Super Sentai is easily the most famous subgenre of Tokusatsu. This Japanese term refers to live action films and shows that make heavy use of special effects. Typically, these shows involve fantasy, horror, and science fiction. Super Sentai, however, is devoted to superheroes.
Most Super Sentai series center around a group of three to six young people. Trained in martial arts and gifted with special weapons, they are chosen to be the defenders of humanity. Sometimes their powers are mystic in nature. Other times they use advanced science or are aided by friendly aliens. In all cases, however, the heroes are easily identified by their colorful and color-coded uniforms.
The first Super Sentai show was 1975’s Himitsu Sentai Gorenger. However, it would take several years for the standard formula to solidify. Strangely enough, Toei’s partnership with Marvel Comics had a hand in this, although their co-productions are not technically considered Super Sentai. It was Toei’s 1978 Spider-Man live-action series that introduced the idea of superheroes piloting giant robots. This would go on to become a defining element of the subgenre.
Best Super Sentai Series as of November 2025
As of November 2025, there have been 49 individual Sūpā Sentai Shirīzu shows produced by Toei. While other companies made their own shows based on the subgenre, only Toei produces shows under the Super Sentai Series brand name. Even with that limit, however, it is difficult to decide which seasons were the best. The following list compiles the choices in chronological order, from oldest to youngest.
Choujin Sentai Jetman (1991)
The year is 199X and Earth is protected from extranormal threats by Sky Force. Scientists in the employ of Sky Force developed Birdonic Waves, which can give humans amazing abilities. Unfortunately, an attack by the interdimensional terrorist group Vyram spoiled the first effort to build a team of five heroes empowered by Birdonic Waves. Only career soldier Ryu Tendo was successfully enhanced.
Miraculously, the remaining Birdonc Waves were scattered across Earth when Sky Force’s flying command center was destroyed. These waves came into contact with four civilians. This leaves Ryu and his commander, Aya Odagiri, racing to locate these individuals. Together, these Jetmen will become a fighting force capable of bringing Vyran to justice.
Loosely structured as a tribute to the anime Science Ninja Team Gatchaman, Choujin Sentai Jetman is historically notable in several respects. It was the last Super Sentai until 2014’s Ressha Sentai ToQger to not be adapted for Power Rangers. Additionally, it was also the first Super Sentai series not connected to Power Rangers to get a video release in North America.
Beyond that, Chōjin Sentai Jetman was notable for introducing mature themes into the Super Sentai Series. Chief among these were the multiple love triangles and tragic backstories of the heroes. Despite this, the personalities of the five Jetmen were inspired by the teens from The Brekafast Club. (Chojin Sentai Jetman can be streamed for free on Tubi TV).
Gosei Sentai Dairanger (1993)
8000 years ago, three tribes united to form the Daos Empire in Southern China. The empire flourished, until the war-like Gorma tribe decided to conquer the other tribes and the world. For 5000 years the Gorma and Dai tribes fought, with only the Shura tribe surviving to become the humans of today.
Now, the Gorma have returned, but humanity is not defenseless. In ancient times the Dai learned how to channel life energy (or qi) to transform themselves into mighty beasts. Under the guidance of the mysterious Master Kaku, five youths will master these arts and save the Earth as the Dai-Rangers.
Released internationally as Star Rangers, Gosei Sentai Dairanger will look familiar to many North American viewers. Its action sequences were adapted for the second season of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. It was also the second Super Sentai series to secure a video release in North America in 2015. (The series can now be streamed for free on Tubi TV).
Samurai Sentai Shinkenger (2009)
For hundreds of years, a shadow war has been waged between humanity and the ancient spirits of evil known as Gedoushu. To fight this threat, the Emperor of Japan chose five clans of samurai to stand as the defenders of humanity. Known as the Shinkengers, these warriors trained in elemental magics as well as the sword, passing their powers down along their line for 18 generations.
Today, Takeru Shiba has become the youngest head of the Shiba clan, who traditionally lead the Shinkengers. He summons his four vassals to form a new team to stand against the recently reinvigorated Gedoushu. However, as the team begin their vigil, they find reason to believe there is something Takeru Shiba is not telling them.
Samurai Sentai Shinkenger is noteworthy for several reasons. Historically, it was the first Super Sentai show to be filmed with an high-definition camera in 720p. It was also notable for its departure from the long-running science fiction themes that dominated the genre for years. Instead, the show drew deeply on classical Japanese mythology and aesthetics in crafting its setting and costumes.
Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger (2011)
Lead by Captain Marvelous, the Gokaigers are a team of intergalactic pirates. However, much like the Straw Hat Pirates of One Piece, they live more like freedom fighters than actual pirates. Despite this, they travel to Earth with money in mind, seeking “the greatest treasure in the universe.”
However, the treasure turns out to be tied to the Ranger Keys, which contain the powers of 34 Super Sentai teams. These teams sacrificed themselves to defeat the wicked Space Empire Zangyack. With the former Emperor’s son assembling a new invasion force, it falls to the pirates to master the powers of the fallen heroes to save the universe.
Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger was written to honor the history of the Super Sentai Series on its 35th anniversary. However, it proved to be a popular story in its own right. This was chiefly due to it defying the usual tropes to present a team of thieves who grow into heroes. This novelty was a sharp contrast from earlier shows, where the protagonists were generally good-hearted, if not immediately heroic.
Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger (2013)
Millions of years ago, during the time of the dinosaurs, Earth was invaded by an alien menace. Known as Dark Species Deboth, these aliens pushed the dinosaurs towards extinction. However, some of the dinosaurs were able to transform themselves into guardian spirits called Zyudenryu, and seal the Deboth in ice.
Today, the Deboth Army has thawed out and plan to finish off humanity in the same way as the dinosaurs. However, the Zyudenryu are still around, but in need of human hosts to wield their powers. Known as “the people of the Great and Mighty Lizards,” or “Kyoryugers” for short, they are the last hope of the Earth.
Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger was the first Super Sentai show to be filmed in full 1080p high definition. However, it was also notable for a cast with some lead actors that were far older (i.e. early 30s) than was typical of the youth-oriented series. It was also notable for defying the usual color scheme, with the team lacking a member in a yellow costume.
How we chose the Best Super Sentai Series
Two criteria were used to compose this list of the Best Super Sentai series. The first was overall quality and how well it was regarded by fans of the genre. The second was how well the show defied convention and subverted the usual tropes.
