Player server
Episode
Season
Urusei Yatsura

Urusei Yatsura

19817
AnimationDramaComedySci-Fi & Fantasy
Released
Oct 14, 1981
Country
Japan
Productions
PierrotStudio DeenKitty Films
The invasion of an alien race known as the Oni begins a new life for Ataru Moroboshi, a lecherous trouble-making tenth grader in the small town of Tomobiki. After unwittingly proposing to the Oni princess Lum Invader instead of his sweetheart Shinobu, Ataru becomes a conduit for aliens arriving on Earth, causing all sorts of havoc for him and his companions, not to mention his own reputation!

About

A 1981 anime where a clumsy teen gets tangled in alien affairs.

Urusei Yatsura follows Ataru Moroboshi, a lecherous high‑school student who inadvertently proposes to the alien princess Lum, sparking a series of comedic, sci‑fi misadventures in the town of Tomobiki. The show blends slapstick, romance, and supernatural chaos, making Ataru a perpetual target for Lum’s electric powers and a host of oddball characters. With 194 episodes airing from 1981 to 1986, the series remains a classic for fans of 80s anime and quirky romantic comedy.

What to know

  • Premise: Ataru is chosen to play a game against alien Lum, leading to a mis‑proposed marriage.
  • Runtime: Each episode runs about 30 minutes.
  • Episodes: 194 half‑hour episodes.
  • Original air dates: 14 Oct 1981 – 19 Mar 1986.
  • Directed by Mamoru Oshii (first 106 episodes) and Kazuo Yamazaki (remaining).
  • Features 6 theatrical films and 12 OVAs.
  • The 2022 reboot aired on Fuji TV’s Noitamina block.
  • Tone: Fast‑paced, light‑hearted comedy with frequent misunderstandings.

Watch if

If you enjoy quick‑moving, light‑hearted sci‑fi comedy with a blend of romance and slapstick, Urusei Yatsura is a solid pick. The show’s energetic humor and quirky character dynamics make it a timeless classic for anime lovers.

Skip if

If you prefer grounded dramas, graphic violence, or serious romance, this series may feel too zany and light‑hearted for your taste.

light tonefast pacedromance elementsdialogue heavyfamily friendlymature themes
Premise
Ataru Moroboshi, a perverted yet unlucky teen, is randomly selected to play a game against the alien princess Lum, who believes he’s her husband after a mis‑interpreted proposal. The show follows their chaotic encounters as they attract a host of oddball allies and adversaries.
Main Characters
Ataru Moroboshi, the lovable misfit; Lum, the beautiful alien princess with electric powers; Shinobu Miyake, Ataru’s shy girlfriend; and the eccentric townsfolk who provide comic relief and occasional support.
Episodes & Formats
The original run consists of 194 30‑minute episodes, aired from October 1981 to March 1986. The series also spawned six films, 12 OVAs, and a 2022 reboot with 46 new episodes.
Films & Specials
Notable theatrical releases include "Only You" (1983), "Beautiful Dreamer" (1984), "Remember My Love" (1985), and "The Final Chapter" (1988). These films expand on the series’ core humor and romance.
Legacy & Influence
Urusei Yatsura has left a lasting impact on anime, inspiring later works with similar themes of alien romance and comedic misadventure. Its creator, Rumiko Takahashi, went on to produce other celebrated series such as Maison Ikkoku and Ranma ½.
Where to Watch
The original series is available on DVD and Blu‑ray through Discotek Media. The 2022 reboot is streamed on Hidive, while earlier seasons can be found via licensed distributors.

Similar vibes

The Qwaser of Stigmata
The Qwaser of Stigmata
When Mafuyu Oribe and her adopted sister Tomo rescue a strange wounded man, they have no idea what they’re getting involved with or what the consequences will be. Alexander Nikolaevith Hell is an Iron Qwaser, one of many opposing factions o…
Series
8/10
Pop Team Epic
Pop Team Epic
Crude, rude, and a little…cute? Get ready for the larger-than-life attitude of Popuko and Pipimi, the small and tall stars of Pop Team Epic! Based off the bizarre four-panel webcomic by Bukubu Okawa comes a comedy that’ll throw you off with…
Series
7/10
Psycho-Pass
Psycho-Pass
In the year 2113, people are given brain scans to determine how likely they are to commit a crime. Those who fail are apprehended, or even killed.
Series
8/10
Gen V
Gen V
At America's only college for superheroes, gifted students put their moral boundaries to the test, competing for the university's top ranking, and a chance to join The Seven, Vought International's elite superhero team. When the school's da…
Series
8/10
Manifest
Manifest
After landing from a turbulent but routine flight, the crew and passengers of Montego Air Flight 828 discover five years have passed in what seemed like a few hours. As their new realities become clear, a deeper mystery unfolds and some of …
Series
8/10
The Simpsons
The Simpsons
Set in Springfield, the average American town, the show focuses on the antics and everyday adventures of the Simpson family; Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie, as well as a virtual cast of thousands. Since the beginning, the series has be…
Series
8/10
Stranger Things
Stranger Things
When a young boy vanishes, a small town uncovers a mystery involving secret experiments, terrifying supernatural forces, and one strange little girl.
Series
9/10
Breaking Bad
Breaking Bad
Walter White, a New Mexico chemistry teacher, is diagnosed with Stage III cancer and given a prognosis of only two years left to live. He becomes filled with a sense of fearlessness and an unrelenting desire to secure his family's financial…
Series
9/10
Squid Game
Squid Game
Hundreds of cash-strapped players accept a strange invitation to compete in children's games. Inside, a tempting prize awaits — with deadly high stakes.
Series
8/10
The Good Doctor
The Good Doctor
Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome, relocates from a quiet country life to join a prestigious hospital's surgical unit. Unable to personally connect with those around him, Shaun uses his extraordinary medical gift…
Series
8/10
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
A single-camera ensemble comedy following the lives of an eclectic group of detectives in a New York precinct, including one slacker who is forced to shape up when he gets a new boss.
Series
8/10
WandaVision
WandaVision
Wanda Maximoff and Vision—two super-powered beings living idealized suburban lives—begin to suspect that everything is not as it seems.
Series
8/10
Money Heist
Money Heist
To carry out the biggest heist in history, a mysterious man called The Professor recruits a band of eight robbers who have a single characteristic: none of them has anything to lose. Five months of seclusion - memorizing every step, every d…
Series
8/10
Lucifer
Lucifer
Bored and unhappy as the Lord of Hell, Lucifer Morningstar abandoned his throne and retired to Los Angeles, where he has teamed up with LAPD detective Chloe Decker to take down criminals. But the longer he's away from the underworld, the gr…
Series
8/10
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
Beginning in a time of relative peace, we follow an ensemble cast of characters as they confront the re-emergence of evil to Middle-earth. From the darkest depths of the Misty Mountains, to the majestic forests of Lindon, to the breathtakin…
Series
7/10
Obi-Wan Kenobi
Obi-Wan Kenobi
During the reign of the Galactic Empire, former Jedi Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, embarks on a crucial mission to confront allies turned enemies and face the wrath of the Empire.
Series
7/10
Death Note
Death Note
Light Yagami is an ace student with great prospects—and he’s bored out of his mind. But all that changes when he finds the Death Note, a notebook dropped by a rogue Shinigami death god. Any human whose name is written in the notebook dies, …
Series
9/10
Two and a Half Men
Two and a Half Men
A hedonistic jingle writer's free-wheeling life comes to an abrupt halt when his brother and 10-year-old nephew move into his beach-front house.
Series
7/10
Suits
Suits
While running from a drug deal gone bad, Mike Ross, a brilliant young college-dropout, slips into a job interview with one of New York City's best legal closers, Harvey Specter. Tired of cookie-cutter law school grads, Harvey takes a gamble…
Series
8/10

FAQ

What is Lum's personality?
Lum is often very loving and devoted, but she can also be jealous and a bit mischievous.
Is Mendokusai a robot?
Mendokusai is not a robot. He is a young boy.
Who is Shinobu Miyamoto?
Shinobu Miyamoto is a classmate of Ataru and was his former girlfriend.
What is Mendokusai's personality?
Mendokusai is usually lazy and often complains.
Does Ataru love Lum?
Ataru says he loves Lum, but he also flirts with many other girls.
What is Shinobu's relationship with Ataru?
Shinobu was Ataru's girlfriend, but she broke up with him because he was unfaithful.
Who is Ten?
Ten is Lum's very young cousin who often lives with Lum and Ataru.
Did Urusei Yatsura have a final episode?
Yes, the original Urusei Yatsura anime series had a final episode.
What is Mendokusai's job?
Mendokusai does not have a job; he is a child.
Who is Mendokusai?
Mendokusai is a young boy who is friends with Lum and often visits her.
What happens in the last Urusei Yatsura episode?
The last episode shows Ataru and Lum on a date, and it ends with them continuing their chaotic adventures together.
What is Ten's role in the story?
Ten is Lum's cousin who often gets into trouble and causes chaos, sometimes helping and sometimes hindering Ataru and Lum.
Who is Lum Invader?
Lum Invader is an alien princess from the planet Oniboshi who comes to Earth and falls in love with Ataru Moroboshi.
Who is Ataru Moroboshi?
Ataru Moroboshi is the main male character, a high school student who is very unlucky and a constant womanizer.
What does Ten do?
Ten often causes trouble, eats a lot, and sometimes tries to help or hinder Lum and Ataru.
What is Ataru like as a person?
Ataru is known for being lecherous, unlucky, and a bit of a coward, but he can sometimes show kindness.
Is Lum a good character?
Lum is a popular character known for her sweetness, alien powers, and fierce devotion to Ataru.
Who is Ten's mother?
Ten's mother is not a main character and is not often mentioned or shown.
Does Shinobu like Ataru?
Shinobu used to like Ataru, but after he was unfaithful, she became more distant.
What happens to Shinobu?
Shinobu continues to be friends with Ataru and Lum, often getting caught up in their chaotic lives, and she moves on from Ataru.
Is Ten related to Lum?
Yes, Ten is Lum's young cousin.
What are Ataru's main traits?
Ataru's main traits are his womanizing, bad luck, and generally perverted nature.
What is the ending of Urusei Yatsura?
The ending shows Ataru and Lum continuing their relationship and adventures, implying their chaotic life together goes on.
What are Lum's powers?
Lum can fly, generate powerful electrical shocks, and has other alien abilities.
How does the Urusei Yatsura story end?
The story doesn't have a definitive 'end' in the traditional sense; it concludes with Ataru and Lum still together, suggesting their wild adventures continue indefinitely.
How many episodes of Urusei Yatsura are there?
The original 'Urusei Yatsura' anime series has 218 episodes. The newer series, which started in 2022, has a different episode count.
Who is Rei?
Rei is a character who appears in 'Urusei Yatsura'. He is a giant, bald alien with a cow-like pattern on his body and a fondness for food, particularly onions.
Who created Urusei Yatsura?
'Urusei Yatsura' was created by Rumiko Takahashi.
How was Urusei Yatsura made?
The 'Urusei Yatsura' anime was made by Studio Pierrot and later by Studio Deen, based on the manga by Rumiko Takahashi. The newer series is animated by David Production.
Is the new Urusei Yatsura like the old one?
The new 'Urusei Yatsura' series follows the same basic story and characters as the original but with updated animation and a slightly different tone. It adapts more of the manga than the first anime.
What is the animation style of Urusei Yatsura?
The original 'Urusei Yatsura' anime has a distinct 1980s animation style. The newer series features a more modern animation style with brighter colors and smoother movements.
Are there any Urusei Yatsura movies?
Yes, there are several 'Urusei Yatsura' movies. These include 'Only You', 'Beautiful Dreamer', 'Remember My Love', 'Lum the Forever', and 'The Final Chapter'.
What is the message of Urusei Yatsura?
'Urusei Yatsura' is primarily a comedy series, so it doesn't have a single strong message. It focuses on humor, chaotic situations, and the bizarre relationships between its characters.
What is Rei's story?
Rei is a character who is from the planet Rei. He has a complicated history and is often involved in humorous and bizarre situations due to his alien nature and his unique personality traits.
Who are Lum's friends?
Lum's close friends include Ten, Oyuki, and Benten. They are often involved in her adventures and escapades.
What is Rei's connection to Lum?
Rei is a friend of Lum. He is another alien who gets involved in the chaotic lives of the main characters.
What makes Urusei Yatsura funny?
'Urusei Yatsura' is funny because of its slapstick comedy, absurd situations, eccentric characters, and the constant misunderstandings that drive the plot.
Who are Ataru's friends?
Ataru Moroboshi doesn't have many traditional 'friends' in the series, as he is often the cause of trouble. However, characters like Cherry often interact with him, usually in a critical way.
What is the meaning behind Urusei Yatsura?
'Urusei Yatsura' is mostly about the chaotic and humorous adventures of its characters. It explores themes of love, obsession, and the absurdities of daily life in a lighthearted way.
Does Rei like Ataru?
Rei's feelings towards Ataru are not clearly defined as romantic. He is more of an acquaintance who gets caught up in the same chaotic events as Ataru and Lum.
Who are the main characters in Urusei Yatsura?
The main characters are Lum, an alien princess, and Ataru Moroboshi, a lecherous human boy. Other important characters include Shinobu, Mendou, Jariten, and Cherry.
Was Urusei Yatsura a popular show?
Yes, 'Urusei Yatsura' was a very popular show, both the manga and the anime. It was a groundbreaking work for its time and remains influential.
What is the original manga of Urusei Yatsura about?
The original manga of 'Urusei Yatsura' is about Lum, an alien princess, who falls in love with Ataru Moroboshi, a high school student. Their relationship leads to many bizarre and comedic events.
Why do people still like Urusei Yatsura today?
People still like 'Urusei Yatsura' today because of its unique humor, memorable characters, and the timeless appeal of its chaotic romantic comedy. The recent remake has also introduced it to new audiences.
When did Urusei Yatsura first come out?
The 'Urusei Yatsura' manga by Rumiko Takahashi first began serialization in 1978. The anime adaptation first aired in 1981.
What are the best Urusei Yatsura moments?
Many fans consider moments involving Lum's jealousy, Ataru's constant pursuit of other girls, and the bizarre antics of the supporting cast to be the best 'Urusei Yatsura' moments.
What is the new Urusei Yatsura series about?
The new 'Urusei Yatsura' series follows the same premise as the original, focusing on the chaotic relationship between Lum and Ataru Moroboshi, along with their eccentric friends and adversaries. It adapts more of the original manga.
Who are the important people in the show?
The most important people in the show are Lum, an alien princess, and Ataru Moroboshi, the human boy she loves. Their interactions drive the story. Other key characters include Shinobu, Mendou, Ten, and Cherry.
Does Urusei Yatsura have a happy ending?
The 'Urusei Yatsura' series, both manga and anime, is known for its ongoing, chaotic nature. It doesn't have a definitive 'happy ending' in the traditional sense, as the characters' lives remain in a state of humorous disarray.

Actors