Well, I finished this series a short while ago, so now it's time to put in a review for it. If you don't know what Ranma 1/2 is about, check out the synopsis above before reading.
Story: 7 (Good)
Ranma 1/2 does have somewhat of an ongoing story, although there is no major objective in the series other than Ranma's constant failed attempts to return his body to normal. Even though Ranma can return to 'boy-type' Ranma by taking a warm bath (cold water returns him to 'girl-type' Ranma, aka Ranko Tendo for some purposes), he still desires to once again become 'all man' by ridding himself
...
of the Jusenkyo curse that was placed on him when he fell into the Spring of Drowned Girl. He feels as though his pride as a man has been dented by being able to turn into girl form, either willingly (for some purposes he does this for his own gain) or unwillingly (for either Happosai's entertainment or when some mishap occurs).
I gave the story a 7 because despite it not having a lot of depth, each episode usually strives to be unique and entertaining, and more often than not, does this without complaint. After about the first 120 episodes however, the episode stories do become pretty predictable, but there is still much enjoyment to be had if you've come to like the characters (which I have). So the story ends up with a 'good' rating, because it was, afterall, 'good', and not particularly bad.
Art: 9 (Great)
For the time period, Ranma 1/2's art and animation was pretty well done. No complaints really, some parts are more well-done than others, while you have the occasional background or scene where you can tell there was *some* degree of slacking off. But there is nothing really you can bash it for considering when it came out and how many episodes it ran for. I'm quite surprised the level of quality remained fairly consistent, although the animation from the start of the show did change part-way through, as you can tell if you've seen the series through to the end.
Sound: 8 (Very Good)
Most of the music in this show is fairly catchy, you might find yourself humming along with it, or when you're by yourself just doing something random. Again, nothing really to complain about here, yet nothing particularly spectacular either.
Character: 9 (Great)
While most of the characters do stay the same throughout the series and don't develop too much, Ranma 1/2 has a vast array of likable characters, ranging from minor and hardly-ever seen to major and always up to something predictable, yet hilarious. In fact, one of the strengths of this show is knowing what each character is going to try and do in certain situations, because even though you can see it coming before it happens, you find yourself rooting for your favourite character in hopes that their plan is successful. That's part of the fun in this show. And sometimes you *think* you know exactly what's going to happen, only to have a twist thrown in that you never expected that will have you laughing hysterically, only to find yourself playing back that scene a couple more times before moving on.
Ranma, Moose, and Ryoga seem to be the usual favourites of this show, and quite honestly, when these three go at it, comedy can't help but follow. Ryoga is usually getting lost when he has to walk more than a few minutes in a straight line, Moose is completely clueless of anything without his glasses, and Ranma is the glue that ties them all together with his level-headedness and arrogance. Most of the characters have one or more traits about them that make them who they are, and you come to know them by those traits. So even though none of the characters are very deep (with maybe the exception of Ranma and Akane), you learn to love them. And it's all too easy to do so.
Enjoyment: 10 (Outstanding)
I'll admit, I did start to get a bit bored by the time I got around to the episode 120-or-so mark, but overall, I'm glad I picked up this series, as it was a great watch most of the time. The fact that it ran so long may have been to it's detriment, but I'm sure if you take it in small doses and watch a little here and there, you can retain most of the comedic atmosphere and avoid some of the boredom that comes with watching this show in marathons, as I did frequently at the start.
Overall: 9 (Great)
It wasn't the best show in the world, but it's one I believe most anime fans should at least try a bit of at some point or another, because it's got something in it for everyone. It's made by the creator of Inu Yasha, which in itself might make you think it's *like* Inu Yasha, but no. I'll tell you right now, this show is not like Inu Yasha, the show where absolutely *nothing of interest* ever happens. Sure, nothing really epic happens in Ranma either, but at least it's *interesting* nothing. Sort of like Seinfeld, in a way.
Another thing I liked about it is that this show does not try to be ecchi. Far from it. Sure, someone will walk in on Ranma as a girl the odd time and you might catch a glimpse of some (uncensored) boobs, but it's not meant to be a big deal, there is no big eccentric close-up like in the ecchi series of today, there is no "WHOOA! Nosebleed!" effect (none that I can recall), and there is no 'kawaii' exclamation from someone every couple of minutes. It's simply a moment for the character, and it passes, and it's not a big deal.
An example: Ranma goes to a public bath. Ranma gets splashed with cold water by Happosai. Oh noes, boobs (because of the situation), but no one seems to care (and why should anyone? It's just boobs.) Ranma fights with Happosai. Ranma is eventually done and turns back into a guy, having gotten his revenge by punching Happy out through the ceiling or something. And that's it. These days series make a big deal of boobs on 'kawaii' girls and panty shots at unexpected times, and make them out to be a big deal. Ranma does not attempt to do this (maybe because of the time when it came out). It assumes more maturity on the part of the viewer, and I commend the PG rating on this show and the fact that no one felt it needed to be censored. There exist some otaku out there that love this show because it's down to Earth, and there also exist some otaku out there who may not like it because of that as well.
SO IS RANMA 1/2 FOR YOU?
If you're looking for a comedy series with a lot of laughs, interesting characters, and some memorable moments that you can share with other anime fans, then go for Ranma 1/2. Martial arts fans, you get a lot of that in this show as well, but it's not taken very seriously, and in fact, sometimes it's taken to a ridiculous (yet humourous) extent (ie. Martial Arts Tea Ceremony, Martial Arts Gymnastics, Good Ole Days Martial Arts, etc).
If you're looking for boobs or panty shots, well, you'll get boobs, but they won't be a big deal (nor should they really unless childish ecchi is your thing). If you're an ecchi fan, sorry, this won't do it for you.
Are you a rather mature anime fan who likes that classic aged animation, comedy, anything-goes humour, and a wide array of likable characters? If so, then Ranma 1/2 IS for you.
Alternative Titles
Synonyms: Ranma 1/2, Ranma ½ Nettou Hen
Japanese: らんま1/2
More titlesInformation
Type:
TV
Episodes:
161
Status:
Finished Airing
Aired:
Apr 15, 1989 to Sep 25, 1992
Premiered:
Spring 1989
Broadcast:
Unknown
Licensors:
VIZ Media
Studios:
Studio Deen
Source:
Manga
Demographic:
Shounen
Duration:
24 min. per ep.
Rating:
R+ - Mild Nudity
Statistics
Ranked:
#10702
2
based on the top anime page. Please note that 'Not yet aired' and 'R18+' titles are excluded.
Popularity:
#954
Members:
255,557
Favorites:
4,167
Available AtResourcesStreaming Platforms | Reviews
Filtered Results: 46 / 47
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Your Feelings Categories Oct 28, 2008
Well, I finished this series a short while ago, so now it's time to put in a review for it. If you don't know what Ranma 1/2 is about, check out the synopsis above before reading.
Story: 7 (Good) Ranma 1/2 does have somewhat of an ongoing story, although there is no major objective in the series other than Ranma's constant failed attempts to return his body to normal. Even though Ranma can return to 'boy-type' Ranma by taking a warm bath (cold water returns him to 'girl-type' Ranma, aka Ranko Tendo for some purposes), he still desires to once again become 'all man' by ridding himself ... Nov 3, 2008
A person needs good taste and a sense of humor to enjoy Ranma ½.
If you possess these attributes then Ranma ½ should appeal to you. Don't expect it to be like Akira or Death Note because this is a true comedy. If you enjoy Monty Python then Ranma ½ will entertain you. If you aren't amused by it then you have no sense of humor. Story: The episodic format often prevents a long story arc from developing but most of the story arcs that occur throughout the series develope ... Jun 18, 2010
Ranma 1/2 is something that is difficult to pin a single description on. At times there are lots of action scenes, explosions, and various attacks flying around. At other times it is side splitting humor due to an awkward time and place for Ranma to transform, or situations he gets roped into, and still other times where Akane's explosive temper or jealousy takes us by surprise. Scattered here and there are some genuinely sweet and tender moments as well.
(8) Ranma 1/2 is episodic. It has no overarching plot other than to perhaps reverse the curse placed on Ranma and several others we meet along the ... Nov 9, 2006
A comedy/romance based on the manga by Rumiko Takahashi, Ranma 1/2 revolves around the arranged marriage of Ranma Saotome, a boy who has been trained by his father in martial arts since childhood and Akane Tendo, an average girl who is also a martial artist, living with her father and two sisters. Although their relationship starts off rocky at first, over time they begin to grow close to each other, but not without complications brought about by many of the other characters.
Story: The premise of Ranma 1/2, that makes it unique to other comedy/romance anime, are the many Jusenkyo springs which, if fallen into cause ... Jun 17, 2008
Overall: It was painful to remember about this anime, Ranma is sort of your typical pointless anime, no good story, no real point to the entire story, and defiantly not funny enough to be considered a good comedy series... it deserves to be lumped up in the pile of "boredom-inducing-fillertasitc" anime, along with Naruto, Inuyasha, and others...
Story: they laid out the story in the first episode, ranma is engaged to akane because of odd circumstances, and they didnt advance whatsoever till the very end, actually, it didnt have a story at all pretty much, just random junk happening, if you like a massive pile of ... Mar 4, 2021
Overview :
Seen as the original innovator that would come to influence the modern harem genre, Ranma 1/2 is a very simple and non-episodic slice-of-life comedy that has an overarching theme of ‘martial arts’. To address the elephant in the room, this anime has many cliches and tropes that have become the norm in modern anime, however it is something that is easily forgivable considering the time of its initial airing. Plot / Characters : In each episode our protagonist Ranma Saotome usually gets involved in a situation involving martial arts battles or involving a way to reverse his curse that makes him a genderbent ... Feb 16, 2013
Ranma is probably the anime that got me completely hooked on all anime. It was not the first i had ever seen but it was in the first 10 at least. When i saw the very first episode of this show i immediately sat down and watched the entire series from beginning to end over the span of a month. This is truly my all time favorite anime and this is my review of it.
The story of Ranma is not a very deep or complex one, it doesn't even have a conclusion. Ranma is majorly episodic and has very few two part episodes. Ranma ... Aug 23, 2011
Oh, where to start..?
Well, I give credit for at least trying to make a good anime; however, this was far from it. I don't mean to offend any lovers of Ranma 1/2, but the story was very poor. The plot, however, was imaginative, and it was enjoyable for a little while. The episodes kept drawing me back again and again, even though sometimes I'd yell out to myself "That was the worst episode EVER!" The creator tried too hard to make Ranma 1/2 funny, so it fails dramatically later in the series. The events begin to be extremely predictable, and although sometimes the humor made me ... Aug 17, 2013
Ranma 1/2 is my all time fave anime. It is the greatest by Rumiko, in my opinion. (I was embarassed that got a R rating because I tend to avoid watching rated R stuff) Here are the details:
Story:9 The story was very good. Some arcs were a bit dull, and the lack of an ending was frustrating, but oh well. Fangirls will savor the rare romantic moments. I loved how they stuck to the Martial Arts concept instead of straying into the magic territory as so many "realistic" animes do. The story was well written and engaging. Art: 6 This was made in the 80s so I understand ... Jul 29, 2014
My favorite anime, I love anything in it 10/10 doesn't matter at what is it(well it is matter if it is in Ranma½ or not).
I don't think that it's actually hatable or dislikable or anything except lovable or something that actually can't be hated or something that can be only the favorite. I saw everything (which is about 73.5 hours total seeing all the series OVA's and Movies except live action) not second of waste even though I watched it about 6 times. There's no any second wasted on it. If anyone sees my review and "Dropped It" then try it one more time. Anyone that has it ... Apr 20, 2015
Ranma 1/2
Review By: John Fragglepuss Evans Ranma ½ is a classic 1980s anime, from the animation style to the soundtrack. Genma has a unique tune that plays every time he becomes a panda, and so do other characters. This is a fun and light-hearted anime, where you will laugh at times and shake your head at other times. There are many repeated jokes throughout the series, some of which get worn out after a while, where others stay fresh and get a new spin on them at times. The story does not progress at a decent rate, feeling like a stand still at times, due to ... Aug 5, 2021
Story: 9/10
Art: 10/10 Sound: 7/10 Characters: 10/10 Enjoyment: 10/10 Overall: 9.5/10 I've said this once before, but I absolutely love Rumiko Takahashi's content, & Ranma is no exception. I was absolutely hooked from the start knowing that I was already gonna love this show, since it was created by my favorite manga artist, & starring one of my favorite seiyuu's: Kappei Yamaguchi. And on top of that, I have a very soft spot for old school anime, because not only do they not tease me as much as modern anime, but its just fascinating watching old ass anime that's like 25+ years old. So starting off with story, this show ... Jan 5, 2014
Well I am a big fan of Ranma 1/2, it is my fav anime and manga of all times but I'll still try to be somehow objective.
(Story:8) Ranma has a hilarious story! It's kind of stupid and doesn't really bring the characters anywhere. The story-line is also somehow blurry; the episodes have a chronological order of course but sometimes the don't necessarily follow anything. If you skip one episode you sure didn't miss much, just a lot of funny moments! (Art:7) This is a really old anime so I'm not very pleased with the art, but among other anime form the 80's it is really good. ... Nov 14, 2010
I first heard of Ranma ½ maybe a full year ago on a “Top Ten Funniest Anime” list. It sat comfortably in the number two spot, right before Full Metal Panic: Fammofu. After watching the latter, I was still curious about the former, so I gave Ranma a shot as well. The first time I saw the episode number on my favorite anime website, I honestly felt intimidated. This anime is REALLY LONG. If you aren't prepared, back out while it's still possible. Because of a vow- To always finish every anime I start, no matter how long, stupid, or bad it is- I had
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Oct 17, 2014
Ranma 1/2 is a classic anime/manga written by Rumiko Takahashi. This anime/manga is possibly the anime/manga that has started the popular comedy action mangas that are made today and for good reason.
Progression (3): Ranma 1/2 is an action comedy manga/anime so it does not really need much progression. Often, what will happen in an episode/chapter will be events that happen in random intervals in Ranma's life that are hilarious. Story (5): This manga/anime story is not that great, however it is very unique. The reasons why I say it is not that great is because it is repetitive and no progression to the story happens at ... Apr 25, 2023
So the thing about that the series like Ranma 1/2 have is that this anime is based on the manga of the same name by Rumiko Takahashi who is known for Inuyasha, Urusei Yatsura, Maison Ikkoku among other of her notable works she is known for this series Ranma 1/2 only lasted about 7 seasons only 161 episodes which is the great example of how anime came out in the late 80s and early 90s before Sailor Moon and Yu Yu Hakusho arrived during the 90s anime period.
Story This takes place of how it starts off with a teenage martial artist named Ranma Saotome and ... Aug 5, 2015
Let me start off right away by saying; no, I haven't read the manga. Although I had heard about Ranma 1/2 before, it was only since very recently that I came in contact with it. And it just so happens that I prefer watching anime than reading manga.
Besides, everybody keeps saying that the manga is superior, so why would you need me to confirm it for you? And if it is true, than I must truly adore the manga should I ever read it. Though the manga may be better, I will remain ignorant of that for this review. Story - 7/10 This is the deciding factor ... May 9, 2015
Story:
The best point of the story of Ranma 1/2 is that is very original, bringing us a totally new concept about the cursed springs of jusenkyo and how a guy wants to get its masculinity back. It have such variety on its themes: Sometimes is a romance, sometimes is a harem, sometimes is a hilarious comedy and most of the time is a martial art shonen with weird fighting styles (Like the tea ceremony martial arts and the cheerleaders martial arts) Mostly, the series dont focuses on the principal plot and take different ways like showing the characters, the relations between them and how they ... Dec 1, 2012
I watched this anime about 3 years ago, but I've gone back and rewatched it a lot. I've always wanted to let others know how I view this anime and how much more hidden depth there is in it. However this anime is a lot harder to sum up together then one might think. -.-
Story- 8 Ranma 1/2 story plot is fairly odd, but you can really feel for the main character, or at least I did. The main gist of the plot always comes back to Ranma(wanting very badly) to return to a being normal guy, getting stronger, and who he should marry. ... Jan 25, 2014
This was my first anime I watched. That's why I wanted to watch more anime because of Ranma 1/2. This story was super funny and I LOVED the characters. It's like you get attached to them because there were many episodes... and I seriously did not want to go to sleep. I know nothing is perfect but I had to rate ranma a 10 0verall. There were 2 or 3 filler episodes I didn't care for but I still encourage all of you to watch it.
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