Ōban Star-Racers (2006)
A Franco-Japanese animated adventure where a young girl enters an intergalactic race with the power to grant any wish.
Ōban Star-Racers - Series Information
- Original Title: オーバン・スターレーサーズ
- First Air Year: 2006
- Last Air Year: 2006
- Created by: Savin Yeatman-Eiffel
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Drama, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Action, Adventure
- Content Rating (US): TV-Y7
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (22 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 26
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese, French, Greek, English
- First Air Date: June 5, 2006 (United States - TV-Y7), June 5, 2006 (United Kingdom - 12), June 5, 2006 (Australia - G)
- Networks: Toon Disney, France 3, Jetix
- Production Companies: Hal Film Maker, Sav! The World Productions, Pumpkin 3D, Broadmedia Studios, Q-TEC, T2 Studio, Takahashi Productions, SynergySP, Bandai Visual, CNC, Jetix Europe, France 3
- Production Countries: France, Japan
- Alternative Titles: Τα Aστρόπλοια του Γαλαξία (GR), Oban - Cursele Stelare (RO), Oban Star-Racers (PL), Обан: Звёздные гонки (RU), Oban Star Racers (FR), オーバン・スターレーサーズ (JP), Oban Star-Racers (US), Oban csillagfutama (HU)
Ōban Star-Racers - Plot
Every 10,000 years, teams from all over the universe are gathered by the mysterious Avatar to compete in the Great Race of Ōban, a race with much more at stake than just honor or prize money. According to legend, the winner is awarded the Ultimate Prize, which is rumored to grant any wish, from large-scale destruction to, perhaps, the resurrection of a loved one. Some want it for glory, others as a way of universal domination. However, the true nature of the Prize is shrouded in mystery, and things are not what they appear to be…
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Ōban Star-Racers - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Savin Yeatman-Eiffel
Main Cast
- Chiara Zanni
- Sam Vincent
- Ron Halder
- Kirby Morrow
- Alessandro Juliani
- Michael Dobson
- Dexter Bell
- Brian Drummond
Writers
- Savin Yeatman-Eiffel
Ōban Star-Racers - FAQs
What is the Great Race of Ōban about?
The Great Race of Ōban is a cosmic competition held every 10,000 years, organized by a mysterious being called the Avatar. Teams from across the universe compete for the Ultimate Prize — a reward rumored to grant any wish, from resurrection of the dead to universal domination, though its true nature is far more complex.
Is Ōban Star-Racers worth watching?
Absolutely worth your time. Ōban Star-Racers blends French and Japanese animation styles into something genuinely unique, pairing high-speed racing action with an emotionally resonant story about family, identity, and sacrifice. Its 26-episode run is tightly paced, and the mythology surrounding the Ultimate Prize deepens beautifully as the series progresses.
Who is Molly in Ōban Star-Racers?
Molly is the alias of Eva Wei, the series' determined teenage protagonist voiced by Chiara Zanni. Raised in a boarding school after her mother's death, she sneaks into the Earth team's racing operation to reconnect with her estranged father, Don Wei — and ends up becoming a key pilot in the galactic competition.
Where can I watch Ōban Star-Racers?
Streaming availability for Ōban Star-Racers varies by region. The series originally aired on Toon Disney, France 3, and Jetix. For the most current viewing options in your area, check JustWatch, which aggregates streaming, rental, and purchase availability across platforms.
Who created Ōban Star-Racers?
Ōban Star-Racers was created by Savin Yeatman-Eiffel, who also served as the series' primary writer. The show was a Franco-Japanese co-production involving studios including Hal Film Maker, Sav! The World Productions, and Pumpkin 3D, with music composed by Taku Iwasaki.
Is Ōban Star-Racers a French or Japanese anime?
It's both. Ōban Star-Racers is a rare Franco-Japanese co-production, conceived by French creator Savin Yeatman-Eiffel and animated with Japanese studios including Hal Film Maker and SynergySP. The result is a hybrid that draws on anime storytelling traditions while carrying a distinctly European creative sensibility.
How many episodes does Ōban Star-Racers have?
The series ran for 26 episodes across a single season, with each episode averaging around 22 minutes. There is also a collection of specials catalogued separately. The single-season format gives the story a focused, cinematic arc that builds steadily toward its surprising and emotionally charged conclusion.
What are some shows similar to Ōban Star-Racers?
Fans of Ōban Star-Racers often enjoy Birdy the Mighty: Decode and Aquarion for their blend of sci-fi action and emotional depth. Infinity Train offers a similarly inventive animated adventure with strong character work, while Initial D and Bakusou Kyoudai Let's & Go!! appeal to viewers drawn to the racing and competition elements.
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