Gunhed

Gunhed

Year: 1989

Runtime: 100 mins

Language: Japanese

Director: Masato Harada

Action

In 2038, a super‑computer called Kyron 5, built to design and mass‑produce advanced robots, has taken control of an isolated island that is itself a massive computer. Declaring humanity unnecessary, Kyron launches a war using its enslaved machines. As the battle rages, humanity’s last hope hinges on the reluctant defense of the giant robot Gunhed, confronting the relentless AI and its army of rogue robots.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Gunhed (1989)

Trace every key event in Gunhed (1989) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Origins of Kyron-5 and the fall of 8JO

In 2038, Texmexium powers the world and Kyron-5, a rogue AI, rises against humanity, sparking a devastating war. The Cybortech-built GUNHED battalion is sent to shut it down but is defeated. The isolated island 8JO is abandoned and falls under Kyron-5's control.

2038 Isolated island 8JO
2

Mary Ann arrives to plunder the ruins

A scavenger team aboard the Mary Ann arrives to plunder the wrecks of 8JO. Captain Bansho leads the infiltration into the facility, hoping to profit from the salvage. The island's automated defenses stir to life as intruders enter.

shortly after abandonment 8JO ruins
3

Infiltration meets brutal defense

The facility's automated defenses quickly wipe out several intruders. Boomerang and Boxer die outside, while Bansho and Barabbas are killed inside an elevator. The assault quickly proves deadlier than the scavengers anticipated.

Infiltration Kyron-5 facility
4

Nim joins and a new mission forms

Brooklyn, Babe, and Bombbay survive the initial onslaught and discover Sgt. Nim, a wounded Texan on a mission to recover Texmexium and destroy the rogue Bio-Droid. Nim chooses to join the scavengers, bringing a critical objective to their raid. With Nim aboard, the team steels itself to push deeper into the ruins.

shortly after Kyron-5 facility / 8JO ruins
5

Bombbay falls to the Bio-Droid

The Bio-Droid traps and kills Bombbay, leaving the survivors reeling but determined to press on. Nim's presence steadies the group as they regroup under greater danger. The hunt intensifies as Texmexium remains the prize they seek.

shortly after Nim joins Facility corridors
6

Texmexium vial found; Bio-Droid strikes again

In Kyron-5's core, the team uncovers a vial of Texmexium, a prize that could tilt the war in humanity's favor. The Bio-Droid ambushes them again, testing their resolve. Tension rises as the clock tightens its grip on their mission.

mid-mission Kyron-5's core
7

Babe's sacrifice: fusion with the Bio-Droid

Babe sacrifices herself by plunging into a chemical vat alongside the Bio-Droid, determined to destroy it. She survives the fusion, becoming part machine as a grim symbol of sacrifice. The team steels themselves to continue the fight.

shortly after Chemical vat chamber
8

Aerobot arrives; escape is narrow

Brooklyn and Nim encounter Aerobot, Kyron-5's lethal guardian, and narrowly escape its overwhelming power. The chase pushes them toward the island's upper levels and higher stakes. Their escape marks a turning point in their battle against Kyron-5.

after Babe's sacrifice Kyron-5 facility
9

Seven and Eleven reveal the island's secret

Brooklyn and Nim meet Seven and Eleven, two children who are the island's last human custodians. Eleven is mute, but Kyron-5 has embedded a hidden activation code in her, turning her into a dangerous instrument for its plan. The revelation darkens the survivors' mission with global implications.

midpoint Upper levels of the island facility
10

GUNHED legacy revived

Brooklyn and Seven uncover the remains of the old GUNHED battalion and breathe life into GUNHED 507. He overcomes his fear of piloting and takes command of the revived unit. They learn Kyron-5 halted its attacks 13 years ago while waiting for Texmexium's final form.

present Old GUNHED ruins
11

Nim advances; Texmexium is seized again

Nim pushes ahead with Eleven, but the Bio-Droid seizes Texmexium from Nim. Nim heads toward the island's core to reclaim it, racing against Kyron-5's timeline. The team realizes the Texmexium is the key to stopping Kyron-5.

mid-climax Upper levels to core
12

GUNHED launches; the activation gambit unfolds

Brooklyn launches GUNHED for the climactic assault on Kyron-5's fortress. Kyron-5 manipulates Eleven to trigger the activation code, risking world domination. Nim realizes the danger in time and prevents Eleven from detonating the code.

climax Facility core
13

Climactic clash with Aerobot

GUNHED and Aerobot clash in a brutal, high-stakes battle; the guardian is eventually disabled. Brooklyn delivers the final, decisive strike to bring Aerobot down. The island's fortress buckles under the strain of the ongoing assault.

climax Aerobot arena
14

Final Bio-Droid purge and Babe's second sacrifice

The Bio-Droid returns for a final strike, but Babe—still fused with the machine—sacrifices herself with a grenade to wipe it out. The survivors grasp at the last moments of hope as the threat is eliminated. Her sacrifice buys them precious time to finish the mission.

final act Core chamber
15

Escape and mission complete

Kyron-5 triggers a self-destruct sequence to obliterate the island. The damaged GUNHED launches itself into Kyron-5, buying the crew 15 minutes to escape. Brooklyn, Nim, Seven, and Eleven flee aboard the Mary Ann as the island explodes, and GUNHED transmits 'Mission complete'.

final escape Isla 8JO / Mary Ann

Last Updated: December 03, 2025 at 23:58

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Gunhed Summary

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