When They Cry watch order
Updated October 2026 · 3 seasons and 4 OVAs and specials · in release order
Short answer
Watch When They Cry in release order: When They Cry → When They Cry Kai.
2
in the main story: 2 seasons
50
episodes
~20 h
to watch the main story
Optional: 4 OVAs and specials (recaps, side stories and specials), marked below. Next: Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (Shin Anime).
Release order
- 1
- 2
When They Cry KaiMain storyTV · Summer 2007 · 24 ep · ~9.5 hours · score 4.0/5
- 3
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Special: Nekogoroshi-henSide story · optional, after When They CrySpecial · Summer 2007 · 1 ep · ~25 minutes · score 3.4/5
- 4
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai SpecialsSide story · optional, after When They Cry KaiSpecial · Summer 2007 · 24 ep · ~25 minutes · score 3.2/5
- 5
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni KiraSide story · optional, after When They Cry KaiOVA · Summer 2011 · 4 ep · ~2 hours · score 3.1/5
- 6
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kaku: OutbreakSide story · optional, after When They CryOVA · Summer 2013 · 1 ep · ~50 minutes · score 3.4/5
- 7
TV
How long is When They Cry?
| Part | Seasons and movies | Episodes | Watch time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main story | 2 seasons | 50 | about 20 hours |
| Everything released | 2 seasons and 4 OVAs and specials | 80 | about 24 hours |
Watch time uses each season's and movie's episode length, or a typical length where we don't have one.
Where to watch When They Cry
When They Cry is officially on Bilibili and Netflix (1 of 7), counting its 7 seasons, movies and specials.
Services and regions change; the release order above links each season to its official pages. Where to watch When They Cry has the full list, free options included.
Will there be more When They Cry?
Yes. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (Shin Anime) is announced.
Do I need to watch the When They Cry movies and OVAs?
Optional: Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Special: Nekogoroshi-hen, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai Specials, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kira, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kaku: Outbreak.
How many episodes does When They Cry have?
The main story is 50 episodes over 2 seasons, about 20 hours of viewing. With every optional extra it is 80 episodes (about 24 hours).
Where can I watch When They Cry?
Officially on Bilibili, Netflix. Availability depends on your region; each season and movie below lists its own services.
Related manga
- Higurashi WHEN THEY CRY: Abducted by Demons Arc Manga · 2005
- Higurashi WHEN THEY CRY: Cotton Drifting Arc Manga · 2005
- Higurashi WHEN THEY CRY: Curse Killing Arc Manga · 2005
- Higurashi WHEN THEY CRY: Demon Exposing Arc Manga · 2006
- Higurashi WHEN THEY CRY: Beyond Midnight Arc Manga · 2006
- Higurashi WHEN THEY CRY: Atonement Arc Manga · 2006
- Higurashi WHEN THEY CRY: Eye Opening Arc Manga · 2006
- Higurashi WHEN THEY CRY: Time Killing Arc Manga · 2006
- Higurashi no Naku Koro ni - Dai 1-wa: Onikakushi-hen Light Novel · 2007
- Higurashi no Naku Koro ni - Dai 2-wa: Watanagashi-hen Light Novel · 2007
- Higurashi no Naku Koro ni - Dai 3-wa: Tatarigoroshi-hen Light Novel · 2007
- Higurashi WHEN THEY CRY: Massacre Arc Manga · 2008
- Higurashi WHEN THEY CRY: Festival Accompanying Arc Manga · 2008
- Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai - Dai 2-wa: Tsumihoroboshi-hen Light Novel · 2008
- Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai - Dai 3-wa: Minagoroshi-hen Light Novel · 2008
- Higurashi no Naku Koro ni: Hirukowashi-hen Manga · 2009
- Higurashi WHEN THEY CRY: Dice Killing Arc Manga · 2011
- Hinamizawa Teiryuujo: Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Genten Manga · 2011
Order and labels come from the relations in the AnimeHunt catalog (sequel, side story, summary, alternative version). Spot a mistake? Tell us.