Ultraman: Rising Is the Perfect Modern Take of Japan's Greatest Hero

Ultraman: Rising is now streaming on exclusively on Netflix.

By Megan Peters - June 20, 2024 04:18 pm EDT

Ultraman has earned the title of Japan's greatest hero, and no one can take it away. For decades, the Ultra Series has focused on big thrills, impressive action, and high stakes. While every iteration of Ultraman is different, fans of the franchise know family is always at the core. Few pieces of the Ultra Series demonstrate this as well as Ultraman: Rising, and that is what makes the new Netflix movie the perfect entry point for the franchise.

If you did not realize, Ultraman: Rising has made its long-awaited debut under director Shannon Tindle. The 3CCG film has been in the works for years, and at last, Netflix Animation was able to release the movie with Tsuburaya Productions. Touted as a modern take on the Ultra Series, the expectations for Ultraman: Rising were high, and the film has cleared those lofty hopes.

Situated in Netflix's list of Top 10 Films, Ultraman: Rising stands as one of the most accessible takes on the Ultra Series to date. Its focus on found family distills the core of Ultraman and what it is about. From adolescent angst to familial legacies, the Ultra Series has touched upon every kind of family drama, and Ultraman: Rising brings all of those emotions together. Between Kenji and Emi, Ultraman: Rising is an impossibly compelling romp that has left audiences breathless. Whether you've loved Ultraman for ages or have never heard of the Japanese hero, Ultraman: Rising lays the perfect foundation for viewers. And as you can see below, the reaction to Netflix's latest film has been nothing short of flattering.

If you nave not checked out Ultraman: Rising, the movie is now streaming on Netflix. At this time, no official word has been given on whether there is more in the pipeline for this revival, but Tindle has suggested they've got material in mind for a trilogy. So hopefully, Netflix hands down a sequel order ASAP.

What do you make of Ultraman: Rising? Let us know what you think over on Twitter and Instagram. You can also hit me up @MeganPetersCB to share your take!

True Beauty

ULTRAMAN RISING WAS SOOO GOOD IM IN TEARS PLEASE YALL GO WATCH IT ITS BEAUTIFUL!! its not necessary to know the franchise btw pic.twitter.com/12h888gCjQ
— bre (@TH0RJANE) June 15, 2024

Family Never Fails

Rising is a perfect exemple of "trying something new will using something familiar"

Is a heartwarming story about family full of love into it, while also knowing what Ultraman stands for and what the franchise is about

Also, is genuine of the most gorgeous animtaed movies I saw https://t.co/bx7Vd8jDjo pic.twitter.com/MazVbBZUOX
— Imperer Ric 🇵🇹🍉 (@KRRicRX) June 19, 2024

We Give Thanks

i am grateful to live in a world where ultraman: rising exists pic.twitter.com/hpLP42aVtd
— paulyn ⋈ (@minuscolor) June 20, 2024

An Ultraman Renaissance

Shin Ultraman and Ultraman Rising really so capture the spirit of Ultraman is very unique and valid ways. Shin Ultraman is a grand love letter to the original series while Ultraman Rising is a personal story reflecting the themes of the franchise. And I love both of them! pic.twitter.com/LVhBra9Zgk
— Chris McDonald (Writer of Daikaiju Rumble) (@chris_kaiju) June 17, 2024

From Top to Bottom

Just... Just look at this. This kind of expressive, bold, stylish animation permeates the film, in moments big and small. When I say Ultraman Rising is stunning, this is what I mean! pic.twitter.com/8DcXZJC5xw
— Alex Rushdy (CONTROL ALL MONSTERS) (@goji_guy) June 17, 2024

Emi for Supreme Overlord

just finished watching ultraman rising and i fell absolutely in love with this cute lil chunky kaiju baby emi 🥺
pic.twitter.com/TDBZqvZbDM
— havoc⁷ | JIN’S HOME (@jjkhvoc) June 19, 2024

I Mean... Yes

just watched Ultraman rising and this man is HIGHKEY one of the sexiest animated characters of all time pic.twitter.com/t9SvOqEagf
— ♡ addie ♡ (@nanauzumakiii) June 19, 2024

A Masterpiece

let me tell you how long i gasped when i first saw this frame. this film is just absolutely stunning and beautiful pic.twitter.com/PeQg8erUlr
— Jess 🗡️ ULTRAMAN: RISING era (@hunterinpink) June 16, 2024

The Power of Body Language

(mild narrative spoilers for Ultraman Rising)

This is my fav scene. The attention to detail in body language here is just do evident. Ken going from taking a sip of his drink, to tapping his finger then shaking his leg, and the subtle changes in facial expression.
💯💯 pic.twitter.com/rqNvLTi3tb
— chris hardy (@curedubs) June 20, 2024

We're Blessed

I'm so glad I watched Ultraman Rising tonight for this frame alone pic.twitter.com/gvocaWCV9P
— Drag0nerd (@drag0nerd) June 20, 2024