Hey, anime fans! Have you checked out Moonrise on Netflix yet? This brand-new shonen space opera, which hit the platform on April 10, 2025, is already turning heads with its jaw-dropping animation and a story that’s as thought-provoking as it is action-packed. As a sci-fi anime lover, I couldn’t wait to dive into this one, and let me tell you—it’s a wild ride. Let’s break down why Moonrise is worth your time and what makes it stand out in the crowded world of Netflix anime.
A Cosmic Tale of Revenge and Redemption
Picture this: humanity has colonized planets, and the Moon is fighting for its freedom from Earth’s grip. That’s the backdrop for Moonrise, a sci-fi anime that doesn’t hold back. The story centers on Jacob “Jack” Shadow, a young guy from Earth who’s thrown into chaos when lunar rebels kill his family in a terrorist attack. Fueled by grief and anger, Jack joins Earth’s army to hunt down the culprits. But here’s where things get juicy—the rebel leader turns out to be someone from his past. Talk about a plot twist!
What I love about Moonrise is how it’s not just about space battles (though those are epic). It digs into deeper themes like justice, revenge, and the messy consequences of technology. The AI network Sapienta runs Earth, but it’s rigged to favor the rich, leaving the Moon’s people in poverty. This inequality sparks the rebellion, and it’s a stark reminder of how tech can amplify societal divides if we’re not careful. If you’re into stories that make you think while delivering high-stakes action, Moonrise has you covered.
A Creative Team That’s Out of This World
Let’s talk about the talent behind Moonrise—because, wow, it’s a dream team. The series is directed by Masashi Koizuka, the guy who gave us those heart-pounding moments in Attack on Titan. Then there’s Hiromu Arakawa, the legend behind Fullmetal Alchemist, handling character designs. Every character pops off the screen with personality and depth, thanks to her magic touch. And the vehicles and backgrounds? They’re crafted by Satoshi Takabatake, a protégé of Akira creator Katsuhiro Otomo, so the sci-fi world feels alive and immersive.
The story comes from a novel by Tow Ubukata, a Japanese author known for his cyberpunk and sci-fi hits like Mardock Scramble. He’s also worked on heavyweights like Psycho-Pass and Ghost in the Shell: Arise, so you know Moonrise is built on a solid narrative foundation. With influences from classic space operas like Space Battleship Yamato and shonen giants like Dragon Ball and Naruto, Moonrise feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Why Moonrise Shines (and Where It Stumbles)
I’ll be honest—Moonrise is a visual feast. The animation, courtesy of Wit Studio (yep, the Attack on Titan folks), is smooth as butter, with space battles that’ll leave you glued to the screen. The character designs are so detailed you can feel the emotions in every glance, and the world-building makes the Earth-Moon conflict feel real. If you’re a fan of sci-fi anime or just love gorgeous visuals, this is a must-watch.
But here’s the catch: the story can be a bit of a maze. With 18 episodes, each running 21 to 31 minutes, there’s a lot to unpack. Some reviews, like one from CBR, praise the action but point out that the narrative can feel overly complicated or uneven. I get it—there were moments where I had to pause and think, “Wait, what just happened?” Still, I think that complexity is part of its charm. It’s not a show you can half-watch while scrolling on your phone, but if you give it your full attention, the payoff is worth it.
The voice cast is stellar, too. Chiaki Kobayashi brings Jack Shadow to life with raw emotion, while Yuto Uemura adds nuance to Phil Ashe, Jack’s former friend turned rival. Other voices, like Mie Sonozaki as Dr. Salamandra, round out a talented lineup that makes every scene hit hard.
What Are People Saying?
Since its release, Moonrise has been getting a lot of buzz. It’s got a solid 7.0 rating on IMDb, with fans raving about the fight scenes and animation. A review from Gizmodo calls it “gorgeous” but notes the story struggles to match the visuals. Another take from DMTalkies praises the world-building but wishes the storytelling was simpler. On platforms like MyAnimeList, fans are split—some love the depth, others find it overwhelming.
For me, the visuals alone make it worth a watch, but I’d recommend sticking with it past the first few episodes. The story starts to click once you get the hang of its rhythm.
Why You Should Give Moonrise a Shot
So, is Moonrise the next big thing in anime? It’s got all the ingredients: a killer creative team, a gripping premise, and animation that’ll blow you away. The 18-episode run gives it room to explore its characters and world, which is a big plus for fans of deep storytelling. Sure, the plot might trip you up now and then, but that’s a small price to pay for a series that’s this ambitious.
If you’re into sci-fi anime, shonen action, or just want something new to binge, Moonrise is calling your name. Grab some snacks, settle in, and stream it on Netflix. Just maybe keep a notebook handy for those plot twists!
