Code Geass is still one of the most popular mecha genre anime to date, with an intricate storyline, complicated characters, and excellent fighting scenes.
There is no doubt why it was such a beloved anime in the 2000s. Moreover, it withstood and remained significant despite big anime releases years later.
Code Geass allows viewers to test their morals and to think if there really is a “necessary” evil to obtain good.
Lelouch is the perfect protagonist of the show, as he is intelligent, knows how to put up a good fight and make his enemies fear him.
His charisma is unlike any other, and his leadership skills will make you want to follow his commands.
Code Geass is worth the watch. Not only was it popular upon its showcase, but the plot of the franchise is just something to invest time in as an anime fan.
If you are a mecha fan who also likes a good story and animation, Code Geass will not disappoint!
Code Geass Watch Order By Chronological Order
The best way to stream Code Geass is by chronological timeline, with the OVA placed between Seasons 1 and 2 of the series.
The main storyline of the franchise is linear in style and straightforward, with no fillers to disrupt the plot.
Viewers will be introduced to the main cast by watching in sequential order of release. You will experience the highs and lows, victory, and betrayal in the world of Code Geass as you go along with the series.
Audiences will also see the improvement in animation styles as the years progress.
| Watch Order | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (2006) |
| 2 | Code Geass: Akito the Exiled OVA (2012) |
| 3 | Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 (2008) |
| 4 | Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion I – Initiation (2017) |
| 5 | Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion II – Transgression (2018) |
| 6 | Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion III – Glorification (2018) |
| 7 | Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection (2019) |
Is Code Geass and Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion the Same?
Yes. Code Geass is just the shortened title version of Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion.
Because of the long title, people will have a hard time if they were to use or write down the complete name. Hence, only the two words are often used as they are easier to remember.
Are the Code Geass Movies Important?
Yes. The Code Geass movies are actually a summary of the whole series. The first movie was released 9 years after the end of the TV series. Hence, you can watch the series and then the movies to experience Code Geass all over again.
The first two movies cover the storyline of the first season. The last two movies cover the second season’s plot and its finale.
The plot remains the same, but there is more focus on the main characters. Moreover, there is a significant improvement in the animation style.
Where to Watch Code Geass (October 2022)
| US | Hulu, Disney+, Netflix, Funimation |
| Canada | Netflix, Crunchyroll |
| UK | Funimation |
| Australia | Funimation |
Code Geass is available to watch on the aforementioned streaming sites.
However, some may not be available to watch in the country because of licensing agreements.
So in order to gain access to the franchise, a VPN is needed to be able to get the episodes.
Complete Summary of Code Geass
| # of Episodes | 50 |
| Runtime | Approximately 24 minutes per episode |
| Manga Canon Episodes | 0 |
| Anime Canon Episodes | 1-50 |
| Special Episodes (OVA) | 4 |
| Movies | Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion I – Initiation (2017), Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion II – Transgression (2018), Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion III – Glorification (2018), Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection (2019) |
Code Geass is a mecha anime that speaks of alternate history, specifically of Europe.
Code Geass follows a handsome young man named Lelouch, a person of Britannian descent.
He despises his people’s violence and abuse toward those who lived in the lands his ancestors conquered. Moreover, he desires to live in a world of peace and togetherness.
Code Geass is an original character design by Clamp, an all-women Japanese mangaka group. It was produced by an animation studio called “Sunrise,” which was directed by Gorō Taniguchi and written by Ichirō Ōkouchi.
Code Geass was popular in the 2000s and sold over a million copies worldwide. It even won awards for its great storytelling, voice acting, and overall audience appeal.
Code Geass Complete Anime Synopsis
1. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
| Media | Series |
| Original Release | October 6, 2006 – July 29, 2007 |
| # of Episodes | 25 |
| Runtime | Approximately 24 minutes per episode |
| IMDb Rating | 9.6/10 |
The Holy Empire of Britannia is a nation built from what’s left of the defeated British Empire. It is home to the earth’s most potent military prowess that managed to conquer a third of the world’s land mass.
In 2010, Britannia wanted to make itself known as a nation known for its dominant military force. Hence, started its ambitious propaganda to conquer the land of Japan and soon after proved its claims with its victorious conquest.
Japan, now named “Area 11,” did not allow themselves to live like meek conquered individuals. They resisted their colonizers to win back their independence.
The first season introduces Lelouch vi Britannia, a.k.a Lelouch Lamperouge, son of Charles zi Britannia, the Emperor, 11th Prince, and the 17th heir to the throne.
He unluckily found himself in a difficult situation when he was caught in a violent clash between the armed forces of Britannia and the rebels of Area 11.
He managed to escape with the help of a girl named C.C., who offered him “Geass,” otherwise known as the “Power of Kings.” It is a supernatural power that enables the user to have the ability to control anyone.
2. Code Geass: Akito the Exiled (OVA)
| Media | OVA |
| Original Release | July 16, 2012 – February 6, 2016 |
| # of Episodes | 4 |
| Runtime | Approximately 51 minutes per episode |
| IMDb Rating | 6.6/10 |
Akito Hyuuga is a lieutenant and a member of the Knightmare Pilots from a special contingent called the wZERO or W-0.
In the year 2017, a.t.b. in the continent of Europe, the Holy Empire of Britannia is invading the associated nations of the Euro Universe (EU).
They are on the verge of being overpowered, and their inevitable defeat is nearing. Leila Malcal, a military strategist of the EU, established a unit that is composed of immigrant teenagers who volunteered to fight from Area 11, with Akito being one of them.
3. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2
| Media | Series |
| Original Release | April 6 – September 28, 2008 |
| # of Episodes | 25 |
| Runtime | Approximately 24 minutes per episode |
| IMDb Rating | 8.7/10 |
The season starts off with Lelouch forgetting his vigilante past. This happened a year after establishing a group of rebels from Area 11 called the “Black Rebellion.” However, the group failed in its quest to conquer the Holy Britannian Empire.
Unable to recall his life as “Zero,” his vigilante persona, he returned to being a normal student. He resumed living his ordinary days of school life at Ashford Academy.
However, C.C., the one who bestowed him the power of Geass and former accomplice and partner, cannot simply stand by and act as if nothing happened.
She went on a mission to remind him of who he is, what he stands for, and what he means to the people of Area 11. She hopes to resurface “Zero” back and pick up where they left off with Britannia.
4. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion I – Initiation
| Media | Movie |
| Original Release | October 21, 2017 |
| Runtime | 2 hrs. 15 minutes |
| IMDb Rating | 7.3/10 |
In the year 2010, the island of Japan was involved in the Second Pacific War. This was after the Holy Empire of Britannia threatened to conquer the island in their desire for power and expansion.
The small country soon turned into a land of rubble and destruction after a crushing defeat from their enemies. Hence, it was renamed Area 11 as a humiliating act of “submission” for a conquered land.
However, one student of Britannian descent despises the violent and inhumane acts of his fellow countrymen – his name is Lelouch Lamperouge. He desires to free Area 11 of its aggressors.
Fueled by his desire to free Japan and make the Empire of Britannia disappear entirely, an opportunity opens for him in the form of a mysterious woman. She introduced herself as C.C. and gifted him “Geass”, a powerful ability.
5. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion II – Transgression
| Media | Movie |
| Original Release | February 10, 2018 |
| Runtime | 2 hrs. 13 minutes |
| IMDb Rating | 6.9/10 |
Lelouch, now more widely known by his infamous persona “Zero”, is a vigilante that seeks to liberate Area 11 and other nations of Britannian rule.
The “Black Knights” were an organization created out of rebels to usurp their conquerors to a more powerful status. Under his leadership, the rebels won a series of victories over the military army.
With Lelouch’s intellect, battle strategy, military power, and strength, everything seems to be heading in the direction he was planning. But more hardships will always come along with war and chaos.
6. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion III – Glorification
| Media | Movie |
| Original Release | May 26, 2018 |
| Runtime | 2 hrs. 20 mins |
| IMDb Rating | 7.6/10 |
Lelouch’s dreams and aspirations of one day defeating the Britannia Empire were just within his reach.
But tragedy struck when his beloved sister Nunnally, was kidnapped by Schneizel el Britannia. He happens to be the second prince of the Britannia royal family and their brother.
Because of this incident, Lelouch’s willpower begins to crumble. The fact that Suzaku Kururugi is turning a blind eye to Lelouch’s pleas for help and assistance drives him to an edge.
Lelouch would, later on, suffer even more betrayal. Moreover, he would lose a significant amount of respect and power he had worked to gain.
Even in the face of such losses, his hatred towards Britannia and the king grows by the minute.
7. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection
| Media | Movie |
| Original Release | February 9, 2019 |
| Runtime | 1 hr. 53 minutes |
| IMDb Rating | 7.3/10 |
The king of Britannia, Lelouch’s father and the source of the world’s misery and suffering, had met his ultimate demise. Peace was restored.
Life was starting to piece back together as people rebuilt what they had lost to the empire.
But this peace would soon be shattered when Princess Nunnally and chief advisor of the Black Knights, Suzaku Kururugi, was kidnapped, which caused a global dilemma.
The people accused the Kingdom of Zilkhstan, a.k.a. “Land of Warriors,” of doing such a rebellious act.
These people are known to withstand the pressures of facing and battling against the Holy Empire of Britannia. Furthermore, they won even as their soldiers were outnumbered.
Kallen Stadtfeld and her companions were sent to investigate the matter. While there, they met C.C., who plans to resurrect the one person who could bring them out of their plight.