In celebration of Sailor Moon‘s epic return to North American audiences, we’re counting down the most memorable Sailor Moon episodes!
We are in no way Sailor Moon experts, but we can’t help but be overjoyed at the fact that a show that so directly impacted a few of our writers’ childhoods is making an epic return to nearby screens. We’ve spent years waiting for this moment. Years of questionably-legal episode streaming, constantly checking our TV guide for episode listings, and waiting for any news of Sailor Moon‘s return. Anything.
No, we unfortunately never watched the original uncut versions that weren’t dubbed, so our list only deals with episodes that we could watch on Cartoon Network or buy on VHS at the time. Or even rent from Blockbuster (remember when that was a thing?).
We are in no way implying that these are necessarily the best Sailor Moon episodes. We’re simply saying that, after all this time spent being separated from the show, these are the ones that stick out most to us.
If you have a favorite episode, either English dub or original, that didn’t make this list, feel free to add it in the comments below!
‘The Past Returns’
This episode still sticks out to us to this day because it serves as a really great insight into who the Sailor Scouts were previously (before being normal teenagers) and how they came to live on Earth. We love seeing Queen Serenity’s kingdom in all its lavish glory and how far it fell in the span of a single night. Plus, we actually see Queen Serenity for the first time, which was pretty awesome. While this episode has the potential to be a lackluster, information dump-sort of episode, it’s a really great set up for the memorable season one finale.
‘Goodness Eclipsed’
We have a confession to make: We don’t really remember much about this episode beside the Sailor Saturn reveal. It’s unfortunately just been such a long time since we’ve been able to watch the episode. However, the image of the Saturn symbol appearing on Hotaru’s forehead is forever burned into our memories. It was such a powerful moment because we had spent so long wondering where Sailor Saturn was and speculating about which characters could have been her. Sailor Saturn’s reveal is certainly memorable and we can’t wait to go back and watch this episode again.
‘Birth of Wicked Lady’
Man, when Rini goes “dark side,” she really goes all the way. Whenever we think about this episode, we always immediately remember how amazed we were when we saw Rini’s evil form for the first time. It’s a really cool concept to have a child like Rini transform into an adult because it makes her personal issues and feelings feel that much more urgent and important. Plus, her transformation sets quite a few events into motion and pushes the other characters in ways that were really interesting. Most of all though, her evil Wicked Lady form just really looks awesome.
Continue on to the next page to see which two other episodes we find to be really memorable!
‘A Friend in Wolf’s Clothing’
Not many other Sailor Moon episodes pack an emotional punch quite like “A Friend in Wolf’s Clothing.” This episode is like a hard punch right in the feels. Neflite falling for Molly was so unexpected leading up to this episode, yet so romantic because of his original loyalty to the Dark Kingdom. Their final moments together, with Molly trying to help him before he dies in her arms, are so emotional and heart-wrenching (especially since he seemingly switches sides right before he died). This episode certainly demonstrates the emotional depth that Sailor Moon is capable of.
‘Day of Destiny’
Even after all this time, “Day of Destiny” is one of the best season finales that we’ve ever seen. While we’re positive that the original Japanese two-episode version is probably much better, the DiC version is still a pretty great episode. Watching all of the Sailor Scouts die one by one while protecting their leader still, after all this time, makes us feel all the feels. And the way that Sailor Moon saves Tuxedo Mask with their crystal and then calls upon the powers of her friends to help her beat Queen Beryl… There’s nothing about this episode to dislike. It’s quite possibly one of our favorite Sailor Moon episodes ever.
P.S. In case the show’s return is news to you, here’s a quick recap of what’s happened in the Sailor Moon news world recently:
- Hulu struck a deal with Viz Media, who owns the North American rights to the franchise, to stream the first four episodes of Sailor Moon (uncut and remastered) starting this past Monday, May 19. They will then add two more episodes of the 200 episode series every Monday (or, as Viz Media calls it, “Moon Day”) from now on.
- The deal also includes the fifth season, “Sailor Stars,” which has never before been released in North America, as well as the new installment of the series, “Sailor Moon Crystal.”
- According to Variety, Viz is in the process of getting the rights to three “Sailor Moon” movies, which they want to release on electronic platforms as subtitled versions starting as early as this summer (with new dubbed editions of the movies and series set for later this year). DVD and Blu-ray editions of these films are being scheduled to go on sale this fall.