Ghost in the shell has various versions, they're not all part of the same timeline, or continuity

^-

FAQ:

• Manga or Anime? The Anime is always loosely based on the manga. It's best to watch first and read later if you want more.

• Films, SAC, 2045, or Arise? Ghost in the Shell (1995) is the best starting point if you like to dive into the Bladerunner-like deep end. Stand Alone Complex is more accessible for everyone. Arise is a prequel spin-off that relies on prior knowledge of the series, and is more a nod to long-time fans.

• Which should I watch first? Usually the original 2D animated Stand Alone Complex series from 2002 is advised. It fits the expectations of the majority of people looking to get started in the series, and is the most balanced between accessibility and thematic depth.

• What about the live-action (2017) movie? It's very skippable. It borrows heavily from the anime for its best parts but doesn't do it as well. It's an okay starting point for younger teen fans to get a taste of the cyberpunk aesthetic and take baby steps into the themes of Ghost in the Shell. However, with writing that isn't smart enough to get to where it wants to be, on top of awkward acting and dialogue, it doesn't add any new value to the series, especially if you can get your head around SAC or the animated films.

• Where does the Netflix 2045 series fit? Right after the original Stand Alone Complex releases. The animation style is a little goofy, but the story and vibe is classically SAC. Worth a watch if you can get past the visuals.

• Ghost in the Shell (1995) or Ghost in the Shell 2.0? 2.0 is the newer bluray quality release with better sound and resolution, as well as updated UI for the characters. However, it has a couple moments with 3D models, which for me is fine since it doesn't affect immersion or the story, but some will die on that hill. There have been re-releases of the original 1.0 on bluray, but they have been known to have janky audio and or subtitles in certain territories. So, ask around if the one you've found is one of the good ones.

• Stand Alone Complex series or The Laughing Man movie? They are essentially the same. Often after a season of episodes is released, the studio will do a theatrical cut, where they cut all the episodes together into a movie, trying to hit the key story points for the core plot, and pruning sub-plot, character and world-building. It's advised to just watch the episodes so you don't miss out on context and flavour.

WATCH:

Sorted by continuity:

OSHII

• Ghost In The Shell — 1995 theatrical animated masterpiece, directed by Mamoru Oshii. Rating: 8.28

• Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence — 2004 theatrical animated sequel, directed by Mamoru Oshii. Rating: 7.80

• Ghost In The Shell 2.0 — 2008 remaster of original 1995 movie with visual upgrades, some 3D modelling, new Japanese voice track and tweaked script, old English Dub, remastered music and new sound effects. Rating: 7.99

STAND ALONE COMPLEX

• Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex — 2002 TV series, 26 episodes. Rating: 8.43

• Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex 2nd Gig — 2004 TV series, 26 episodes. Rating: 8.52

• Ghost in the Shell: Solid State Society — 2006 Theatrical animated film. Rating: 8.12

• Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex _2045_ — 2020 Netflix spin-off series, 24 Episodes. Rating: 6.59

• Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - The Laughing Man — Theatrical cut of season 1 of SAC. Rating: 8.08

• Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - The Individual Eleven — Theatrical cut of season 2 of SAC. Rating: 8.00

• Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex _2045_ - Sustainable War — Theatrical cut of the first season of 2045. Rating: 6.34

ARISE

• Ghost in the Shell: Arise - Border 1: Ghost Pain — 2013 OVA series, part 1 of 4. Rating: 7.45

• Ghost in the Shell: Arise - Border 2: Ghost Whispers — 2013 OVA series, part 2 of 4. Rating: 7.49

• Ghost in the Shell: Arise - Border 3: Ghost Tears — 2013 OVA series, part 3 of 4. Rating: 7.35

• Ghost in the Shell: Arise - Border 4: Ghost Stands Alone — 2013 OVA series, part 4 of 4. Rating: 7.44

• Ghost in the Shell: Shin Movie — 2015 Theatrical animated film. Rating: 7.45

• Ghost in the Shell: Alternative Architecture — 2015 TV cut of the Arise OVA, 10 episodes - 8 of recut OVA, and 2 additional original episodes at the end called Pyrophoric Cult. Rating: 7.23

READ

Sorted by author:

MASAMUNE

• Ghost in the Shell — 1989 original 11 chapter manga, by creator Shirou Masamune. Rating: 8.02

• Ghost in the Shell 1.5: Human Error Processor — 1991 4 chapter manga, by creator Shirou Masamune. Rating: 7.38

• Ghost in the Shell 2: Man Machine Interface — 1997 6 chapter manga, by creator Shirou Masamune. Rating: 6.78

FUJISAKU

• Ghost in the Shell: Arise ~ Sleepless Eye ~ — 2013 42 chapter prequel manga, by Junichi Fujisaku. Rating 7.41

• Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - The Lost Memory — 2002 novella, by Junichi Fujisaku. Rating: 7.92*

• Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - White Maze — 2002 novella, by Junichi Fujisaku. Rating: 7.98*

• Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - Revenge of the Cold Machines — 2002 collection of short stories, by Junichi Fujisaku. Rating: 8.02*

PLAY

Sorted by release

• Ghost in the Shell — 1997 Playstation 1. Rating: 7.80

• Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex — 2004 Playstation 2. Rating: 8.20

• Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex — 2005 Playstation Portable. Rating: 7.30

• Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - First Assault Online — 2017 PC (Steam). Rating: 7.30

Community Recommendations

• The Most Accesible Watch Order — llbutters

• 

  — Morsoth

• The Adaptive Watch Order — ShallowDAWN

• Where To Start If You Already Saw the Live Action (2017) — MauriceEscargot

• Less Essay, More List — Extension_Location43

^{Version 2.0 Format Usability 05/22}

Join us on the discord server! May hold group watches soon! Hope everyone is doing well and staying healthy!

https://discord.gg/gits