Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai Specials

This interest stack aims to compile all available When They Cry anime titles on MyAnimeList ordered according to the release date of each title's respective first episode and to provide a watch order for those new to the series. There are two main titles that fit this criteria: Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (officially titled in English as "When They Cry") and Umineko no Naku Koro ni (officially titled in English as "Umineko: When They Cry"). Henceforth these titles will be referred to as simply Higurashi and Umineko respectively.


~~~~~AT A GLANCE~~~~~
There are two main titles: Higurashi and Umineko. In this watch guide, Higurashi will be split into two different series: The main series and the sequel series. The difference between these two series' is that the main series begins and concludes the original story as it was intended and the sequel series is simply a sequel to that story, taking place afterwards.

As for the watch order, it is strongly advised that anyone should start with Higurashi's main series. After that, they may watch Umineko and/or Higurashi's sequel series, in either order. Although one does not explicitly need to watch Higurashi at any point to watch Umineko, since Umineko frequently references Higurashi in ways that go further than simple fanservice (and since both series carry a strikingly similar appeal), I personally say that anyone interested in Umineko should first consider watching Higurashi's main series.

It is also worth noting that these titles were adapted from visual novels, and not always will people agree that the animes are even worth looking into at all. I however have seen both animes, read both mangas, and read both visual novels. My take is as follows:
In both the case of Higurashi and Umineko, the visual novels are best and the manga are great, too. Higurashi has a great anime adaptation while Umineko has a poor anime adaptation. So pick the adaptation you please, but it's best to avoid the anime adaptation of Umineko.


~~~~~WHAT YOU MUST KNOW~~~~~
Regarding Higurashi's Main Series:
-This begins and concludes the original story as it was intended.
-This is the first chronological series relative to all else.
-While I will list Rei as part of the main series, it does adapt a fandisc and is technically not necessary to watch, but it is a good idea to give it a watch before proceeding elsewhere.

Regarding Umineko:
-Umineko occurs in the same Universe as Higurashi, though it is best viewed as an independent series
-Umineko implicitly spoils Higurashi and references it multiple times so it is strongly advised to watch after Higurashi.
-You do not need to watch Higurashi to watch Umineko and neither do you need to watch Umineko to watch Higurashi.
-Umineko's anime adaptation only covers the first half of the series and thus has yet to receive a conclusion outside of other adapted media. It's visual novels and manga have been officially licensed in English and both are complete.

Regarding Higurashi's Sequel Series:
-Higurashi's sequel series begins after the main series with its own original, independent conflict.
-Despite popular misconceptions, the sequel series is indeed a sequel to the main series. You must have experienced the main series before experiencing the sequel series.
-The sequel series is not based on a visual novel or otherwise. Both the manga and anime were aired/published simultaneously.
-The sequel series is largely regarded as undesirable (a sentiment I share). You can just go ahead and skip this series altogether in the same way you might skip the new Star Wars trilogy. Alternatively, you may wish to check out the manga as it is to receive an original ending and has thus far garnered a more positive reception than its anime counterpart, though it has not concluded as of yet.

Regarding Additional Content:
-Additional content is content deemed unnecessary to watch.
-Additional content is not cannon within any non-additional content.
-Additional content is not cannon within any other additional content.


~~~~~WATCH ORDER WITHOUT ADDITIONAL CONTENT~~~~~
Higurashi's Main Series:
-Higurashi no Naku Koro ni
-Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai
-Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei

Umineko:
-Umineko no Naku Koro ni

Higurashi's Sequel Series:
-Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Gou
-Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Sotsu


~~~~~WATCH ORDER WITH ADDITIONAL CONTENT~~~~~
Higurashi's Main Series:
-Higurashi no Naku Koro ni
-Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Special: Nekogoroshi-hen
-Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai
-Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai Specials
-Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei
-Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kira
-Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kaku: Outbreak

Umineko:
-Umineko no Naku Koro ni
-Umineko no Naku Koro ni Specials

Higurashi's Sequel Series:
-Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Gou
-Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Sotsu



The specifics as to each title will be explained in the comments therein, so be sure to view this stack so that they are made visible.

My PMs are open. Feedback and questions are welcomed with open, socially inept arms.

Part 2: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/36724

Disclaimer: This list is sorted by year and will be updated!