Ultraman: Rising

If you want science fiction that respects its own premise, Ultraman: Rising is available in Australia on Netflix, and in the US on Netflix right now. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. An 8/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Christopher Sean leads a cast that never lets the concept overwhelm the characters. Start it on Netflix whenever you need something guaranteed to land.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Ultraman: Rising is worth clearing space for. Ultraman: Rising treats its concept seriously enough to follow it all the way through. A star athlete reluctantly returns home to take over his father's duties as Ultraman, shielding Tokyo from giant monsters as he becomes a legendary hero. Christopher Sean and Gedde Watanabe lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2024. The rules of Ultraman: Rising's world are consistent enough that the big swings never feel like cheating. The hit rate here is high enough that skipping ahead never feels like an option.

Ultraman: Rising is satisfying on multiple levels — something to watch and something to think about after. It does not lean on comparisons to make its case. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch from start to finish. Christopher Sean grounds the bigger ideas in something human. Once you are in, you will want to talk about it.