In the pantheon of Japanese superhero franchises, few hold as much cultural significance and enduring popularity as Kamen Rider (also known as Masked Rider). Since its debut in 1971, the series, usually about a lone superpowered vigilante waging war against a (sometimes alien) terrorist organisation bent on world domination, has spawned numerous television series, merchandise, movies — including recent films Kamen Rider The Winter Movie – Gotchard & Geats The Game Of The Strongest Chemy and Kamen Rider 555 20th: Paradise Regained — and more. With a legacy spanning over four decades, the history of Kamen Rider is worth exploring, as this iconic series has captured the imaginations of fans worldwide with its thrilling action, compelling characters, and thought-provoking narratives.
Thanks to its rich history and diverse range of iterations, narrowing down the top 10 Kamen Rider shows is no easy task. However, for both seasoned fans and newcomers, here are the Top 10 Kamen Rider series that deserve a spot on your watchlist.
#10. Kamen Rider Ryuki (2002)
Kamen Rider Ryuki explores the concept of a Rider Battle Royale, where participants fight for the chance to have their wishes granted. This character-driven series focuses on how various characters interact with one another and change as the show progresses. Featuring a diverse cast of Riders and thorny moral dilemmas, Kamen Rider Ryuki navigates the emotionally complex themes of power, friendship, and sacrifice. Furthermore, this series lays the groundwork for some common tropes in the franchise, such as a large cast of Riders, evil Riders, and infighting among heroes.
#9. Kamen Rider OOO (2010)
Kamen Rider OOO excels in its action sequences and visual design, with dynamic fight choreography and creative use of special effects to bring its fantastical world to life. The show’s vibrant aesthetic and imaginative creature designs contribute to its appeal, captivating audiences with its unique blend of action, drama, and fantasy elements.
Moreover, Kamen Rider OOO features well-developed and relatable characters that resonate with viewers. Throughout the series, protagonist Eiji Hino is accompanied by the enigmatic monster, Ankh, and their bond adds a compelling complexity through contrasting character dynamics. Additionally, the series’ villains, the Greeed, are intricately designed and thematically rich, each representing different desires and motivations, adding complexity to the conflict and character dynamics.
#8. Kamen Rider Kabuto (2006)
As mankind faces extinction at the hands of alien creatures known as Worms, a mysterious young man named Souji Tendou transforms into Kamen Rider Kabuto to protect humanity. Known for its dynamic action scenes and philosophical themes, Kamen Rider Kabuto embraces a back-to-basics attitude that pits its protagonist against terrifying monsters and shadowy organisations, while eschewing the gimmicks and toy sales-driven approach that define much of modern Kamen Rider, enabling it to remain a standout entry in the franchise.
#7. Kamen Rider 555 (2003)
Similarly, Kamen Rider 555 pays homage to the original Showa-era Riders by incorporating the theme of using the power of villains for good, both in terms of the series’ monsters and the transformation belt itself. The heroic spirit of self-sacrifice is palpable throughout the series, adding layers to the storytelling and elevating it beyond typical superhero narratives.
With a story penned by Toshiki Inoue (who was the main writer of one of the best Super Sentai series, Choujin Sentai Jetman), Kamen Rider 555‘s characters are complex and nuanced, reflecting the writing style of a Japanese soap opera drama. Moreover, the series explores themes of communication and human nature while navigating the characters’ internal struggles. Inoue’s approach of ‘show, don’t tell’ adds depth and subtlety to the narrative, making it a refreshing departure from more exposition-heavy modern series.
#6. Kamen Rider Ex-Aid (2016)
If you can get past the goofy-looking suits, Kamen Rider Ex-Aid has plenty to offer. Blending elements of video games and medical drama, Kamen Rider Ex-Aid follows a group of doctors who transform into Kamen Riders to battle deadly computer viruses infecting humanity. The characters possess remarkable depth, each with narratives that are inherently cohesive, empathetic, and meticulously crafted. With its unique premise, exploration of life and death, colourful visuals, and high-stakes action, Kamen Rider Ex-Aid delivers a thrilling ride from start to finish.
#5. Kamen Rider Black (1987)
Many people might remember Kamen Rider Black as their first Kamen Rider series, thanks to its wide broadcast outside of Japan which included various parts of Asia and Latin America. It was also successful enough to earn a direct sequel, Kamen Rider Black RX, which received a North American adaptation as Masked Rider.
What sets Kamen Rider Black apart is its poignant storytelling and character development, emphasising the human side of its protagonist, Kotaro Minami. Through flashbacks and present-day interactions, the series delves deep into Kotaro’s tragic journey, transforming him from a superhero into a relatable figure navigating an unfathomable ordeal. The show’s creative fight scenes further elevate its appeal, showcasing lightning-fast action sequences and inventive combat tactics that effectively mask any shortcomings in special effects.
Its enduring popularity and ability to captivate audiences even paved the way for an adult-themed reboot on Amazon Prime in 2022, Kamen Rider Black Sun.
#4. Kamen Rider W (2009)
Kamen Rider W boasts engaging storytelling and well-defined characters. Departing from the typical superhero origin story, the series begins in media res, seamlessly integrating the audience into the neon-lit world of Futo City. What sets Kamen Rider W apart is how the dynamic detective duo of Shotaro and Phillip fuse into one Rider.
Central to the series’ appeal are its likeable characters, each with distinct personalities and internal conflicts that drive the plot forward. The episodic format, featuring two-episode stories, allows for a deeper exploration of conflicts and resolutions, offering ample breathing room for character development and engaging action sequences that captivate audiences while maintaining a sense of organic growth within the narrative.
The popularity of Kamen Rider W spawned a sequel manga series in 2017, Futo Tantei. Its anime adaptation, Fuuto PI, premiered in August 2022.
#3. Kamen Rider Den-O (2007)
Kamen Rider Den-O explores themes of time, memory, and the human condition. Through its monster-of-the-week formula, the show delves into the emotional and philosophical complexities of regrets and wishes, presenting side characters whose stories are both compelling and poignant. Protagonist Ryotaro Nogami, played by Takeru Satoh (Rurouni Kenshin, Bakuman), embodies the relatable struggle of self-doubt and weakness, yet rises to become a hero with the support of his friends, echoing themes of personal growth and resilience.
The thought-provoking themes and engaging character arcs are complemented by superb acting. After all, Kamen Rider Den-O was the vehicle that showed off Satoh’s acting chops and catapulted him to the superstar he is today.
#2. Kamen Rider Gaim (2013)
Similar to Kamen Rider Ex-Aid, the suit designs in Kamen Rider Gaim stray a little from conventional Kamen Rider aesthetics. Kamen Rider Gaim boasts a richly developed cast of characters, each with their own motivations, conflicts, and character arcs. The ensemble cast, comprised of fellow Riders, allies, and adversaries, adds depth and complexity to the narrative, with each character contributing to the overarching story in meaningful ways.
Moreover, Kamen Rider Gaim excels in its storytelling, weaving together intricate plotlines, escalating stakes, moral dilemmas, and thematic depth. With a story crafted by Gen Urobuchi (Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Fate/Zero), themes of friendship, ambition, sacrifice, loss of innocence, and the consequences of power are explored in thought-provoking ways. Additionally, the series features well-executed action sequences, dynamic choreography, and impressive visual effects, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
#1. Kamen Rider Build (2017)
Kamen Rider Build strikes a delicate balance between a deep, mature plot and elements suitable for younger viewers. The series successfully bridges the gap between the darker tone of early Heisei-era Kamen Rider shows and the lighter, gimmick-filled atmosphere prevalent later in the era. It also manages to incorporate themes of human experimentation reminiscent of early Kamen Rider series, delivering a nostalgic storyline for a modern age.
One of Kamen Rider Build‘s greatest strengths lies in its exceptional character dynamics, which rank among the best in the entire franchise. The well-written script, coupled with stellar performances from the cast, fosters genuine chemistry among the characters, making them both relatable and endearing to audiences. Additionally, the show excels in various aspects, including plot development, thematic depth, and world-building. With smart dialogue, engaging character arcs, striking suits, and impressive action sequences, Kamen Rider Build stands out as a shining example of quality storytelling and entertainment within the Kamen Rider franchise.
Whether you’re drawn to the action, the drama, or the larger-than-life heroes, the rich legacy of Kamen Rider offers something for everyone. While these Top 10 shows offer a thrilling journey into the heart of the franchise, there are many other series — such as Kamen Rider Kuuga (2000), Kamen Rider Fourze (2011), Kamen Rider Geats (2022), and even the OG Kamen Rider (1971) — that are worth checking out.
Did your favourite Kamen Rider series make the list? Let us know!
Edwin is a seasoned raconteur with a lifelong passion for video games, comic books, movies, and more. He thrives on captivating stories and immersive world-building, with a soft spot for adorable monsters.
A'bidah Zaid
