Lupin III

Alright, let’s talk about Lupin III—the OG gentleman thief who’s been stealing hearts (and treasures) for over 50 years. If you haven’t dived into this iconic franchise yet, let me break down why it’s still a big deal, straight from what fans are saying online.

First off, the characters are everything. As one MyAnimeList user put it, “Probably some of the best chemistry between a cast in Anime, even if most of it is just heisting shenanigans.” Lupin III, the suave grandson of Arsène Lupin, leads a crew that’s equal parts chaotic and charming: Daisuke Jigen, the sharp-shooting sidekick with a cigarette permanently glued to his lip; Goemon Ishikawa XIII, the stoic samurai who can slice through anything (including logic); Fujiko Mine, the femme fatale who’s as likely to double-cross Lupin as she is to kiss him; and Inspector Zenigata, the relentless cop who’s spent decades chasing Lupin but low-key respects him. Their banter? Pure gold. Zenigata’s “I’ll catch you, Lupin!” rants mixed with Fujiko’s playful manipulation make every episode feel like a buddy comedy with explosions—and who doesn’t love that?

Then there’s the vibe. Fans rave about the retro coolness. “I enjoy the retro feeling of the Lupin III movies/episodes, the action, the pacing and the heists,” said one user, comparing it to Detective Conan’s Kaito Kid but “way more adult-like.” Think 70s-style animation, jazz soundtracks, and heists that feel like they’re straight out of a Bond film—if Bond was a thief with a penchant for silly disguises. The car chases? Legendary. Yasuo Otsuka, the “godfather of Japanese realism in animation,” directed some of the best ones, like in The Castle of Cagliostro (yes, that’s the Hayao Miyazaki one!). Even today, those sequences hold up—smooth, dynamic, and just plain fun.

But wait, is it all just nostalgia? Nope. The franchise keeps evolving. There’s the Fujiko Mine spin-off, which fans call “really great” with “realistic and well-made” animation. It dials back the comedy and dives deeper into Fujiko’s backstory, giving her more depth than just eye candy. Then there are the newer series, like Part IV and Part V, which mix classic heists with modern twists—think Lupin pulling off capers in Italy or Brazil, using drones and social media. As one fan noted, “I love how you can just jump in at any time. You can watch just one episode and immediately fall in love with the characters.” No need to binge 100 episodes to get it—each story is a standalone adventure, perfect for busy teens.

Critics might say the formula gets repetitive: Lupin plans a heist, Fujiko betrays him, Zenigata shows up, chaos ensues, and Lupin escapes with a wink. But fans argue that’s the point. “It’s a great breath of fresh air compared to today’s mostly empty anime,” someone commented. In a world of overcomplicated plots and characters who never shut up about their feelings, Lupin III keeps it simple: cool heists, funny moments, and characters who don’t need character development because they’re already iconic.

And let’s not forget the legacy. This is the franchise that gave us Miyazaki’s first feature film (Cagliostro), for crying out loud! Directors like Hiroaki Imaishi (of Kill la Kill fame) and Gisaburo Sugii have put their own spins on it, keeping the art style fresh while honoring the original’s spirit. The music? Timeless. That jazz theme? Instantly recognizable. It’s the kind of soundtrack that makes you want to put on a trench coat and start plotting your own (fake) heist.

Sure, not everyone’s a fan of the slapstick comedy. One user admitted, “Lupin is way too childish for my taste as long as we are not talking about the Mine Fujiko universe.” Fair—some episodes lean into silly gags, like Lupin dressing up as a giant chicken. But that’s part of the charm! It’s a franchise that doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is a relief in a world of dark, edgy anime.

So, whether you’re into heists, retro vibes, or just characters that feel like old friends, Lupin III has something for you. As one fan summed it up: “He’s been adventuring for 50 years. Half a century, and he’s still going strong!” So grab some popcorn, pick a random episode (or movie—Cagliostro is a great start), and join the chase. You won’t regret it.

Lupin III—still stealing the show after all these years. 🎩✨