Ultraman

Hayata is a member of the Science Patrol, an organization tasked with investigating bizarre anomalies. He is mortally wounded when accidently encountering an alien being from Land of Light, who grants Hayata new life as the two are merged into one. Now, whenever a threat arises that is too great for the Science Patrol to handle, Hayata activates the beta capsule and becomes the hero known as Ultraman.

Ultraman (1966-1967) is a Japanese tokusatsu science fiction series broadcast on TBS and produced by Tsuburaya Productions. Science Patrol officer Shin Hayata (Susumu Kurobe) is a member of an investigative unit that probes bizarre anomalies. After being mortally wounded in an accidental encounter with an alien from the Land of Light, he is merged with that being and gains a new life. Whenever a threat grows too large for his colleagues, including Captain Toshio Muramatsu (Akiji Kobayashi) and fellow officers, Hayata activates his beta capsule and becomes the giant hero Ultraman. The engine of each episode is simple and vivid: a monster or alien invader appears, the team tracks it down, and the hero must battle it in towering, practical-effects spectacle. Across a single season of 39 episodes, the format is episodic and reliable, built on earnest friendship, teamwork, and wonder. The tone is hopeful, colorful and wholesome, with a nostalgic, playful feel. Its 1960s Japanese setting gives it a retro charm. Fans of Kamen Rider, Godzilla and early Star Trek will find resonance in its blend of alien heroism and monster-of-the-week adventure.

Audiences regard the original Ultraman as a landmark tokusatsu series, rated positively for its monster battles and iconic hero design.

• Kamen Ridertokusatsu giant hero fighting monsters, science patrol investigation, episodic kaiju structure
• Godzillagiant monster battles, alien threats, monster-of-the-week structure, 1960s Japanese tokusatsu
• Star Trek (1966)alien hero merged with a human host, science team confronting extraterrestrial threats

Release Date

1966-07-17

Episode runtime

25 min

Rating

7.9 / 10 (64)

What is Ultraman about?

A Science Patrol officer fuses with an alien from the Land of Light and becomes Ultraman to defend Earth from giant monsters and invaders.

What is Ultraman like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Ultraman as brisk, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as simple.

Is Ultraman violent?

Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Ultraman as mild.

What did critics think of Ultraman?

Audiences regard the original Ultraman as a landmark tokusatsu series, rated positively for its monster battles and iconic hero design.

Which shows are like Ultraman?

Shows with a similar feel include Kamen Rider, Godzilla, and Star Trek (1966).

How long is Ultraman?

Ultraman: 1 season, 39 episodes.

Is Ultraman still running?

No, Ultraman has ended.

Where can I watch Ultraman?

In United States, Ultraman is available to rent or buy from Fandango At Home.