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Is the Anime Finished?
Is the Anime Finished?
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Is Urusei Yatsura Finished? Watch Order and Everything You Need to Know

Finished Comedy Romance Science-Fiction Classic Remake
Table of Contents

Is the Anime Really Finished?
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Whether Urusei Yatsura is “finished” depends on which version of the story you are watching. The original source material, the manga, ran from 1978 to 1987 and provides a complete narrative.

For those following the anime, there are two primary paths. The classic 1981 series is followed by a long string of sequels and movies, eventually leading to Urusei Yatsura: The Final Chapter in 1988. However, the franchise continued with an OVA series and subsequent specials. If you prefer the modern era, there is a newer adaptation that began in 2022, followed by a sequel series in 2024.

If you want the most definitive conclusion to the story, reading the Urusei Yatsura manga is the best way to ensure you get the full experience.

What is Urusei Yatsura About?
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Urusei Yatsura is a blend of comedy, romance, and science fiction. It centers on Ataru Moroboshi, a young man described as the unluckiest and most lecherous person alive. His life takes a chaotic turn when aliens attempt to invade Earth. Ataru is chosen to defend the planet in a game of tag against the alien princess, Lum.

While Ataru’s motivations for winning are far from noble, his victory is misinterpreted by Lum as a marriage proposal. She agrees, and the series follows the ensuing “marriage” between the two. It is a perfect choice for viewers who enjoy high-energy romantic comedies with a sci-fi twist. You can watch the anime on Prime Video to experience the chaos for yourself.

Recommended Watch Orders#

Because Urusei Yatsura has been adapted multiple times across several decades, the order you choose depends on your goals. Please refer to the relationship tree below the article for a visual breakdown of these connections.

The Release Order (Classic Path)
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If you want to experience the franchise as it originally unfolded, follow the 1981 series and its subsequent films:

  1. Urusei Yatsura (1981 series)
  2. Urusei Yatsura Special: It’s Spring! Take Off! (1982)
  3. Urusei Yatsura: Only You (1983)
  4. Urusei Yatsura: Beautiful Dreamer (1984)
  5. Urusei Yatsura: Remember My Love (1985)
  6. Urusei Yatsura: Lum The Forever (1986)
  7. Urusei Yatsura: The Final Chapter (1988)
  8. Urusei Yatsura OVA Series (1985–1991)
  9. Urusei Yatsura: Always My Darling (1991)
  10. Urusei Yatsura: Za Shōgaibutsu Suiei Taikai (2008)

The Modern Path
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For those who prefer modern animation and pacing, you can stick to the recent adaptations:

  1. Urusei Yatsura (2022 series)
  2. Urusei Yatsura (2024 sequel series)

The Completionist Order
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Completionists should start with the 1981 series and follow every sequel, movie, and OVA in the order listed in the release path. To truly complete the collection, we recommend picking up some Urusei Yatsura merchandise to celebrate the legacy of Lum and Ataru.

The “Source Material” Path
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If you don’t mind switching mediums, the most streamlined way to get the story is to read the original manga. This avoids the confusion of multiple anime eras and provides the original vision of the story.

If you found this guide helpful and want to keep our research going, feel free to support us on Ko-fi!

Useful Information for New Viewers
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Depending on where you are watching, you may see the series listed under various names. It is widely known as Urusei Yatsura, but you might also encounter titles like Lamù, Lum: Urusei Yatsura, or The Return of Lum.

Urusei Yatsura • manga • 1978-08-30 to 1987-01-21 (Shonen Sunday, 1978 #39 to 1987 #8)
  └─(adaptation)→  Urusei Yatsura • anime • 1981-10-14 to 1986-03-19
   └─(sequel)→   Urusei Yatsura: Only You • anime • 1983
    └─(sequel)→    Urusei Yatsura: Beautiful Dreamer • anime • 1984
     └─(sequel)→     Urusei Yatsura: Remember My Love • anime • 1985
      └─(sequel)→      Urusei Yatsura: Lum The Forever • anime • 1986
       └─(sequel)→       Urusei Yatsura: The Final Chapter • anime • 1988-02-06
        └─(sequel)→        Urusei Yatsura OVA Series • anime • 1985-09-24 to 1991-06-21
         └─(sequel)→         Urusei Yatsura: Za Shōgaibutsu Suiei Taikai • anime • 2008-12-23
        └─(sequel)→        Urusei Yatsura: Always My Darling • anime • 1991
   └─(related)→   Urusei Yatsura Special: It's Spring! Take Off! • anime • 1982-04-02
  └─(adaptation)→  Urusei Yatsura • anime • 2022-10-13
   └─(sequel)→   Urusei Yatsura • anime • 2024-01-11

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