New to Tokusatsu? Watch These 5 Series Now!

Originally published on August 20, 2026. This article explains the tokusatsu genre and lists 5 popular series within it.

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Roughly translated from Japanese, “tokusatsu” means “special filming.” The term refers to live-action films and television series which are based on their use of practical special effects. Tokusatsu projects utilize costumes, claymation, makeup, model kits, and more to achieve incredible in-camera scenes. While tokusatsu is often used as an umbrella term for an entire genre, it actually primarily refers to science fiction, super hero, fantasy, and/or horror media featuring that highly popularized filming technique.

Special effects director Eiji Tsuburaya is credited for popularizing tokusatsu during a wave in contemporary Japanese media known as the “first monster boom.” From that point onward, various subgenres emerged, including kaiju, super hero, Kyodai Hero, and mecha. Modern media both in and outside of Japan often merges these subgenres in order to create epic tokusatsu entertainment such as Godzilla.

Although tokusatsu is extremely beloved in Japan, fewer international viewers engage with the genre. If you’re just getting started exploring these awesome vintage properties, welcome! Let us start you on a journey with 5 of the best and most popular tokusatsu TV shows.

Popular Tokusatsu Series:

• Ultraman
• Kamen Rider
• Fû-un Lion Maru
• Spider-Man/Supaidâman
• Mighty Morphin Power Rangers

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Ultraman

• Release Year: 1966
• Number of Episodes: 40
• Subgenre(s): Kaiju, Kyodai Hero

A human hero rises to the occasion when monsters and aliens attack Earth! Ultraman follows Shin Hayata, a member of a special defense task force called Science Patrol. As new invaders threaten the planet, he is granted the ability to change into a giant super hero during crises. Since its inception, Ultraman has inspired comics, multiple spinoffs and sequels, reboots, and live-action and animated movies.

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Kamen Rider

• Release Year: 1971
• Number of Episodes: 98
• Subgenre(s): Super Sentai

Japanese manga artist Shotaro Ishinomori created Kamen Rider. The popular super hero series later launched anime spinoffs and films, as well as decades of tokusatsu television series — with 40 seasons total and counting! Every Kamen Rider series features the titular masked riders of various origins and power sets. The motorcycle-riding super heroes generally use empowered “Driver” belts to transform and access their abilities.

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Fû-un Lion Maru

• Release Year: 1973
• Number of Episodes: 30
• Subgenre(s): Samurai, Fantasy

Like many tokusatsu series, Lion-Maru centers on one extraordinary hero, usually borne of tragedy, fighting an ultimate evil in order to enact revenge and justice. Also called Lion-Man, this historical fantasy/adventure show is set in feudal Japan. The 22-year old samurai Dan Shishimaru can transform into a super-powered anthropomorphic lion. He battles the corrupt group Mantle using a mystical katana.

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Spider-Man/Supaidâman

• Release Year: 1978
• Number of Episodes: 41
• Subgenre(s): Super Hero

This absolutely amazing Spider-Man series was technically created in collaboration with Marvel … but you won’t find Peter Parker here! Instead, this Spider-Man is a motocross racer named Takuya Yamashiro. Alongside the transforming mecha Leopardon, Spider-Man combats Professor Monster and his Iron Cross Army. That seems like a lot to process. However, it’s better to simply sit back and enjoy the ride!

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Mighty Morphin Power Rangers

• Release Year: 1993
• Number of Episodes: 145
• Subgenre(s): Super Sentai, Mecha

This is the only American TV show on our list. But make no mistake, it is heavily influenced by, and absolutely a part of, the tokusatsu genre — especially since the American show even uses stock footage from Japan’s Super Sentai series. The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers are often described as “a team of teenagers with attitude.” Each wears a distinct suit with a particular color code. All residents of Angel Grove, they come together to save their town from Rita Repulsa and Lord Zedd.

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What is your favorite tokusatsu show? Whether you’re a beginner to the genre or a certified expert, we want to know! Share your series recommendations at side.show/geekgroup or in the Sideshow Social Network. And as always, don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!