Sword Art Online is one of the most famous isekai anime. Commonly known as SAO, it is a famous isekai anime that follows Kirito, a gamer at the top of his expertise, and a new VR system that has been released along with the game, Sword Art Online, that allows for higher levels of immersion. With high-paced action and a great storyline, it is one anime that you should take advantage of. Sword Art Online has also received three movie adaptations. We made a list of them that you should definitely check out.
Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale
Taking place four years after the story of the initial series, Ordinal Scale is a canon movie that should not be missed. In 2026, the developers release a new system called Auga that layers a virtual world upon the real world. The most famous game on the system is the Ordinal Scale, which uses Ordinal numbers to signify the players’ strength.
Encouraged by Asuna and others, Kirito picks up the game but needs to improve at it due to a lack of real-life physical prowess. With a new game system, fresh developments occur that are too good to miss out. Exceptional animation and great pacing are also some of the good points about this anime movie.
As this anime is part of the canon storyline, you cannot progress without watching this gem.
Sword Art Online Progressive: Aria of A Starless Night
Released in 2021, Aria of a Starless Night is a retelling of the story but from Asuna’s point of view. With the release of Sword Art Online, the game, and NerveGear, thousands of people logged into the game expecting a normal experience. However, the creator of the game revealed himself and declared that the players should clear all 100 floors of the game, locking them inside the experience.
It is also revealed that dying inside the game will also kill them in real life. Asuna logs onto the experience with her high school friend Mito, who was a beta tester for the game. Together, they form a party and level up. Aria of a Starless Night is a glimpse into more about Asuna’s character.
Sword Art Online Progressive: Scherzo of Deep Night
The sequel to Aria of a Starless Night, this movie is unmissable if you watched the first entry into the Progressive series. Released in 2022, it follows Kirito and Asuna and their journey in the world of SAO. After clearing the 4th floor, Asuna and Kirito plan to celebrate New Year’s Eve along with the people of the two leading guilds.
There, they learn of a scheme by one of the guilds. They try to stop them, only to learn of a rare item that is gained by defeating the 5th-floor boss. Kirito, Asuna, and a few others team up to fight the raid boss.
Scherzo of Deep Night has better animation and plot. Fans have commented that it should be on your watchlist.
