Gunbuster (1988)
A landmark mecha anime OVA series from GAINAX, following young pilots who battle a relentless alien threat across the cosmos.
Gunbuster - Series Information
- Original Title: トップをねらえ！
- First Air Year: 1988
- Last Air Year: 2006
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, War, Politics
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 28 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: October 7, 1988 (Canada - 18+), October 7, 1988 (Australia - MA 15+)
- Alternative Titles: トップをねらえ2！ (JP), Gunbuster 2: Diebuster (US), 飞越巅峰 (HK), Top o Nerae! GunBuster (KR), 飞跃巅峰 (CN)
- Production Companies: GAINAX, Studio Fantasia
- Production Countries: Japan
Gunbuster - Plot
In the near future, humanity has taken its first steps towards journeying into the far reaches of the galaxy. Upon doing so they discover a huge race of insectoid aliens known as "Space Monsters." These aliens seem dedicated to the eradication of mankind as they near closer and closer to discovering Earth. In response, humanity develops giant fighting robots piloted by hand-picked youth from around the world. Shortly after the discovery of the aliens, Noriko Takaya, the daughter of a famous deceased space captain, enters a training school despite her questionable talents as a pilot. There, she meets her polar opposite, the beautiful and talented Kazumi Amano, and is unexpectedly made to work together with her as they attempt to overcome the trauma of war as well as their own emotions.
Gunbuster - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a glimpse of the epic mecha battles that await:
Aim for the Top!
Where to Watch Gunbuster
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Gunbuster - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Noriko Hidaka
- Rei Sakuma
- Maria Kawamura
- Norio Wakamoto
- Tamio Ohki
- Kazuki Yao
- Maaya Sakamoto
- Mitsuo Iwata
- Miyuki Sawashiro
- Yukari Fukui
Writers
- Toshio Okada
- Hiroyuki Yamaga
- Yoji Enokido
- Hideaki Anno
Gunbuster - FAQs
What is Gunbuster about?
Gunbuster follows Noriko Takaya, daughter of a legendary space captain, who trains to pilot a giant robot against a devastating race of insectoid aliens threatening humanity. Alongside the gifted Kazumi Amano, she must confront the psychological toll of war and her own self-doubt across two OVA series.
Where can you stream Gunbuster?
Gunbuster is available to stream on Crunchyroll with a subscription. For a full list of current viewing options in your region, including any additional platforms or rental services, check JustWatch for up-to-date availability.
How does time dilation affect the story of Gunbuster?
Time dilation is central to Gunbuster's emotional core. Because the pilots travel at near-light speeds, years pass on Earth while only days pass for them. Noriko returns from missions to find friends and loved ones aged or gone, giving the series a profound, melancholic weight rarely seen in mecha anime.
Is Gunbuster 2 a direct sequel to the original?
Gunbuster 2: Diebuster, released in 2004–2006, is a spiritual sequel set thousands of years after the original. It features an entirely new cast and a fresh visual style by director Kazuya Tsurumaki, though it shares thematic DNA with the original and delivers a deeply satisfying connection in its finale.
How many episodes does Gunbuster have?
Gunbuster comprises 12 main episodes across two seasons: Season 1 (Gunbuster) contains 6 episodes released from 1988 to 1989, and Season 2 (Gunbuster 2: Diebuster) contains 6 episodes released from 2004 to 2006. There are also 14 additional special episodes available.
When did Gunbuster first air?
The original Gunbuster OVA series first released on October 7, 1988. It was produced by GAINAX and Studio Fantasia as a direct-to-video original video animation, with the sequel series Gunbuster 2: Diebuster following in 2004 and concluding in 2006.
Who are the main voice actors in Gunbuster?
The principal voice cast includes Noriko Hidaka as Noriko Takaya, Rei Sakuma as Kazumi Amano, Maria Kawamura as Jung Freud, and Norio Wakamoto as Coach Oota. The sequel series features Maaya Sakamoto as Lal'C Melk Mark and Yukari Fukui as Nono.
What are shows similar to Gunbuster?
Fans of Gunbuster often enjoy SSSS.GRIDMAN for its GAINAX-inspired mecha action, Baccano! for its unconventional narrative structure, and Welcome to the N-H-K for its introspective character drama. Gunsmith Cats and The Tatami Galaxy are also frequently recommended for fans of classic anime storytelling.
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