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Season 1 – Sword Art Online: Alicization

Play trailer Poster for Season 1 – Sword Art Online: Alicization Jul 2012 Action Fantasy Anime Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 5 Reviews 71% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
This anime series features a virtual reality massively multiplayer online role-playing game, which shares its name with the show's title (abbreviated SAO), that is released in 2022. The game allows people to control their in-game characters with their minds when using a Nerve Gear helmet. One day, upon logging into SAO, the players discover they cannot log out and learn from the game's creator that they must defeat the final boss. If a player's avatar dies in the game, though, their body also dies in the real world. One player, Kirito, sets out to beat the game on his own, progressing through the game over two years, during which time he befriends a female player, Asuna, with whom he falls in love. The duo eventually confronts the in-game avatar of SAO's creator, hoping to free themselves and other players from the game. Over time, Kirito realizes that the situation is a conspiracy that runs deeper than just SAO and has penetrated other games.
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Sword Art Online: Alicization — Season 1

Critics Reviews

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Maya Phillips New York Magazine/Vulture 02/21/2019
The action in this show is a big draw, but the real pull is how it depicts the way its characters react in the circumstances. Go to Full Review
Irina Curovic CBR 03/22/2019
The mass appeal of Sword Art Online is undeniable, even if there is a lot of debate about its qualities or lack thereof. But, we're gonna put a pin in that particular can of worms and focus instead on what makes SAO a good show for those new to anime. Go to Full Review
Sean Aitchison CBR 02/21/2019
Sword Art Online is definitely worth checking out. Go to Full Review
Emily Ashby Common Sense Media 01/08/2019
4/5
This exceptional, highbrow anime series has some thoughtful themes that are well suited for teens in the audience. Go to Full Review
Rosie Knight Nerdist 11/28/2018
Incredible animation, a massive roster of characters to care about, and the whole thing feels like playing an immense immersive RPG with your guild. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Sander A Apr 12 First season was amazing See more Malik A 11/20/2024 "Sward art online" described in one ward: REPUGNANT! In two words: Child pornography. If you are a parent and wondering if you're child should be watching "Sward art online" the answer is a categorical NO! If at any point whilst you've been watching the show you find yourself making excuses for why the camera shot was like that or why that happened, then you already know. I'm an English professional animator and producer. I have a very good understanding and inside knowledge of the intricacies, design, desired effect on views and the level of thought given to any particular scene in a production. First off, in an animated show, no detail is by accident. Every line, every frame, every millisecond of every scene has a level of thought and design beyond what anyone outside of the industry could possibly believe. The power of animated shows and movies in changing the world and the way we think, should... NEVER! Be taken lightly! With great power comes great responsibility. I understand this very well, almost all of us in the movie/animation/TV business do. The makers of "Sward art online" are also fully aware of what they are doing. This is abundantly clear in the show. Without morals, they have chosen the path of exploitation and manipulation to further increase their corporate bank balance. The words and story are almost perfectly fine, if they were to stand alone, but they do not stand alone. In all shows cinematography and scene art play a pivotal roll in portraying the creators imagination. And in "Sward art online" through every and any possibility, with extreme planning and scripted instructions, they will choose the most sexually explicit camera positions and movements. This is well known to be an easy money maker and hook to play on human weaknesses. Normally it is only done in por quality 18 plus productions. However, in "Sward art online" they aren't just using this most pitiful technique, they are creating it using child subjects, 12 and 14 years of age. The show is also extremely emotional. Not a problem in itself. However a well known technique in manipulation is to show someone a disturbing picture, event or story to upen them up and make them very impressionable. Normally done to get a strong positive message across, like in a good war movie. They're often very disturbing but with a clear massage that we want to prevent another war. However, in "Sward art online" they use this technique to promote and gain their views addiction to their product. And their product being, child pornography! The amazing, incredible quality of the actual animating and scene art is also a powerful message to one's subconscious that the content must also be of quality and of good nature. Sadly not. Tens of millions of dollars were spent on its production, thousands of people were involved. It is impossible to believe that it couldn't be a bad show. But it is! The damage this show has done to the anime and animation industry as a whole is without equal. I have worked tirelessly and will continue to work tirelessly to repair and preserve the good name of animation. Out of all of the movies, shows and animations I've seen in my life, never before have I seen one that has so clearly done as much damage to our world and society as "Sward art online". The production and promotion of child pornography and sexual exploitation is categorically wrong. The promotion of girls as only a sex object is wrong. This shows primary content is without doubt, of a sexual nature involving girls of 12 to 14 years of age. I ceased watching the show half way through a scene where the writer was clearly glorifying and promoting violence induced sexual dominance of a 16 year old imprisoned girl. (I can't believe what I'm writing, but it is true and can't be ignored.) There is no question in my mind that "Sward art online" should be illegal and removed from viewing in the UK under the child protection laws. Only recently the head of UK police announced that we have a epidemic here with sexually orientated crimes commited towards 16 and younger girls. Often commited by 16 and younger boys. He went on to state that: We have to try and not criminalis an entire generation. They are often children themselves and are simply copying what they see online. "Sward art online" is feeding and promoting this narrative. No viewer is to blame, but "Sward art online" will create more sexual crimes against children. Girls are now less safe and boys will be accused more often. Not a wold any should want to live in. I did not want to write this, but my feeling of responsibility forced my hand. We must work together to create a better future for all. With greatest regards to all. Ps: Many animes are of great quality and spirit, Naruto is one of the best shows ever produced. As with all, some are quality some are not. See more jim B 09/16/2024 I enjoy the tower-climbing and gamelit genres, and this is a classic example in them. It plays a bit... melancholy. Main characters are rarely actually happy, and it only gets worse. NOTE: This is not entirely kid-friendly - there are sexual relationships (although not much skin is shown). See more Kyle E @Horrorbouy 12/05/2022 In the year 2022, thousands of people get trapped in a new virtual MMORPG (Mass Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game) known as Sword Art Online. Where death normally causes you to respawn to a safe zone, Sword Art Online was reprogrammed to kill anyone who dies in the virtual world. The only way to exit the game, is to defeat the final boss. Eager to escape this virtual nightmare, a lone beta player called Kirito fights his way through each floor of the game; however, this lone wolf soon recognizes the need for companionship, and the cost for his freedom. In the end, SAO Season 1 was packed full of mythical virtual excitement, beautiful animation, wonderful orchestral pieces, and intriguing character development. Even if you never watch SAO Season 2, SAO Season 1 is a must see for any Anime enthusiast and deserves a solid 10. Sword Art Online Season 2, brings us back to the mmo virtual world. However, unlike SAO Season 1, the first half of SA0 season 2 is primarily based on a gunslinger motif known as Gun Gale Online, In a virtual world comprised of guns and bullets, Kirito, uses a female avatar whilst duel wielding a violet energy sword and a 5.7mm FN Five Seven handgun. Not long after his experiences in Alfheim Online, Kirito is asked to assist in finding a mysterious player called Death Gun who is targeting the best players in the game, and is some how killing them in the real world. Though we reunite with some familiar characters in the past, GGO introduces a sexy sniper named Sinon who uses a PGM Ultima Ratio Hecate II which is a .50 caliber anti-material sniper rifle. As awesome as this season has been, it does lack a few of the intense emotional elements that made the first season so amazing. (Ex: The romance that developed between Kirito and Asuna, or the intense rage Kirito expressed to certain members of Laughing Coffin) Upon the conclusion of SOA season 2 mid-season finale, we are brought back to Alfheim Online where we are reunited with everyone in Kirito's party from SOA season 1. After a brief 4 episodes, the remainder of the SAO season 2 focuses on an entirely new guild known as the "the sleeping knights" guild. In a desperate attempt to achieve the unachievable "the sleeping knights" request Asuna's help after assessing her combat skills in a duel against their strongest member Yuuki. Growing up on anime, I have seen my fair share of classics, but the beautiful atmosphere, the breathtaking music, and the fantastic character development has quickly made SAO my favourite anime series. That being said, those who were a fan of SAO season 1 will notice an almost different atmosphere in SAO season 2. Personally I feel that SAO season 1 was better because the second half completely fed off the first half of the season. However, SAO season 2 had what appeared to be 4-5 parts. Although this introduces us to new characters, the plot felt a little scattered as it lacked the kind of consistency and the emotional build that was provided by SAO season 1. Overall, the second season of SAO was not fantastic, but I still believe it deserves a 7. See more 06/27/2021 Only the first half of the show is enjoyable to watch but once you get past the first arc, it becomes exponentially harder to watch and include scenes (like the tentacle scene with the heroine) that make me want to stop the show entirely. The only reason I was able to finish this show was because I never leave a show hanging but this show almost made me. I also consider it to be one of the worst anime series' I have watched, but that is my opinion. See more 04/21/2021 Keep Sao alive!! Just a masterpiece.. See more Read all reviews
Sword Art Online: Alicization — Season 1

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Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Jul 8, 2012 The World of Swords An online video game immerses players in a virtual reality world. Details Episode 2 Aired Jul 15, 2012 Beater Kirito tries to overcome the dungeon alone, after 2000 players die. Details Episode 3 Aired Jul 22, 2012 The Red-Nosed Reindeer Kirito rescues a guild from a monster attack and then joins them. Details Episode 4 Aired Jul 29, 2012 The Black Swordsman Kirito rescues a young beast-tamer named Silica. Details Episode 5 Aired Aug 5, 2012 Incident Within the Area Asuna is now fighting on the front lines. Details Episode 6 Aired Aug 12, 2012 Illusionary Avenger The "Murder in the Area" is investigated by Kirito and Asuna. Details Episode 7 Aired Aug 19, 2012 The Temperature of the Heart A customer requests the best possible sword with cost not being an issue. Details Episode 8 Aired Aug 26, 2012 The Sword Dance of Black and White Kirito acquires some ragout rabbit, but lacks the skills needed to cook it. Details Episode 9 Aired Sep 2, 2012 The Blue-Eyed Demon Asuna and Kirito clear the dungeon on the 74th floor and discovers the Boss Room. Details Episode 10 Aired Sep 9, 2012 Crimson Killing Intent Asuna wants to distance herself from the Knights of the Blood. Details Episode 11 Aired Sep 16, 2012 The Girl of Morning Dew Kirito and Asuna's bond has grown stronger. Asuna is granted temporary leave. Details Episode 12 Aired Sep 23, 2012 Yui's Heart Kirito and Asuna search for Yui's guardians; Thinker requires a rescue. Details Episode 13 Aired Sep 30, 2012 Edge of Hell's Abyss Kirito helps an elderly player try and catch a local god. Details Episode 14 Aired Oct 7, 2012 The End of the World Players of immersive online role-playing games become key figures in a series of mysteries and conspiracies that reach beyond the digital realm and threaten the lives of the players themselves. Details Episode 15 Aired Oct 14, 2012 Return After a battle to the death with Heathcliff, Kazuto Kirigaya, returns to the real world. Details Episode 16 Aired Oct 21, 2012 Land of Fairies Kazuto's gaze is drawn to a screenshot that Egil shows him of a VRMMORPG called Alfheim Online. Details Episode 17 Aired Oct 28, 2012 Captive Queen Lyfa finds herself under attack by the Salamanders. Details Episode 18 Aired Nov 4, 2012 To the World Tree Lyfa leads Kirito to the World Tree but Sylvain stands in their way. Details Episode 19 Aired Nov 11, 2012 The Lugru Corridor Kirito and the others advance through a gigantic cave when Lyfa receives a message from her friend, Recon. Details Episode 20 Aired Nov 18, 2012 General of the Blazing Flame The Sylphs and the Cat Sidhes have a top-secret meeting but are attacked by a massive force of Salamanders. Details Episode 21 Aired Nov 25, 2012 The Truth About Alfheim Kirito and the others have reached Central Arun, at the foot of the World Tree. Details Episode 22 Aired Dec 2, 2012 The Grand Quest Yui senses Asuna's player ID; Kirito spreads his wings but is blocked by a system barrier. Details Episode 23 Aired Dec 9, 2012 Bonds Kazuto discovers that Lyfa is Suguha, who then confesses her buried feelings for him. Details Episode 24 Aired Dec 16, 2012 Gilded Hero Kirito gets through the Grand Quest with help from the Sylphs and Cat Sidhes. Kirito and Yui reach the top of the World Tree and are reunited with Asuna at last. Details Episode 25 Aired Dec 23, 2012 The World Seed Kirito and Asuna vow to reunite in the real world. Details
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Season Info

Director
Tomohiko Ito
Creator
Kôichirô Natsume, Kazutomo Suzuki, Hisanori Kunizaki, Taro Maki
Network
TMXJP
Rating
TV-14
Genre
Action, Fantasy, Anime
Original Language
Japanese
Release Date
Jul 8, 2012