The Fate franchise, born from the visual novel Fate/stay night, has exploded into a multimedia phenomenon encompassing anime series, manga, video games, and, of course, movies. Currently, there are six released Fate movies with varying degrees of canonicity and adaptation quality. This number is constantly evolving with new projects announced, making keeping track a challenge for even the most dedicated fan.
Unpacking the Fate Movie Universe
The Fate franchise is notorious for its complex timelines, alternate universes, and interconnected narratives. Understanding the core concepts is crucial for appreciating the different movie adaptations. The central theme revolves around the Holy Grail War, a battle royale between seven mages (Masters) who summon historical or mythological figures (Servants) to fight for them in a quest to obtain the Holy Grail, a wish-granting artifact. Each movie adaptation often focuses on different storylines and Servants, adding to the richness and confusion of the Fate universe.
The Released Fate Movies: A Detailed Overview
Let’s break down each of the released Fate movies, exploring their storylines, connections to the source material, and overall quality.
1. Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2010)
This movie adapts the Unlimited Blade Works route from the original Fate/stay night visual novel. It focuses on the relationship between Shirou Emiya and Rin Tohsaka, as well as Shirou’s growing understanding of his ideals and the tragic past of his Servant, Archer. While considered a decent adaptation, it suffers from compressing a significant amount of content into a single movie, resulting in pacing issues and character development shortcomings.
2. Fate/stay night: Heaven’s Feel I. presage flower (2017)
The first installment of the Heaven’s Feel trilogy, presage flower delves into the darkest route of the visual novel. It centers on Shirou’s relationship with Sakura Matou and the corruption of the Holy Grail War. This movie is lauded for its stunning animation, mature themes, and faithful adaptation of the source material. It marks a significant departure in tone from previous Fate/stay night adaptations.
3. Fate/stay night: Heaven’s Feel II. lost butterfly (2019)
The second film in the Heaven’s Feel trilogy, lost butterfly, continues the dark and twisted narrative. It explores Sakura’s descent into darkness and the unraveling of the Holy Grail War. This movie is known for its intense action sequences, emotional depth, and further exploration of the complex relationships between the characters. It’s widely considered a highlight of the Fate movie adaptations.
4. Fate/stay night: Heaven’s Feel III. spring song (2020)
The final chapter of the Heaven’s Feel trilogy, spring song, brings the story to a dramatic conclusion. It depicts the final battles of the Holy Grail War and the ultimate fate of Shirou, Sakura, and the other participants. This movie is praised for its breathtaking animation, satisfying conclusion, and emotional resonance. It’s a powerful and impactful end to the Heaven’s Feel story arc.
5. Fate/Grand Order: First Order (2016)
This movie is an adaptation of the prologue chapter of the popular mobile game Fate/Grand Order. It follows Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight as they travel back in time to fix irregularities in history and prevent the extinction of humanity. While not directly connected to the Fate/stay night storyline, it introduces key characters and concepts from the wider Fate/Grand Order universe.
6. Fate/Grand Order – Divine Realm of the Round Table: Camelot – Wandering; Agateram (2020) & Fate/Grand Order – Divine Realm of the Round Table: Camelot – Paladin; Agateram (2021)
These are two parts of movie adaptation of the Sixth Singularity of the Fate/Grand Order mobile game. It follows the journey of Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight to Camelot, a corrupted kingdom ruled by the Lion King. They must rally allies and confront the twisted versions of the Knights of the Round Table. This adaptation is known for its epic scale, visually stunning battles, and compelling character arcs. While often considered two separate movies, they tell a single connected story. Some may categorize them as a single ‘duology’ within the Fate movie landscape. Therefore, for the sake of this article, it’s considered one collective adaptation, even though released as two parts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What’s the best Fate movie to start with?
The Heaven’s Feel trilogy is widely considered the best entry point for newcomers to the Fate movies, but requires some prior knowledge of Fate/stay night. Fate/Grand Order: First Order can be a gentler introduction to the Fate/Grand Order universe, but it’s less essential to the core Fate/stay night narrative. If you want to understand the core story first, watching the Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] anime series is recommended before diving into any of the movies.
2. Is Fate/Zero a movie?
No, Fate/Zero is an anime series, not a movie. It’s a prequel to Fate/stay night and provides crucial backstory for many characters and events. It’s highly recommended to watch Fate/Zero before or after experiencing Fate/stay night content.
3. Do I need to watch the Fate/stay night anime before the Heaven’s Feel movies?
While not strictly required, it’s highly recommended. The Heaven’s Feel trilogy assumes you have some familiarity with the characters and events of the Fate/stay night universe. Understanding the basic premise and character relationships will enhance your appreciation of the Heaven’s Feel storyline.
4. Are the Fate/Grand Order movies connected to the Fate/stay night movies?
While they share the same universe and some recurring characters, the Fate/Grand Order movies are largely self-contained stories within the broader Fate franchise. They are based on a different source material (the Fate/Grand Order mobile game) and feature a different set of protagonists and antagonists.
5. What is the order to watch the Fate movies?
There isn’t a single “correct” order, but here’s a suggested viewing order based on release and narrative flow:
- Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (movie)
- Fate/Grand Order: First Order
- Fate/stay night: Heaven’s Feel I. presage flower
- Fate/stay night: Heaven’s Feel II. lost butterfly
- Fate/stay night: Heaven’s Feel III. spring song
- Fate/Grand Order – Divine Realm of the Round Table: Camelot – Wandering; Agateram and Fate/Grand Order – Divine Realm of the Round Table: Camelot – Paladin; Agateram (watched together).
This order prioritizes the Fate/stay night storyline before diving into the Fate/Grand Order content.
6. Where can I watch the Fate movies?
The Fate movies are available on various streaming platforms, including Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Netflix, depending on your region. You can also purchase them digitally or on Blu-ray/DVD. Availability varies depending on licensing agreements.
7. Are there any other planned Fate movies?
Yes! The Fate franchise is constantly expanding. Keep an eye on anime news websites and official Fate social media channels for announcements of future movie projects. Production schedules and release dates are often subject to change. Currently, further adaptations from the Fate/Grand Order game are likely, as well as potential new Fate/stay night side stories.
8. What makes the Heaven’s Feel trilogy so popular?
The Heaven’s Feel trilogy is praised for its mature themes, complex characters, stunning animation, and faithful adaptation of the source material. It delves into darker and more morally ambiguous territory than previous Fate adaptations, offering a compelling and thought-provoking viewing experience.
9. Are the Fate movies canon?
This is a complex question. The Heaven’s Feel trilogy is considered canon to the Fate/stay night visual novel. The Fate/Grand Order movies are canon to the Fate/Grand Order universe. However, due to the franchise’s multiverse nature, “canon” can be fluid.
10. Are the Fate movies good for newcomers to anime?
While visually impressive, the Fate movies are not ideal for absolute beginners to anime. Their complex storylines and extensive lore require some prior knowledge of anime tropes and storytelling conventions. Starting with a more accessible and self-contained anime series is recommended before diving into the Fate franchise.
11. Which animation studio produces the Fate movies?
The Fate/stay night: Heaven’s Feel trilogy was animated by ufotable, a renowned studio known for its high-quality animation and stunning visuals. Fate/Grand Order – Divine Realm of the Round Table: Camelot was animated by Production I.G and Signal.MD. Fate/Grand Order: First Order was animated by Lay-duce.
12. Are there any live-action Fate movies?
As of now, there are no officially released live-action Fate movies. There have been talks and rumors about potential live-action adaptations, but nothing has materialized. The Fate franchise’s complex lore and extensive special effects would make a live-action adaptation a significant undertaking.