Currently, the Sword Art Online (SAO) franchise boasts three animated theatrical films. These movies expand upon the original light novel series by Reki Kawahara, offering both side stories and original narratives that resonate with the existing lore.
Sword Art Online: A Cinematic Journey
The Sword Art Online franchise has captivated audiences worldwide with its immersive virtual worlds and compelling character development. The movies serve as extensions of this experience, providing deeper dives into existing characters and introducing new facets of the SAO universe. Beyond the core series, the films represent a significant commitment to expanding the franchise’s reach and appeal.
The Theatrical Experience
The move from television screens to the big screen allows for a heightened sense of immersion and visual spectacle. Sword Art Online movies leverage this advantage, delivering breathtaking action sequences and emotionally resonant character moments that are best experienced in a theatrical setting. The sound design and overall production value are significantly elevated, offering a richer and more impactful viewing experience.
The Sword Art Online Movies: A Detailed Breakdown
Understanding the chronology and content of each movie is essential for any SAO fan. Let’s explore each film individually:
1. Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale (2017)
This film takes place after the Mother’s Rosario arc in the second season of the anime series. It introduces Augma, a new augmented reality device that is rapidly gaining popularity. Players use Augma to participate in a game called Ordinal Scale (OS), which uses real-world locations as battlegrounds. However, things take a dark turn when players start losing their memories and falling into comas. Kirito and Asuna must uncover the mystery behind OS and stop the mastermind behind the scheme before it’s too late. Ordinal Scale is considered canon and bridges the gap between the second season of the anime and the Alicization arc.
2. Sword Art Online: Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night (2021)
This film marks the beginning of the Sword Art Online: Progressive series, which retells the events of Aincrad floor-by-floor, offering a more detailed and nuanced perspective on the original story. Aria of a Starless Night focuses on Asuna’s perspective as she navigates the treacherous world of Aincrad for the first time. It showcases her initial struggles and her burgeoning partnership with Kirito. The film offers a refreshing take on familiar events and introduces new characters and subplots.
3. Sword Art Online: Progressive – Scherzo of Deep Night (2022)
The second installment in the Progressive film series, Scherzo of Deep Night continues Kirito and Asuna’s journey through Aincrad. The movie adapts the fourth volume of the Progressive light novels and delves deeper into the challenges and complexities of navigating the game’s increasingly difficult floors. New dangers and characters emerge, testing the resolve of our heroes and forcing them to make difficult choices. The movie continues to flesh out the world of Aincrad with greater detail, emphasizing the struggle for survival within the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions that further clarify the world of Sword Art Online movies:
FAQ 1: Are the Sword Art Online movies canon?
Ordinal Scale is definitively considered canon to the main SAO timeline, bridging the narrative between the second season and the Alicization arc. The Progressive films, while retellings, offer canon-consistent expansions and insights into the Aincrad arc from Asuna’s perspective, enhancing the existing narrative rather than contradicting it.
FAQ 2: In what order should I watch the Sword Art Online movies?
The recommended viewing order is:
- Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale
- Sword Art Online: Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night
- Sword Art Online: Progressive – Scherzo of Deep Night
This order maintains narrative coherence and avoids spoilers.
FAQ 3: Are the Progressive movies a reboot of the Aincrad arc?
No, they aren’t a complete reboot. They are retellings that provide a much more detailed and nuanced exploration of the Aincrad arc, covering the events floor by floor. They offer a fresh perspective and delve deeper into the characters’ motivations and struggles.
FAQ 4: Where can I watch the Sword Art Online movies?
Availability varies by region. Check streaming services like Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu, and Funimation (now Crunchyroll) for availability. Physical copies (Blu-ray/DVD) are also available for purchase from major retailers.
FAQ 5: Will there be more Sword Art Online movies?
Given the popularity of the franchise and the ongoing Progressive light novel series, it is highly likely that more SAO movies will be produced. Official announcements should be monitored for confirmation.
FAQ 6: Are the Sword Art Online movies suitable for children?
The films contain violence, some suggestive themes, and character deaths, making them generally more suitable for teenagers and adults. Parental guidance is advised.
FAQ 7: Do I need to watch the Sword Art Online anime series before watching the movies?
Watching the anime series, especially the Aincrad arc, is highly recommended before watching the Progressive movies. Understanding the original story provides context and appreciation for the retellings. For Ordinal Scale, watching the first two seasons is essential to understand the characters and preceding events.
FAQ 8: What is the difference between Ordinal Scale and the Progressive movies?
Ordinal Scale is an original story set after the second season of the anime, introducing new technology and threats. The Progressive movies are retellings of the Aincrad arc, offering a more detailed and floor-by-floor account from Asuna’s perspective.
FAQ 9: Will the Progressive movies eventually cover the entire Aincrad arc?
The goal of the Progressive series is to eventually cover all 100 floors of Aincrad. However, the pace of adaptation will depend on the success of the existing films and the continued release of the light novels.
FAQ 10: Are there any differences between the Progressive light novels and the Progressive movies?
As with any adaptation, there are some differences. The movies may condense or alter certain scenes for pacing and visual impact. However, the core story and character arcs remain largely consistent with the light novels.
FAQ 11: Are there any post-credit scenes in the Sword Art Online movies?
It’s always wise to stay until the very end of the credits. Ordinal Scale has a post-credit scene that directly sets up the Alicization arc. The Progressive films sometimes contain brief teasers for future installments or easter eggs for dedicated fans.
FAQ 12: Where can I find more information about Sword Art Online?
Official sources include the Sword Art Online official website, Crunchyroll’s news section, and fan communities like Reddit and forums. These resources offer the latest updates, news, and discussions about the franchise.
Concluding Thoughts
The Sword Art Online movies offer a compelling expansion of the SAO universe, providing both new narratives and deeper explorations of existing storylines. As the franchise continues to grow, fans can expect more cinematic experiences that further immerse them in the world of Aincrad and beyond. Keep an eye on official announcements for future film releases.