For newcomers and longtime fans alike, the most straightforward approach is to watch the series in its original release order. This method allows viewers to witness the evolution and expansion of the Power Rangers universe, as each installment builds upon its predecessors. Attempting to piece together alternate timelines and future-set seasons without this order can be confusing. To experience the Power Rangers saga comprehensively, including its films and special episodes, following the chronological release is highly recommended.

Beginning with “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers,” the franchise develops alongside its audience. Narratively, the series maintains its consistent tone throughout its run. Initially, Zordon bestows powers upon the original five, later six, Rangers as they combat evil forces. Over time, team members may leave, new ones join, and some return in supporting roles. The original series comprises three seasons, transitioning into “Mighty Morphin Alien Rangers” as a bridge to “Power Rangers Zeo.”

• “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” (1993-1995)
• “Mighty Morphin Alien Rangers” (1996)
• “Power Rangers Zeo” (1996)
• “Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie” (1997)
• “Power Rangers Turbo” (1997)
• “Power Rangers in Space” (1998)
• “Power Rangers Lost Galaxy” (1999)
• “Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue “(2000)
• “Power Rangers Time Force” (2001)
• “Power Rangers Wild Force” (2002)
• “Power Rangers Ninja Storm” (2003)
• “Power Rangers Dino Thunder” (2004)
• “Power Rangers S.P.D.” (2005)
• “Power Rangers Mystic Force” (2006)
• “Power Rangers Operation Overdrive”(2007)
• “Power Rangers Jungle Fury” (2008)
• “Power Rangers R.P.M.” (2009)
• “Power Rangers Samurai” (2011)
• “Power Rangers Samurai: Clash of the Red Rangers” (2011)
• “Power Rangers Super Samurai” (2012)
• “Power Ranger Megaforce” (2013)
• “Power Rangers Super Megaforce”(2014)
• “Power Rangers Dino Charge” (2015)
• “Power Rangers Dino Super Charge” (2016)
• “Power Rangers Ninja Steel” (2017)
• “Power Rangers HyperForce” (2017)
• “Power Rangers Super Ninja Steel”(2018)
• “Power Rangers: Beast Morphers” (2019-2020)
• “Power Rangers Dino Fury” (2021-2022)
• “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always” (2023)
• “Power Rangers Cosmic Fury” (2023)

Subsequent Power Rangers seasons typically consist of self-contained arcs, with occasional crossover episodes featuring past teams. Notable examples include “Forever Red” in “Power Rangers Wild Force” and the “Power Rangers Samurai” special, “Clash of the Red Rangers,” which intersects with “Power Rangers RPM.” Watching the series in release order enhances the viewing experience, providing context for returning characters and their histories.

In fact, the first five Power Rangers shows, “MMPR” through “Power Rangers in Space,” including “Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie” (which falls between “Zeo” and “Power Rangers Turbo”), directly build on one another. This is called the Zordon Era, in which the characters and the overall narrative are generally consistent throughout, connected largely through Zordon. It’s one big story from “MMPR” to the two-part “in Space” finale, “Countdown to Destruction.” While the following season, “Power Rangers Lost Galaxy,” follows up on several “in Space” plot threads, the franchise’s initial overarching story concludes here.

After that, most Power Rangers shows tackle one-and-done season-long arcs that feature occasional crossovers with previous Power Ranger groups. A great example of this is “Forever Red” during “Power Rangers Wild Force,” as well as the “Power Rangers Samurai” special “Clash of the Red Rangers,” which crosses over with “Power Rangers RPM.” This is partially why release order offers the best viewing experience, as the return of old Rangers is best understood in the context of their respective seasons.

Despite that, some Power Rangers shows take place in the future or in alternate timelines, while others take place in contemporary times. “Power Rangers S.P.D.,” for instance, was released in 2005 but was set 20 years later in 2025. However, the “futuristic” setting doesn’t change the fact that you should watch “S.P.D.” between the present-day set “Power Rangers Dino Thunder” and “Power Rangers Mystic Force.” Likewise, “Power Rangers RPM” is set in an alternate dimension (and thus technically outside the main continuity), but because the series interacts later with “Samurai” and its plot is followed-up on in “Power Rangers Beast Morphers,” it’s an important to watch it beforehand.

That’s part of the beauty of Power Rangers. Just because something takes place chronologically before something else, doesn’t mean you have to wait until later to watch it. While many of the show’s early installments (the “Zordon Era”) are necessary viewing to build details on top of each other, most of the later Power Rangers shows — especially during the Disney Era that ran from 2002 to 2009 and the neo-Saban Era of 2011 to 2018 — are one-and-done, self-contained stories with main casts that are constantly changing. They can be enjoyed solely on their own, so if you prefer to just watch, say, “Power Rangers Dino Thunder” by itself, you absolutely could.

There are five main eras of Power Rangers that can help you divide and conquer. With these distinctions in mind, it may help make your Power Rangers viewing a bit more manageable. Here are the five eras below:

• Saban’s Zordon Era (1993-1998)
• Saban’s Post-Zordon Era (1999-2001)
• Disney Era (2002-2009)
• Neo-Saban Era (2011-2018)
• Hasbro Era (2019-2023)

If you’ve been paying close attention to our list of complete Power Rangers material to view, then you noticed that while we included specials like “Clash of the Red Rangers” and “Once & Always,” we omitted the two most popular Power Rangers feature films entirely from the viewing order. That’s because both 1995’s “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie” and 2017’s “Power Rangers” exist outside of the main timeline and continuity of the overall franchise, with little-to-no crossover at all.

Despite the similar name, “MMPR: The Movie” directly contradicts the events of the yet-to-air third season of “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.” Sure, many of the original “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” cast members return for the film, but it’s set outside of the main timeline, which confused many of us upon its initial release. It’s a real shame too, because Ivan Ooze (Paul Freeman) is an amazing antagonist.

Likewise, 2017’s “Power Rangers” film takes the same characters that we were originally introduced to in 1993 and completely rebrands (and recasts) them. As a reboot, it begins anew the conflict between Zordon (Bryan Cranston) and Rita Repulsa (Elizabeth Banks), putting these updated “teenagers with attitude” into the spotlight. Just don’t be fooled by the ending. There was never a sequel, meaning it offers yet another superhero post-credits scene that doesn’t pay off. Still, if you’re looking for some fun one-and-done Power Rangers material that doesn’t consist of 20-to-40-something episodes to binge through, then both “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie” and 2017’s “Power Rangers” will be right up your alley.