Debuting in 1966 and shaping the tokusatsu genre long before the Power Rangers dominated pop culture, Ultraman is Japan’s oldest superhero. Inspiring decades of sci-fi action, extraterrestrial heroes, and massive kaiju smackdowns, the Ultraman franchise essentially introduced the concept of giant warriors defending Earth. Even today, Ultraman’s legacy is unmatched, with a number of series, movies, and spin-offs keeping the legend alive.
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However, despite its massive success in Japan, Ultraman has never really taken off in the West like, for example, Godzilla did. Still, the saga has seen an uptick in interest over recent years. Luckily for hardcore fans and newcomers alike, Netflix reinterpreted the Ultraman anime, blending CGI action with sleek storytelling to modernize the hero for new audiences. More than six decades after its debut, Ultraman remains a force to be reckoned with, and the series’ ten best films are essential viewing.
You are watching: 10 Best Ultraman Movies, Ranked
10
Shin Ultraman (2022)
Directed by Shinji Higuchi
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Out of the recent Ultraman movies, Shin Ultraman is the one that deserves the spotlight. Directed by Shinji Higuchi and produced by the creator of Neon Genesis Evangelion, the duo behind Shin Godzilla, this reimagining of the iconic 1966 tokusatsu hero feels like a love letter to the franchise. With just the right amount of modern special effects and a touch of nostalgia, Shin Ultraman stands out as one of the best entries in the franchise’s movie department.
The best thing about Shin Ultraman might be the fact that it doesn’t try to reinvent the story. Instead, it makes it better. As Ultraman swoops in and saves the day in a world where giant kaiju attacks have become a regular occurrence, the setup quickly evolves into a more existential narrative. While the movie did feature less action than some may have liked, it still received overwhelmingly positive reviews.
9
Ultraman Orb: The Movie – Lend Me The Power Of Bonds! (2017)
Directed by Kiyotaka Taguchi
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Following the massive popularity of Ultraman Orb, the 2017 film Ultraman Orb: Lend Me the Power of Bonds! cemented the saga’s charm, serving as the perfect extension of the series. Instead of leaving the impression of just another throwaway movie, which so often is the case with franchise entries, this one was a proper sendoff. Power of Bonds continued Orb’s journey and brought back fan-favorite characters, tying the story into the broader Ultraman universe in a satisfying way.
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While it’s a fun adventure definitely worth embarking on, Power of Bonds did have a palpable lack of groundbreaking moments to it. For example, its villain, Murnau, didn’t quite stick as one of the most powerful fantasy movie villains, even though she had the potential to do so. In general, although the movie was a great tribute to Orb, it didn’t redefine the Ultraman lore in any major way.
8
Ultraman Saga (2012)
Directed by Hideki Oka
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A sequel to Ultraman Zero: The Revenge of Belial from 2010, Ultraman Saga is an exciting installment of the series that brings together Ultraman Zero, Ultraman Dyna, and Ultraman Cosmos (quite literally). The crossover is a treat for Ultraman devotees who have followed their individual journeys, but also for anybody else who’s there purely for the action. The battles are epic, and the visual effects are solid for a film of its time, delivering on the spectacle that Ultraman films are known for.
The original concept for Ultraman Saga included Ultraman Justice, Ultraman King, Ultraman Mebius, The Ultimate Force Zero, and Team EYES, who were all supposed to battle Dark Zagi together.
In general, if you’re looking for an enjoyable Ultraman experience, Ultraman Saga is a great choice, but don’t be surprised if the plot doesn’t catch you off guard. It’s fairly predictable overall, even though it does offer an emotionally valuable trip. The movie is, nonetheless, a fun celebration of the franchise worth checking out, if only for its nostalgic elements.
7
Ultraman Mebius & Ultra Brothers (2006)
Directed by Kazuya Konaka
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In terms of the Ultraman realm, Ultraman Mebius & Ultra Brothers is one of the most epic crossovers to date. It brilliantly marries the legacy of the classic Ultra Brothers with the promise of a new era through Mebius, who demonstrates why he should be the new poster boy of his generation. As Ultraman finally enters the Marvel universe in the new Avengers crossover, there’s clearly a lot to live up to.
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See more : Is Power Dead in Chainsaw Man? Will Power Come Back Chainsaw Man? IMDb Rating |
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Ultraman Mebius & Ultra Brothers |
7.2 / 10 |
Beyond the spectacular action and great chemistry between the Ultras, Ultraman Mebius & Ultra Brothers offers a strong emotional message. The entire story felt like passing the torch from one generation of heroes to the next, all while keeping the viewers on the edge of their seats with its grand battles. Still, for movie buffs seeking a fresh twist on the Ultraman mythos, this one might feel a bit too safe or conventional.
6
Ultraman Geed: The Movie – Connect The Wishes! (2018)
Directed by Kôichi Sakamoto
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Even though it was not everyone’s favorite in the franchise, Ultraman Geed: The Movie – Connect the Wishes! brought something fresh to the table when compared to some of the era’s predecessors. Serving as a conclusion for Geed, son of the notorious Ultraman Belial, Connect the Wishes succeeds in fully fleshing him out as a character. As he fights to save Earth, Geed must also confront his father’s evil legacy.
Even though it was not everyone’s favorite in the franchise, Ultraman Geed: The Movie – Connect the Wishes! brought something fresh to the table when compared to some of the era’s predecessors.
The visuals are crisp and vibrant, capturing the Ultraman series’ signature style of colossal fight scenes. Connect the Wishes also brings out some of the most beloved characters in the universe, such as Ultraman Zero, which added a strong sense of continuity to the story and connected it to the broader Ultraman narrative. Again, while a fabulous watch you shouldn’t miss if you’re into the world of tokusatsu, Connect the Wishes doesn’t exactly offer any truly trailblazing moments.
5
Ultraman Zero: The Revenge Of Belial (2010)
Directed by Yuichi Abe
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The notorious Ultraman Belial, once a respected warrior, is one of Ultraman’s most iconic villains of all time, deeply tying Ultraman Zero: The Revenge of Belial to the saga’s larger story. The movie picks up with Ultraman Zero, a hero we know and love, on a mission to stop the evil Belial, who is once again threatening the universe. The title is a direct continuation of the storyline from Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy Legends and bridges several important plot points.
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Thanks to its gripping battles, the emotional weight of Zero’s journey, and its expansion of the Ultraman universe, The Revenge of Belial quickly became a fan favorite upon release. The effects are spectacular, especially for a movie from 2010, and audiences got to see both Zero and Belial shine in their respective roles, cementing it as one of the most satisfying entries in the saga.
4
Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy Legends – The Movie (2009)
Directed by Kôichi Sakamoto and William Winckler
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Much as the title suggests, Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy Legends – The Movie is a monster showdown of epic proportions. Heavy on action and spectacle, the 2009 title is arguably one of the most ambitious and visually striking films in the Ultraman franchise. It’s a thrilling, action-packed ride that brings together a massive cast of Ultraman heroes, a slew of menacing monsters, and a legendary battle that threatens the very fabric of the universe.
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Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy Legends |
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It’s essentially a mega crossover event, and the sheer size and scope of the film make it feel like an all-encompassing epic. The battles are on a cosmic level, the stakes are galaxy-spinning, and the entire thing is non-stop. While not exactly front and center with its reptilians, Mega Monster Battle also featured some pretty interesting foes and can thus arguably be classified as one of the best kaiju movies that don’t star Godzilla.
3
Ultraman Cosmos vs. Ultraman Justice: The Final Battle (2003)
Directed by Tsugumi Kitaura
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Even though it might not be the best place to start with the Ultraman saga, Ultraman Cosmos vs. Ultraman Justice: The Final Battle shines as one of the franchise’s best titles. It’s among the rare Ultraman movies that focuses just as much on depth as it does on the action, challenging the very concept of what it means to be a hero.
Even though [Ultraman Cosmos vs. Ultraman Justice: The Final Battle] is more character-driven than most Ultraman films, it still delivers intense and visually impressive fight sequences.
Another great selling point is the fact that, instead of centering around an external villain, The Final Battle pits two heroes, Ultraman Cosmos and Ultraman Justice, against each other. The two clash over differing values and views about humanity. Even though the movie is more character-driven than most Ultraman films, it still delivers intense and visually impressive fight sequences. Granted, it might not satisfy those looking for nonstop monster mayhem, but The Final Battle is, without a doubt, one of the most memorable Ultraman entries out there.
2
Ultraman Tiga: The Final Odyssey (2000)
Directed by Hirochika Muraishi
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Ultraman Tiga: The Final Odyssey is one of the most mature, emotionally powerful, and visually striking movies in the Ultraman franchise. It gives fans an unforgettable look at Tiga’s origins, struggles, and ultimate decision to remain a hero, making it a defining chapter in Ultraman history. Set after the events of Ultraman Tiga (1996-1997), the movie follows Daigo Madoka, Tiga’s human host, as he tries to move forward in life. However, his peace is short-lived.
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For a 2000 Ultraman movie, the cinematography and effects hold up surprisingly well. The fights are not only intense, but they are also beautiful to watch thanks to the masterful play of the atmospheric lighting. Notably, the ending is especially emotional. It brought about a sense of both closure and loss that hit harder than most Ultraman finales, serving as a fitting farewell to a hero many had followed for years.
1
Superior Ultraman 8 Brothers (2008)
Directed by Takeshi Yagi
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While picking the very best Ultraman movie is no easy feat, Superior Ultraman 8 Brothers is widely lauded as the prime contender for the spot. For longtime Ultraman fans, it’s a dream come true in the form of seeing the Heisei and Showa Ultras fighting side by side. For new fans, it’s a perfect gateway into the franchise. No matter how you look at it, this entry is a masterpiece of tokusatsu storytelling, proving why Ultraman continues to inspire generations of fans.
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See more : Is Power Dead in Chainsaw Man? Will Power Come Back Chainsaw Man? IMDb Rating |
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Superior Ultraman 8 Brothers |
6.6 / 10 |
Granted, while the plot may not be the grandest and the villains might not be the most iconic, Superior Ultraman 8 Brothers is the ultimate celebration of the franchise, combining nostalgia, action, storytelling, and emotion into one near-perfect package. It’s one of the best-looking movies in the saga, and its perfectly executed fight choreography, special effects, and cinematography make it feel like a blockbuster film.
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Category: Entertainment