Moonrise Anime Offers Spectacular Animation and Epic Story

Sometimes, the best stories are the ones that nearly slip by unnoticed. That’s exactly what happened with Moonrise Anime, which landed quietly on Netflix on April 10, 2025. At first, barely anyone knew it was out - no flashy ads, no massive countdowns. But those who took a chance on it quickly found themselves pulled into a wild, high stakes fight between Earth and Moon, surrounded by some of the best animation of the year.

Here’s the thing: Moonrise is not your typical space anime. Sure, there are gigantic ships, futuristic cities, and enough zero gravity battles to make any sci-fi fan happy. But beneath all the action and cosmic spectacle, there’s a surprisingly personal story about loss, loyalty, and choosing what kind of person you want to be when everything is on the line. And yes, there are a few unexpected narrative choices that only make the journey more memorable.

A World Split Between Earth and Moon

Imagine a future where humanity has reached the Moon - but instead of unity, there’s division. Moon colonists live in poverty, forced to follow orders from Sapientia, an all-powerful AI that keeps peace on Earth but creates tension in lunar society. Everything boils over the day an elevator connecting both worlds is completed. Suddenly, the Moon’s people revolt, and Earth is dragged into a conflict that’s been brewing for years.

At the heart of all this chaos is Jacob “Jack” Shadow. His family is shattered by a rebel attack, and he finds himself thrown into the military, accused, then recruited, and eventually pushed right back into the thick of things. What makes his story even tougher is the return of Jacob’s childhood friend and surrogate brother, Phil, who was thought to have died, returns as a prominent leader of the Moon rebels, going by the name Bob Skylum. Their history isn’t just backstory; it’s the fuel that keeps every confrontation burning with emotion.

A Show That Looks and Feels Like a Movie

Visually, Moonrise is next level. Every episode burst with color and movement. WIT Studio, the team behind Attack on Titan, put everything into the animation. Spaceships glide like they’re straight out of a blockbuster. Lunar cities are awash in neon, and fight scenes refuse to let your eyes rest. The music by Ryo Kawasaki adds another layer, weaving between classic Hollywood energy and something uniquely futuristic.

Even the small details are impressive. There’s a mid-season rooftop fight above Copernicus City that’s hard to forget, and scenes of Jack drifting through space carry a kind of weight that’s hard to describe. You can tell the animators wanted every frame to count, and it shows. There’s a confidence to the direction, channeling just enough of Attack on Titan’s punch, but always with a focus on the world they’re building.

Where Action Meets Real Emotions

Don’t be fooled by all the spectacle, Moonrise still finds time for its characters. Jack’s journey isn’t just about fighting rebels or serving Earth. It’s about what you do when old friends become enemies, and whether forgiveness is ever possible. Phil’s story adds another layer: his switch from brother in arms to revolutionary makes each battle feel personal.

As new faces enter the mix, like Rhys, Jack’s sharp-witted partner, and Mary, who brings a gentle sense of hope - a quieter subplot starts to form. There’s even a subtle love triangle, but nothing that feels forced or cliché. These relationships help break up the action, making the emotional moments stand out even more.

And while the Moonrise group are rebels, the story never paints them as simple villains. Their frustration is real, rooted in years of hardship and a system that left them behind. There are no easy answers, and that’s part of what makes the world feel so real.

High Ambition and Surprising Detours

Moonrise doesn’t just settle for being another action series. The writers aren’t afraid to dig into big ideas: AI control, social inequality, and the ways technology shapes who gets power. There’s even a strange subplot involving the L Zone, a blue slime that threatens to consume everything. It’s weird, it’s risky, and while it sometimes distracts from the main plot, it also makes the show feel unpredictable.

If there’s one flaw, it’s the pacing. With 18 episodes, the middle of the series sometimes drags its feet. Some fights go on a little too long, and a handful of character scenes could have been tighter. But at the same time, these moments allow the world to breathe, showing more of what’s at stake and letting the characters grow.

One detail that stands out is how the final episodes pull everything together. The last stretch brings big battles, difficult choices, and enough emotional weight to stick with you long after the credits roll. Even with its missteps, the ending reminds you what Moonrise was aiming for from the start.

A Show That Deserved More Love

It’s almost a tragedy how quietly Moonrise Anime was released. While big titles like Sakamoto Days and Devil May Cry dominated the spring season, Moonrise barely got a whisper. Even the show’s producer made a public plea for more marketing, pointing out how easily a great series can disappear when no one is paying attention.

Yet for those who did find it, the impact was real. The city designs, the bold Engrave Technology, and the unsettling presence of Sapientia all left an impression. Watching Jack’s journey unfold, you get the sense that Moonrise could become one of those rare “sleeper hit” shows, a secret recommendation passed between true anime fans.

The series is still available to stream in its entirety on Netflix, and if you want a quick taste, the official trailer shows just how beautiful this universe can be. Check out the official trailer below:

Moonrise Stands Out as More Than Just a Sci Fi Adventure

In a crowded anime landscape, Moonrise stands out for all the right reasons. It has massive space battles, unforgettable visuals, and a story that isn’t afraid to ask tough questions. Most of all, it has heart - a sense that every character, every loss, every choice really matters.

If you’re looking for something fresh, emotional, and visually stunning, don’t miss Moonrise Anime. Sometimes, the shows you almost overlook end up being the ones you remember most. Dive in and experience a space opera where rebellion, friendship, and hope are written across the stars.