For decades, the Macross anime franchise, a pillar of the mecha genre alongside Gundam, has remained largely inaccessible to audiences in the West, particularly in the streaming era. However, that is set to change in early 2025, as a significant portion of the Macross catalog makes its long-awaited debut on Hulu.
In a recent programming update, Hulu confirmed that over 15 Macross titles will be added to its platform beginning January 13, 2025. This includes both the iconic series and various theatrical retellings and compilation films, providing a comprehensive look at one of anime’s most influential franchises.
Macross Frontier and More Head to Hulu
The addition of Macross Frontier, one of the most popular modern entries in the franchise, is a key highlight. Despite never receiving an official release in the West, Macross Frontier garnered a dedicated international fanbase, celebrated for its unforgettable soundtrack and vibrant characters. Its music sales even rivaled the legendary Neon Genesis Evangelion, further cementing the series’ global appeal.
Other notable titles being added to Hulu include:
- The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Flash Back 2012
- The Super Dimension Fortress Macross II: Lovers, Again
- Macross Plus
- Macross Plus Movie Edition
- Macross Delta
- Macross Delta: Passionate Walküre (Macross Delta the Movie: Passionate Walkūre)
- Macross Delta: Zettai LIVE!!!!!!
- Macross Zero
- Macross 7
- Macross Dynamite 7
- Macross 7: The Galaxy is Calling Me!
- Macross Fb7 Listen to My Song!
- Macross Frontier
- Macross Frontier: The False Songstress
- Macross Frontier: The Wings of Farewell
- Macross Frontier: Labyrinth of Time
These shows, many of which were previously unavailable in the West due to licensing conflicts, will now be accessible to Macross fans across the globe. The licensing challenges stemmed from disputes between Big West, Studio Nue, and Harmon Gold USA, which used footage from the original Macross to create the 1980s series Robotech. However, an agreement reached in 2021 has finally paved the way for Macross to make its way to international streaming platforms, including Hulu, which is now owned by Disney.
The Licensing History of Macross
While the 1982 Super Dimension Fortress Macross remains absent from this release—likely due to its visual similarities to Robotech—the compilation The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Flash Back 2012 will be included. This film features music videos and footage from the original series, giving fans a nostalgic look at the franchise’s roots.
The addition of these titles to Hulu marks the end of Macross‘s long absence from international platforms, and this move comes after the 2024 debut of the series on Disney+ via its Star brand. As a result, fans of Macross can now watch these iconic shows on Hulu, further cementing the streaming platform as a central hub for mecha anime.
Macross’ Influence on the Mecha Genre
Airing in 1982, Super Dimension Fortress Macross became the cornerstone of the Macross franchise and laid the groundwork for multiple spinoffs. It was also the first installment in the “Super Dimension” trilogy by Big West, which included Super Dimension Century Orguss and Super Dimension Cavalry Southern Cross. While these shows shared a loose thematic connection under the “Super Dimension” banner, they were entirely separate works, with Macross making cameo appearances in Southern Cross and Orguss as part of a playful in-universe reference.
In a more direct crossover, Macross, Southern Cross, and Genesis Climber MOSPEADA were all combined to create the 1980s Robotech, a franchise that has remained intrinsically linked to Macross. Additionally, Macross has had a notable influence on other major anime properties. One of the most famous connections is the use of the Macross VF-1 Valkyrie action figure, produced by Takatoku Toys, as the basis for the Jetfire toy in the original Generation 1 Transformers line. Due to legal issues, Jetfire was renamed “Skyfire” in the animated series, highlighting Macross‘s role in shaping the toy industry as well.
Macross and Gundam: Two Pillars of Mecha Anime
In terms of cultural significance, Macross is often considered second only to Mobile Suit Gundam in the mecha genre. In a surprising turn of events, 2024 saw an announcement that Sunrise, the studio behind Gundam, would be helming the next Macross series, signaling a new chapter in the franchise’s evolution. This move further intertwines Macross with Gundam, a connection that fans will appreciate as they can now watch both franchises on the same streaming service.
Hulu already hosts several Gundam series, ranging from the original Universal Century timeline to later successes like Gundam Wing and Mobile Suit Gundam 00. For fans of both iconic mecha franchises, Hulu has become the ultimate destination, offering an extensive library of both Macross and Gundam content in one place.
Conclusion
With Macross finally making its long-anticipated arrival on Hulu, the franchise’s international presence is set to expand. Fans can look forward to revisiting the beloved series and discovering new entries in the Macross universe. The integration of Macross with other major anime franchises, like Gundam, on the same platform also promises a new era for mecha anime, providing fans with the opportunity to experience some of the most iconic anime in history in one convenient location.