Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir, or simply Miraculous Ladybug, is a hugely popular animated series that has captured the hearts of children and fans worldwide. It centers on Marinette and Adrien, two Parisian teens who transform into superheroes Ladybug and Cat Noir. They must keep their superhero identities secret to protect themselves and their powerful Miraculous, magical artifacts that grant them their abilities. If these Miraculous were to fall into the hands of the villain Hawk Moth, it could spell disaster for the world.
The Show’s Background and Popularity
Although Miraculous Ladybug originated in France, it first premiered in South Korea in 2015 before spreading to audiences around the world. With five seasons, two special movie-length episodes, and one full-length movie, the show has continued to draw in new fans eager to understand why it’s so beloved. For new viewers, there’s some debate about whether to watch the series in release order or chronological order. Here’s a breakdown of both methods to help you decide how best to dive into the series.
Watching Miraculous Ladybug by Release Date
The straightforward way to watch Miraculous Ladybug is by following its release order. This method is simple but doesn’t always follow the show’s internal timeline. For instance, in the first episode, both Marinette and Adrien are already established superheroes with their Miraculous powers.
Here’s how the series breaks down by release date:
- Season 1: Episodes 1-26
- Season 2: Episodes 1-26
- Season 3: Episodes 1-26
- Special Episode: Miraculous World: New York — United Heroes
- Special Episode: Miraculous World: Shanghai — The Legend of Lady Dragon
- Season 4: Episodes 1-26
- Season 5: Episodes 1-27
- Movie: Ladybug & Cat Noir: The Movie
If you don’t mind jumping right into the action and prefer the release experience, this order will work fine. However, if you want to follow the story in the order that events actually happen in the show’s universe, a chronological approach might be better.
The Best Miraculous Ladybug Watch Order
For a more coherent viewing experience that aligns with the show’s timeline, you should watch it in chronological order. This method helps you follow the story as it unfolds:
- Season 1, Episode 25: “Ladybug & Cat Noir – Origins, Part 1”
- Season 1, Episode 26: “Stoneheart – Origins, Part 2”
- Season 1: Episodes 1-24
- Season 2: Episodes 1-26
- Season 3: Episodes 1-26
- Special Episode: Miraculous World: New York — United Heroes
- Special Episode: Miraculous World: Shanghai — The Legend of Lady Dragon
- Season 4: Episodes 1-26
- Season 5: Episodes 1-27
- Movie: Ladybug & Cat Noir: The Movie
Though we suggest watching Ladybug & Cat Noir: The Movie after season 5, keep in mind that the film doesn’t fit perfectly into the series’ canon. It simplifies the heroes’ origin story and diverges from some plot points in the show. Therefore, it’s best enjoyed as a standalone film.
Miraculous Ladybug is an engaging series with a diverse cast and plenty of action. It’s available for streaming on Netflix and Disney Plus, so you can start enjoying this enchanting world at your own pace!
