Discover the Ultimate Ranking of Every Sailor Moon Season!

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Among the widely recognized magical girl anime series, “Sailor Moon” stands out as a beloved and enduring classic. It comes as no shock that this iconic anime continues to be well-known among fans today. Interestingly, many still favor the original 90s version of “Sailor Moon,” rather than its 2016 remake, “Sailor Moon Crystal.” The original “Sailor Moon” series holds a unique charm that sets it apart from other productions.

The 1990s “Sailor Moon” anime series doesn’t strictly adhere to the manga but instead enriches it with unique elements created by Naoko Takeuchi. It introduces original storylines that delve deeper into the characters’ relationships, making them more rounded and intensifying the main arcs. Each season excels in its own way, though some seasons outshine others.

In simpler terms, Season 4 of “Sailor Moon,” titled “Sailor Moon Super S,” delves into storylines such as the “Amazon Trio,” “Amazon Quartet,” and “Queen Nehelenia Rises.” These stories are part of a larger saga known as the “Dream” arc in the “Sailor Moon” manga. Fans often find that this season, which comes after Season 3 (Sailor Moon S), lacks the plot depth of its predecessor, leading to disappointment among many viewers due to the increased number of filler episodes and deviations from the original source material.

In the series Sailor Moon Super S, it appears that the character development seen in Usagi and Chibiusa from the previous season, Sailor Moon S, seemed to regress. Compared to the heavier tones of the earlier seasons, Sailor Moon Super S felt more like an added episode rather than a continuation. The storyline in this season strayed significantly from the original manga and removed layers that had been built for these characters. Key elements such as the golden crystal and outer sailor soldiers were absent, which were crucial to the plot’s progression. However, it did offer new opportunities for character growth, particularly focusing on Chibiusa’s development.

Sailor Moon R is the second installment of the Sailor Moon series. This season, much like others in the franchise, has sparked debates among its fanbase, primarily due to how it handled certain aspects and the direction its plot took. The “Doom Tree” and “Negamoon” arcs, collectively known as the “Black Moon Clan” arc for this season, are the focal points of Sailor Moon R. Notably, the “Doom Tree” arc is an original creation exclusive to the anime and doesn’t appear in either the manga or Sailor Moon Crystal. Despite not being officially canon, this arc is what sets it apart from other storylines. The standard formula for the official arcs was adhered to, but due to its originality, the “Doom Tree” arc possesses a distinct quality that isn’t found in the official arcs. Although the “Black Moon Clan” arc generally follows the source material, it also includes unique content that has been met with mixed reactions from fans.

In this particular storyline, Usagi and Mamoru part ways, a twist that doesn’t occur in the original comics. Chibiusa becomes even more annoying and impudent in this season, which makes her transformation into Black Lady all the more grating. There are some discrepancies as well, like Chibiusa being unaware of the true identities of the Sailor Soldiers. However, there are other enhancements in the anime that enrich the manga’s content. The anime skillfully prepares the ground for future story arcs and reveals hints about the Sailor Guardians’ destiny, details that can be easily overlooked in the comics. When it comes to filler episodes in the 90s version of “Sailor Moon”, the “Sailor Moon R” series contains some of the funniest ones.

Season 1 of the beloved anime, Sailor Moon, often called “a must-watch,” sets the stage for characters that win over fans wholeheartedly. In this season, Usagi Tsukino embarks on her transformation into Sailor Moon and Princess Serenity. She also encounters the other Sailor Guardians. The first season masterfully brings together the key players of the series and establishes their relationships with one another. The character development in Season 1 is outstanding, standing out among the entire franchise, as the transition from being an ordinary citizen to a determined savior of Earth presents a significant challenge.

Despite the fact that Season 1 of Sailor Moon is memorable as the launching pad for its protagonist’s adventures, it has some flaws that prevent it from reaching its full potential. The anime contains a significant amount of filler content which can make the artwork seem overburdened at times. Although the transformation sequences in Sailor Moon are famous, they can become tiresome when repeated too often and sometimes interrupt the plot’s flow. For instance, during an intense battle scene, having it interrupted by a prolonged transformation sequence lasting nearly a minute becomes monotonous after extended viewing. Additionally, the anime altered some key aspects from the manga that would have been more effective if they had remained unchanged, such as Mamoru’s age.

In simpler terms, “Sailor Moon Stars” is the final season of the original “Sailor Moon” series and introduces its main villain, Sailor Galaxia. This 5th and concluding season consists of a single storyline, called the “Stars” arc. Unlike previous seasons, this one reveals what happened to Queen Nehelenia, the earlier antagonist, and sets up Sailor Galaxia as the most dangerous foe faced by Sailor Moon and the Sailor Guardians so far. The season is particularly notable because it showcases the maturing of the Sailor Guardians in their human lives; they move on to high school and encounter guardians from beyond our solar system.

Sailor Moon Stars introduces a refreshing twist to the series, adding an element of surprise where it was previously predictable. Although it manages to give the franchise a new lease of life by deviating from its usual formula, it’s not without its flaws. The Inner Sailor Guardians don’t seem to undergo significant character growth, and the climactic battle drags on excessively. On the positive side, Sailor Moon Stars boasts fewer filler episodes and a more streamlined narrative that heightens the stakes of their lives more than ever before.

Sailor Moon S is widely loved and rightfully so, often referred to as Season 3 within the Sailor Moon series. This particular season encompasses the “Infinity” storyline from the anime, which brings forth characters like Sailor Saturn and Mistress 9, who become some of Sailor Moon’s most intricate allies and adversaries. In addition, it introduces other complex figures such as Sailor Neptune and Sailor Uranus, who, despite sharing the same objectives as Sailor Moon and the Inner Sailor Guardians, approach their missions in ways that are starkly different, leading them to work independently for much of the season. Although it bears the same name as the manga’s arc, the anime undergoes numerous alterations that significantly enhance the narrative.

In this arc, I find myself captivated by the immense gravity of the situation, which is undeniably at its peak compared to any other. The once light-hearted tone of Sailor Moon takes a dramatic turn into something profoundly serious.

The Deathbusters, the villains in question, are a delightfully intriguing group. Each member possesses unique motives and characteristics that clash spectacularly with the Sailor Guardians. While other seasons boast captivating narratives, the storyline of Sailor Moon S stands out as one of the most gripping and tense.

The Sailor Guardians are put through their paces in this season, fighting tooth and nail for their triumph. Along the way, they suffer losses that make their eventual victory all the more meaningful. This serves as a reminder that things aren’t always as straightforward as they may seem, and it sets a high bar for future seasons to match.

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2025-05-24 05:01