Sword Art Online

Edit
What would you like to edit?
 

Alternative Titles

Synonyms: S.A.O, SAO
Japanese: ソードアート・オンライン
English: Sword Art Online
More titles

Information

Type: TV
Episodes: 25
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Jul 8, 2012 to Dec 23, 2012
Premiered: Summer 2012
Broadcast: Sundays at 00:00 (JST)
Licensors: Aniplex of America
Studios: A-1 Pictures
Genres: ActionAction, AdventureAdventure, FantasyFantasy, RomanceRomance
Themes: Love PolygonLove Polygon, Video GameVideo Game
Duration: 23 min. per ep.
Rating: PG-13 - Teens 13 or older

Statistics

Score: 7.211 (scored by 22088682,208,868 users)
1 indicates a weighted score.
Ranked: #33382
2 based on the top anime page. Please note that 'Not yet aired' and 'R18+' titles are excluded.
Popularity: #6
Members: 3,179,125
Favorites: 69,506

Available At


Resources


Streaming Platforms

7.21
Ranked #3338Popularity #6Members 3,179,125
Add to My List
Episodes: /25

Synopsis

Ever since the release of the innovative NerveGear, gamers from all around the globe have been given the opportunity to experience a completely immersive virtual reality. Sword Art Online (SAO), one of the most recent games on the console, offers a gateway into the wondrous world of Aincrad, a vivid, medieval landscape where users can do anything within the limits of imagination. With the release of this worldwide sensation, gaming has never felt more lifelike.

However, the idyllic fantasy rapidly becomes a brutal nightmare when SAO's creator traps thousands of players inside the game. The "log-out" function has been removed, with the only method of escape involving beating all of Aincrad's one hundred increasingly difficult levels. Adding to the struggle, any in-game death becomes permanent, ending the player's life in the real world.

While Kazuto "Kirito" Kirigaya was fortunate enough to be a beta-tester for the game, he quickly finds that despite his advantages, he cannot overcome SAO's challenges alone. Teaming up with Asuna Yuuki and other talented players, Kirito makes an effort to face the seemingly insurmountable trials head-on. But with difficult bosses and threatening dark cults impeding his progress, Kirito finds that such tasks are much easier said than done.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Characters & Voice Actors


Staff

Mori, Yasunori
Producer
Miki, Kazuma
Producer
Kashiwada, Shinichirou
Producer
Niwa, Masami
Assistant Producer


Edit

Opening Theme

Preview
Spotify
Apple Music
Amazon Music
Youtube Music
1: "crossing field" by LiSA (eps 2-14)
2: "INNOCENCE" by Aoi Eir (eps 15-24)
Edit

Ending Theme

1: "Yume Sekai (ユメセカイ)" by Haruka Tomatsu (eps 2-14)
2: "Overfly" by Luna Haruna (eps 15-24)
3: "crossing field" by LiSA (eps 25)

Episode Videos




Reviews

Mar 16, 2025
Ich möchte zunächst über die überragende Geschichte von "Sword Art Online" ergötzen. Der romantische Touch zwischen Kazuto Kirigaya und Yuuki Asuna hat mich zutiefst berührt. Darüber hinaus möchte ich das für die in 2012 zurzeit originelle Geschichte loben, welche wohlmöglich eine prächtige Zukunft für das gesamte Isekai-Genre geschaffen hat. Der Struggle zwischen Leben und Tod erschlug die Gänsehosen an mir. Ab der zweiten Hälfte empfand ich den Switch zu einem "Part 2" sehr willkommen, aber er überzog seine Einladung. Das gewonnene World-Building hat für mich leider nicht genügt, um die Laufzeit zu begründen. Trotzdessen möchte ich die 25 Folgen pures Abenteuer und Action loben. Ich ...
Jan 3, 2025
Mixed Feelings
I just rewatched it after 12 years since the first time I saw it, and I found that it wasn't as fun as when I watched it as a kid. However, I still rate it highly in terms of animation quality and the score by Yuki Kajiura, which really enhances the emotional atmosphere of the anime.

As for the story, both arcs feel a bit slow. The first arc, Aincrad, starts off interesting, but there are many filler episodes that don’t contribute much to character development. I was expecting more action and intensity from this arc, especially since it's the opening arc.

The second arc, Fairy Dance, ...
Nov 18, 2024
This is a perfect shonen anime although probably a little too titillating for such an audience. It's no masterpiece but it is very good. The characters do not really grow, the battles are kind of similar (still very good though) but that really doesn't detract from the beautiful scenery, lovely orchestral music, overwhelming odds and overall perfect teenage angst throughout. I feel jealous of teenagers after watching this. This is an absolute love circle of an anime. Who's he going to pick? We all know who but that doesn't stop everyone from wanting a slice. I'm whole-heartedly jealous of the protagonist. He's super cool, ...

Interest Stacks

50 Entries · 1 Restacks
50 Entries · 787 Restacks

Recommendations


Recent News

Interview: Luna Haruna to Showcase Best Album at New York Anisong World Matsuri

Interview: Luna Haruna to Showcase Best Album at New York Anisong World Matsuri

Since making her international debut at Sakura-Con in Seattle five years ago, model-turned-singer Luna Haruna has performed at more than 30 anime conventions and co...read more

North American Anime & Manga Releases for June

North American Anime & Manga Releases for June

Here are the North American anime & manga releases for June Week 1: June 6 - 12 Anime Releases Ajin (incl. Part 1: Shoudou) Blu-ray & DVD Combo Limited Editi...read more


Recent Forum Discussion

Poll: Sword Art Online Episode 25 Discussion ( 1 2 3 4 5 ... Last Page )
bippo - Dec 22, 2012
1,453 repliesby DavidMahomes2014 »»
Mar 13, 5:02 PM
Poll: Sword Art Online Episode 2 Discussion ( 1 2 3 4 5 ... Last Page )
Stark700 - Jul 14, 2012
782 repliesby kenzoyay »»
Mar 8, 8:01 PM
Poll: Sword Art Online Episode 1 Discussion ( 1 2 3 4 5 ... Last Page )
Nasty001 - Jul 4, 2012
960 repliesby kenzoyay »»
Mar 8, 7:58 PM
Poll: Sword Art Online Episode 14 Discussion ( 1 2 3 4 5 ... Last Page )
Stark700 - Oct 6, 2012
1,305 repliesby SkMeena »»
Mar 8, 10:50 AM
Poll: Sword Art Online Episode 9 Discussion ( 1 2 3 4 5 ... Last Page )
Stark700 - Sep 1, 2012
771 repliesby InferGilgamesh »»
Mar 5, 8:06 PM

Special Report from Aniplex Online Fest 2021

Special Report from Aniplex Online Fest 2021

Breaking down the hottest panels at Aniplex Online Fest 2021, featuring Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Fate/Grand Order, Sword Art Online, and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.

by MAL_editing_team

46,981 views

Everything You Need to Know About Sword Art Online: Progressive

Everything You Need to Know About Sword Art Online: Progressive

The next level of SAO will take us back to where it all began.

by Shymander

58,188 views