Orb: On the Movements of the Earth is the most underrated anime of the year

Orb: On the Movements of the Earth is an anime that began airing in October 2024 and ended in March 2025 with its 25th episode. In the current landscape of the industry dominated by flashy shonen adaptations and high-profile sequels, this historical seinen unfortunately went under the radar.

Despite its low visibility, however, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth is one of the finest stories written in recent times, offering a unique intellectual gravitas that is hardly ever covered in mainstream media. The series is an incredible achievement, with its source material created by Uoto, a mangaka who is only 28 years old.

Having studied philosophy at university, his unique perspective on storytelling is apparent through Orb. The manga ran from September 2020 to April 2022, completing its serialization in the Big Comic Spirits magazine with its 62nd chapter. Though it remained overshadowed by bigger names, the series was eventually picked up by Studio Madhouse for an anime.

This adaptation was unlike most other anime out there, and ended with an impressive score of 8.71 out of 10 on the MyAnimeList platform. For those unfamiliar with the premise, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth starts in the 15th Century, taking viewers to Poland, where the Church holds utmost power.

In an era where heretics are tortured and burned, established science and innovation are hardly ever challenged. The protagonist, Rafal, is a young boy who has a passion for astronomy but does not wish to take unnecessary risks. However, his life completely changes when he encounters the theory of heliocentrism.

Promoting the belief that the Earth revolves around the Sun, instead of the common understanding that it is the opposite, this revelation overturns the beliefs and life path of the young protagonist. However, if fans are expecting an anime where the clever Rafal leads the revolution of heliocentrism himself, they should be warned.

Orb: On the Movements of the Earth is a realistic and mature tale that takes place across various generations, featuring multiple protagonists. It does not hesitate to show the brutal manner in which a superior party oppresses the minority, where even the main characters face shocking deaths. However, along with the tragedy, the series is a tale of relentless resistance.

Scientists and scholars born decades apart pick up from where their ancestors left off, continuing their research of the world, the stars, and the planets. While their reasons for doing so differ, they all pursue the truth regardless of the consequences and dangers that may befall them. This philosophical depth, where the worth of truth and power is constantly questioned, stays relevant throughout.

Orb: On the Movements of the Earth does not attempt to simplify complex ideas, but rather plunges the viewer into deep thought. Every episode features a plethora of insightful dialogue on religion, faith, and the price of one’s convictions. However, the series doesn’t only present a one-sided view, offering the perspectives of both sides of the coin and allowing fans to make their own judgements.

Its high level of character work and development, whether it be the young genius Rafal, the anxious Oczy, or the cocky Badeni, remains commendable and consistent until the very end. Against the backdrop of the quest to prove heliocentrism, the evolution of society’s views, major inventions such as the printing press, and large-scale resistance movements are also highlighted.

While there are conversations about its historical accuracy, Orb remains a largely fictional tale inspired by past events, similar to Vinland Saga. Rather than being pedantic, the series seeks to draw attention to the indomitable human spirit and the fight to make one's voice heard in an era of silence.

Hence, for those who enjoy having their curiosity stimulated through a layered narrative, complicated theories, and morally grey characters, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth is an anime that can’t be missed.

Orb: On the Movements of the Earth - Anime or Manga?

Since both the anime and the manga of Orb: On the Movements of the Earth are equally loved, newcomers may wonder where to start. Both series face a degree of censorship due to the sensitive topics they handle, but they have their own advantages.

The manga, as the original vision of the author, has simple designs but does not hold back on the gory and mature scenes. These moments truly drive home the point of the desperate struggle faced by the main cast.

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The anime, made by Studio Madhouse, on the other hand, is a very faithful adaptation. The designs in the manga can seem inconsistent at times, but the anime fixes these issues. The soundtrack is memorable, the visuals are stunning, and the overall emotional impact is greatly elevated.

However, the scenes of excessive violence are toned down due to the limitations of television. Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with either the anime or the manga, and it comes down to personal preference. We recommend starting with the anime, as despite its censorship, it is more polished and makes for an unforgettable viewing experience.

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