Kara Dennison
January 2, 2021 
What’s better than watching your anime faves onscreen? Watching all of them together at once! Anime crossovers have always been a thing, but these days they’re getting more commonplace. From isekai expanded universes to studios bringing together their top-tier stars, it all means more fun for us.
Here are a few of our favorites, from classics to the freshest of releases.
Cyborg 009 vs. Devilman
In his early years, 70s manga and anime creator Go Nagai served as an assistant to Shotaro Ishinomori. In particular, he did backgrounds for the original Cyborg 009 manga. That connection alone explains the existence of one of the wildest anime crossovers we’ve ever seen: Cyborg 009 vs. Devilman.
The three-part OVA brings together some of the creators’ most famous creations, as they battle each other in commemoration of their respective anniversary years. In fact, the OVA was initially announced as two separate projects. The revelation that it was a face-off made the anniversary year release even cooler!
Gundam vs. Hello Kitty
Speaking of shared anniversary years, two unlikely foes made for one of the greatest anime crossovers of recent memory. As Mobile Suit Gundam turned 40 and the Hello Kitty franchise turned 45, they faced off in an epic space battle. The collab included merch, live parties, and — yes — animation.
When the year was up, the duo continued to collaborate in a new era of peace and friendship.
Minky Momo vs. Creamy Mami
One is a magical princess from another world. The other is an ordinary girl who got her hands on alien tech. And now they’re going to fight each other in one of our favorite magical anime crossovers.
This OVA is mostly a showcase for fans two enjoy two classic magical girls being extra. And, really, that’s all we ask. After all, that’s kind of what they’re about even when they’re solo!
Lupin III vs. Lady Oscar
To celebrate 100 episodes of Lupin III‘s red jacket run, the series turned to fans for suggestions. The second of the four fan-suggested episodes saw the gentleman thief face off against the Rose of Versailles star in the episode “Versailles Burned with Love.”
Both Lupin III and The Rose of Versailles hail from TMS Entertainment, meaning they could just… do this. You’ll see other references to the classic series throughout, including a treasure belonging to Marie Antoinette and a certain someone for whom Oscar longs.
Fate/Grand Carnival
And now, there’s a brand new addition to the list! In the spirit of TYPE-MOON’s Carnival Phantasm is Fate/Grand Carnival, the latest of the group’s anime crossovers. Now, the stars of Fate/Grand Order are in the mix. In particular, girl-type Ritsuka (a.k.a. Gudako) is once again getting screen time.
The first episode aired on New Year’s Eve, and a second will premiere on DVD and Blu-ray later this year.
What are some of your favorite anime crossovers — or, what anime crossovers would you personally like to see happen!
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