Netflix's new 'Ranma 1/2' reboot brings back this beloved gender-swapping classic anime

A screenshot of Ranma Saotome in Episode 1 of Ranma 1/2 on Netflix
(Image credit: Netflix)

After a long wait, the highly anticipated "Ranma 1/2" remake landed on Netflix this month, bringing this classic anime to a new generation of fans. It's the second seminal work from legendary manga artist Rumiko Takahashi to get the reboot treatment recently, following in the footsteps of the successful "Urusei Yatsura" series revival that wrapped up over the summer.

With MAPPA, the animation studio behind "Jujutsu Kaisen" and "Chainsaw Man," at the helm and most of the voice cast from the original show returning, this beloved gender-bending romantic comedy is finally getting the revival it deserves. (Its two previous anime adaptations in the late '80s and early '90s ended before the manga did.)

It’s been nearly 30 years since Ranma Saotome graced our screens, but "Ranma‘s" story was remarkably progressive for its time, so it still feels fresh even now. This new adaptation promises to introduce viewers to one of the most hilarious and notoriously convoluted romantic comedy casts in history. So if you're wondering whether you should catch "Ranma 1/2" on Netflix, here's why it's definitely worth adding to your watch list this weekend.

'Ranma 1/2' is light-hearted fun

Ranma1/2 | Official Trailer | Netflix - YouTube Ranma1/2 | Official Trailer | Netflix - YouTube
Watch On

"Ranma 1/2" follows Ranma Saotome, a brash teenage martial artist who, after an unplanned dip in a Chinese hot spring, becomes cursed to transform into a female version of himself whenever he gets splashed with cold water, while hot water changes him back to a boy.

Hijinks ensue. Since this is a rom-com, a lot of them revolve around Ranma attracting suitors of both genders. Throwing another wrinkle into the mix, thanks to a long-standing agreement between their fathers Ranma has already been betrothed to his short-tempered, man-hating classmate Akane. And he picks up engagements like Pokemon cards as the series goes on.

It's all very goofy, packed with lots of puns and slapstick humor interspersed with frenetic and colorful martial arts fight scenes. The series piles on character after character for Ranma to navigate, all with a winking, slyly queer approach to romance that was truly ahead of its time. Between the show's setting — "somewhere in Tokyo in the '80s" — retro art style, and vibrant, infectious color palette, MAPPA makes it clear this is a loving homage to the original story even as it throws in a few new original characters to shake things up.

If you enjoy light-hearted animes with plenty of action, then "Ranma 1/2" should be your next watch on Netflix. The first season will have 12 episodes in total, with new episodes rolling out each Saturday until December 21.

Need more streaming recommendations? Check out these 9 must-watch new anime series of the year so far or the 7 best anime shows on Netflix with over 90% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Stream "Ranma 1/2" on Netflix now.

Alyse Stanley
News Editor

Alyse Stanley is a news editor at Tom’s Guide overseeing weekend coverage and writing about the latest in tech, gaming, and entertainment.Prior to joining Tom’s Guide, Alyse worked as an editor for the Washington Post’s sunsetted video game section, Launcher. She previously led Gizmodo’s weekend news desk and has written game reviews and features for outlets like Polygon, Unwinnable, and Rock, Paper, Shotgun. She’s a big fan of horror movies, cartoons, and roller skating.

Read more
Kate Hudson as Isla Gordon in "Running Point" now streaming on Netflix
Netflix's new No. 1 comedy show is perfect for 'Ted Lasso' fans — and viewers rate it 95% on Rotten Tomatoes
(From L to R) Michelle Rodriguez as Holga the Barbarian, Chris Pine as Edgin Darvis, Justice Smith as Simon the Sorcerer, and Sophia Lillis as Doric next to a Gelatinous Cube
'Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves' just crashed Netflix's top 10 movies — and it's a hilarious, heartfelt adventure
Haru, arm outstretched, looking stressed in Netflix's "Pokémon Concierge"
One of my favorite Netflix shows is streaming for free on YouTube — and it's 100% on Rotten Tomatoes
(L-R) Ryan Gosling as Holland March and Russell Crowe as Jackson Healy in "The Nice Guys"
Netflix just added one of the best action-comedy movies of the past 10 years — and it’s 91% on Rotten Tomatoes
David Giuntoli and Russell Hornsby in Grimm
Peacock is rebooting this underrated fantasy crime thriller — now's the perfect time to stream the original
An animated Geralt (voiced by Doug Cockle) unsheathes a glinting sword as seen in Netflix's "The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep".
Netflix just added an action-packed new 'Witcher' movie — and it's already crashed the top 10
Latest in Streaming
Chromecast with Google TV connected to display
Google finally pushes out full Chromecast fix for users who factory reset — here’s what to do
(L-R) Mark Eydelshteyn as Vanya and Mikey Madison as Anora "Ani" Mikheeva in "Anora"
Hulu top 10 movies — here's the 3 you need to stream right now
Twisters movie (2024)
Prime Video just added this action-packed thriller with Glen Powell — stream 'Twisters' now
Adam Scott as Mark S and Britt Lower as Helly R in Severance, standing by an elevator
'Severance' season 2 finale — here's my wild theory based on episode 9
Adam James and Christina Hendricks in The Buccaneers
'The Buccaneers' season 2 gets release date — here's our first look at this season's new star character
Adam Sandler in Happy Gilmore 2
Netflix sets 'Happy Gilmore 2' release date with a brand new trailer — and it's looking good
Latest in News
NYTimes Connections
NYT Connections today hints and answers — Wednesday, March 19 (#647)
Chromecast with Google TV connected to display
Google finally pushes out full Chromecast fix for users who factory reset — here’s what to do
A picture of a skull and bones on a smartphone depicting malware
Hundreds of malicious Android apps with 60 million downloads found spamming Android users with ads and stealing credentials
Switch 2 console and logo
Nintendo Switch 2 rumor just tipped possible release date — and it's much sooner than we thought
Hacker typing on laptop in darkened room
Hackers create "BRUTED" tool to attack VPNs – how to stay safe
Malware
Dangerous new password-stealing trojan automatically reinstalls itself on infected PCs