Okay, confession time. The first time I tried to figure out the correct Macross watch order, I honestly thought I needed a three-monitor setup, a whiteboard full of arrows, and maybe a soothing latte just to survive the research. TV series, OVAs, movies, alternate universes, retellings. And of course, Robotech always barging into your search results like an unexpected plot twist.
If you have ever looked at the Macross franchise and said I need help, breathe easy. You just found your guide. This is your friendly, no-stress beginner roadmap through one of anime’s coolest and longest-running mecha universes. We will walk through the complete Macross timeline, explain the must-watch series, highlight the optional extras, and give you the best place to start depending on your vibes.
Get your Valkyries prepped. We are taking off.
What Is Macross and What Is Robotech
Macross began in 1982 with Super Dimension Fortress Macross (SDF), a series that combined transforming fighter jets, pop idols, and a dramatic love triangle in the middle of a space war. This blend became the franchise’s signature. Music is a weapon. Relationships matter. And the mecha designs are so beautifully engineered that model builders (like me, currently working on the HG YF-19) practically cry over them.
Robotech, on the other hand, is an American adaptation that merged three unrelated anime into one continuous story. It has nostalgic appeal, but it is not part of the official Macross timeline. Our guide focuses only on the original Japanese canon.
The Golden Rule of Macross
Every Macross entry, no matter the era, revolves around three pillars:
- Idol Culture and Music: A singer whose voice becomes central to the story.
- The Love Triangle: A pilot caught between two compelling characters.
- Transforming Mecha: Valkyries that shift between Fighter, Gerwalk, and Battroid modes.
If this combination hits your heart like a perfect anime opening theme, congratulations. You are ready.
Macross Watch Order Explained
Here is the most important thing you need to know. Macross has two main ways to watch it: release order and chronological order. Since this guide promises a complete but beginner friendly resource, we are using the chronological timeline while clearly marking anything optional. You will not get lost, I promise.
Complete Macross Chronological Watch Order (With Optional Extras Clearly Labeled)
This is the full and correct in-universe timeline, optimized so new fans do not feel overwhelmed.
1. Macross Zero
2008 timeline
Format: OVA
Status: Optional first watch (better after SDF)
Macross Zero is a prequel about the origins of the Protoculture and the early development of Valkyrie technology. It is visually stunning and mystical, but it hits much harder if you already understand the central themes of the franchise. Chronologically it comes first, but new fans should watch it after SDF Macross.
2. Super Dimension Fortress Macross
2009 to 2012 timeline
Format: TV series
Status: Required
This is the heart of the franchise. A giant alien battleship crashes into Earth, humanity rebuilds it as the SDF-1, and everything goes wrong on launch day. The ship and the civilians inside are thrown into a long journey home while facing the alien Zentradi. The love triangle between Hikaru, Minmay, and Misa is legendary for a reason.
3. Macross: Do You Remember Love
In-universe: Treated as an in-world dramatization
Format: Movie
Status: Highly recommended
This is a visually breathtaking retelling of the original series. Even though it is not a literal canon continuation, it is considered essential viewing for its animation and music.
4. Flash Back 2012
Epilogue
Status: Optional but recommended
A short musical special that provides closure for the SDF Macross cast. Fans adore it.
5. Macross Plus
2040 timeline
Format: OVA or Movie Edition
Status: Required
Macross Plus is a stylish, mature, character-driven sci-fi drama about rival test pilots, an experimental AI pop idol, and the newest generation of Valkyries. If you enjoy psychological intensity with your mecha, this is one of the franchise’s peak entries.
6. Macross 7
2045 to 2046 timeline
Format: TV series
Status: Required
Macross 7 is passionate, loud, unpredictable, and unapologetically musical. The main character, Basara Nekki, does not fire missiles. He sings. Through a speaker-packed Valkyrie. At enemy ships. You will either think it is the wildest thing ever or absolutely genius. Many fans end up loving it.
Optional Macross 7 Extras
All optional. They add flavor, music, and more Fire Bomber energy:
- Macross 7 Encore
- Macross 7 The Movie: The Galaxy’s Calling Me
- Macross Dynamite 7
7. Macross Frontier
2058 to 2059 timeline
Format: TV series
Status: Required and great for beginners
This is my personal recommendation for newcomers. Frontier blends everything Macross does well into one modern, accessible package. The music by Yoko Kanno is incredible, the love triangle is beautifully written, and the Valkyrie dogfights look amazing.
Optional Frontier Movie Timeline
These retell and reimagine the Frontier story with new scenes and different emotional beats:
- Macross Frontier: The False Songstress
- Macross Frontier: The Wings of Goodbye
- Macross Frontier: Labyrinth of Time
8. Macross Delta
2067 to 2068 timeline
Format: TV series
Status: Required
Delta introduces Walkure, an idol unit whose songs can counter a mysterious syndrome affecting entire planets. The series leans into bright, high-energy pop idol culture, but it still carries that classic Macross mix of music, mecha, and romance.
It also gives us Hayate, the free-spirited rookie pilot who flies like he is dancing in midair. He has zero discipline at first but a ridiculous amount of natural talent, making him both a problem and a genius in the cockpit. I absolutely loves this kind of character energy.
Optional Delta Movies
These present an alternate and extended version of Delta’s storyline:
- Macross Delta Movie: Passionate Walkure
- Macross Delta Movie: Absolute Live
9. Macross FB7
Format: Crossover Special
Status: Optional
A Frontier and Macross 7 crossover with recap elements. Fun if you already love both shows.
10. Macross II: Lovers Again
Status: Optional, non-canon
This is a completely separate alternate universe and not part of the main timeline, but it is interesting if you enjoy retro sci-fi.
Macross Watch Order: Where Should You Start
- If you want the true beginning, your Macross watch order should start with Super Dimension Fortress Macross.
- If you want the easiest modern entry point: Start with Macross Frontier.
- If you want something short and stylish: Start with Macross Plus.
- If you love idols and performances: Start with Macross Delta.
Where to Watch Macross Legally
Macross is available on various official sources depending on your region, including the official Macross YouTube channel, and licensed Blu-ray releases. Always check official sources to support the creators.
The official website: https://macross.jp
As of January 13 2025, many Macross shows such as Macross 7, Macross Frontier and Macross Delta are available on Disney+ and Hulu in the U.S. However the original Super Dimension Fortress Macross and its movie Macross: Do You Remember Love? are still not available due to licensing issues.
Understanding the Macross watch order does not have to feel like solving an ancient alien puzzle. Whether you begin with SDF Macross, Macross Frontier, or Macross Plus, you are stepping into a universe filled with music, heart, and beautifully engineered mecha. Pick your starting point, turn up the volume, and let the Valkyries fly.
Macross Watch Order FAQ
Q1: What is the correct macross watch order
The full chronological order begins with Macross Zero, then SDF Macross, Do You Remember Love, Macross Plus, Macross 7, Macross Frontier, and Macross Delta. Optional movies and OVAs follow after each respective series.
Q2: Is Macross Frontier a good place to start
Yes. It is modern, emotional, accessible, and showcases everything that defines Macross.
Q3: Do I need to watch the Macross 7 movies
No. They are optional expansions that add extra fun but are not required for timeline understanding.
Q4: Why is the music such a big deal in Macross
Music has thematic, cultural, and literal power within the Macross universe. It is as important as the pilots and the mecha.
Q5: Should I watch Macross Zero first
Not recommended for beginners. Its themes resonate better after seeing the original SDF series.
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