is a Japanese

superhero A superhero or superheroine is a stock character that typically possesses ''superpowers'', abilities beyond those of ordinary people, and fits the role of the hero, typically using his or her powers to help the world become a better place, ...

team

metaseries A media franchise, also known as a multimedia franchise, is a collection of related media in which several derivative works have been produced from an original creative work of fiction, such as a film, a work of literature, a television program or ...

and

media franchise A media franchise, also known as a multimedia franchise, is a collection of related media in which several derivative works have been produced from an original creative work of fiction, such as a film, a work of literature, a television program or ...

consisting of television series and films produced by

Toei Company () (also styled TOEI) is a Japanese film, television production, and distribution and video game developer and publishing company. Based in Tokyo, Toei owns and operates thirty-four movie theaters across Japan (all but two of them operated by i ...

, and

Bandai is a Japanese multinational toy manufacturer and distributor headquartered in Taitō, Tokyo. Its international branches, Bandai Namco Toys & Collectables America and Bandai UK, are respectively headquartered in Irvine, California and Richmond ...

, and aired by

TV Asahi JOEX-DTV (channel 5), branded as (also known as EX and and stylized as TV asahi), is a television station that is owned and operated by the subsidiary of certified broadcasting holding company , itself controlled by The Asahi Shimbun Compan ...

Sentai In Japanese, is a military unit and may be literally translated as " squadron", " task force", " division (of ships)", "group" or "wing". The terms "regiment" and "flotilla", while sometimes used as translations of ''sentai'', are also used t ...

" is the Japanese word for "task force" or "fighting squadron"). The shows are of the ''

tokusatsu is a Japanese term for live action film or television drama that makes heavy use of practical special effects. ''Tokusatsu'' entertainment mainly refers to science fiction, War film, war, fantasy, or Horror film, horror media featuring such te ...

'' genre, featuring live action characters and colorful special effects, and are aimed at children. ''Super Sentai'' airs alongside the '' Kamen Rider'' series in the ''

Super Hero Time is a programming block on the Japanese television network TV Asahi featuring new episodes of tokusatsu television series from the Super Sentai, Kamen Rider and Metal Heroes. Both series have decades of history and have been intertwined in the ...

'' programming block on Sunday mornings. In North America, the ''Super Sentai'' series is best known as the source material for the ''

Power Rangers ''Power Rangers'' is an entertainment and merchandising franchise built around a live-action superhero television series, based on the Japanese tokusatsu franchise '' Super Sentai''. Produced first by Saban Entertainment, second by BVS E ...

'' series.

Series overview

In every ''Super Sentai'' series, the protagonists are a team of people who – using wrist-worn or hand-held devices – transform into superheroes and gain superpowers – color-coded uniforms,

signature weapon A signature weapon (or trademark weapon or weapon of choice) is one commonly identified with a certain group or, in the case of literature, epic poems, comics, and film, where it is a popular ''trope,'' for both heroes and villains to be associat ...

s, sidearms, and fighting skills – to battle a group of otherworldly supervillains that threaten to take over the Earth. In a typical episode, the heroes thwart the enemies' plans and defeat an army of enemy soldiers and the

monster of the week "Villain of the week" (or, depending on genre, "monster of the week", "freak of the week" or "alien of the week") is an antagonist that only appears in one episode of a multi-episode work of fiction. A villain of the week is commonly seen in Brit ...

before an enlarged version of the monster confronts them, only to be defeated again when the heroes fight it with their

mecha In science fiction, or mechs are giant robots or machines controlled by people, typically depicted as humanoid walking vehicles. The term was first used in Japanese (language), Japanese after shortening the English loanword or , but the mean ...

. Each Sentai series is set in its own unique

fictional universe A fictional universe, or fictional world, is a self-consistent setting with events, and often other elements, that differ from the real world. It may also be called an imagined, constructed, or fictional realm (or world). Fictional universes may ...

; various TV, video, and film specials feature a team-up between one or more teams.

''Super Sentai'' series

The first two ''Super Sentai'' series were created by

Shotaro Ishinomori was a Japanese manga artist who became an influential figure in manga, anime, and , creating several immensely popular long-running series such as '' Cyborg 009,'' the ''Super Sentai'' series (later adapted into the ''Power Rangers'' series), ...

, then known for the 1971–1973 '' Kamen Rider'' TV series and the long-running manga ''

Cyborg 009 is a Japanese science fiction manga created by Shotaro Ishinomori. It was serialized in many different Japanese magazines, including '' Monthly Shōnen King'', ''Weekly Shōnen Magazine'', ''Shōnen Big Comic'', '' COM'', '' ...

''. He developed ''

Himitsu Sentai Gorenger is a Japanese ''tokusatsu'' superhero television series. ''Gorenger'', created by Shotaro Ishinomori, was the first in the long-running ''Super Sentai'' metaseries of ''tokusatsu'' programming. The series aired on NET (now TV Asahi) from April 5, ...

'', which ran from 1975 to 1977, and ''

J.A.K.Q. Dengekitai is the second installment in the Super Sentai metaseries. It was aired from April 8, 1977 to December 23, 1977, replacing ''Himitsu Sentai Gorenger'' and was replaced by ''Battle Fever J''. It was created by Shotaro Ishinomori, and was screened ...

'', released in 1977.

put the franchise on hiatus in 1978, collaborating with

Marvel Comics Marvel Comics is an American comic book publishing, publisher and the flagship property of Marvel Entertainment, a divsion of The Walt Disney Company since September 1, 2009. Evolving from Timely Comics in 1939, ''Magazine Management/Atlas Co ...

to produce a live-action '' Spider-Man'' series, which added giant robots to the concept of ''tokusatsu'' shows. The giant robot concept was carried over to Toei and Marvel's next show, ''

Battle Fever J is a live-action Japanese-American TV series. The third entry of the ''Super Sentai'' series franchise, ''Battle Fever J'' was a co-production of Toei Company and Marvel Comics. A total of 52 episodes aired on TV Asahi from February 3, 1979 to ...

'', released in 1979, and was then used throughout the Super Sentai series.

''Power Rangers''

In 1993, American production company

Saban Entertainment Saban Entertainment, Inc. (along with Saban International; currently operating under the legal name is BVS Entertainment, Inc.) was a worldwide-served independent American-Israeli television production company formed in 1980 by Haim Saban and ...

adapted 1992's ''

Kyōryū Sentai Zyuranger is a Japanese ''tokusatsu'' television series and the sixteenth installment in the long-running ''Super Sentai'' metaseries of superhero programs. Produced by Toei and Bandai, it aired on TV Asahi from February 21, 1992 to February 12, 1993, wi ...

'' into ''

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers ''Mighty Power Rangers'' (''MMPR'') is a superhero television series that premiered on August 28, 1993, on the Fox Kids programming block. It is the first entry of the ''Power Rangers'' franchise, and became a 1990s pop culture phenomenon along ...

'' for the

Fox Kids Fox Kids (originally known as Fox Children's Network and later as the Fox Kids Network; stylized as FOX KIDS) was an American children's block programming, programming block and branding for a slate of international children's television channel ...

programming block, combining the original Japanese action footage with new footage featuring American actors for the story sequences. Since then, nearly every ''Super Sentai'' series that followed became a new season of ''Power Rangers''. Some countries, such as France, Brazil, Thailand, and the Philippines, switched from broadcasting ''Super Sentai'' to ''Power Rangers''. In 2002, Saban sold the ''Power Rangers'' franchise to

Disney The Walt Disney Company, commonly known as Disney (), is an American multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate headquartered at the Walt Disney Studios complex in Burbank, California. Disney was originally founded on October ...

Buena Vista Buena Vista, meaning "good view" in Spanish, may refer to: Places Canada *Bonavista, Newfoundland and Labrador, with the name being originally derived from “Buena Vista” *Buena Vista, Saskatchewan *Buena Vista, Saskatoon, a neighborhood in ...

division, who owned it until 2010, broadcasting ''Power Rangers'' on ABC Kids,

ABC Family The American cable television, cable and satellite television network that is now known as Freeform (TV channel), Freeform was originally launched as the CBN Satellite Service on April 29, 1977, and has gone through several different owners (and s ...

, Jetix, and Toon Disney. On 12 May 2010, Saban bought the franchise back from Disney, moving the show to the

Nickelodeon Nickelodeon (often shortened to Nick) is an American pay television television channel, channel which launched on April 1, 1979, as the first cable channel for children. It is run by Paramount Global through its List of assets owned by Param ...

network for 2011 with ''

Power Rangers Samurai ''Power Rangers Samurai'' is the eighteenth season of the children's television series ''Power Rangers'', which is based on the Japanese ''Super Sentai Series''. The season was the first to be produced by SCG Power Rangers, after Saban Brands ( ...

''. On 1 May 2018, toy company

Hasbro Hasbro, Inc. (; a syllabic abbreviation of its original name, Hassenfeld Brothers) is an American multinational conglomerate holding company incorporated and headquartered in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Hasbro owns the trademarks and products of ...

announced they had acquired the ''Power Rangers'' franchise from Saban Capital Group for $522 million.

''Power Rangers Dino Force Brave''

''Power Rangers Dino Force Brave'' is a 2017 South Korean tokusatsu television show produced by Daewon Media, the same company which distributes the Super Sentai series in South Korea under the "Power Rangers" label. It serves as a sequel to the 2013 Super Sentai series ''Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger''.

Productions

Main series

The following is a list of the Super Sentai series and their years of broadcast:

Others

Theatrical releases

* 1975: ''

'' (Movie version of episode 6) * 1975: ''Himitsu Sentai Gorenger: The Blue Fortress'' (Movie version of episode 15) * 1976: ''Himitsu Sentai Gorenger: The Red Death Match'' (Movie version of episode 36) * 1976: ''Himitsu Sentai Gorenger: The Bomb Hurricane'' * 1976: ''Himitsu Sentai Gorenger: Fire Mountain's Final Explosion'' (Movie version of episode 54) * 1977: ''

'' (Movie version of episode 7) * 1978: '' J.A.K.Q. Dengekitai vs. Gorenger'' * 1979: ''

'' (Movie version of episode 5) * 1980: ''

Denshi Sentai Denjiman is Toei's fourth entry to its Super Sentai metaseries. It was broadcast from February 2, 1980 to January 31, 1981, replacing ''Battle Fever J'' and was replaced by ''Taiyo Sentai Sun Vulcan''. The title given to this series for international dis ...

'' * 1981: ''

Taiyo Sentai Sun Vulcan is the fifth series in Toei Company's ''Super Sentai'' tokusatsu metaseries. It was broadcast from February 7, 1981, to January 30, 1982, replacing '' Denshi Sentai Denjiman'' and was replaced by ''Dai Sentai Goggle-V''. The program first ''Sup ...

'' * 1982: ''

Dai Sentai Goggle-V is a Japanese tokusatsu television series. It was the sixth installment in Toei Company's Super Sentai metaseries of tokusatsu television dramas. It aired on TV Asahi from February 6, 1982 to January 29, 1983, replacing ''Taiyo Sentai Sun Vulcan ...

'' * 1983: ''

Kagaku Sentai Dynaman is the seventh installment of Toei Company's Super Sentai metaseries. It aired on TV Asahi from February 5, 1983, to January 28, 1984, replacing ''Dai Sentai Goggle-V'' and was replaced by ''Choudenshi Bioman'' with a total of 51 episodes. Six ...

'' * 1984: ''

Choudenshi Bioman is Toei Company's eighth installment in the Super Sentai metaseries. Its 51 episodes aired on TV Asahi from February 4, 1984 to January 26, 1985, replacing ''Kagaku Sentai Dynaman'' and was replaced by ''Dengeki Sentai Changeman'' with a movie b ...

'' * 1985: ''

Dengeki Sentai Changeman is a Japanese television series and the ninth installment of the Super Sentai metaseries. It aired from February 2, 1985 to February 22, 1986, replacing ''Choudenshi Bioman'' and was replaced by ''Choushinsei Flashman'' running for 55 episodes, ...

'' * 1985: ''Dengeki Sentai Changeman: Shuttle Base! Crisis!'' * 1986: '' Choushinsei Flashman'' * 1987: ''Choushinsei Flashman: Big Rally! Titan Boy!!'' (Movie version of episodes 15–18) * 1987: ''

Hikari Sentai Maskman is Toei's eleventh entry of the Super Sentai metaseries. It aired on TV Asahi from February 28, 1987 to February 20, 1988, replacing ''Choushinsei Flashman'' and was replaced by ''Choujyu Sentai Liveman'' with a total of 51 episodes. Its intern ...

'' * 1989: ''

Kousoku Sentai Turboranger is both the thirteenth entry of Toei Company's Super Sentai metaseries and the first title of the Heisei period. it was aired on TV Asahi on February 25, 1989, to February 23, 1990, replacing ''Choujyu Sentai Liveman'' and was replaced by '' ...

'' * 1993: ''

Gosei Sentai Dairanger is a Japanese ''tokusatsu'' television series. It was the seventeenth production in the long-running Super Sentai metaseries of television tokusatsu dramas produced by Toei Company, following '' Kyōryū Sentai Zyuranger''. It was originally br ...

'' * 1994: ''

Ninja Sentai Kakuranger is a Japanese ''tokusatsu'' television series. It was Toei Company Limited's eighteenth production of the Super Sentai metaseries. The name given to this series by Toei for international distribution is ''Ninja Rangers''. Action footage from ...

'' * 1994: '' Super Sentai World'' * 1994: ''Toei Hero Daishugō'' * 1995: ''

Chouriki Sentai Ohranger is a Japanese tokusatsu television series and the 19th installment in the long-running ''Super Sentai'' metaseries of superhero programs. It is the second ancient civilization-themed Super Sentai, preceded by ''Dai Sentai Goggle-V''. Its foota ...

'' * 2001: '' Hyakujuu Sentai Gaoranger: The Fire Mountain Roars'' * 2002: ''Ninpuu Sentai Hurricaneger: Shushutto The Movie'' * 2003: ''Bakuryū Sentai Abaranger DELUXE: Abare Summer is Freezing Cold!'' * 2004: '' Tokusou Sentai Dekaranger The Movie: Full Blast Action'' * 2005: ''Mahō Sentai Magiranger The Movie: Bride of Infershia ~Maagi Magi Giruma Jinga~'' * 2006: '' GoGo Sentai Boukenger The Movie: The Greatest Precious'' * 2007: '' Juken Sentai Gekiranger: Nei-Nei! Hou-Hou! Hong Kong Decisive Battle'' * 2008: '' Engine Sentai Go-onger: Boom Boom! Bang Bang! GekijōBang!!'' * 2009: ''

Engine Sentai Go-onger vs. Gekiranger is the second superhero film, superhero film adaptation of the 2008 Japanese Super Sentai series ''Engine Sentai Go-onger''. Initially planned to be a V-Cinema release on DVD March 21, 2009, it was announced on December 7, 2008, that it would be ...

'' * 2009: '' Samurai Sentai Shinkenger the Movie: The Fateful War'' * 2010: '' Samurai Sentai Shinkenger vs. Go-onger: GinmakuBang!!'' * 2010: '' Tensou Sentai Goseiger: Epic on the Movie'' * 2011: '' Tensou Sentai Goseiger vs. Shinkenger: Epic on Ginmaku'' * 2011: ''

Gokaiger Goseiger Super Sentai 199 Hero Great Battle is a Japanese tokusatsu superhero film originally set for release on May 21, 2011, to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Super Sentai Series. The film was directed by Noboru Takemoto and written by Naruhisa Arakawa, and primarily features th ...

'' * 2011: '' Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger the Movie: The Flying Ghost Ship'' * 2012: '' Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger vs. Space Sheriff Gavan: The Movie'' * 2012: '' Kamen Rider × Super Sentai: Super Hero Taisen'' * 2012: '' Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters the Movie: Protect the Tokyo Enetower!'' * 2013: '' Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters vs. Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger: The Movie'' * 2013: '' Kamen Rider × Super Sentai × Space Sheriff: Super Hero Taisen Z'' * 2013: '' Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger: Gaburincho of Music'' * 2014: '' Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger vs. Go-Busters: The Great Dinosaur Battle! Farewell Our Eternal Friends'' * 2014: '' Heisei Riders vs. Shōwa Riders: Kamen Rider Taisen feat. Super Sentai'' * 2014: '' Ressha Sentai ToQger the Movie: Galaxy Line S.O.S.'' * 2015: '' Ressha Sentai ToQger vs. Kyoryuger: The Movie'' * 2015: '' Super Hero Taisen GP: Kamen Rider 3'' * 2015: '' Shuriken Sentai Ninninger the Movie: The Dinosaur Lord's Splendid Ninja Scroll!'' * 2016: '' Shuriken Sentai Ninninger vs. ToQger the Movie: Ninja in Wonderland'' * 2016: '' Doubutsu Sentai Zyuohger the Movie: The Exciting Circus Panic!'' * 2017: '' Doubutsu Sentai Zyuohger vs. Ninninger the Movie: Super Sentai's Message from the Future'' * 2017: ''Kamen Rider × Super Sentai: Ultra Super Hero Taisen'' * 2017: ''Uchu Sentai Kyuranger the Movie: Gase Indaver Strikes Back'' * 2018: ''Kaitou Sentai Lupinranger VS Keisatsu Sentai Patranger en Film'' * 2019: ''Kishiryu Sentai Ryusoulger the Movie: Time Slip! Dinosaur Panic'' * 2020: ''

Kishiryu Sentai Ryusoulger VS Lupinranger VS Patranger is a 2020 Japanese film, featuring the casts of ''Kishiryu Sentai Ryusoulger'' and ''Kaitou Sentai Lupinranger VS Keisatsu Sentai Patranger'' and was double billed with the prelude film for ''Mashin Sentai Kiramager''. It was released in Japane ...

'' * 2020: ''Mashin Sentai Kiramager: Episode Zero'' * 2021: ''Mashin Sentai Kiramager The Movie: Bee-Bop Dream'' * 2021: ''Kikai Sentai Zenkaiger The Movie: Red Battle! All Sentai Rally!!'' * 2021: ''Kishiryu Sentai Ryusoulger Special Chapter: Memory of Soulmates'' * 2021: '' Saber + Zenkaiger: Superhero Senki'' * 2022: ''Avataro Sentai Donbrothers The Movie: New First Love Hero''

V-Cinema releases

* 1996: '' Chōriki Sentai Ohranger: Ohré vs. Kakuranger'' * 1997: '' Gekisou Sentai Carranger vs. Ohranger'' * 1998: '' Denji Sentai Megaranger vs. Carranger'' * 1999: ''

Seijuu Sentai Gingaman vs. Megaranger is a Japanese tokusatsu television series. It is Toei's 22nd entry of the ''Super Sentai'' metaseries. The series aired from February 22, 1998, to February 14, 1999. Its footage was used in ''Power Rangers Lost Galaxy''. The lead screenwriter f ...

'' * 1999: '' Kyuukyuu Sentai GoGoFive: Sudden Shock! A New Warrior!'' * 2000: '' Kyuukyuu Sentai GoGoFive vs. Gingaman'' * 2001: ''

Mirai Sentai Timeranger vs. GoGoFive is a Japanese ''tokusatsu'' television series and the 24th series in Toei's Super Sentai metaseries. Footage from this series was used in the American production ''Power Rangers Time Force''. The opening narration of the series announces, . ' ...

'' * 2001: '' Hyakujuu Sentai Gaoranger vs. Super Sentai'' * 2003: '' Ninpuu Sentai Hurricaneger vs. Gaoranger'' * 2004: '' Bakuryū Sentai Abaranger vs. Hurricaneger'' * 2005: '' Tokusou Sentai Dekaranger vs. Abaranger'' * 2006: '' Mahō Sentai Magiranger vs. Dekaranger'' * 2007: ''

GoGo Sentai Boukenger vs. Super Sentai is a Japanese superhero crossover film between GoGo Sentai Boukenger and the Super Sentai series, serving to commemorate the franchise's 30th anniversary. In the film, the Boukengers ally with their predecessors to defeat a Time Demon. Plot Th ...

'' * 2008: ''

Juken Sentai Gekiranger vs. Boukenger is Toei Company's thirty-first entry in the ''Super Sentai'' metaseries. Production began on September 29, 2006 with principal photography beginning on October 6, 2006. It premiered on February 18, 2007 on TV Asahi's 2007 ''Super Hero Time'' prog ...

'' * 2010: ''

Samurai Sentai Shinkenger Returns is a V-Cinema release for the 33rd entry in the Super Sentai Series ''Samurai Sentai Shinkenger''. It was released on DVD for rental on June 11, 2010, and for sale on June 21, 2010. An original soundtrack for the V-Cinema was released on April 28, ...

'' * 2011: ''

Tensou Sentai Goseiger Returns is a V-Cinema release for ''Tensou Sentai Goseiger'', serving as an epilogue for the series, prior to the Legendary War in the series' successor ''Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger''. The direct-to-video film was released on July 21, 2011. Plot After wipi ...

'' * 2013: ''

Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters Returns vs. Dōbutsu Sentai Go-Busters is Japanese tokusatsu drama and the 36th entry in Toei Company's Super Sentai metaseries, following ''Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger''. Its theme is based on spy movies and cyber technology and premiered on February 26, 2012 on TV Asahi, joining ''Kame ...

'' * 2013: '' Ninpuu Sentai Hurricaneger: 10 Years After'' * 2014: '' Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger: 100 Years After'' * 2015: '' Ressha Sentai ToQger Returns'' * 2015: '' Tokusou Sentai Dekaranger: 10 Years After'' * 2016: '' Shuriken Sentai Ninninger Returns'' * 2017: '' Doubutsu Sentai Zyuohger Returns: Give Me Your Life! Earth Champion Tournament'' * 2017: '' Space Squad: Uchuu Keiji Gavan vs. Tokusou Sentai Dekaranger'' * 2017: ''Uchu Sentai Kyuranger: Episode of Stinger'' * 2018: '' Uchu Sentai Kyuranger vs. Space Squad'' * 2018: '' Engine Sentai Go-Onger: 10 Years Grand Prix'' * 2019: ''

Lupinranger VS Patranger VS Kyuranger is a crossover V-Cinema release featuring the casts of ''Kaitou Sentai Lupinranger VS Keisatsu Sentai Patranger'' and ''Uchu Sentai Kyuranger''. It was released in Japanese theaters on May 3, 2019, and on DVD and Blu-ray on August 21, 2019. Plot ...

'' * 2021: '' Kiramager VS Ryusoulger The Movie'' * 2021: '' Kaizoku Sentai: Ten Gokaiger'' * 2022: ''

Kikai Sentai Zenkaiger vs. Kiramager vs. Senpaiger Kikai is a Japanese name and may refer to: Places in Japan * Kikai Caldera, Ōsumi Islands of Kagoshima Prefecture *Kikai Island, one the Amami Islands *Kikai, Kagoshima, a town on Kikaijima, Kagoshima Prefecture Other uses *Kikai language The ...

'' * 2023: '' Ninpuu Sentai Hurricaneger Degozaru! Shushuuto 20th Anniversary'' * 2023: '' Bakuryu Sentai Abaranger 20th: The Unforgivable Abare'' * 2023: '' Avataro Sentai Donbrothers VS Zenkaiger The Movie''

''Televi Magazine'' releases

The following releases were on Super Video or Special DVD bundled with special issues of

Kodansha is a Japanese privately-held publishing company headquartered in Bunkyō, Tokyo. Kodansha is the largest Japanese publishing company, and it produces the manga magazines ''Nakayoshi'', ''Afternoon'', ''Evening'', ''Weekly Shōnen Magazine'' an ...

's ''Televi Magazine'': * 1992: ''Kyoryu Sentai Zyuranger Dino Video'' * 1994: ''Ninja Sentai Kakuranger Super Video: The Hidden Scroll'' * 1995: ''Chōriki Sentai Ohranger Member Notebook'' * 1996: ''Gekisou Sentai Carranger Super Video'' * 1997: ''Denji Sentai Megaranger Super Video: You Can Be One Too! A Mega Hero'' * 1998: ''Seijuu Sentai Gingaman Super Video: The Secret Fruit of Wisdom'' * 1999: ''Kyuukyuu Sentai GoGoFive: Five Lessons of Rescue Spirits'' * 2000: ''Mirai Sentai Timeranger Super Video: All the Strongest Hero Secrets'' * 2001: ''Hyakujuu Sentai Gaoranger Super Video: Showdown! Gaoranger vs. GaoSilver'' * 2002: ''Ninpuu Sentai Hurricaneger Super Video: Super Ninja vs Super Kuroko'' * 2003: ''Bakuryū Sentai Abaranger Super Video: All Bakuryuu Roaring Laughter Battle'' * 2004: ''Tokusou Sentai Dekaranger Super Video: Super-Special Technique Showdown! DekaRed vs. DekaBreak'' * 2005: ''Mahō Sentai Magiranger Special DVD: Great Presentation! The Super Magic of the Gold Grip Phone ~Goru Gooru Goo Goo~'' * 2007: ''Juken Sentai Gekiranger Special DVD: Gyun-Gyun! Fist Sage Great Athletic Meet'' * 2008: ''Engine Sentai Go-Onger Special DVD: It's a Seminar! Everyone GO-ON!!'' * 2009: ''Samurai Sentai Shinkenger Special DVD: The Light Samurai's Surprise Transformation'' * 2010: ''Tensou Sentai Goseiger Special DVD: Gotcha☆Miracle! Total Gathering Collection'' * 2011: ''Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger Special DVD: Let's Do This Goldenly! Roughly! 36 Round Gokai Change!!'' * 2012: ''Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters vs. Beet Buster vs. J'' * 2013: ''Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger: It's Here! Armed On Midsummer Festival!!'' * 2014: ''Ressha Sentai ToQger: Farewell, Ticket! The Wasteland Super ToQ Battle!'' * 2015: ''Shuriken Sentai Ninninger: Aka Ninger vs. Star Ninger Hundred Nin Battle!'' * 2018: ''Kaitou Sentai Lupinranger VS Keisatsu Sentai Patranger: Girlfriends Army''

Distribution

Although the Super Sentai series originated in Japan, various Sentai series have been imported and dubbed in other languages for broadcast in several other countries.

Europe

Bioman is Toei Company's eighth installment in the Super Sentai metaseries. Its 51 episodes aired on TV Asahi from February 4, 1984 to January 26, 1985, replacing ''Kagaku Sentai Dynaman'' and was replaced by ''Dengeki Sentai Changeman'' with a movie b ...

'', '' Flashman'', '' Maskman'', ''

Liveman is the twelfth entry of Toei Company's Super Sentai metaseries. The last Super Sentai title of the Shōwa Era, it aired on TV Asahi from February 27, 1988 to February 18, 1989, replacing ''Hikari Sentai Maskman'' and was replaced by ''Kousoku Se ...

'', ''

Turboranger is both the thirteenth entry of Toei Company's Super Sentai metaseries and the first title of the Heisei period. it was aired on TV Asahi on February 25, 1989, to February 23, 1990, replacing ''Choujyu Sentai Liveman'' and was replaced by ' ...

'', ''

Fiveman is a Japanese Tokusatsu television series. It was Toei Company's fourteenth installment of the ''Super Sentai'' metaseries. It aired on TV Asahi from March 2, 1990 to February 8, 1991, with a total of 48 episodes. The name given by Toei for inte ...

'', and '' Jetman'' were broadcast in

France France (), officially the French Republic ( ), is a country primarily located in Western Europe. It also comprises of Overseas France, overseas regions and territories in the Americas and the Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic, Pacific Ocean, Pac ...

in the 1980s and early 1990s, with ''Maskman'' and ''Liveman'' marketed as ''Bioman 2'' and ''Bioman 3'', respectively. Additionally, ''Liveman'', ''Turboranger'', ''Fiveman'' and ''Jetman'' were broadcast in

Spain , image_flag = Bandera de España.svg , image_coat = Escudo de España (mazonado).svg , national_motto = ''Plus ultra'' (Latin)(English: "Further Beyond") , national_anthem = (English: "Royal March") , i ...

and

Portugal Portugal, officially the Portuguese Republic ( pt, República Portuguesa, links=yes ), is a country whose mainland is located on the Iberian Peninsula of Southwestern Europe, and whose territory also includes the Atlantic archipelagos of ...

. '' Denjiman'' and '' Goggle-V'' were broadcast in

Italy Italy ( it, Italia ), officially the Italian Republic, ) or the Republic of Italy, is a country in Southern Europe. It is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, and its territory largely coincides with the homonymous geographical re ...

. In addition, some episodes of ''Bioman'' and ''Turboranger'' were released on VHS in

Greece Greece,, or , romanized: ', officially the Hellenic Republic, is a country in Southeast Europe. It is situated on the southern tip of the Balkans, and is located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Greece shares land borders with ...

. In 1985, Bioman became the first Super Sentai series to be aired in the

United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Europe, off the north-western coast of the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotland, Wales and North ...

. By the early 1990s, the Sentai broadcasts were replaced by ''Power Rangers''.

South Korea

Super Sentai has been broadcast in

South Korea South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea (ROK), is a country in East Asia, constituting the southern part of the Korea, Korean Peninsula and sharing a Korean Demilitarized Zone, land border with North Korea. Its western border is formed ...

, dubbed in Korean. The first such series was ''Choushinsei Flashman'' which aired as ''Jigu Bangwidae Flash Man'' (''Earth Defence Squadron Flashman''), released in video format in 1989 by the Daeyung Panda video company; this was followed by ''Hikari Sentai Maskman'' and ''Chodenshi Bioman''. Throughout the 1990s, ''Dai Sentai Goggle Five'', ''Dengeki Sentai Changeman'', ''Choujyu Sentai Liveman'', and ''Kousoku Sentai Turboranger'' were also released in video format. In the 2000s and early 2010s,

Tooniverse Tooniverse (; portmanteau short for ''Cartoon Universe'') is a cartoon and anime channel broadcast by CJ ENM E&M Division (formerly On-Media), in South Korea. Tooniverse commenced airing in December 1995 and is currently one of the leading anim ...

(formerly Orion Cartoon Network), JEI-TV (Jaeneung Television), Champ TV/Anione TV (Daewon Broadcasting), Cartoon Network South Korea, and Nickelodeon South Korea have broadcast Super Sentai series a year following their original Japanese broadcast, but have changed the titles to "Power Rangers". Recently, there have been broadcasts of ''Bakuryuu Sentai Abaranger'', ''Tokusou Sentai Dekaranger'', ''Mahō Sentai Magiranger'', ''GoGo Sentai Boukenger'', ''Juken Sentai Gekiranger'', ''Engine Sentai Go-onger'', ''Hyakujuu Sentai Gaoranger'', ''Tensou Sentai Goseiger'', ''Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger'', ''Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters'', ''Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger'', ''Ressha Sentai ToQger'', ''Shuriken Sentai Ninninger'', ''Doubutsu Sentai Zyuohger'', ''Uchu Sentai Kyuranger'', ''Kishiryu Sentai Ryusoulger,'' ''Kaitou Sentai Lupinranger VS Keisatsu Sentai Patranger,'' ''Kikai Sentai Zenkaiger'' and ''Avataro Sentai Donbrothers'' under the titles of ''Power Rangers Dino Thunder'', ''Power Rangers S.P.D.'', ''Power Rangers Magic Force'', ''Power Rangers Treasure Force'', ''Power Rangers Wild Spirits'', ''Power Rangers Engine Force'', ''Power Rangers Jungle Force'', ''Power Rangers Miracle Force'', ''Power Rangers Captain Force'', ''Power Rangers Go-Busters'', ''Power Rangers Dino Force'', ''Power Rangers Train Force'', ''Power Rangers Ninja Force'', ''Power Rangers Animal Force'', ''Power Rangers Galaxy Force'', ''Power Rangers Dino Soul'' ''Power Rangers Lupin Force VS Patrol Force, Power Rangers Zenkaiger'' and ''Power Rangers Donbrothers'' , respectively. Furthermore, ''Power Rangers Dino Force'' has the South Korea-exclusive sequel called ''

Power Rangers Dino Force Brave ''Power Rangers Dino Force Brave'' () is a 2017 South Korean tokusatsu television show produced by Daewon Media, the same company which distributes the Super Sentai Series in South Korea under the "Power Rangers" label despite being unrelated to ...

''. Currently South Korea is re airing ''Power Rangers Animal Force'' and airing ''Power Rangers Donbrothers''.

Latin America

'' Choushinsei Flashman'' and ''

Choujyu Sentai Liveman is the twelfth entry of Toei Company's Super Sentai metaseries. The last Super Sentai title of the Shōwa Era, it aired on TV Asahi from February 27, 1988 to February 18, 1989, replacing '' Hikari Sentai Maskman'' and was replaced by ''Kousoku S ...

'' were broadcast in

Bolivia , image_flag = Bandera de Bolivia (Estado).svg , flag_alt = Horizontal tricolor (red, yellow, and green from top to bottom) with the coat of arms of Bolivia in the center , flag_alt2 = 7 × 7 square p ...

Ecuador Ecuador ( ; ; Quechua: ''Ikwayur''; Shuar: ''Ecuador'' or ''Ekuatur''), officially the Republic of Ecuador ( es, República del Ecuador, which literally translates as "Republic of the Equator"; Quechua: ''Ikwadur Ripuwlika''; Shuar: ''Eku ...

and

Peru , image_flag = Flag of Peru.svg , image_coat = Escudo nacional del Perú.svg , other_symbol = Great Seal of the State , other_symbol_type = Seal (emblem), National seal , national_motto = "Fi ...

in the early 1990s, and as reruns in the early 2000s. ''Flashman'' arrived with Spanish dubbing done in

Brazil Brazil ( pt, Brasil; ), officially the Federative Republic of Brazil (Portuguese: ), is the largest country in both South America and Latin America. At and with over 217 million people, Brazil is the world's fifth-largest country by area ...

and ''Liveman'' in

Venezuela Venezuela (; ), officially the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela ( es, link=no, República Bolivariana de Venezuela), is a country on the northern coast of South America, consisting of a continental landmass and many islands and islets in th ...

. ''

'', ''Flashman'', '' Maskman'' and ''

Goggle V is a Japanese tokusatsu television series. It was the sixth installment in Toei Company's Super Sentai metaseries of tokusatsu television dramas. It aired on TV Asahi from February 6, 1982 to January 29, 1983, replacing '' Taiyo Sentai Sun Vul ...

'' were broadcast in Brazil. The first season to air was ''Changeman'' in 1988, on

TV Manchete Rede Manchete (; lit.: Headline Network; also known as TV Manchete or only Manchete) was a Brazilian television network that was founded in Rio de Janeiro on 5 June 1983 by the Ukrainian-Brazilian journalist and businessman Adolpho Bloch. The ne ...

(now RedeTV), and caused a tremendous impact in its time, considered a cult classic. In the early 1990s, the ''Sentai'' broadcasts in Latin America were replaced by ''Power Rangers''.

United States

After

Honolulu Honolulu (; ) is the capital and largest city of the U.S. state of Hawaii, which is in the Pacific Ocean. It is an unincorporated county seat of the consolidated City and County of Honolulu, situated along the southeast coast of the island ...

's KIKU-TV had success with '' Android Kikaider'' (marketed as ''Kikaida'') and ''

Kamen Rider V3 is a Japanese tokusatsu television series. It is the second installment in the popular Kamen Rider Series, and the direct sequel to the original '' Kamen Rider''. It was a joint collaboration between Ishimori Productions and Toei, and was shown ...

'' in the 1970s, multiple Super Sentai series, including ''Himitsu Sentai Gorenger'' and ''

'', were brought to the Hawaiian market, broadcast in Japanese with English subtitles by JN Productions. In 1985,

produced a pilot for an American adaptation of ''Taiyo Sentai Sun Vulcan'', but the show was rejected by the major US TV networks. In 1986,

Saban Productions Saban Entertainment, Inc. (along with Saban International; currently operating under the legal name is BVS Entertainment, Inc.) was a worldwide-served independent American-Israeli television production company formed in 1980 by Haim Saban and S ...

produced a pilot for an American adaptation of ''Choudenshi Bioman'' titled ''Bio Man''. In 1987, some episodes of ''

'' were dubbed and aired as a parody on the

USA Network USA Network (simply USA) is an American basic cable television channel owned by the NBCUniversal Television and Streaming division of Comcast's NBCUniversal through NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment. It was originally launched in 1977 as Madison ...

television show '' Night Flight''. Starting in 1993, footage from ''Super Sentai'' was extensively used in the American-produced ''

'' franchise. On 25 July 2014, Shout! Factory announced that they would release ''Zyuranger'' on DVD in the United States. Since then, Shout! has been the official distributor of ''Super Sentai'' DVDs in North America, and as of 2019 has released all subsequent series up to ''Hurricaneger'', plus ''Jetman''. After ''Jetman'', a release was announced of the series ''Fiveman'', but was put on hiatus due to Hasbro's acquisition of the ''Power Rangers'' franchise. In June 2022, it was announced they would resume production/distribution of Super Sentai DVD sets in North America, beginning with ''Fiveman''. Beginning in 2016, Super Sentai episodes would be available

on demand On-demand or on demand may refer to: Manufacturing * Build-on-demand * Just-in-time manufacturing, a methodology for production * Print on demand, printing technology and business process in which new copies of a document are not printed until an ...

on ShoutFactoryTV.com. These episodes can only be viewed in North America.

Merchandise

Bandai Namco also known as the Bandai Namco Group and generally Bandai Namco, is a Japanese multinational holding company, production enterprise and entertainment conglomerate headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, formed from the merger of Bandai and Namco on S ...

has sold ''Super Sentai'' shape-changing model robots since 1979.

Parody and homage

The Super Sentai Series has been parodied and emulated in various ways throughout the world. The term "Sentai" is also occasionally used to describe shows with premises like the Super Sentai Series.

''Dai-Nippon''

Gainax produced a Japanese fan film called in 1982 as a homage to the Super Sentai franchise.

''Sport Ranger''

The

Thai Thai or THAI may refer to: * Of or from Thailand, a country in Southeast Asia ** Thai people, the dominant ethnic group of Thailand ** Thai language, a Tai-Kadai language spoken mainly in and around Thailand *** Thai script *** Thai (Unicode block ...

TV series '' Sport Ranger'', another homage to Super Sentai, aired in 2006.

''France Five''

''Jushi Sentai France Five'' (later known as ''Shin Kenjushi France Five'') is a French online mini-series that was released in six installments from 2000 to 2013. The series was so popular in Japan that

Akira Kushida , is a Japanese vocalist who is well known for his work in the soundtracks for anime and tokusatsu productions, most notably ''Taiyou Sentai Sun Vulcan'', ''Kinnikuman'', and '' Space Sheriff Gavan''. His nickname from his fans is . His real give ...

recorded its second opening theme.

''Legendary Armor Samurai Troopers''

Known as Ronin Warriors in the English dub, this anime involved five young warriors each in possession of mystical armor and weapons which allowed them to transform into more powerful forms in the manner of Super Sentai.

''Sailor Moon''

Naoko Takeuchi used the ''Super Sentai'' Series as inspiration for the creation of the Sailor Soldiers in ''Sailor Moon''.

''Digimon Frontier''

The fourth entry of the Digimon anime involved five young kids (eventually six) to gain Digivices known as D-tectors which contained the spirits of ancient heroes known as the Ten Legendary Warriors that allowed them to transform into Digimon forms to fight off monsters in a manner reminiscent of Super Sentai.

''Jeanne d'Arc''

The Jeanne d'Arc PSP game made by Level 5 which depicts the title character (voiced by

Kari Wahlgren Kari Wahlgren (born July 13, 1977) is an American actress who has provided English-language voices for animated movies, TV series, and video games. She got her start in anime voice-overs as Haruko Haruhara in '' FLCL'', and would later land ma ...

) in a fantasy universe based on the historical story has her and certain others with the power to transform into armored warriors akin to Super Sentai.

''Kingdom Hearts''

The PSP prequel entry to the Kingdom Hearts video game franchise made by Square-Enix involves the main characters (Terra, Aqua, and Ventus) transforming into magical armor akin to Super Sentai.

''Sparanger''

As part of the ''Omoikkiri Ii!! TV'' television program, a series of features was produced on various spas and onsen around Japan titled . This featured ''tokusatsu'' and drama actors

Takashi Hagino is a Japanese actor. He is noted for his roles in ''tokusatsu'' dramas, such as the lead role in and his supporting role in as the psychopath Takeshi Asakura, known as Kamen Rider Ouja. Television roles Tokusatsu *''Choukou Senshi Changérí ...

(Changéríon of ''

Choukou Senshi Changéríon is a ''tokusatsu'' series created by Toei Company. The series aired from April 3, 1996, to December 25, 1996. It was originally planned to run for a full 52 episodes before being cut down to 39 due to low ratings. Plot The DarkZide stealthily a ...

'' and

Kamen Rider Ouja is a Japanese tokusatsu series that serves as the 12th installment in the ''Kamen Rider'' franchise and the third entry in the Heisei era. The series follows idealist journalist Shinji Kido as he attempts to stop the violent Rider War from clai ...

of '' Kamen Rider Ryuki'') as , Kento Handa (

Kamen Rider Faiz is a Japanese tokusatsu television drama. It is the 13th installment in the Kamen Rider Series. It is a joint collaboration between Ishinomori Productions and Toei, and was broadcast on TV Asahi from January 26, 2003, to January 18, 2004. This s ...

of ''

Kamen Rider 555 is a Japanese tokusatsu television drama. It is the 13th installment in the Kamen Rider Series. It is a joint collaboration between Ishinomori Productions and Toei Company, Toei, and was broadcast on TV Asahi from January 26, 2003, to January 18, ...

'') as ,

Kengo Ohkuchi is a former Japanese actor born in Kagoshima Prefecture. He is 180 cm tall and weighs 62 kg. He specializes in Shorinji Kempo. Ohkuchi is best known for playing Emperor Z, the main villain of the Tokusatsu series '' Ressha Sentai ToQg ...

(Emperor Z of '' Ressha Sentai ToQger'') as , Masashi Mikami (Bouken Blue in ''

GoGo Sentai Boukenger is the 30th series in Toei's Super Sentai series, a metaseries of Japanese tokusatsu programming. It was the first installment to be broadcast in the 16:9 aspect ratio. It premiered on February 19, 2006, at 7:30 JST on TV Asahi's 2006 ''Super ...

'') as , and Kohei Murakami (

Kamen Rider Kaixa ''Kamen Rider 555'' is a Japanese tokusatsu drama that serves as the 13th installment in the ''Kamen Rider'' franchise and the fourth entry in the Heisei era. The series follows loner, Takumi Inui, and Yuji Kiba, who died and became a monstrous O ...

in ''Kamen Rider 555'') as .

''EA's Rock''

In 2013, Gainax produced , a 13-episode miniseries of live-action shorts which parodied the Super Sentai Series. The series' characters are all former members of a fighting group called . ''EA's Rock'' is broadcast on the Tōmeihan Net 6

Japanese Association of Independent Television Stations The Japanese Association of Independent Television Stations (JAITS) is a group of Japan's reception fee-free commercial terrestrial television stations which are not members of the major national television networks. The association was establish ...

as well as Nico Nico Douga.

''Akibaranger''

is a Toei-produced parody series that premiered in April 2012 on

BS Asahi JOEX-DTV (channel 5), branded as (also known as EX and and stylized as TV asahi), is a television station that is owned and operated by the subsidiary of certified broadcasting holding company , itself controlled by The Asahi Shimbun Compa ...

and

Tokyo MX JOMX-DTV, branded as Tokyo MX (officially stylized as TOKYO MX), is an independent television station in Tokyo, Japan, owned by the . It is the only television station that exclusively serves the city. It competes with Nippon TV, TV Asahi, NH ...

. ''Akibaranger'' is made for adult fans who were fans of the Super Sentai Series as children. The story features three

otaku is a Japanese word that describes people with consuming interests, particularly in anime, manga, video games, or computers. Its contemporary use originated with a 1983 essay by Akio Nakamori in '' Manga Burikko''. may be used as a pejorat ...

who live in the Akihabara district of Tokyo who receive technology from a scientist to fight an evil threat that at first only exists in their delusions, but eventually starts materializing itself in the real world. Like ''Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger'', ''Akibaranger'' features guest appearances by veteran Super Sentai actors (as themselves rather than their characters), and voice actors and musicians who have worked in anime and ''tokusatsu''. A second season aired in April 2013.

''Bleach''

The manga/anime franchise Bleach has referenced Super Sentai twice. First with Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck and her Fracción (Dondochakka Birstanne, Pesche Guatiche, and Bawabawa) taking Sentai poses and introductions when they first encounter the protagonists in Hueco Mundo. The second is when Kisuke Urahara establishes the team of Karakura Raizer (lead by Kon) to protect Karakura Town in the heroes' absence, with their powers and introductions clearly inspired from Super Sentai teams.

''Love After World Domination''

The manga/anime series Love After World Domination is a satire on the Super Sentai genre, with a team of multi-color heroes who can don spandex power suits to fight against an organization bent on world domination.

''Dragon Ball''

Akira Toriyama was inspired to create the Ginyu Force for the ''Dragon Ball'' manga after seeing his children watch ''Super Sentai''.

''Yu-Gi-Oh!''

The anime series ''

Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS is a Japanese anime series animated by Gallop. It is the sixth main anime series in the ''Yu-Gi-Oh!'' franchise. The series aired in Japan on TV Tokyo from May 10, 2017 to September 25, 2019. It was simulcast outside of Asia by Crunchyroll ...

'' (2017) pays homage to the ''Super Sentai'' series, with the character Shima occasionally performing Sentai moves. The English dub adds a joke referring to a Sentai move as "the dab", referencing how the dab dance move in 2010s

American popular culture The culture of the United States of America is primarily of Western, and European origin, yet its influences includes the cultures of Asian American, African American, Latin American, and Native American peoples and their cultures. The U ...

has a striking resemblance to Sentai moves that have appeared in the ''Super Sentai'' series since the 1970s (and the localised ''

'' series since the 1990s).

''One Piece''

Germa 66's Vinsmoke commanders bear a resemblance to Super Sentai series, as they bear similar color-coded designs and

epithet An epithet (, ), also byname, is a descriptive term (word or phrase) known for accompanying or occurring in place of a name and having entered common usage. It has various shades of meaning when applied to seemingly real or fictitious people, di ...

s: Reiju is "Poison Pink", Ichiji "Sparking Red", Niji "Electric Blue", Yonji "Winch Green", and Sanji "Stealth Black". These colors are also prominently incorporated into their clothing and hair color (except for Sanji). The Red/Blue/Pink/Green team alignment matches that of ''

'', the first and only Sentai squad which started with four members. The clone soldiers used by the Germa likewise resemble the various foot soldiers used by the villains in Sentai series.

''Pretty Cure''

The Pretty Cure franchise largely resembles Super Sentai as a tokusatsu-style magical girl series with varying teams of girls over the years, as well as the fact that it is long-aired alongside Super Sentai on TV on Sunday mornings.

References

External links

Official Super Sentai Website

Bandai's Super Sentai website

{{Subject bar , portal1=1970s, portal2=1980s, portal3=1990s, portal4=2000s, portal5=2010s, portal7=Television, commons=y , d=y Bandai brands Fiction about size change Japanese children's television series Mass media franchises introduced in 1975 Superhero television shows Toei tokusatsu