Sailor Moon, an undeniably iconic series in the annals of anime history, has once again graced screens in the U.S. and Canada with the return of its faithful adaptation, Sailor Moon Crystal, to Netflix. This event marks a significant moment for fans, as the beloved franchise has navigated a tumultuous decade, constantly shifting between various streaming platforms, with Crystal itself having briefly departed Netflix earlier in July.

The cultural impact of Sailor Moon extends far beyond mere entertainment; it played a pivotal role in propelling anime into mainstream American pop culture. Alongside trailblazers like Dragon Ball Z and Cowboy Bebop, Sailor Moon was among the biggest anime series to receive an English dub. Creator Naoko Takeuchi's genius lay in her ability to seamlessly blend disparate genres, marrying the action-packed thrills typical of shonen and tokusatsu shows with elements of fashion and romance. This unique combination allowed Sailor Moon to transcend initial censorship challenges and carve out a permanent niche in popular culture, simultaneously defining the beloved "magical girl" subgenre in anime.

Sailor Moon Crystal, launched to celebrate the franchise's 20th anniversary, further cemented the series' legacy. It distinguished itself by being a far more faithful adaptation of Takeuchi's original manga. The involvement of VIZ, which oversaw the Sailor Moon franchise, enabled a deeper exploration of themes that had been toned down or removed in the original dubs. Crystal provided long-time fans with the accurate adaptation they had always yearned for, while simultaneously serving as an accessible entry point for new audiences to discover the adventures of Usagi Tsukino.

Netflix now offers a comprehensive viewing experience for Sailor Moon enthusiasts, as not only Sailor Moon Crystal but also its cinematic continuations, Sailor Moon Eternal and Sailor Moon Cosmos, are available. These movies serve as the grand finale to Crystal, with Eternal meticulously adapting the "Dream" arc of the manga and Cosmos tackling the "Stars" arc. This complete collection ensures that fans, regardless of their familiarity with the series, can engage with a version that remains true to the creator's original vision.

The journey of Sailor Moon through various streaming platforms over the past decade serves as a prime illustration of the "streaming wars" and their impact on content accessibility. While VIZ's dub of the original series is available for purchase on Blu-ray and DVD, the classic DIC dub, which introduced many fans to Sailor Moon, is largely unavailable online. Therefore, Sailor Moon Crystal's return to Netflix is particularly welcome news for subscribers.

The timing of Sailor Moon Crystal's re-addition to Netflix couldn't be more opportune, aligning with a broader resurgence in the popularity of anime and animation. Recent successes like the box office dominance of Demon Slayer and Chainsaw Man movies underscore this trend. Netflix itself has amplified its investment in anime, with series such as Sakamoto Days climbing its charts and its live-action adaptation of One Piece garnering unexpected acclaim, defying the often-negative reception of such adaptations. Interestingly, Netflix has also found success with KPop Demon Hunters, a series that, much like Sailor Moon, expertly blends seemingly disparate elements – KPop music and demon battling – into a distinctive narrative. The romantic dynamic between KPop Demon Hunters' Rumi and Jinu even echoes the iconic relationship between Usagi and Tuxedo Mask, complete with their playful animosity masking deeper feelings. In this context, Sailor Moon Crystal and its subsequent films offer an ideal follow-up watch for viewers who enjoyed KPop Demon Hunters, completing a cycle of genre-bending and beloved storytelling available on the platform.