Speed Racer

Speed ​​Racer is a teenage driver who races around the world in his super-technological car, the Mach 5, created by his father, a former racer. The car has several special features that help Speed ​​tackle difficult terrain and get rid of dishonest opponents—which happens frequently. He experiences these adventures alongside his girlfriend Trixie, his younger brother Spridle, and his pet monkey, Chim-Chim. Together, they face thrilling challenges and show that courage and fair play make all the difference.

Speed Racer (1967-1968) is a Japanese animated family adventure series created by Tatsuo Yoshida and produced by Tatsunoko Production for Fuji TV. Teenage driver Speed Racer (voiced by Katsuji Mori) races around the world in the Mach 5, a super-technological car built by his father, a former racer who is voiced by Teiji Ōmiya. Speed's engine is simple and vivid: he must overcome difficult terrain and dishonest opponents who cheat at nearly every turn, and the Mach 5's special features often decide the outcome. He is accompanied by his girlfriend Trixie (Michiko Nomura), his younger brother Spridle, and his pet monkey Chim-Chim (Hiroshi Otake). The single season of 52 half-hour episodes is built around a series of self-contained races and challenges, yet the story has a steady emotional arc about courage and fair play. The show's bright, kinetic animation and melodramatic energy evoke the classic shonen anime tradition of the era. Its cheerful, earnest tone is warm and nostalgic, and it is a vintage pick for viewers who enjoy wacky races, gadget-driven adventure, and the idealism of Astro Boy and Gatchaman.

Audiences rate the original Japanese anime as a positive, lighthearted classic of racing adventure with a strong sense of fair play.

• Wacky Racesshared family adventure tone, vintage animated racing spectacle, good versus cheating rivals
• Initial Dshared shonen anime racing format, heroic young driver against corrupt opponents
• Astro Boy (1963)shared bright animated action, fair play triumphing over villainy, family-friendly adventure
• Gatchamanshared classic Japanese animated heroism and gadget-driven adventure

Created by

Tatsuo Yoshida

Release Date

1967-09-23

Episode runtime

30 min

Rating

7.2 / 10 (141)

What is Speed Racer about?

A teenage racer and his family and friends tackle cheating rivals and treacherous courses in a gadget-packed car across a worldwide racing circuit.

What is Speed Racer like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Speed Racer as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as simple.

Is Speed Racer violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Speed Racer.

What did critics think of Speed Racer?

Audiences rate the original Japanese anime as a positive, lighthearted classic of racing adventure with a strong sense of fair play.

Which shows are like Speed Racer?

Shows with a similar feel include Wacky Races, Initial D, Astro Boy (1963), and Gatchaman.

How long is Speed Racer?

Speed Racer: 1 season, 52 episodes.

Is Speed Racer still running?

No, Speed Racer has ended.

Where can I watch Speed Racer?

In United States, Speed Racer streams on Amazon Prime Video, The Roku Channel, Fandango at Home Free, Pluto TV, Shout! Factory TV, Plex, Plex Player, Plex Channel, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Shout! Factory Amazon Channel, Tubi TV.