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Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the most popular anime to debut over the past couple of years, and its much-anticipated prequel movie hits theaters this March. Those hoping to understand all the hype may want to check out the main series before heading out to see Jujutsu Kaisen 0. So, where can they stream it ahead of the film’s U.S. release?

‘Jujutsu Kaisen 0’ serves as a prequel to the main anime

Jujutsu Kaisen 0 builds on the popularity of the main anime, but it serves as a prequel story rather than a continuation. Set before Yuji Itadori ever steps foot into Jujutsu High School, it will follow a different protagonist: Yuta Okkotsu.

Like Itadori, Yuta gets swept into the world of Jujutsu Sorcerers and curses by surprise. After his childhood friend Rika perishes in a car accident, her spirit attaches itself to him — surrounding him with an abundance of cursed energy he has no idea how to control.

This brings him under the wing of Satoru Gojo, who trains Yuta alongside the second-years introduced in Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1. And judging by the trailer, they’ll take center stage in the new film.

Based on prequel chapters from Gege Akutami, the movie promises to expand upon the world and characters fans know and love. But where can newcomers watch the main anime before seeing the prequel?

Where to stream ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ before the movie hits theaters

Yuji Itadori in season 1 of the 'Jujutsu Kaisen' anime. He's wielding cursed energy, and there's blood on his face.
Yuji Itadori in ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ | Gege Akutami/Shueisha, ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ Project

Although Jujutsu Kaisen 0 follows a different lead than the main anime, fans may want to check out Itadori’s story before seeing the movie. Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1 clocks in at 24 episodes. Each is around 23 minutes long, which means there’s time to power through them ahead of the prequel’s theatrical debut.

As for where viewers can watch the anime, it’s currently streaming on three platforms: Crunchyroll, Funimation, and HBO Max.

Both the Japanese subtitled and English dubbed versions of season 1 can be found on the sites. HBO Max and Funimation require a subscription, but Crunchyroll offers free streaming with ads. A premium subscription will also enable viewers to watch the episodes ad-free.

Unfortunately, Jujutsu Kaisen isn’t streaming on Hulu or Netflix in the U.S. Perhaps that will change as the now-confirmed second season grows nearer. In the meantime, the movie gives fans something to look forward to. But do newcomers need to watch the anime before seeing the film?

Should you watch the main anime before the movie?

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Another question that may come up when Jujutsu Kaisen 0 hits theaters is whether or not moviegoers need to watch the anime before the movie. Technically, the answer is no.

Although fans coming with prior knowledge of the characters and world will likely fall into Jujutsu Kaisen 0 more easily, the beginning of the prequel manga reintroduces them. After all, Yuta is completely new to Jujutsu High. Through his eyes, readers get enough context to understand what’s going on.

Assuming the film follows suit, there should be enough exposition at the beginning to satisfy newcomers as well as longtime fans. The prequel may even make a nice segue into the main series, assuming some moviegoers might watch it after the fact.

Jujutsu Kaisen 0 comes out on March 18 in the U.S. and Canada.

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