Anime watch orders are usually a nightmare. Seriously. You start a show thinking it’s a straight line from point A to point B, but then you hit a wall of OVAs, movies that may or may not be canon, and "special" seasons that are actually just four episodes of filler. If you've been looking for a seven deadly sins ep list, you already know the struggle is real. This series, based on Nakaba Suzuki’s massive manga, is a masterpiece of high-fantasy action, but the way Netflix and various studios have labeled the episodes makes it feel like you need a degree in cartography just to find the next canon episode.
Most people start with the first season and then get confused. Why is there a "Season 2" that only has four episodes? Why does the animation suddenly look like it was drawn in a hurry during the later arcs? We're going to break down exactly how these episodes lay out so you aren't stuck watching a recap when you should be watching Meliodas kick a hole through a mountain.
The Chaos of the Seven Deadly Sins Ep List and Why Netflix Labels are Weird
Let’s be honest: Netflix did us no favors here. When you pull up the app, they list "Signs of Holy War" as Season 2. It’s not. It’s a four-episode television special. If you skip from the end of the first season straight into what Netflix calls "Season 3" (Revival of The Commandments), you’ll actually be fine plot-wise, but you'll miss some character beats.
The first season introduces us to Elizabeth Liones and her quest to find the legendary knights. It’s 24 episodes of pure setup and world-building. Produced by A-1 Pictures, the quality is top-tier. You get the introduction of Meliodas, Diane, Ban, King, Gowther, and Merlin. Escanor? Well, he takes a bit longer to show up.
If you are looking at a seven deadly sins ep list to track your progress, you have to account for these specific blocks:
- Season 1 (The Seven Deadly Sins): 24 Episodes. This covers the Introduction arc through the Kingdom Infiltration arc. It ends with the defeat of Hendrickson.
- The TV Special (Signs of Holy War): 4 Episodes. Netflix calls this Season 2. It’s mostly fluff, but it bridges the gap emotionally before the real threat arrives.
- Season 2 (Revival of The Commandments): 24 Episodes. This is where the power scaling goes absolutely off the rails. We meet the Ten Commandments. It’s arguably the peak of the series for many fans.
- Season 3 (Imperial Wrath of the Gods): 24 Episodes. This is where Studio Deen took over from A-1 Pictures. We need to talk about the animation here—it’s a point of contention.
- Season 4 (Dragon's Judgement): 24 Episodes. The finale. This wraps up the war and the curse of Meliodas and Elizabeth.
Why Signs of Holy War Isn't Actually Season 2
It’s annoying, right? You finish a massive 24-episode run and you’re hyped for the next big thing, only to find a tiny four-episode blip. These episodes were written by Nakaba Suzuki himself, but they aren't part of the main manga run. They’re "anime-original" content.
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Basically, they exist to show the characters relaxing after the massive battle for Liones. You get a cooking contest. You get some Ban and Meliodas friendship moments. You get a hint that the threat isn't actually over. If you’re a completionist following every seven deadly sins ep list, you should watch them. If you’re in a rush to see the Ten Commandments? You can honestly skip to episode 1 of "Revival of The Commandments" and you won't be lost.
Tracking the Ten Commandments Arc
This is where the show earns its reputation. The "Revival of The Commandments" block is 24 episodes of pure adrenaline. We start seeing "Power Levels," which is a very Dragon Ball Z-esque mechanic that the show introduces through Gowther’s Balor’s Magical Eye.
The episodes in this section focus on the liberation of various towns and the tragic backstory of the fairy forest. Episode 19 and 20 of this season are legendary. No spoilers, but the fight involving Meliodas at the defense of Liones is one of the most-watched clips in anime history.
When you're checking your seven deadly sins ep list, make sure you don't accidentally skip the OVA episodes like "Ban’s Side Story." It’s not essential, but it explains so much about why Ban is the way he is. He’s more than just a guy who can’t die; he’s a guy who lost the only thing that made living worthwhile.
The Studio Shift and Why the Episode List Feels Different Later On
Around episode 77 of the total count (the start of Imperial Wrath of the Gods), things change. Studio Deen took over the production. Because they were rushed, the animation quality dipped. You’ll notice the blood is sometimes censored—looking like white light instead of red liquid. It’s weird. It's distracting.
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But the story? The story is still incredible. This section of the seven deadly sins ep list covers the flashback to the Holy War 3,000 years ago. We finally see the original forms of the characters and understand the "Eternal Rebirth" and "Perpetual Reincarnation" curses. It’s heavy stuff.
The Breakdown of the Final Act
The last big chunk is "Dragon’s Judgement." It’s another 24 episodes. By this point, you’ve watched roughly 100 episodes of television. The finale isn't just a battle; it’s a resolution of a love story that has spanned thousands of years and hundreds of lifetimes.
The episode list for this final season moves fast. It covers:
- The battle in Purgatory (Ban is a total beast here).
- The fight against the Demon King.
- The resolution of the "Seven Deadly Sins" as a group.
What About the Movies?
You can’t just look at the numbered episodes. There are movies that fit into the timeline.
- Prisoners of the Sky: This is a non-canon movie. You can watch it after Season 1 or Season 2. It doesn't affect the main plot, but it’s fun.
- Cursed by Light: This one is actually important. It takes place after the series finale (after episode 24 of Dragon's Judgement). It serves as a true bridge between the original series and the sequel series, Four Knights of the Apocalypse.
- Grudge of Edinburgh (Parts 1 and 2): These are CGI movies on Netflix. They focus on Tristan, the son of Meliodas and Elizabeth.
Navigating the Sequel: Four Knights of the Apocalypse
Once you finish the main seven deadly sins ep list, you aren't actually done. The story continues in Four Knights of the Apocalypse. This follows Percival, a young boy who discovers he's destined to be one of four knights who will destroy the world (or save it, depending on who you ask).
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It feels fresh. It recaptures that sense of adventure the first season had before everyone became literal gods capable of destroying planets.
Practical Steps for Your Watchthrough
If you want the best experience without the "filler" feeling, follow this path.
First, watch the original 24 episodes. Don't look anything up. Just enjoy the ride. Second, watch the four "Signs of Holy War" episodes on a rainy afternoon. They’re cozy. Third, dive into "Revival of The Commandments." This is the peak of the show's action.
Once you hit "Imperial Wrath of the Gods," prepare yourself for the animation shift. It’s jarring. Try to focus on the dialogue and the lore revelations rather than the static fight frames. Finally, finish with "Dragon’s Judgement" and the "Cursed by Light" movie.
If you still have an appetite for more, "Four Knights of the Apocalypse" is currently airing and releasing episodes. It’s a great way to see how the world evolved after the Sins did their thing.
The most important thing to remember about any seven deadly sins ep list is that the "Season" numbers on streaming platforms are almost always wrong. Trust the arc names. Follow the story of the curse. And for the love of everything, don't skip Escanor's introduction. He is the "One" for a reason.
- Step 1: Verify your source isn't counting "Signs of Holy War" as a full season.
- Step 2: Watch the OVAs "Ban's Side Story" and "Heroes' Frolic" for extra character depth.
- Step 3: Transition to the movies only after the corresponding seasons to avoid massive spoilers regarding Meliodas's true form.
- Step 4: Move to the manga for the final chapters if you find the animation in the last two seasons too distracting; the art in the manga remains top-tier throughout.