Introduction
Every anime season has its sleeper hit—an under-the-radar gem that quietly blows away anyone lucky enough to stumble upon it. This Fall, that crown belongs to Orb: On the Movements of the Earth. While the anime is turning heads in Japan, even dominating Netflix's Top 10 list, Western audiences have yet to catch on to its brilliance. And honestly? They’re missing out big time.
Mixing high-stakes historical drama with breathtaking visuals and a story that dares to tackle the clash between science and religion, Orb isn’t like your usual anime. If you’ve ever wondered what it would feel like to watch the Renaissance collide with the intensity of a thriller, this is it. Let’s talk about why Orb is the must-watch anime you’re not hearing enough about—yet.
Astronomy, Heresy, and the Pursuit of Truth
Meet Rafal, the protagonist of the series.
Set in the 15th century in the fictional "P Kingdom," Orb takes us into a world where anyone who questions the teachings of the all-powerful "C religion" is branded a heretic and risks execution. The main character, Rafal, is a child prodigy with a deep interest in astronomy—a subject that, in this world, is about as dangerous as it gets. When Rafal is coerced into assisting Hubert, a scholar and heretic, to research the idea that the Earth revolves around the Sun (heliocentrism), he quickly finds himself caught in a web of persecution.
Things go south fast: Hubert is executed for the theory, leaving Rafal a mysterious spherical pendant that contains hidden research. The story follows Rafal’s journey to continue this dangerous work, despite the constant threat of the church's inquisitors. This is a show that’s not afraid to dive deep into some pretty heavy themes like heresy, the suppression of knowledge, and the brutal lengths to which those in power will go to control the truth.
But don’t let the dark themes fool you—this isn’t a slow, ponderous historical drama. The tension is high, and the stakes couldn’t be greater as Rafal and his allies are constantly on the run from people who would rather see them burned at the stake than let them spread the truth.
A World of Beautiful Detail
If you’re into gorgeous visuals, Orb does not disappoint. From the very first episode, the anime’s production values are immediately apparent. Every scene under the starry sky is a work of art, with a breathtaking level of detail. The sky is so well done that at times, you might find yourself more focused on the stars than the dialogue. This is a show where you can’t help but get lost in the beauty of the Milky Way, the constellations, and the distant planets.
The anime staff have really outdone themselves here, especially considering the subject matter. The world of Orb is one where the night sky plays an integral role, and the animation captures the majesty of the cosmos. The portrayal of the night sky, complete with a stunning view of the Galactic Center, makes each episode feel like you’re staring at an actual photograph of space.
Even small details, like the difference in visibility between a moonlit sky and a star-filled one, are captured with care and attention. It’s the kind of detail that enhances the story, drawing viewers deeper into the world that Rafal and his fellow researchers are navigating.
Historical Fiction with a Side of Science
If you’re a history buff, Orb is a fascinating mix of historical fiction and scientific exploration. The show takes inspiration from real events, particularly the persecution of scientists during the Renaissance era. In this world, scientists who challenge the church’s views are punished, and Rafal’s struggle to continue his research despite the dangers mirrors the real-life struggles of astronomers like Galileo Galilei and Giordano Bruno.
That being said, Orb isn’t going to be a 100% historically accurate retelling. The 15th-century setting is fictional, and the story plays with some historical liberties, but that’s part of what makes it so engaging. The show uses the historical context of scientific discoveries to create a tale that is both exhilarating and thought-provoking. Watching Rafal’s passion for heliocentrism clash with the church’s dogma is both heartbreaking and inspiring.
The series doesn’t shy away from showing the brutal realities of history—torture, executions, and oppression are common themes. And while the historical inaccuracy debate will certainly come up among purists, the anime makes it clear that it’s more about telling a gripping story than sticking strictly to the facts. If anything, it’s the spirit of history that it captures best—the fight for truth in the face of overwhelming opposition.
Strong Characters and Storytelling
One of the standout elements of Orb is its characters. Rafal, in particular, is a character who feels incredibly real. He’s not some overpowered hero destined to save the world; he’s a young man whose intellectual curiosity and thirst for knowledge put him in grave danger. His development throughout the story is compelling to watch, as he’s forced to balance his ideals with the harsh realities of living in a world that punishes free thought.
The supporting characters, like the mercenary Okgi and the priest Badeni, are equally well-developed, each bringing their own motivations and backstories to the table. The tension between Rafal and Nowak, the inquisitor hunting him, is palpable, with Nowak’s cold ruthlessness making him one of the most terrifying antagonists of the season.
But what’s truly impressive about Orb is the way it handles exposition. Unlike many anime that drown viewers in heavy-handed explanations or long-winded monologues, Orb trusts its audience to piece together the story through the characters' actions and motivations. It’s a rare show that doesn’t feel the need to spoon-feed its viewers, and that’s a huge part of what makes it so compelling. You’re encouraged to think, to question, and to follow the threads of the story as they unfold.
Why Orb Deserves More Love in the West
Despite its critical acclaim and popularity in Japan, Orb has hardly made a dent in Western anime communities. Why is that? The anime’s unique mix of historical fiction, intellectual themes, and breathtaking visuals make it stand out, but it doesn’t fit neatly into the mainstream anime categories that dominate the West.
In the West, we’re often saturated with isekai, shounen, and rom-com anime that follow similar formulas, and while these genres have their place, there’s something refreshing about Orb’s more intellectual and serious approach. This is an anime that appeals to those looking for something a little deeper, something that challenges ideas and explores the conflict between knowledge and power.
It’s frustrating to see Orb fly under the radar, especially when it’s doing so well in Japan. The anime deserves more attention, especially considering how well it blends historical drama with compelling characters and philosophical questions. The series is a must-watch for anyone who’s tired of the same-old anime tropes and wants something that pushes the boundaries of what anime can be.
Final Thoughts: A Hidden Gem in Plain Sight
And there you have it—Orb: On the Movements of the Earth isn’t just an anime; it’s a thought-provoking experience that feels like a hidden treasure waiting to be unearthed. Sure, it’s not plastered all over Twitter or flooding your feed with fan edits, but maybe that’s the charm. It’s the kind of show you stumble upon, dive into, and then can’t stop thinking about. Whether you’re here for the drama, the historical vibes, or just to see a smartly written story unfold, Orb delivers.
So, if you’re looking for something to break out of your anime rut—or just a series that makes you feel a little smarter for watching it—give Orb a shot. It might just surprise you, and hey, you’ll be ahead of the curve when everyone else finally catches on.
And of course, if Orb has already captured your imagination—or if you’re curious to bring a piece of it into your world—you can explore a range of Orb-related merchandise by visiting our catalog at ZenPlus. From Japan straight to your doorstep, we’ve got the perfect finds for fans of this gem!
Orb: On the Movements of the Earth - Official Trailer | English Sub
アニメ『チ。 ―地球の運動について―』ノンクレジットオープニング映像「怪獣」サカナクション
アニメ『チ。 ―地球の運動について―』ノンクレジットエンディング映像「アポリア」ヨルシカ
What do you think?
Will Rafal be able to prove the heliocentric theory?
Can Rafal avoid the fate of other heretics like Hubert?
How far will Rafal go to spread the truth?
Let us know in the comments or drop us a line on social media: X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook! We’d love to hear from you!
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You can watch Orb: On The Movements of the Earth on Netflix.
About the Writer
Cristy is a freelance artist and writer who has been obsessed with anime and manga since childhood. Her love for these imaginative worlds fuels her creative endeavors, and she shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.
