Yu Yu Hakusho
Supernatural anime with exciting action, has violence.
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Yu Yu Hakusho
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Yu Yu Hakusho is an action martial arts-themed anime based on the manga series created by Yoshihiro Togashi. The series centers around a group of friends who fight against supernatural enemies that threaten the existence of human world. Expect lots of fantasy violence (blood and gore, use of weapons, magic, fighting, dead bodies, dismemberment, and decapitation). In many battle scenes characters fight to the death. Blood is shown spraying out of wounds. Sexual references and partial nudity include a male character lifting a female character's skirt and making a comment on her underwear. Some characters' naked backsides can be briefly seen, though not in a sexual context. Male characters are often seen shirtless while training or fighting. There are a few kissing scenes. Language includes "idiot," "damn," "hell," "bastard," "piss," "ass," "bitch," "pr--k," and "s--t." The mother of one of the characters is addicted to alcohol and is seen drinking and smoking in some scenes.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
YU YU HAKUSHO follows the story of Yusuke Urameshi (voiced in English dub by Justin Cook), a teenage delinquent with a dull outlook on his future. One day Yusuke uncharacteristically throws himself in front of a car to save the life of a young boy and is killed in the process. Yusuke's ghost is greeted by authorities of the spirit world who judge the newly dead for the afterlife. Yusuke's uncharacteristic act of selflessness has caught the spirit world by surprise and the authorities are not ready to let him pass on, as no place has been prepared for him in heaven or hell. Yusuke is granted an opportunity to regain his life by completing tests given by the prince of the spirit world. He is also charged with investigating supernatural activity on Earth as a spirit detective. Yusuke recruits friends from both the human and spirit worlds and together they fight against supernatural enemies that threaten the existence of humankind.
Is It Any Good?
This winning classic starts off as a slice-of-life anime but quickly becomes a supernatural martial arts anime that has direct contact with the spirit realm. Yu Yu Hakusho's main protagonist Yusuke Urameshi is a middle school student with the reputation of being a delinquent. As the story progresses, Yusuke grows both as a martial artist and as a person. Given the title of "Spirit Realm Detective," Yusuke and is charged with keeping the demons of the world at bay alongside his supporting cast of characters. Also helping Yusuke's growth is his love interest in Keiko, which motivates him to become a better person.
Though this anime has main characters that are considered demons, it never expresses this in a positive way and at times these characters feel guilty for who they once were or have become. For example, Kurama is a half-human, half-fox demon who has a heart of gold and was placed into a human body to grow and realize that being a human brings him more joy than he could imagine. The main characters face a continuous uphill battle that allows them to realize what's important to each of them and use this as motivation to protect the ones they love and care for. Overall, the show is high in action and if you're looking for entertaining fight scenes, look no further than Yu Yu Hakusho for teenage audiences.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the importance of positive role models. Who do your children look up to and why? What role do these influences play in your child's development? How can you promote positive role models to your children?
Talk about the graphic violence in this anime. How intense is it? How do depictions of animated violence compare to depictions of live-action violence?
TV Details
- Premiere date: February 23, 2002
- Cast: Justin Cook, Christopher Sabat, John Burgmeier
- Networks: Hulu, Crunchyroll, Funimation, Tubi
- Genre: Action
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Sports and Martial Arts, Adventures
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: March 8, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
-
Hunter x Hunter
Adventure anime has violence, innuendo, worthy lessons.
-
Bleach
Mature anime series is spooky and violent.
-
InuYasha
Fantasy-themed anime features strong female lead.
For kids who love anime
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate