Galaxy Express 999: A Journey Through Space and Time

Are you ready for a train ride to immortality? In Galaxy Express 999, young Tetsuro travels through the cosmos in search of immortality and revenge in a future where humanity and machines blend seamlessly. This melancholic, retro-futuristic space opera brings together coming-of-age themes, philosophy, and cosmic adventure in a legendary anime classic. In the distant future, humanity effortlessly traverses the universe. Immortality is within reach as people can transfer their consciousness into mechanical bodies. A legendary train, the Galaxy Express 999, traverses the infinity, carrying not just passengers but also the dreams, ambitions, and youth of all mankind. After the brutal murder of his mother, young Tetsuro grows up in the slums of Megalopolis City on Earth. His dream: to secure a ticket for the Galaxy Express 999 and receive a free cyborg body at the destination, so he can finally take revenge for his mother’s death. Galaxy Express 999 is based on Leiji Matsumoto’s intricate manga (and TV series) that pits humanity against machines. This theme would be revisited by director Rintaro in his cyberpunk film Metropolis (2001). This marks Rintaro’s first feature film as a director, having previously worked on influential series like Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy. Drawing clear nods to Night on the Galactic Railroad (Kenji Miyazawa), Galaxy Express 999 is a stunning mix of space opera, western, coming-of-age, and retrofuturism. Even in 2025, the visuals are remarkably ahead of their time. All aboard!