r/KamenRider • u/UnknownChaser • Jan 01 '25
Meta What to Watch/Recommend a Kamen Rider - 2025 Megathread
This is a long overdue thread, but one of the most common posts the subreddit gets is; ”where do I start with Kamen Rider?”, “what Kamen Rider show do I watch next”, and the likes of those.
This thread going forward for the year 2025 will be the megathread for answering and posting those questions. While this thread won’t be going through every single season in the series's 50+ years long run, it will give you the basics to find a show to start with.
Proceed at your own risk: Spoilers for shows don’t need to be tagged inside this thread and no posting links to illegal download/stream of shows.
Showa era; The 70s was a booming era in post-WWII Japan, while the shows may seem dated by today’s effect and techniques, there is a charm and appreciation to them
Kamen Rider - The first show and the beginning of the franchise. In a world plagued by Shocker, a mysterious worldwide terrorist organization.. To further its plans for world domination, Shocker recruited its agents through kidnapping, turning their victims into mutant cyborgs and, ultimately, brainwashing them. However, one victim named Takeshi Hongo escaped just before the final brainwashing. With his sanity and moral conscience intact, Takeshi wages a one-man war against Shocker's minions as the grasshopper-themed cyborg superhero “Kamen Rider”.
You can stream the series over on shoutfactorytv: https://watch.shout-tv.com/series/1671
Kamen Rider Black/Black RX - The Creation King, the pinnacle of the cult Gorgom. As his life begins to extinguish, the elected Creation King will inherit his power. Step brothers Kotaro Minami and Nobuhiko Akizuki were kidnapped by Gorgom and became the candidates for the next Gorgom Creation King. Black RX is the sequel and follows the next chapter of the events of Kamen Rider Black.
You can purchase the series from Discotek: https://store.crunchyroll.com/products/kamen-rider-black-blu-ray-875707031295.html
You can purchase the series from Discotek: https://store.crunchyroll.com/products/kamen-rider-black-rx-tv-series-blu-ray-875707034227.html
Heisei era; This started in 2000, this is where the “modern” start of Kamen Rider really begins, this era is divided into 2 parts; Heisei Part 1 and Heisei Part 2.
Kamen Rider Kuuga - The 1st series of Heisei. After returning from a 10+ years hiatus, Kamen Rider Kuuga is Kamen Rider at its basic with a return to form, but with modern updates. Yusuke Godai’s journey from a carefree individual to a determined and selfless hero is the heart of the series, and his struggles against the ancient Grongi monsters create a compelling narrative that resonates with themes of identity, morality, and responsibility, marks a perfect return and start to a new era of Kamen Rider for all to enjoy.
You can stream the series over on shoutfactorytv: https://watch.shout-tv.com/series/1660
Kamen Rider Kabuto - How do you define cool? Well if you were to take out a dictionary and look it up, you’ll find an image of Soji Takeru, the main protagonist of Kamen Rider Kabuto. Kamen Rider Kabuto is a show that deals with destiny and human nature, all while having to deal with an alien invasion.
Kamen Rider Den-O - What happens when a Stand User gets access to a TARDIS? You get Kamen Rider Den-O. Ryotaro Nogami is an unlucky, timid, and often easily frightened young man. Despite his constant misfortune, he possesses a strong sense of justice and a willingness to help others. His life changes when he becomes the host for the Imagins. Ryotaro is the heart of the show, and his growth as a person is central to the series’ themes of friendship, growth, and the impact of time.
Kamen Rider W - The start of Heisei Part 2. Kamen Rider W is a detective noir-inspired show with the 1st in the series by having 2 characters becoming the singular Kamen Rider W. Follow the adventures of Shotaro and Phillp as they fight, unravel the dark secret, and confront a greater conspiracy that threatens the beautiful windy city of Futo.
Kamen Rider Fourze - In contrast to past seasons, Kamen Rider Fouze has a high schooler as its main protagonist who only wants one thing; to be your friend. Kamen Rider Fourze provides a nice change of pace from previous seasons by going for a more youthful slice of life with its storytelling. Through the show and the school year, Kamen Rider Fourze’s infectious enthusiasm strikes a balance between high-energy action and deeper, more emotional storytelling about friendship, growth, and the responsibilities of being a hero.
Kamen Rider Gaim - From the genius mind of Gen Urobuchi, he manages to do the impossible, having break dancing ties to the origin story of Adam and Eve. Set in a world of fruit-themed warriors, Kamen Rider Gaim stands out for its unique blend of action, drama, and philosophical themes, with a narrative that tackles issues like power, freedom, and the consequences of choice. All your favorite Gen Urobuchi’s tropes are here, everything you expect, will happen, but not in the way you think.
Reiwa era; Started in 2019, the era of "beautiful harmony" is where the Kamen Rider series is currently set in.
Kamen Rider Zero-One - The start of the Reiwa era and keeping in with its meaning of "beautiful harmony", Kamen Rider Zero-One starts off with that theme of proposing with the idea of “can AI and humanity survive together”? Aruto Hiden, is the eccentric and optimistic CEO of the Hiden Intelligence, the leading corporations responsible for creating these AIs called “Humagears”. Kamen Rider Zero-One fights to stop the rise of corrupted AI, led by MetsubouJinrai.net, who seek to use the Humagears for destructive purposes.
You can stream the series over on shoutfactorytv: https://watch.shout-tv.com/series/1658
Kamen Rider Geats - The Star of the Stars of the Stars, that is who Ace Ukiyo is. The main character of Kamen Rider Geats. Ace along with other characters are selected to play a game of life and death in the mysterious, high-stakes “Desire Grand Prix”, established by an enigmatic entity; The Game Master. In this game, participants are forced to fight for their lives, with the ultimate prize being the ability to grant a wish or alter reality itself. This game is a televised event that has drawn multiple competitors, each with their own motives for entering, including desires for fame, wealth, power, or personal gain.
You can stream the series over on shoutfactorytv: https://watch.shout-tv.com/series/1655
Other;
Kamen Rider Dragon Knight - Unlike other shows listed here, Kamen Rider Dragon Knight is the 2nd English adaption of the franchise (we don’t talk about the 1st one, unless it's about Ferbus); adapting 2003’s Kamen Rider Ryuki. Kit Taylor, who is initially searching for his missing father, becomes embroiled in a battle between the Kamen Riders and the various factions within the Mirror World, by becoming Dragon Knight. The battle centers around the Advent Decks, a set of powerful cards that allow the users to transform into Kamen Riders.
Kamen Rider Amazons/Amazon Riders - Kamen Rider Amazons takes place in a world where an experimental project involving genetically modified humans, known as Amazons, has gone awry. These Amazons are creatures with enhanced strength and regenerative abilities, resembling a mix of humans and monstrous predators. Haruka Mizusawa/Kamen Rider Amazon and Omega Takayama Jin/Kamen Rider Amazon Alpha, are some of the Amazons that were created for use as weapons. The central plot revolves around these dangerous creatures and the struggle between humans and Amazons for survival.
You can stream the series over on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Riders-Season-1/dp/B086HVKS72
Fuuto PI - A sequel to Kamen Rider W, this is an anime adaption that continues the story. Taking place 2 years after Kamen Rider W, an amnesiac woman named Tokime appears, who is being targeted by nefarious forces. As Shotaro and Philip solve more cases, they gradually uncover more about Tokime and her past life.
You can stream the series over on crunchyroll: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GMEHMEWK0/fuuto-pi
Kamen Rider The First + The Next - A Heisei-era reimagining of the original Kamen Rider, these 2 movies are perfect for a Sunday night watch party with a group of friends.
Shin Kamen Rider - A reimagining by Hideko Anno, this movie serves as a fan letter to the original Kamen Rider, while you don’t need to watch the original, the movie is stand alone to be watched and enjoyed.
Helpful links:
https://kamenriderguide.weebly.com/
https://gatecrashers.fan/2021/04/20/kamen-rider-starter-guide/
https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/guides/2020/5/31/a-complete-beginners-guide-to-kamen-rider
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u/MaikelV92 Dec 10 '25
Best one for a newbie to start with
Hii! So I've watched Power Rangers near to my whole life and with it having gone so long without a new season, I was thinking of trying Kamen Rider and the other Toku shows like Sentai.
I have no idea where to start though. Should I just start at the beginning? I also really enjoy when the female characters are just as important as the male characters. I know that Kamen Rider is predominantly a male focused series but I wouldn't mind watching a few season with strong female Riders too.
Let me know if anyone has any suggestions. 😊 And I hope everyone reading this has a wonderful day/night!