Watchorder?

CerealQueen said:

As was mentioned, there’s a lot of different spin-offs and series. Due to this and general changes to the universe, you have to separate them. But generally, the watch order is as follows:

1.) Negima! TV series (XEBEC) - covers 6 volumes of the manga, but with many changes and removed characters. Also features an original ending that is not canon to the manga.

2.) Spring OVA - this could also be paired with the spin-off show, but it is based on a chapter of the manga. Not really story-based.

3.) Ala Alba/Mahou Sensei Negima! Shiroki Tsubasa Ala Alba OAD series - covers portions of volumes 19 and 20. The OAD are the most faithful adaptions to the manga, but there is a huge portion of the story missing as just watching the anime will skip from volume 6 to 19 and you must not take the previous season’s ending seriously. There is content missing here and may feel rushed.

4.) Another World/Mahou Sensei Negima!: Mō Hitotsu no Sekai OAD series - covers portions of volumes 20 - 23. There’s a lot of skipped content, but continues from the previous OAD series.

5.) Anime Final - this movie covers the volumes 34 - 36 in a quick recap that lasts a couple minutes and is then an alternate ending to the manga.

6.) UQ Holder - this is technically a different series, but it’s a spin-off/sequel to Negima’s manga. It skips a lot of content and also changes the ending.

7.) UQ Holder OAD series - directly follows the show. Covers random chapters of the manga and doesn’t continue the story.

8.) Negima!? TV series (Shaft) - Now, we are left with the spin-off series that is more tied in to the spin-off manga, Negima Neo. That manga and the Negima!? series differ in story, though. This is a retelling of the story and repeats many plot points the first TV anime did. The story is told as more of a comedy and many of the character’s have very big changes in personalities. It’s best to consider this an entirely different entity from the original manga’s story.

9.) Summer OVA - another silly story that is non-important to the story. This is part of the Negima!? universe. Spring OVA could fit here too.

10.) Introduction OVA’s - These were released before the original XEBEC TV series and only introduce the characters and slightly cover early chapters. These chapters would be fully covered later on in the series and this is a very option watch, as it adds nothing new to the series, which is why it is listed at the end.

That’s my recommendation. Only the OAD’s and movie really have a proper watch order as long as you’re familiar with the series. Unfortunately, the anime barely scrapes the surface of the manga’s story and you will be left confused as it relies on you having read the manga. However, best of luck and hope you enjoy the series!