Ultraman (1966)
The legendary Japanese tokusatsu series that launched a global franchise, pitting a merged human-alien hero against terrifying giant monsters.
Ultraman - Series Information
- Original Title: ウルトラマン
- First Air Year: 1966
- Last Air Year: 1967
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Mystery
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (25 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 39
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: July 17, 1966 (United States - TV-PG)
- Networks: TBS
- Alternative Titles: 初代奥特曼 (CN), Ultraman A Special Effects Fantasy Series (US)
- Production Companies: Tsuburaya Productions, Tokyo Laboratory
- Production Countries: Japan
Ultraman - Plot
Hayata is a member of the Science Patrol, an organization tasked with investigating bizarre anomalies. He is mortally wounded when accidently encountering an alien being from Land of Light, who grants Hayata new life as the two are merged into one. Now, whenever a threat arises that is too great for the Science Patrol to handle, Hayata activates the beta capsule and becomes the hero known as Ultraman.
Ultraman - Trailer
Preview the classic series that started it all with this archival featurette.
Watch Ultraman video on YouTube ↗
Protector of the Universe.
Where to Watch Ultraman
Looking for where to watch Ultraman?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Ultraman - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Bin Furuya
- Susumu Kurobe
- Akiji Kobayashi
- Sandayuu Dokumamushi
- Hiroko Sakurai
- Masaya Nihei
- Akihide Tsuzawa
- Akihiko Hirata
- Koji Ishizaka
- Hikaru Urano
Writers
- Tetsuo Kinjo
- Masahiro Yamada
- Mamoru Sasaki
- Keisuke Fujikawa
- Masaji Nonagase
Ultraman - FAQs
Where can you stream Ultraman (1966)?
Ultraman (1966) is available to stream for free on The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, Tubi TV, and Plex. It can also be purchased digitally on Fandango At Home. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date streaming availability in your region.
Is Ultraman the first series in the franchise?
Ultraman (1966) is the second entry in the Ultra Series, following Ultra Q (1966), but it is the first to feature the iconic giant superhero. It established the core formula — Science Patrol, the Beta Capsule, and kaiju battles — that defined the entire Ultraman franchise for decades.
Who are the main actors in Ultraman?
The principal cast includes Susumu Kurobe as Shin Hayata / Ultraman, Bin Furuya as the suited Ultraman performer, Akiji Kobayashi as Captain Muramatsu, Hiroko Sakurai as Akiko Fuji, Sandayuu Dokumamushi as Daisuke Arashi, and Masaya Nihei as Mitsuhiro Ide.
What is Ultraman (1966) about?
Ultraman follows Shin Hayata, a Science Patrol agent who merges with a powerful alien from the Land of Light. Whenever a kaiju or alien threat overwhelms human defenses, Hayata activates the Beta Capsule and transforms into the colossal hero Ultraman to protect Earth. Critics praised its imaginative monster designs and earnest heroism.
How many episodes does Ultraman (1966) have?
Ultraman (1966) ran for a single season comprising 39 episodes, each approximately 25 minutes long. The series aired on TBS in Japan from July 17, 1966, to April 9, 1967. Two additional special episodes are also available, bringing the total content to 41 installments.
What is the content rating for Ultraman (1966)?
Ultraman (1966) carries a TV-PG rating in the United States, indicating that some material may not be suitable for younger children without parental guidance. The series features monster battles and mild science-fiction peril, making it broadly appropriate for family viewing.
Did Ultraman (1966) influence later superhero media?
Ultraman (1966) had an enormous global impact, pioneering the tokusatsu superhero genre and directly inspiring countless series including Kamen Rider, Super Sentai, and Power Rangers. Its concept of a human merging with an alien protector became a foundational template for superhero storytelling across Japanese and international popular culture.
What are shows similar to Ultraman (1966)?
Fans of Ultraman (1966) often enjoy its direct sequel Ultraseven (1967), the predecessor Ultra Q (1966), and Return of Ultraman (1971). For broader tokusatsu and sci-fi adventure entertainment, Ultraman Dyna (1997) and Flash Gordon (1996) offer comparable action-driven, monster-fighting excitement.
More About Ultraman
Explore further details about Ultraman on these authoritative databases.