata, Sasami, and Saya's routes, all of which are extra routes that were added in later versions of the visual novel. The first 4 episodes take place before the second season, episodes 5-6 take place after the second season, and the final arc (episodes 7-8) partially takes place before it, and partially after.

The second anime-original series from Jun Maeda. The concept of the show was very well-received, but many were unhappy about the ending.

A single episode special for Charlotte. Best to watch before episode 7.

Adapts the character routes from the original visual novel. It's generally thought of as an awkward adaptation due to how difficult it is to place all of these routes in a single timeline and most will suggest you read the visual novel instead. However, it is also commonly recommended to be watched after finishing the visual novel, as it does have some merit.

A full adaptation of Key's first kinetic novel. It's almost the same as the source material, except that it doesn't have as much inner monologue.

A movie adaptation of Planetarian. Although it keeps the same basic story, there are also some added parts that take place many years after the main story.

Adapts the true routes from the original visual novel. This season was much better received than the first and is mostly a pretty faithful adaptation.

An OVA adaptation of the visual novel Kud Wafter. Despite that, it's very different from its source material, to the point where many watch the OVA completely independent of the visual novel.

The third anime-original series from Jun Maeda, generally agreed to be the weakest one.

An optional prequel to the original story of Planetarian.

A comedic series of shorts crossing over multiple different Key works: Kanon, Air, Clannad, Planetarian, Little Busters, and Rewrite. There are major spoilers for all listed works in these episodes, so it's generally recommended that you don't watch this unless you have finished all of them.

The second season of Kaginado is mostly just more of the same; the only major difference is that Angel Beats! is now included in the crossover.

An anime adaptation of a web novel series. It is very different from its source material, and isn't a replacement for it, though it's completely standalone.

An anime adaptation of the visual novel of the same name. Not yet aired.