The BEST episodes of Legend of the Galactic Heroes

Every episode of Legend of the Galactic Heroes ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Legend of the Galactic Heroes!

In the distant future, there's an interstellar conflict going on. For almost two centuries, the monarchic and the democratic have been in constant battle. The series focuses on the exploits of rivals Reinhard von Lohengramm and Yang Wen-li as they rise to power and fame in the Galactic Empire and the Free Planets Alliance, respectively.

Last Updated: 1/30/2024Network: Status: Ended
Share:
The Magician Never Returns
star
9.46
61 votes

#1 - The Magician Never Returns

Season 3 - Episode 28 - Aired 1/1/1995

Reinhard confides in Hildegard that his memories of Kircheis motivated him towards ceasefire talks. Yang discusses the situation with his staff and decides to accept the ceasefire talks. Yang leaves Iserlohn with military personnel and the politicians from El Facil. Meanwhile, Andrew Fork's ship finds Yang's ship en route to the Imperial fleet.

Watch Now:Amazon
The Brünhild Calls for Blood
star
9.14
22 votes

#2 - The Brünhild Calls for Blood

Season 4 - Episode 22 - Aired 2/1/1997

The Rosenritter soldiers latch on to Flagship Brunhilde. The Imperial doctors reveal to the admirals that Reinhard has an unknown and incurable disease. General Schenkopp holds off the Royal guard with his soldiers. Reinhard prepares to meet with Julian, should Julian make it to his room. Bittenfeld frustrated with inactivity, rushes into the Merkatz fleet. Admiral Merkatz is killed in battle. Mashengo dies protecting Julian from gunfire. Schenkopp is fatally wounded in battle while Poplan fights off Reinhard's Imperial guard. Julian reaches Reinhard's room for negotiations. A truce is announced.

Seeing a Dream Through to the End
star
8.80
25 votes

#3 - Seeing a Dream Through to the End

Season 4 - Episode 24 - Aired 2/1/1997

Schumacher is caught by the Imperial police. Schumacher confesses that he thinks the last of the Earth cultists have landed on Phezzan. Julian and Reinhard exchange stories and political points on their trip to Phezzan. Reinhard's sister and wife tend to him as he lays bedridden. Oberstein releases a rumor that the Kaiser is getting well to drive out the remaining Terraists. Julian and friends notice the Earth cultists at the hotel and kill the last of the Terraists. Oberstein used himself as bait and died in place of the Kaiser. Reinhard is surrounded by all his admirals, family, and ministers as he prepares to die. Reinhard wants to leave his son with a friend equal to Kircheis and chooses Mittermeyer's adopted son. The Julian fleet members go their separate ways. On July 26th of Space Calendar 801, New Imperial Calendar 3, Reinhard dies. At the Mittermeyer estate young Felix reaches for the stars, echoing Reinhard's ambition.

Watch Now:Amazon
To Die by the Sword
star
8.72
25 votes

#4 - To Die by the Sword

Season 4 - Episode 11 - Aired 11/1/1996

Mittermeyer's fleet catches up with Reuenthal's fleet as they head to Heinessen. Grillpalzer betrays Reuenthal's fleet and fires on his former allies. Reuenthal's flagship is hit by long distance artillery. Reuenthal is impaled in in the chest by a piece of metal. Reuenthal continues to order tactics as he becomes pale. Grillpalzer surrenders to Wahlen's fleet. Mecklinger discovers Terraism evidence on Uruvasi hidden by Grillpalzer. Mecklinger orders Grillpalzer arrested. Reuenthal returns to Heinessen with only 10% of his fleet remaining.

Watch Now:Amazon
Sieg Kaiser!
star
8.69
32 votes

#5 - Sieg Kaiser!

Season 2 - Episode 28 - Aired 2/1/1992

Yang boards the Brunhilde and meets with Reinhard. Yang declines an offer by Reinhard to the position of Imperial Fleet Admiral, instead preferring to retire to a quiet life. Reinhard and Yang discuss government and philosophy. The treaty of Barlat is announced, formally ending hostilities. The concessions within the treaty increase civil unrest, public anger turns from the Empire to former Chairman Trüniht. Admiral Lennenkanpt is appointed Imperial consul of Heinessen. Julian, Mashengo, and Boris Konev prepare to visit Earth. June 20, 799 S.C. / 490 I.C.: The regent of the young Empress signs a declaration abdicating the throne to Reinhard. Beginning of the New Empire; year 1 of the New Imperial Calendar (N.I.C.).

Watch Now:Amazon
After the Festival
star
8.68
22 votes

#6 - After the Festival

Season 3 - Episode 29 - Aired 2/1/1995

Julian finds Yang's body. The Yang staff return to Iserlohn. The crew of Iserlohn enter mourning. Julian tells Frederica about Yang's death. It is decided by Yang's remaining staff that Frederica will assume the role of political leader. Julian is considered to be the next military leader. Julian accepts the role of military leadership after talking with Frederica. Unrest within Iserlohn grows and there is talk of desertion. Admiral Murai speaks with Julian and gives him his resignation. Murai intends to fulfill his last task for Yang by taking all dissidents from Iserlohn with him as a desertion leader. The remaining leaders of El Facil abandon the Yang fleet.

Watch Now:Amazon
The Endless Requiem
star
8.63
24 votes

#7 - The Endless Requiem

Season 4 - Episode 12 - Aired 11/1/1996

Reuenthal returns to his office and assigns all domestic political matters to Elsheimer. Trüniht is killed by Reuenthal after they both discuss their ambitions and Reinhard. Reuenthal is visited by Elfriede von Kohlrausch and her baby. Reuenthal requests that she give the his son to Mittermeyer. On November 14th, Space Calendar 800, New Imperial Year 2, Reuenthal dies at the age of 33. Mittermeyer arrives on Heinessen, but is too late to meet with his old friend. Admiral Bergengrün, who also served under Kircheis commits suicide, after hearing of Reuenthal's death. Bergengrün had lost both his commanders to underhanded political schemes. Lang confesses to all his actions and implicates Rubinsky. Rubinsky is nowhere to be found.

Watch Now:Amazon
Mortal Combat at Vermillion (Part One)
star
8.52
29 votes

#8 - Mortal Combat at Vermillion (Part One)

Season 2 - Episode 25 - Aired 2/1/1992

Yang announces R&R time before the final battle. Julian and Yang discuss the differing battle goals for both sides. The Alliance needs to kill Reinhard while the Empire needs to hold out long enough for reinforcements to trap the Alliance. Yang finally reciprocates Frederica's feelings and proposes marriage after the war is over. Frederica is thrilled at the idea. It is revealed that Yang felt a large amount of guilt at pursuing familial happiness with all the deaths he has caused. Both fleets engage each other cautiously; both sides suspect traps or tricks from the other.

Watch Now:Amazon
Farewell, Distant Days
star
8.47
32 votes

#9 - Farewell, Distant Days

Season 1 - Episode 26 - Aired 6/1/1989

Ansbach misses; Oberstein protects Reinhard with his body while Kircheis grabs the weapons, but is killed in the process. Reinhard is devastated by his friend's death and is unable to make any decisions for several days. His admirals go back to Odin, arrest Lichtenlade for the murder attempt on Reinhard. Reinhard finally recovers and speaks to Annerose, who decides to retire to a small cottage; Reinhard feels left alone. Meanwhile, in Phezzan, Rubinsky decides to change his strategy, since the balance of power cannot be maintained: Phezzan will support the Empire. He sends Boltik as Phezzan's ambassador to Odin and replaces him with Rupert Kesselring.

Watch Now:Amazon
The Fall of the Goldenbaum
star
8.45
31 votes

#10 - The Fall of the Goldenbaum

Season 1 - Episode 23 - Aired 5/1/1989

And uprising takes place in Westerland, one of Braunschweig's territories. He decides to kill all the inhabitants by a nuclear strike. Reinhard hears about the plan and wants to send a fleet to stop it, but Oberstein thinks it's better to let it happen, record it and use this monstruous act as a propaganda tool against the high nobles. Reinhard is against it, but Oberstein's plan succeeds because he lied about the time of the strike. The images are nevertheless broadcasted in all the Empire: Reinhard becomes the hero of the commoners and, even in Geiesburg, many think its time to get rid of the high nobles. The Lippstadt Fleet makes a last sortie, but is defeated.

Watch Now:Amazon
The Battle of Marr-Adetta Stellar Region (Part Two)
star
8.45
29 votes

#11 - The Battle of Marr-Adetta Stellar Region (Part Two)

Season 3 - Episode 18 - Aired 11/1/1994

Bucock's fleet advances through the Müller fleet while being pursued and surrounded by many others. Bucock's Alliance fleet is unable to charge and kill Rienhard. Hilde advises Reinhard to offer surrender to Bucock. Instead of accepting defeat, the Alliance officers toast to friendship and democracy. Afterwards, the Imperial fleet decimates all remaining Alliance ships. The Imperial victory celebration is cut short when news of Lutz's defeat at Iserlohn is received. The situation has changed for the Imperials if the plan was coordinated. The Imperial fleet would have cut off supply lines if Phezzan fell as well. With that possibility, Reinhard could have underestimated the importance of Iserlohn. Countering the panic, Hilde points out Yang would not have sacrificed his allies for a stall. The Imperial forces thus resumes their course for Heinessen.

Watch Now:Amazon
Mortal Combat at Vermillion (Part Two)
star
8.45
29 votes

#12 - Mortal Combat at Vermillion (Part Two)

Season 2 - Episode 26 - Aired 2/1/1992

Yang organizes his fleet for a blitzkrieg directly at Reinhard's flagship, the Brunhilde. Reinhard divides his fleet into multiple layers of ships, providing an rotation for each broken layer. Ivan Konev is killed in battle when his strike craft is lured into cruiser fire. Yang realizes that it has become an issue of endurance if Reinhard's fleet is continuously reforming the front line. The Alliance fleet tricks Reinhard's front line into entering an asteroid field. Reinhard is divided from his main force as that group is surrounded by Yang's fleet. Müller's fleet is the first to return, rescuing the Brunhilde and acting as a shield.

Watch Now:Amazon
Daring to Take Up Arms
star
8.40
25 votes

#13 - Daring to Take Up Arms

Season 4 - Episode 16 - Aired 12/1/1996

Wahlan orders his fleet to investigate after learning of fleet movements inside the Iserlohn corridor. On the Imperial side of the corridor, Julian approaches Imperial admiral Wagenseil's fleet. Using strike craft and a slow withdrawal strategy, Julian infuriates Wagenseil. The Wagenseil fleet is lured into range of the Iserlohn Thor hammer cannon and loses a large portion its ships. Wahlan's fleet tries to attack Iserlohn from the back before the Thor hammer recharges. Merkatz ambushes Wahlan's fleet from a blind spot while Julean approaches from around the fortress, executing a pincer formation. The Thor hammer fires two more times, causing massive damage to the pincered Wahlan fleet. Reinhard prepares for a counterattack from Phezzan, but is bedridden with a high fever.

Watch Now:Amazon
The Dying Light of the Goldenlöwe
star
8.35
23 votes

#14 - The Dying Light of the Goldenlöwe

Season 4 - Episode 23 - Aired 2/1/1997

Julian, Poplan, and the remaining Rosen Ritter soldiers return to Iserlohn. The setting is mixed, a truce was given but the Julian fleet lost many important members. Julian and Kate decide to officially have a dating relationship. Both the Reinhard and Julian fleets arrive on Heinessen. Rubinsky kills himself in the hospital, setting off multiple bombs under Heinessenpolis tied to his brain waves. Reinhard and Julian discuss the next steps politically. It is agreed that Heinessen and its surrounding systems are to be given autonomy for the ownership of Iserlohn. They consider setting up a constitution for the Empire. Both Julian and Reinhard's staff prepare to leave to Phezzan.

The Battle of Doria, and Then...
star
8.34
32 votes

#15 - The Battle of Doria, and Then...

Season 1 - Episode 21 - Aired 5/1/1989

Schenkopp takes control of the rebel planets on behalf of the Yang fleet. The National Salvation Military Council sends commodore Bagdashu to Yang to pose as a traitor to the coup in order to kill him, but Schenkopp manages to take him away. Yang's 13th Fleet meets the 11th Fleet in the Doria star system; the 11th Fleet is destroyed because its commanders turn down Yang's proposal of surrender. After the battle, Bagdashu decides to join Yang because his victory is certain. Meanwhile, in Heinessen, a peaceful gathering against the coup is held in a stadium. When the army tries to scatter it, it turns into a riot, and thousands are killed, including Jessica Edwards.

Watch Now:Amazon
The Stehibalm Schlossbrand
star
8.33
24 votes

#16 - The Stehibalm Schlossbrand

Season 4 - Episode 20 - Aired 1/1/1997

Terraists attack multiple critical infrastructure locations on Phezzan. Communications with High Admiral Kesler are not re established till later when Terraists storm Stehibalm Schloss, the provisional home for Hilde and Grünewald. Marika von Feuerbach, a servant to Hilde leads Kesler and his military police to Hilde and Grünewald before they are assassinated. Hilde is rushed to a hospital where she gives birth to the new prince of the Lohengramm dynasty. Kesler uses torture and truth serum on the Terraists, cleaning out all Terraist influence on Phezzan. Reinhard names his new son Alexander Siegfried von Lohengramm.

Watch Now:Amazon
Clash of the Twin Jewels!
star
8.32
25 votes

#17 - Clash of the Twin Jewels!

Season 4 - Episode 9 - Aired 11/1/1996

Admiral Grillpalzer convinces Admiral Knapfstein to join Reuenthal's side while betraying him later. Mittermeyer discusses battle plans with his subordinates. Wahlen tries to convince Reinhard to exercise restraint. Murai arrives at Iserlohn as Reuenthal's messenger of negotiations. Julian decides to refuse Reuenthal's offer. To accept it would be a short term gain with consequences later from the Empire. Reuenthal and Mittermeyer talk about resolving the situation, but are unable to persuade each other. Reuenthal had realized that Reinhard needed a strong opponent more than anything else. In Reuenthal's fleet, unrest is brewing. Reuenthal explains to his soldiers they are fighting against villainous vassals within the Empire. Moreover, Reuenthal had to secure a victory to raise morale.

Watch Now:Amazon
In the Name of Pride
star
8.31
26 votes

#18 - In the Name of Pride

Season 4 - Episode 7 - Aired 10/15/1996

Word of civil unrest and the assassination attempt reaches Reuenthal and he orders his subordinates to restore order and find Reinhard. Grillpalzer hides evidence of Terraists on Uruvasi. Reuenthal considers visiting Phezzan and asking for Reinhard's understanding, but he realizes he risks assassination himself from Lang. When news of Lutz's death reaches Reuenthal, Reuenthal realizes the circumstances have forced him to take on the role of traitor. Even if Reuenthal had not planned the attempt, he still failed to ensure Reinhard's safety. Reinhard decides to act with all his abilities against Reinhard. Reuenthal considers offering the remaining republicans in Iserlohn the old Alliance territory if they can blockade Imperial reinforcements from that corridor, thus preventing a two front battle for Reuenthal.

Watch Now:Amazon
The Urvashi Incident
star
8.26
23 votes

#19 - The Urvashi Incident

Season 4 - Episode 6 - Aired 10/15/1996

Julian answers complaints on Iserlohn. Reinhard visits many locations on Uruvasi. That evening the guards around the guest house act erratically. Lutz, Müller, and Reinhard's personal guards escape via car with a battalion of soldiers in pursuit. In the woods, the Reinhard entourage is attacked by soldiers and snipers. Eventually they meet up with the flagship Brunhilde. High Admiral Lutz stays behind to hold off the soldiers and is killed. Konev brings news of Reinhard escaping Uruvasi with only a single ship. Merkatz advises Julian on Reuenthal possible plans.

Watch Now:Amazon
The Battle of the Corridor (Part Three) ~The End of the Great Campaign ~
star
8.17
24 votes

#20 - The Battle of the Corridor (Part Three) ~The End of the Great Campaign ~

Season 3 - Episode 27 - Aired 1/1/1995

The Imperial fleets adopt a tactic of attrition via rotations. The Müller fleet, Mittermeyer's subordinates, Bittenfeld and many other Admirals rotate on the battle line. Yang's fleet, with less that 20,000 ships left fights on with no rotations in manpower. Bittenfeld's elite troops cause a fatal blow to Yang's fleet. Admiral Fischer, the one in charge of Yang's fleet maneuvers is killed in battle. Reinhard passes out from sickness. A ceasefire is announced. The Yang fleet passes out in Iserlohn.

The Battle of Marr-Adetta Stellar Region (Part One)
star
8.16
25 votes

#21 - The Battle of Marr-Adetta Stellar Region (Part One)

Season 3 - Episode 17 - Aired 11/1/1994

The Imperial fleet decides to accept Bucock's challenge head on and sends most their ships to meet in the Mar-Adetta system. The Mar-Adetta has unstable solar activity, communication jamming and a corridor through an asteroid belt. The Bucock fleet hides in the large corridor. As the Imperial fleets charge in, they are greeted by unstable asteroids, artillery ship fire, and space mines. The Alliance fleet is astute and attacks from unexpected areas within and behind the belt. January 16th, 800 S.C. / 2 N.I.C.: The Imperial fleet is in the middle of an unexpectedly difficult battle.

Watch Now:Amazon
Crimson Star Road
star
8.14
22 votes

#22 - Crimson Star Road

Season 4 - Episode 21 - Aired 2/1/1997

In late May of Space Calendar 801, New Imperial Calendar 3 a refugee ship chased by Imperial ships runs into the Julian fleet. The Julian fleet decides to engage the Imperial ships. Eventually both sides send reinforcements and the full number of ships for each fleet is present. The Imperial fleet includes 51,700 ships while the Julian fleet has 9,800 ships. Both fleets act cautiously rotate their front line forces. Reinhard collapses midway through the battle. A communications blackout results in frustration from the Imperial admirals. Poplan intercepts some communications betweet Mittermeyer's ship and Reinhard's flagship. The Julian fleet decides to board the Brunhilde with melee infantry.

Watch Now:Amazon
The Battle of the Corridor (Part One) ~ The Invincible & the Undefeated ~
star
8.13
23 votes

#23 - The Battle of the Corridor (Part One) ~ The Invincible & the Undefeated ~

Season 3 - Episode 25 - Aired 1/1/1995

Bittenfeld is wary of the message and takes a cautious fleet formation. Yang takes advantage of the communications jamming between both sides of the corridor and tricks Mecklinger into withdrawing to the entrance of the Imperial side. The Bittenfeld fleet is lured into the corridor by Attenborough's fleet. Fahrenheit's fleet follows Bittenfeld, planning to overwhelm the Yang with numbers. Yang uses the superior numbers of the Imperials against them, forcing the Imperials to cluster together inside the tight corridor. High Admiral Fahrenheit is killed in battle preventing the complete destruction of the two Imperial fleets.

Watch Now:Amazon
Invitation to an Opera
star
8.13
24 votes

#24 - Invitation to an Opera

Season 3 - Episode 7 - Aired 8/1/1994

Prime Minister Lebello visits Yang in prison. Yang realizes he will be used as a scapegoat by the Alliance to avoid Imperial intervention. Schenkopp and Attenborough reorganize Yang's subordinates. With the Rosen Ritter in full rebellion, the Alliance troops are no match for the difference in battle experience and morale. During the chaos, the Rosen Ritter kidnaps the Prime Minister. However, the Alliance military decides to sacrifice the PM and execute Yang early. Frederica and Schenkopp save Yang at the last moment, escaping with Yang's staff into the night.

Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
The Liberation of the Frontier
star
8.12
33 votes

#25 - The Liberation of the Frontier

Season 1 - Episode 14 - Aired 3/1/1989

The Free Planets Alliance fleet has conquered more than 200 star systems (50 million inhabitants) without fighting. In Iserlohn, vice-admiral Alex Cazellnu drafts a supply plan, but he is worried about such a heavy burden: for him, Reinhard clearly wants the Free Planets Alliance to exhaust its resources on behalf of the liberated planets. The supply fleet is destroyed by Kircheis because Fork didn't think such an attack was possible. Yang, fearing a scorched earth policy, convinces his fellow fleet commanders to ask for a withdrawal. Riots break out on many planets because of the food shortage and the looting of the soldiers. Fork experiences a case of hysterical blindness in the face of his plan's failure. In Phezzan, Rubinsky grants a new loan to the Free Planets Alliance to maintain the balance: he hopes to economically control both the Empire and the Alliance. October, 10, 796 S.C. / 487 I.C.: Reinhard orders to launch the counterattack.

Watch Now:Amazon