The Definitive Ranking of Every Sailor Moon Anime Season

Sailor Moon, also known as Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon, is the iconic magical girl anime that defined the genre and inspired numerous anime and manga series. Featuring a diverse group of female characters, this anime captured the hearts of girls growing up in the early 2000s.

The series follows the journey of these magical girls as they confront the challenges posed by evil forces seeking to bring about the world's destruction. Fans will likely reminisce about the show with fondness, and while all the seasons of the original series are impressive, there are certain standout seasons that are considered the best.

5 Sailor Moon (Season 1)

The first season and pilot episode of every show are crucial in establishing the foundation, introducing the world, characters, and plot points, and captivating the audience for future episodes. Sailor Moon's Classic series accomplishes this successfully. Season 1 immerses both the viewers and Usagi in the world of magic, where she discovers her magical alias, Sailor Moon. Additionally, it lays the groundwork for the main adversaries, Queen Beryl and Prince Endymion, as Usagi confronts them using her newfound powers. Although it effectively serves as an introduction to the series, there are some filler episodes, such as "Slim City/Learn How to Be Skinny from Usagi!", that may inadvertently convey harmful messages about weight to young, impressionable girls.

4 Sailor Moon S (Season 3)

By its third season, the show had found its footing and had a clear vision for its story. It took some daring steps for a '90s show, such as introducing a subtle lesbian relationship between Sailor Neptune and Sailor Uranus.

In Sailor Moon S, a new villainous group called the Death Busters emerges, led by Mistress 9. However, their true leader is Pharaoh 90. Mistress 9 manages to deceive Usagi into giving her the Holy Grail, an item that would help her summon her master. Despite this, Usagi shines as she becomes Super Sailor Moon with the support of her fellow sailors, gaining the power to save her friends.

3 Sailor Moon Sailor Stars (Season 5)

Sailor Moon has managed to maintain its quality even after five seasons and a multitude of episodes, unlike other shows that have left fans disappointed with their final seasons (such as Game of Thrones). Although this season incorporates some typical magical girl elements and may not feature certain beloved characters, it was still a delight to witness Sailor Moon emerge victorious by defeating the corrupt Star Guardian and banishing the nefarious Shadow Galactica organization.

The stakes in this season are higher than ever before, as the villains strive for world domination and seek control over the entire Milky Way. Queen Nehelenia, who made her appearance in the fourth season, returns in an attempt to enter the real world through mirrors. She sends glass monsters to battle the Guardians and traps unsuspecting victims in a nightmarish realm, thereby concluding the introductory mini-arc even before the rest of the season begins. Regrettably, the best episodes are the first six, and the quality slightly declines in some subsequent episodes. However, the series quickly rebounds with the introduction of Galaxia and her plot for universal domination. On the whole, this season serves as a more than fitting farewell to the series.

2 Sailor Moon Super S (Season 4)

Sailor Moon Super S is hailed as one of the most intense seasons of Sailor Moon. Adapted from the Dream arc of the manga, it introduces the menacing Dead Moon Circus. Divided into two arcs, each part of the season presents captivating and unique stories. The Sailor Guardians gain new and thrilling powers to combat the fresh dangers and undergo rigorous training to master them.

In the first arc, spotlighting Chibiusa, the deity Pegasus enters her dreams to escape from the Amazon Trio, minions of the fearsome Dead Moon Circus. They covet Pegasus's golden crystal, and he fiercely protects it. Fans were delighted to see more of Chibiusa and her adventures in this beloved arc. The second part focuses on the emergence of the Amazon Quartet, a group determined to stay forever young, and the malicious Queen Nehelenia, ruler of the Dead Moon Circus. The presence of Nehelenia elevates the tension with her wickedness.

1 Sailor Moon R (Season 2)

Sailor Moon R, which stands for Romance, Return, or Rose, builds on the success of the first season, delivering more of the magic and action that fans love. It begins with a refreshing slice of life perspective, allowing fans to see the characters in their everyday lives and introducing a new character. The season explores themes of time travel and amnesia, making it a standout and captivating for fans.

The slice of life angle adds depth to the characters, as the Sailor Soldiers navigate their lives without their memories, but as it's a magical girl anime, their powers and memories are eventually restored. They then resume their battles against the Hell Tree Aliens, who are harvesting energy from people.

The second arc of the season introduces time travel, as the Black Moon Clan ventures into the future. The Sailor Soldiers, along with the newly introduced Chibiusa, pursue them to foil their plans.

Overall, Sailor Moon R is an exceptional season that offers originality and excitement.