How Many Sailor Moon Movies Are There?
For fans of the iconic magical girl franchise, Sailor Moon, one of the biggest questions is how many movies are there? The answer is a bit complex, as there are several adaptations, sequels, and spin-offs. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of Sailor Moon movies, exploring the different types and numbers.
Direct Answer:
There are 3 theatrical Sailor Moon movies, 2 TV series movies, and 3 specials. Here’s a breakdown:
- Theatrical Movies: 3
- TV Series Movies: 2
- Specials: 3
Theatrical Movies:
The Sailor Moon: The Movie trilogy is a series of three feature-length films that were released in Japan between 1993 and 1995. These movies are based on the original manga and television series, but offer exclusive storylines and characters not seen in the TV series.
- Sailor Moon R the Movie: Beautiful Dream (1993)
This movie takes place during the Sailor Moon R season of the TV series and sees the Sailor Guardians facing off against a powerful new villain, Wiseman. - Sailor Moon S the Movie: Hearts in Ice (1994)
This installment is set during the Sailor Moon S season and sees the Sailor Guardians battling an alien threat to Earth, while also exploring the background of the character, Tomoe Hotaru. - Sailor Moon SuperS: The Movie (1995)
The final theatrical film takes place during the Sailor Moon SuperS season and features the Sailor Guardians dealing with a mysterious phenomenon in which children are being lured away to a different dimension.
TV Series Movies:
In addition to the theatrical movies, there are two TV series movies that were produced to bridge the gaps between different seasons of the TV series.
- Sailor Moon SuperS: The Movie (1995)
This 45-minute film is not to be confused with the theatrical film of the same name. Instead, it serves as a recap and preview of the Sailor Moon SuperS season. - Sailor Moon Sailor Stars: Sailor Moon World (1996)
This 25-minute film is a bonus episode that takes place between the Sailor Moon Sailor Stars and the anime’s end.
Specials:
There are three TV specials that were produced within the Sailor Moon franchise:
- Sailor Moon: Ami’s First Love (1993)
This special focuses on the character of Ami Mizuno and her first experience with romantic love. - Sailor Moon R: True Lover’s Past (1993)
Another special centered around Ami, this one explores the backstory of her relationship with her ex-boyfriend. - Sailor Moon SuperS Special (1996)
This special serves as an epilogue to the TV series and features the Sailor Guardians reminiscing about their adventures and saying goodbye.
Other Adaptations and Spin-Offs:
In addition to these movies and specials, there have been several other Sailor Moon adaptations and spin-offs, including:
- Sailor Moon Live Action TV Series (1997-1999): A live-action Japanese TV series that adapted the first season of the original anime.
- Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon (2003-2005): A Japanese TV drama that reimagines the Sailor Moon story with human actors.
- Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon Crystal (2014-2016): A new anime re-adaptation of the original manga, produced as a joint effort between Japanese studios and Toei Animation.
Conclusion:
In total, there are 3 theatrical Sailor Moon movies, 2 TV series movies, and 3 specials. While these may not be as abundant as some other anime franchises, the Sailor Moon movie collection offers a unique insight into the characters and storylines of this beloved magical girl series. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the world of Sailor Moon, these movies provide a delightful addition to any anime collection.
