Moonrise is one of the most anticipated anime titles in recent years, and anime fans are always looking for fresh and exciting stories like it. There’s been a lot of hype surrounding this brand-new sci-fi anime due to its original setting, appealing story, and a killer team that is making it happen.
Moonrise is the latest original from WIT Studio. This animation studio is behind smash hits like Attack on Titan (Seasons 1-3), Vinland Saga, Great Pretender, and Spy x Family. The anime is set in a world where space travel is no longer the stuff of dreams for humans.
Thanks to the AI Sapientia, humanity has been united. There is prosperity, peace, and happiness. On Earth, there is no conflict. This AI decides to send all criminals to the Moon to keep the prosperity and peace that already exist on Earth.

An uprising begins due to segregation and poverty on the Moon, leading to Jack losing his family. To get his revenge, Jack joins the Earth army as a scout and finds unexpected things.
But this isn’t just a story about space exploration. Moonrise tries to show how war affects people on the inside, not just what happens on the battlefield. The context is futuristic, but the emotions are all too real and familiar. It delves into subject matter such as trauma and loyalty, but in the ever-changing environment of space.
It is directed by Masashi Koizuka, one of the people involved in Attack on Titan. The original story is from Tow Ubukata, a well-known name in the anime world. Ubukata has worked on series such as Psycho-Pass 2 and Fafner in the Azure. Both of these shows share a reputation for in-depth characters and convoluted plots.
The music was composed by Ryou Kawasaki, who did the music for Fate/Grand Order: First Order and To Your Eternity. If you've seen their previous work, you know WIT Studio can deliver breathtaking animation, and Moonrise looks to be no exception. With this team behind it, the show promises not only strong visuals but also enthralling storytelling.
Originally set for release on June 8, 2022, Moonrise was delayed but finally premiered. All episodes of the show were made available exclusively on Netflix on April 10, 2025.
This gives Moonrise a chance to reach viewers around the world, which is great news for fans of anime. Since it’s not based on a manga or light novel, everything will be new, even for longtime anime fans.
Some Concepts in Moonrise

In terms of tone, Moonrise looks like it will be both serious and heartfelt. It deals with real-life issues like loss, mental health, and the impact of violence. But it does so through the lens of science fiction.
The characters of the show are another reason why fans are excited. Jack isn’t just a soldier; he is a young man dealing with fear, anger, and the memories of what he has lost. This makes the anime not just entertaining but also thought-provoking. It’s the kind of show that aims to leave a lasting impression, long after the final episode.
As the anime industry expands, Moonrise is a reflection of how creators are moving the focus of storytelling. This is not just playing it safe with the same old ideas. With the depth of emotions, the visuals, and the soundtrack, this anime has the potential to be one of the most remarkable series of its time.
Conclusion
In the end, Moonrise is not a generic sci-fi anime. It is a bold and emotional story of what it means to fight, survive, and live in a world that's so distant yet so familiar. Back that up with a talented creative team, gorgeous animation, and an emphasis on human emotion, and it's clear that the anime is going to be a must-watch for anime fans.