Sword Art Online

8.2
201224m

Production

Logo for A-1 Pictures
Logo for Aniplex
Logo for GENCO
Logo for EGG FIRM

In the near future, a Virtual Reality Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (VRMMORPG) called Sword Art Online has been released where players control their avatars with their bodies using a piece of technology called Nerve Gear. One day, players discover they cannot log out, as the game creator is holding them captive unless they reach the 100th floor of the game's tower and defeat the final boss. However, if they die in the game, they die in real life. Their struggle for survival starts now...

Trailers & Videos

Thumbnail for video: Official Trailer

Official Trailer

Thumbnail for video: Opening 1 | Crossing Field - LiSA [Subtitled]

Opening 1 | Crossing Field - LiSA [Subtitled]

Thumbnail for video: Sword Art Online II Teaser

Sword Art Online II Teaser

Seasons

25 Episodes • Premiered 2012

In the year 2022, a massive online role-playing game called Sword Art Online (SAO) is launched. With the aid of "NerveGear" technology, players can control their avatars within the game using nothing but their own thoughts. Kazuto Kirigaya is among the lucky few who get their hands on the first shipment. He logs in to find himself, with ten-thousand others, in the scenic and elaborate world of Aincrad. However, in a cruel turn of events, the players soon realize they cannot log out; the game's creator has trapped them in his new world until they complete all one hundred levels of the game. In order to escape Aincrad, Kirito will now have to interact and cooperate with his fellow players. Some are allies, while others are foes. Sword Art Online is not all fun and games: if they die in Aincrad, they die in real life. Kirito must adapt to his new reality, fight for his survival, and hopefully break free from his virtual hell.

Still image for Sword Art Online season 1 episode 1: The World of Swords

1. The World of Swords

8.4

It's launch day for one of the most highly-anticipated video games of all time. Join the character "Kirito" as he begins his journey in the virtual world of Sword Art Online.

Still image for Sword Art Online season 1 episode 2: Beater

2. Beater

8.0

It’s been one month since the players have been locked in the game. 2000 people have died; the first floor hasn’t been cleared yet.

Still image for Sword Art Online season 1 episode 3: The Red-Nosed Reindeer

3. The Red-Nosed Reindeer

7.6

Kirito has finally joined a guild made up of close friends in reality. Everything is going well until a tragic accident changes Kirito completely.

Still image for Sword Art Online season 1 episode 4: The Black Swordsman

4. The Black Swordsman

7.9

Silca is known as Dragon Tamer Silca, but after leaving her group she is caught and her pet, Pina paid the ultimate price. Before she is killed, Kirito saves her and offers her a choice.

Still image for Sword Art Online season 1 episode 5: Murder in the Safe Zone

5. Murder in the Safe Zone

7.5

A player has been killed inside a safe zone and not by the known means. Asuna and Krito take it upon themselves to find out how and why this is happening.

Still image for Sword Art Online season 1 episode 6: Illusionary Avenger

6. Illusionary Avenger

7.5

Kirito has figured out the how and now he has to figure out the why.

Still image for Sword Art Online season 1 episode 7: The Temperature of the Heart

7. The Temperature of the Heart

7.7

A trip to get a new sword leaves Kirito battling a dragon and his fears.

Still image for Sword Art Online season 1 episode 8: The Sword Dance of Black and White

8. The Sword Dance of Black and White

7.1

After 2 years, people have got used to living in SAO, with a dwindling front line it might just be up to Kirito and Asuna to continue the charge.

Still image for Sword Art Online season 1 episode 9: The Blue-Eyed Demon

9. The Blue-Eyed Demon

7.9

To save a group of players and Asuna from a Boss character, Kirito is forced to play his trump card.

Still image for Sword Art Online season 1 episode 10: Crimson Killing Intent

10. Crimson Killing Intent

7.7

Kirito has agreed to a duel with the head of the Blood Alliance Knights. If Kirito wins, Asuna is free to leave the Knights and if he loses…

Still image for Sword Art Online season 1 episode 11: The Girl of Morning Dew

11. The Girl of Morning Dew

7.6

The newly married couple is enjoying their time away from the front lines. But a new guest will take them all the way back to the beginning.

Still image for Sword Art Online season 1 episode 12: Yui's Heart

12. Yui's Heart

7.9

Yulier, second in command, of the Liberation Army has approached Kirito and Asuna for help saving her friend and her guild.

Still image for Sword Art Online season 1 episode 13: Edge of Hell's Abyss

13. Edge of Hell's Abyss

7.7

While enjoying a fishing tournment Kirito receieves an urgent e-mail from the leader of the guild requesting their return.

Still image for Sword Art Online season 1 episode 14: The End of the World

14. The End of the World

8.2

Game over.

Still image for Sword Art Online season 1 episode 15: Return

15. Return

7.6

Kirigaya is adjusting to his life outside of the game, but he hasn't forgotten about Asuna. A recent visit to her in the hospital, he meets Sugou Nobuyuki.

Still image for Sword Art Online season 1 episode 16: Land of the Fairies

16. Land of the Fairies

7.4

A new MMO allows users to fly and encourages player killing. Kirito has joined this new game in search of Asuna and is pleasantly surprised with what he finds.

Still image for Sword Art Online season 1 episode 17: Captive Queen

17. Captive Queen

7.4

As Kirito learns about the game from Leafa and the hatred between the races, Asuna learns the truth of her role from the Fairy King.

Still image for Sword Art Online season 1 episode 18: To the World Tree

18. To the World Tree

7.1

Leafa is making enemies leaving her area and group to team up with Kirito. On their way to neutral Territory, they speak more of the rules and areas of the ALO.

Still image for Sword Art Online season 1 episode 19: The Lugru Corridor

19. The Lugru Corridor

7.3

Something isn’t right; Recon has sent Leafa a message “I was right. Be careful. S." What does he mean and will Leafa and Kirito have the time to figure it out?

Still image for Sword Art Online season 1 episode 20: General of the Blazing Flame

20. General of the Blazing Flame

7.3

Kirito and Leafa have made it to the meeting and Kirito’s bluff as an ambassador has been called out. If he can survive in a fight against the Salamanders General Eugene, his plan to prevent a war might work.

Still image for Sword Art Online season 1 episode 21: The Truth about Alfheim

21. The Truth about Alfheim

7.3

While Asuna continues her attempt to escape, another woman in Kirito’s life tries to make sense of her emotions.

Still image for Sword Art Online season 1 episode 22: Grand Quest

22. Grand Quest

7.2

Kirito’s determination to save Asuna borders on the insane. His reckless is stopped when Leafa suddenly logs out.

Still image for Sword Art Online season 1 episode 23: Bonds

23. Bonds

7.4

Even though a wall has been built between Kirito and Sugu, he must save Asuna. The next time he challenges the final dungeon he won’t be alone.

Still image for Sword Art Online season 1 episode 24: Gilded Hero

24. Gilded Hero

7.5

Kirito, Asuna, and Yui are finally together again, but the locks placed on Asuna are unbreakable. Before they have a chance to come up with a plan, the fairy king makes his grand entrance.

Still image for Sword Art Online season 1 episode 25: The World Seed

25. The World Seed

7.6

Kirigaya Kazuto has beaten death twice but there is one more thing he must do.

Cast

Photo of Yoshitsugu Matsuoka

Yoshitsugu Matsuoka

Kirito (voice)

Photo of Haruka Tomatsu

Haruka Tomatsu

Asuna (voice)

Photo of Hiroaki Hirata

Hiroaki Hirata

Klein (voice)

Photo of Ai Kayano

Ai Kayano

Alice Synthesis Thirty (voice)

Photo of Rina Hidaka

Rina Hidaka

Silica (voice)

Photo of Hiroki Yasumoto

Hiroki Yasumoto

Agil (voice)

Photo of Isshin Chiba

Isshin Chiba

Critter (voice

Photo of Kaori Maeda

Kaori Maeda

Selka (voice)

Photo of Taku Yashiro

Taku Yashiro

Iskahn (voice)

Photo of Yuhko Kaida

Yuhko Kaida

Dee Eye Ell (voice)

Photo of Junya Enoki

Junya Enoki

Lilpilin (voice)

Photo of Kanae Itou

Kanae Itou

Yui (voice)

Photo of Miyuki Sawashiro

Miyuki Sawashiro

Sinon (voice)

Photo of Ayahi Takagaki

Ayahi Takagaki

Lisbeth (voice)

Photo of Ayana Taketatsu

Ayana Taketatsu

Leafa (voice)

Photo of Sanae Kobayashi

Sanae Kobayashi

Rinko Koujiro (voice)

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Reviews

S

Shintaro Muraseh

10/10

First of all, this series was massive, both in terms of length and story. Maybe I feel this because I watched the whole series too fast (May 6th, 2021 ~ May 31st, 2021). Although, I still feel it was too fast and short. This series has become one of my favorite anime!

I watched the whole series on Crunchyroll. I was so annoyed by the advertisement for SAO while watching another anime on CR, however, I liked the animation pictures (I love _A-1 Picture_'s anime haha). That was my trigger.

I know there are complaints about the story; even my sister did. I half forced her to watch this series just because I wanted to share my excitement (ahh, bad brother...). Although, luckily, she was also enjoying the series up until season 2. I know there was a major turning point in the middle of season 1. I remember I was also the one who didn't have a good review for season 2 (although it was always over 3.5/5).

But I really don't know how better it could be. I was first thinking that the Aincrad arc should have been longer; however, after watching until Alicization War of Underground, I think it was the right length. I might have stopped watching the whole series.

I usually don't watch these "fighting" or "action" anime, instead, I watch more romcom and comedy. That is why maybe I have a different perspective than others who usually watch this kind of anime. But now, after watching every SAO episode I can watch, I feel I lost something big in my heart that was holding myself these days. I really hope I can watch the next movie ("_Progressive_") before this feeling goes away.

How was my first English review? (I am Japanese mother tongue) I hope I am not annoying haha...

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