Sailor Moon Has Only Gotten Better With Age (2024)

Few anime have achieved the timeless status and enduring appeal of Sailor Moon. Initially debuting in 1992, this iconic magical girl series has transcended generations, captivating audiences with its enchanting blend of whimsy, action, and profound storytelling.

As the years have gone by, Sailor Moon has not only retained its fanbase but has garnered newfound appreciation and admiration from viewers old and new alike. From its humble beginnings as a manga series to its groundbreaking animated adaptation, the series has matured alongside its audience, offering new insights and emotional resonance with each passing year.

10 Sailor Moon's Episodic Format and Complex Arcs Provides Endless Entertainment

Sailor Moon is a series that viewers can never get tired of revisiting. Its rewatchability lies in its blend of episodic storytelling and overarching plotlines. Each episode reveals new layers to the characters' personalities and relationships.

The complexity of the plot arcs, from battling dark forces to exploring the characters' past lives, also lets viewers discover fresh nuances with each viewing. Sailor Moon continues to captivate audiences with its heartfelt storytelling. In essence, it has an innate ability to evolve with its audience, offering new insights and emotional resonance with each viewing experience.

9 Sailor Moon's Humor Still Holds Up

Sailor Moon has an enduring charm that is partially attributed to its humor. The slapstick comedy and silly antics in the series provide lighthearted relief amid the weightier narrative elements. For example, Usagi's penchant for clumsiness and the quirky dynamics between the Sailor Guardians continue to elicit laughter from viewers of all ages. The comedic moments not only show the characters' personalities but also strengthen their bonds through shared laughter and camaraderie.

The humor in Sailor Moon acts as a bridge between generations, appealing to both nostalgic fans and newcomers alike. The series' ability to balance humor with its deeper themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery ensures that it remains relevant and enjoyable across different age groups.

8 Sailor Moon is a Nostalgia Gem

A good deal of anime feeds fans' nostalgia cravings and Sailor Moon is definitely one that serves it on a silver platter. The '90s aesthetic, distinctive animation style, vibrant fashion, and catchy music invoke a powerful sense of nostalgia for those who watched it during its initial run. The hand-drawn animation style also provides a retro charm that is increasingly appreciated in an era dominated by digital animation.

The fashion in Sailor Moon, from the sailor uniforms to the unique outfits of each Sailor Guardian, also reflects '90s trends that have cycled back into contemporary style, making it appealing to today's audiences who are drawn to vintage looks. Additionally, the music, including the iconic theme song "Moonlight Densetsu," remains memorable and evokes fond memories for original fans while captivating new viewers with its nostalgic sound.

7 Sailor Moon's Characters Develop Gracefully

Sailor Moon is noted for having amazing character development, which is more deeply appreciated by mature audiences. The most notable example is Usagi Tsukino, who begins the series as a clumsy and reluctant heroine. She is full of self-doubt and often seen crying and struggling with her responsibilities. But Usagi gradually transforms into a confident and courageous leader, capable of inspiring and uniting her team of Sailor Guardians.

Other characters also experience meaningful growth; Ami Mizuno/Sailor Mercury overcomes her shyness and gains confidence in her abilities, while Rei Hino/Sailor Mars learns to balance her fierce independence with her role as a team player. Revisiting the series with a mature perspective allows viewers to appreciate the nuanced character development and the themes of personal growth and resilience.

6 Sailor Moon's Themes of Love and Friendship Resonate With All Ages

Sailor Moon features many life lessons and themes revolving around friendship, love, and loyalty — themes that resonate strongly across generations. The series centers on the deep bonds among the Sailor Guardians and these relationships are celebrated for their sincerity and depth, providing a foundation that drives the narrative and emotional impact of the show.

The love stories within Sailor Moon also add to its timeless appeal. Usagi's romantic relationship with Mamoru evolves from playful and awkward beginnings into a mature and deep connection. Their love story, marked by mutual respect and shared struggles, provides a compelling subplot that enriches the overall narrative. These themes of friendship and love are universally relatable, making Sailor Moon a timeless series that continues to inspire and connect with audiences around the world.

5 Sailor Moon Spearheaded LGBTQ+ Representation

Sailor Moon is a pioneer for LGBTQ+ representation in anime. The series introduced one of several same-sex couples, Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune; their portrayal was groundbreaking for the '90s, offering visibility to LGBTQ+ relationships in a positive and normalized context. This depiction of a same-sex couple was rare in anime at the time, making Sailor Moon a trailblazer in LGBTQ+ representation.​

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As societal acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities has grown, the importance of these characters has only increased. Modern audiences revisit Sailor Moon and appreciate the forward-thinking inclusivity it offers, which aligns with today's values of diversity and acceptance.

4 Sailor Moon'sTransformation Scenes Are Iconic

The transformation sequences of the protagonists from ordinary girls to Sailor Guardians have become a hallmark of the series and magical girl anime in general. These sequences are meticulously crafted, featuring fluid movements and dazzling special effects that highlight the characters' costumes and powers. These scenes not only elevate the show's visual appeal but also create a sense of excitement and anticipation for viewers.

Over the years, Sailor Moon's transformation sequences have been referenced and parodied in various media, showcasing their cultural significance. For example, shows like The Simpsons and Bob's Burgers have included parodies of the Sailor Moon transformations, highlighting their iconic status in popular culture and influence on other creators.​

3 Everyone Can Relate To Sailor Moon's Diverse Cast

The Sailor Guardians come from various backgrounds, each with distinct personalities and strengths, making them relatable to a broader spectrum of viewers. Usagi starts as a clumsy, average girl who matures into a brave and compassionate leader. Ami is the intelligent and studious member. Rei, a shrine maiden, combines spiritual strength with fiery determination, offering a unique blend of tradition and modernity. And these are only a small portion of the plethora of different types of characters Sailor Moon has to offer.

Sailor Moon's varied backgrounds and personalities ensure that each viewer will always find a character to identify with. The representation of diverse, multifaceted characters not only makes the series more inclusive but also reinforces positive values like empathy, resilience, and teamwork, making it more meaningful over time.

2 The Show Features a Strong Cast of Women

Sailor Moon was an early pioneer for female representation and empowerment in anime, which remains both relevant and inspiring today. The series features strong female characters who seamlessly balance their everyday lives with their superhero responsibilities.

Sailor Moon was groundbreaking in the '90s for depicting a team of girls who rely on their intelligence, courage, and friendship to overcome evil. Each Sailor Guardian brings unique strengths and backgrounds, demonstrating that women can be multifaceted heroes. This portrayal was particularly impactful at a time when female superheroes were rare in mainstream media.

1 Sailor Moon Remains a Cultural Phenomenon

Sailor Moon is a gateway anime and remains a cultural phenomenon even today as it is still recognized and celebrated worldwide. The iconic sailor uniforms and unique outfits of each Sailor Guardian have become staples in cosplay and fashion circles, influencing designers, fans and even celebrities like Megan Thee Stallion alike. The theme song "Moonlight Densetsu" remains one of the most iconic anime theme songs for fans and has been covered and remixed by various artists over the years.

Sailor Moon has also paved the way for future anime and manga, particularly in the magical girl genre. Its success demonstrated the viability of female-led superhero stories and inspired numerous series like Cardcaptor Sakura and Tokyo Mew Mew. The global celebration of the series through anniversaries, merchandise, and reboots like Sailor Moon Crystal further highlights its enduring legacy. It continues to attract new fans and remains a beloved cultural phenomenon.

Sailor Moon (1992)

TV-PG

Action

Adventure

A group of schoolgirls discover they are incarnations of super-powered alien princesses, and use their abilities to defend the earth.

Release Date

September 11, 1995

Cast

Stephanie Sheh , Kotono Mitsuishi , Kate Higgins , Aya Hisakawa , Cristina Valenzuela , Michie Tomizawa , Emi Shinohara , Amanda Céline Miller , Cherami Leigh , Rica f*ckami

Main Genre

Anime

Seasons

5

Creator

Naoko Takeuchi

Main Characters

Susan Roman, Jill Frappier, Katie Griffin

Production Company

Toei Agency, Toei Animation, Toei Company

Number of Episodes

200