The Ultimate Guide to Umamusume Anime: Where to Start & What to Watch

From Tearjerkers to Comedy Gold: Discover Every Umamusume Anime Series Worth Watching 

If you discovered Umamusume: Pretty Derby through the mobile game or PC release, you're only seeing half the magic.

The anime adaptations add emotional depth, intense racing arcs, and unforgettable character moments that bring these horse girls—and their real-life inspirations—to life. Whether you’re here for the drama, comedy, or competitive thrill, the anime enhances your gameplay experience tenfold.


๐Ÿ Where to Begin: The Core Story Arcs

1. Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Season 1 (2018)

⭐ Best For: New fans | Main Character: Special Week
Theme: Introduction to the world, Tracen Academy, and racing/idol duality
This is where it all begins. Follow wide-eyed newcomer Special Week as she trains alongside legendary horses like Silence Suzuka and learns what it takes to be a top racer.

๐Ÿงก Standout Moment: Suzuka’s injury arc—heartbreaking, hopeful, and unforgettable.


2. Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Season 2 (2021)

⭐ Best For: Fans who love comeback stories | Main Character: Tokai Teio
Theme: Redemption, resilience, and one of the best sports anime arcs ever
Follow Tokai Teio’s painful setback and stunning comeback in a narrative that blends real-life racing history with anime drama.

๐Ÿ’ง Warning: Bring tissues. This season will wreck you—in the best way.


The Ultimate Guide to Umamusume Anime
3. Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Season 3 (2023)

⭐ Best For: Rivals and high-stakes tension | Main Character: Kitasan Black
Theme: Ambition, rivalry, and building a legacy
This season shifts focus to Kitasan Black and her rivalry with Satono Diamond, delivering cinematic races and some of the best character interactions in the series.

๐ŸŽฅ Highlight: Jaw-dropping animation upgrades—especially during the Japan Cup sequence.


๐Ÿ“บ Spin-Offs & Special Series You Shouldn’t Miss

Road to the Top (2023)

Format: 4-episode YouTube mini-series
Focus: TM Opera O, Admire Vega, Narita Top Road
A short yet beautifully animated series covering legendary late-1990s rivalries. Great for fans who want action-packed storytelling without a full season commitment.


Cinderella Gray (2025)

Format: Serialized anime adaptation of the hit manga
Focus: Oguri Cap’s origin story
A grittier, grounded look at the world of horse racing told through the eyes of the fierce and determined Oguri Cap. It stands apart with its mature tone and intense drama.

๐ŸŽ Community Buzz: Fans are calling this the Attack on Titan of horse girl anime—don’t skip it.


๐Ÿ˜‚ Light-Hearted Laughs: Comedy Spin-Offs

Umayon (2020)

Mini chibi-style episodes featuring your favorite characters in absurd scenarios. Perfect palate cleanser between heavier seasons.

Umayuru (2022)

A continuation of the chibi-style humor with even more inside jokes for long-time fans.

๐Ÿ•’ Quick Tip: Each episode is under 5 minutes—perfect snack-sized viewing.


๐ŸŽฅ What’s the Best Watch Order?

Option A: Release Order (Recommended)
Gives you the best emotional buildup and natural worldbuilding.

  • Season 1

  • Season 2

  • Umayon

  • Road to the Top

  • Season 3

  • Umayuru

  • Cinderella Gray (2025)

Option B: Chronological Order (For Lore Fans)
Start with Cinderella Gray (set in the late 1980s–90s) for historical context, then follow up with Special Week’s and Tokai Teio’s stories.


๐Ÿ” Where to Watch Umamusume Anime in 2025

Platform                                    Content Available
NetflixSeasons 1–3
CrunchyrollSeasons 1–3, Umayon, Umayuru
YouTube (Official Channel)Road to the Top
HiDive / Muse Asia / BilibiliCinderella Gray (availability may vary)

๐ŸŒ Tip: Use JustWatch to find out where it’s streaming in your country.


๐ŸŽฎ Bonus for Game Fans: Why Watch the Anime?

The anime isn’t just good TV—it helps you:

  • Understand in-game rivalries and lore

  • Appreciate character quirks and backgrounds

  • Recognize skill references (yes, they come from the races!)

  • Build emotional bonds with your favorite horse girls


๐Ÿ‘ฅ Community & Related Articles 

Curious what the community is saying about the anime?

๐Ÿ’ฌ Which season made you cry the most? Who’s your favorite anime-only MVP? Share it in the comments or join the Discord race talk!


๐Ÿ‡ Final Thoughts: A Hidden Gem in Sports Anime

Whether you're starting with Season 1’s hopeful charm, Season 2’s emotional redemption, or Cinderella Gray’s intensity, Umamusume’s anime series offers something for every kind of viewer.

It’s more than just a game tie-in—it’s a love letter to racing history, perseverance, and friendship.


๐Ÿงญ Ready to Start Watching?

Tell us which horse girl’s story you’re watching first!
And don’t forget—even losers like Haru Urara can become champions.

Happy watching, trainer! ๐ŸŽฅ๐ŸŽ✨

Comments