Are you ready for a nostalgic, intergalactic rollercoaster of hilarity and absurdity? Urusei Yatsura, the brainchild of legendary mangaka Rumiko Takahashi, is surreal comedy classic takes you to a world where aliens, unlucky high school boys, and crazy romantic mishaps collide.
The series follows Ataru Moroboshi, the unluckiest guy on Earth, who ends up engaged to an alien princess, Lum, after a literal game of tag gone wrong.
Between Lum’s lightning bolts, Ataru’s endless flirtations, and a galaxy of zany characters, Urusei Yatsura is a chaotic joyride.
If you’re a fan of vintage anime with a fresh coat of paint, ridiculous scenarios, and that signature Takahashi humor, this is a must-watch!
Urusei Yatsura 1980s
1. Urusei Yatsura (1981-1986)
| Episodes | 195 |
| Aired | Fall 1981-Winter 1986 |
Urusei Yatsura concerns the tempestuous relationship between two focal characters: Ataru an Lum.
Ataru Moroboshi is possibly the most unfaithful, unlucky and lecherous idiot to have ever been born, and there’s Lum, a tigerskin-bikini clad alien package of sex appeal, jealousy and electricity who’s fallen for him.
The series chronicles the misadventures of these two stubborn teenagers along with a veritable entourage of weird characters.
Among these characters is the richest boy on the planet, a superhuman schoolgirl, a fire-breathing baby, a powerful priestess/school nurse, a cute and psychotic alien vixen with a split personality, a gender-bending martial artist, an alien biker chick, an ice queen of Neptune, a deranged monk, a giant ghost cat and hundreds of other lunatic personalities.
Aliens, humans and inhumans alike interract in endless hysteria in a town named Tomobiki.
2. Urusei Yatsura Movie 1: Only You (1983)
| Episodes | 1 |
| Aired | Winter 1983 |
Lum doesn’t need much assistance going ballistic when everyone in Tomobiki gets an invitation to Ataru’s wedding — and she’s not listed as the bride!
It seems that some 11 years ago, Ataru played “Shadow Tag” with a young girl named Elle and won. Unfortunately, Elle was yet another Alien Princess; and on her planet, if a boy steps on a girl’s shadow, they have to marry.
When Elle’s emissary comes to make arrangements, Lum redefines the term “the atmosphere was electric,” but to no avail: a force-field now protects Ataru from her high voltage love-zaps.
Lum’s friend Benten suggests a pre-emptive wedding, and they proceed to abduct Ataru and all of the wedding guests, and the stage is set for the shotgun wedding of all time!
3. Urusei Yatsura Movie 2: Beautiful Dreamer (1984)
| Episodes | 1 |
| Aired | Winter 1984 |
In Urusei Yatsura: Beautiful Dreamer, Tomobiki High is in a frenzy to get ready for the school festival. Props need to be made, costumes designed, and maybe somewhere sleep to be had!
Ataru, Lum, Shutaro, Shinobu, and the rest of Class 2-4 are determined to not be outdone this year, and they’re rushing to make the final preparations for tomorrow’s grand opening.
Once they wake up the next morning, they continue their mad rush to get ready for tomorrow’s grand opening. And then the next day, silence lingers over the city, the buildings filled with nothing but dust and mold.
Is this a dream? Or have the kids (and a few related adults) of Class 2-4 finally woken up? If they can spend each day having fun with each other, does it matter?
4. Urusei Yatsura Movie 3: Remember My Love (1985)
| Episodes | 1 |
| Aired | Winter 1985 |
It seems that when Lum was born, a postal screwup resulted in a witchy friend of the family not getting an invitation to the celebration. The witch put a curse on Lum, that she would never be happy with her True Love.
In the present, a new Amusement Park has been built in Tomobiki, and opening day finds the whole gang sampling its pleasures. At a magic show, however, Ataru gets turned into a large pink hippo-potamus, FOR REAL!
When Lum attempts to track down the magician that transformed her Darling, things start to get very weird, very fast!
5. Urusei Yatsura Movie 4: Lum The Forever (1986)
| Episodes | 1 |
| Aired | Winter 1986 |
Strange things begin happening in Tomobiki Town.
When a great cherry tree, “Tarozakura” is cut down while Lum & Co. are making a movie, Lum loses her horns-and her powers! Thus begins the strangest and most lyrical of the Urusei Yatsura movies…
6. Urusei Yatsura Movie 5: The Final Chapter (1988)
| Episodes | 1 |
| Aired | Winter 1988 |
The Urusei Yatsura story comes to a climax in this animated retelling of the final Manga story (although not the final movie).
Lupa, yet another one of Lum’s fiancés, arrives on the scene, and Lum and Ataru have to repeat their game of tag in order to prevent the Earth from being destroyed.
All Ataru has to do to win is say “I love you” the three words he has steadfastly refused to say to Lum. Will he admit his true feelings and save the Earth? Or will his pride doom it to destruction?
7. Urusei Yatsura Movie 6: Always My Darling (1991)
| Episodes | 1 |
| Aired | Summer 1991 |
Lupica, another one of the legion of space princesses that all seem to have found out about Earth in some tour book, appears and abducts Ataru!
But Lupica isn’t after Ataru for his great looks or charming personality (because he doesn’t have either).
Lupica’s goal is the greatest love potion in the galaxy, which she intends to use to induce her sweetheart to tie the knot. To get it, she needs the possessor of the greatest lust in the universe…
Urusei Yatsura Remake
The Urusei Yatsura remake by David Production brings a fresh and vibrant take on the beloved classic while staying true to its zany, chaotic roots. Visually stunning with modern animation, the series breathes new life into the bizarre world of Ataru and Lum.
Hiroshi Kamiya voices the unlucky Ataru Moroboshi with perfect comedic timing, while Sumire Uesaka shines as Lum, balancing her electrifying charm and playful energy flawlessly.
Fans of the original and newcomers alike will appreciate how this remake captures the surreal humor and dynamic energy of Rumiko Takahashi’s story. It’s a fun, modern update that pays homage to the original while showcasing the studio’s creativity.
1. Urusei Yatsura (2022)
| Episodes | 23 |
| Aired | Fall 2022 |
When an alien race known as the Oni invade Earth, the chronically unlucky and unapologetically lecherous Ataru Moroboshi is selected as humanity’s representative in a duel for the fate of the planet!
His opponent is Lum, the Oni’s very pretty princess, and it’s only thanks to Ataru’s unscrupulous behavior that he’s able to scrape out a win in a treacherous game of tag against her.
Ataru thinks he’s had his lucky break at last, but when Lum takes a shine to him off the battlefield, the conflict follows him home as Lum invades not only planet Earth, but also the womanizing Ataru’s love life!
2. Urusei Yatsura 2nd Season (2024)
| Episodes | 23 |
| Aired | Winter 2024 |
The second season of Urusei Yatsura (2022).
Lum, the gorgeous daughter of an invading race of Oni Aliens is smitten with High School student Ataru Moroboshi.
A dedicated womanizer, Ataru is unfazed by Lum’s fierce electric shock attacks and continues his daily hunt for pretty girls.
With a host of other unique characters, including classmate Shinobu, elegant shrine maiden Sakura, Lum’s best friend’s Oyuki, Benten and Ran, Buddhist Monk Cherry, Ten, the little brat, heir to a wealthy family Shuutarou Mendou and the secretly female beauty Ryuunosuke.
A classic slapstick love comedy where anything goes!
HIDIVE has labeled the first and second cour of this season as Season 3 and Season 4 respectively. They labeled the 1st and 2nd cours of the 1st season as Season 1 and Season 2.
So, whether you’re a long-time fan of Rumiko Takahashi’s work or a newcomer curious about what all the hype is about, Urusei Yatsura is the perfect blend of nostalgia and fresh, laugh-out-loud moments.
With its surreal comedy, outrageous characters, and a plot that’s as unpredictable as Ataru’s love life, this remake proves why it’s a timeless classic.
Dive into the cosmic chaos, embrace the absurdity, and prepare to be zapped by Lum’s charm (and possibly a few lightning bolts). Trust us, it’s an electrifying ride you won’t want to miss!
