Anime is a digital and hand-drawn animation that is commonly linked with Japan. It is currently quite trendy all around the world, with armies of hardcore devotees. A lot of shows are being rejuvenated these days for the modern audience. But, what is better than to go back to the originals? They still attract quite the fame. If you are obsessed with anime and wanna have an experience of the 1980s anime movies, then we have jotted down a list of the best 80s anime just for you.
The 1980s was recognized as the golden age of anime, and rightly so! It was the time when new studios like Kyoto Animation, Daicon Films ( Gainax now), Studio Ghibli came into the limelight with new concepts and genres. Anime reached the height of commercial success during the 80s. And if you wanna ride back to the 1980s and experience what classic anime felt like, don’t forget to check out this list of the top 80s anime!
Top 80s Anime (The Ultimate Watch List)
Akira
Title: Akira
Type: Movie
Studios: Tokyo Movie Shinsha
Director: Katsuhiro Ôtomo
Writers: Katsuhiro Ôtomo, Izô Hashimoto(screenplay)
Stars: Mitsuo Iwata(voice), Nozomu Sasaki(voice), Mami Koyama(voice)
Genres: Action, Military, Sci-Fi, Adventure, Horror, Supernatural,
Aired: the 16th of July, 1988
Source: Manga
Score: 8.161
Duration: 2 hours 4 minutes
Written and illustrated by Katsuhiro, ‘Akira‘ is an anime adaptation of its manga counterpart. It is a two-hour-long movie that aired on the 16th of July, 1988. The movie is set 31 years after Neo Tokyo’s destruction. In the rebuilt Neo Tokyo, a young bōsōzoku biker gang leader named Shoutarou Kaneda and his friend, Tetsuo Shima gets involved in a secret project of the government.
When Tetsuo finds himself stuck in a situation that becomes out of control, Kaneda tries to protect him. It drives him to a group of anti-government activists, exploitative politicians, reckless scientists, and one influential military leader. Soon, Tetsuo’s newfound supernatural power leads to destruction, a coup d’état, and final action in Tokyo’s Olympiad where the government buried Akira’s mysteries three decades ago. Akira had won the Silver Scream Award in 1992. This anime is one of the most critically acclaimed movies that is enjoyed to date. Therefore, if you have a soft spot for Classics, Akira is the movie for you.
Dragon Ball (1986-1989)
Madman Entertainment
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 153
Watch on: Funimation, Prime Video
You say anime; we hear Dragon Ball!
Undoubtedly, Dragon Ball is one of the most-watched and famous anime ever. Dragon Ball follows the story of a young boy called Son Goku. The story evolves when he meets a blue-haired girl Bulma, who is searching for seven Dragon Balls. But what are these so-called Dragon Balls? Well, Dragon Balls are magical orbs that have the power of granting any wish when combined together.
Even Goku has one of those orbs, but he won’t give it to Bulma unless he too can join her on her journey. And, no doubt, they are not the only ones after those balls. This gives the plot a pinch of adventure, friendship, and rivalry all through the story.
This 80s anime has attracted quite a lot of fame to date. 80s Dragon Ball is not as action-oriented as Dragon Ball Z though. This one focuses more on the plot, humour and character development. Dragon Ball isn’t just an anime… It is the Anime King. If you are an anime addict and haven’t yet seen this one, you are missing out on a lot! Go for it!
Super Dimensional Fortress Macross
Title: Macross
Studios: Tatsunoko Production
Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Space, Mecha, Military, Music, Romance
Type: TV
Aired: 3rd October 1982 to 26th June 1983
Source: Original
Score: 7.931
Duration: 25 min. Per episode
Macross is an original anime directed by Ishiguro Noboru and is animated by Tatsunoko Production House. It is a 36 episode long Tv series that aired back in the year 1982. The story starts when a mysterious spaceship crashes on the Earth and the humans realize that other creatures do exist in outer space. The entire planet gets together and creates a new United Nations Organization to prepare well for these creatures.
The new United Nations decides to rebuild the spaceship and name it SDF-1 Macross. Nevertheless, on the day of its journey, an alien race called Zentradi arrives on Earth. In this circumstance, SDF-1 Macross ends up firing one of these ships, which results in an intergalactic battle.
Now to escape this, Macross tries to drive itself into Moon’s Orbit. But Macross along with the entire city get teleported to a random place in the vast outer space. How will Macross and the city survive in such a circumstance!? Macross is another classic Mecha series that shaped the Mecha genre. And if you are into this genre, then Super Dimensional Fortress Macross is definitely worth it.
Captain Tsubasa (1983-1995)
Enoki Films
Seasons: 6
Episodes: 175
Watch on: Netflix
An anime fan cannot imagine an 80s anime list without this sports anime called “Captain Tsubasa”. This was the only sports anime that sparked the craze of soccer in the baseball-loving youth of Japan in the 1980s. Captain Tsubasa was produced by the now-inoperative Tsuchida Productions in 1983 as an adaptation of the Manga created by Yoichi Takahashi. The story is of a young boy called Oozora Tsubasa and his struggle to achieve his dream of winning the FIFA World Cup for his home country, Japan.
The gifted Oozora and his mom shift to a different town so the 11-year-old can sharpen his soccer skills. The struggle begins in his new school. He faces both competitors and friends who become his driving force to become a better version of himself and get into the Japanese National team.
Although the animation might suffer by today’s standards, it has an exceptional and inspiring plot and characters. It has been an inspiration to all since the 80s anime time. Did you know that LIONEL MESSI also watched Captain Tsubasa as a kid? Yes, you read that right! He watched the version dubbed in Spanish… Cool, right?
Silver Fang
Title: Ginga Nagareboshi Gin
Type: TV
Studios: Toei Animation
Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Shounen
Aired: 7th April 1986 to 22nd August 1986
Source: Manga
Score: 8.041
Duration: 23 min. per ep.
If you’re an emotional person, looking for some cute, touching tv series, we’ve got you! Like many others in the list above, Silver Fang is also an anime adaptation of its Manga counterpart. It is a 21 episode TV series that aired in 1986. Its manga counterpart was written and illustrated by Takahashi Yoshihiro.
A giant demon bear named Akakabuto has taken over Futago pass. It kills everything and everyone that stands in this way. Shortly after, a silver, tiger-striped Akita pup named Gin is born and is trained as a bear dog. Gin is brought to Riki, his father and the leader of the pack.
Riki lets him join after proving his strength and sends his armies to all parts of Japan to recruit strong males to fight. Gin gathers more and more dogs to join him in this battle. This battle puts an end to Akakabuto after three long generations. The story revolves around Gin, the third generation of bear-dogs, and how he goes through so many difficulties to stop the terrifying bear, Akakabuto. As mentioned, this 80s anime is motivational as well as emotional. So if you want some inspirational series that would be wrapped with cuteness, Silver Fang is the right choice.
Legend Of The Galactic Heroes
Title: Ginga Eiyuu Densetsu
Type: OVA
Studios: K-Factory, Kitty Film Mitaka Studio
Genres: Military, Sci-Fi, Space, Drama
Aired: 8th January 1988 to 17th March 1997
Source: Novel
Score: 9.061
Duration: 26 min. Per episode
If you’re looking for a legendary, interesting, old-school classic, then Legend of the Galactic Heroes checks all the boxes! This anime is also an anime adaptation of a novel of the same name. The novel was written by Tanaka Yoshiki. The 80s anime is a 110 episode long OVA series and it first aired in 1988.
Legend Of The Galactic Heroes is one of the most acclaimed series of all time. Be it the critics or the common mass, it has won the hearts of all. The story revolves around two organizations, namely, The Galactic Empire and The Free Planets Alliance. Things start to complicate when the leaders of the new generation clash against each other. Reinhard von Lohengramm, the new leader of the Galactic Empire, held the ideology of a single leader for the entire race of humanity. In contrast, Yang Wenli, the leader of the Free Planet Alliance, believes in democracy.
It is pretty interesting to see how these young men and their ideologies clash against each other and when they find out the real reason for all of this mess and chaos. Do give it a shot!
Kiki’s Delivery Service
Title: Majo no Takkyuubin
Type: Movie
Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Magic, Romance, Fantasy
Studios: Ghibli
Aired: 1989-07-29
Source: Novel
Score: 8.221
Duration: 1 hr. 43 min.
Kiki’s Delivery Service is an anime adaptation of a novel of the same name. It was released in 1989 and was directed by Hayao Miyazaki. This anime won the 1989 Animage’s Anime Grand Prix Award. This anime movie follows a 13-year-old witch, Kiki, who moves to a seaside town with Jiji, her talking cat, to spend a year alone. This was the village’s tradition for witches in training.
However, in a town where everyone is a stranger, Kiki ends up alone. Fortunately, Osono agrees to offer her aboard. But she must serve as a delivery girl for her small bakery. So, as she learns to control her broomstick, Kiki starts up a flying courier service. She soon becomes quite the sensation in the town. With every single delivery that she makes, she grows more and more experience.
And here begins the journey of Kiki in this town to adapt and discover her capabilities. Throughout this journey, Kiki gets to know a lot of reality, including the meaning of duty. But when insecurity hits her, and she starts questioning her capabilities, she loses her magic. It’s interesting to watch how she overcomes her insecurity and self-doubt and gets her witchy powers back. Filled with a sense of responsibility and life lessons, “Kiki’s Delivery Service” is an anime that one should watch at least once in their lives.
Castle In The Sky
Title: Tenkuu no Shiro Laputa
Type: Movie
Studios: Studio Ghibli
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Romance, Sci-Fi
Aired: 1986-08-02
Source: Original
Score: 8.291
Duration: 2 hr. 4 min.
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, Castle In The Sky is an original romance anime that aired back in 1986. This anime won the Animage Anime Grand Prix in 1986. Castle in the sky is an exciting story that revolves around Sheeta, a young orphan girl kidnapped by Government agent Col. Muska for her crystal amulet. Luckily though, a group of pirates led by the matronly Dola hijacks the airships during this kidnapping, and Sheeta manages to escape.
After escaping the kidnapping, and the pirate attack, she meets a fellow orphan boy named Pazu, who wants to reach out to the flying castle Laputa. Sheeta joins him in his dream to discover the mystical floating city of Laputa. They also face quite a lot of difficulties while searching for this magical castle in the sky. They are followed both by Muska and the pirate gang, who had laid their lusty eyes on the city’s myriad treasures. Interesting, no? Add it to your watchlist today!
Also, know the 30 Best Anime of All Time
Nausicaa Of The Valley Of The Wind
Title: Kaze no Tani no NausicaÃ
Type: Movie
Studios: Topcraft
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Aired: 1984-03-11
Source: Manga
Score: 8.391
Duration: 1 hr. 57 min.
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind aired back in the year 1984. Like the other ones in this list, this anime is also an adaptation of a manga of the same name. This anime movie was directed by Miyazaki Hayao. The manga was also written and illustrated by him.
This anime story is set in a world where a catastrophic nuclear war took place a millennium ago, destroying almost all life on earth. This was named the ‘Seven Days Of Fire’. Nevertheless, now years have passed, and a treacherous, poisonous forest has developed where human existence is simply impossible.
Away from this toxic jungle exists a peaceful growing kingdom known as the “Valley of the Wind”. It is located by the sea, saving it from the spread of the jungle’s deadly toxins. The Valley’s charismatic youthful czarina, Nausicaä, finds her peaceful kingdom disrupted when an airship from the realm of Tolmekian collapses violently in the Valley, and they find a sinister pulsating object in the crash.
It’s fascinating to see how she finds a way to save her Valley from the attacks of Tolmekians. Nausicaa Of The Valley Of The Wind was awarded the Best Short Film Award in 1985 at the Fantafestival. Moreover, it won the Ofuji Noburo Award at the Mainichi Film Awards in 1984 too. This movie has a fantastic blend of venture and emotions. Do check out this enthralling anime!
Grave Of The Fireflies
Title: Hotaru no Haka
Type: Movie
Studios: Studio Ghibli
Genres: Drama, Historical
Aired: 16th April 1988
Source: Novel
Score: 8.511
Duration: 1 hr. 28 min.
This remarkable Ghibli anime movie aired back in the year 1988. It is adapted from a semi-autobiographical novel written by Akiyuki Nosaka, and the anime was directed by Takahata Isao. It is based on Akiyuki Nosaka’s own experience prior to and after the American firebombing in Kobe, Japan, in 1945.
This series’s sentimental weight and description are flawless, making this movie a total cry fest. You might wanna sit with a box of tissues. If you ever wanna experience the best animes of the 1980s, Grave Of The Fireflies checks every box of requirements.
Orphaned and homeless, Seita and his sister Setsuko have no option but to roam across the countryside, starving and sick all the while. Met with the impassivity of grown-ups along the way, they realize that extreme situations can turn even the kindest of people cruel. Yet, their childlike hope shines brightly in their eyes, and with a smile on their faces, they face this time of such ruthless misfortune.
With awards such as the 1st Moscow International Children’s and Youth’s Film Festival Grand Prix and the Japan Catholic Film Award in 1988, Special Award in the 31st Blue Ribbon Awards 1989, and the Animation Jury and Rights of the Child Awards in 1994 Chicago International Children’s Film Festival, this movie has quite a number in its bucket!
Grave of the Fireflies isn’t the kind of film you would watch over and over again, but it is an anime that every anime fan should see at least once in their lifetime. The 1980s, the golden age of anime, is a bucket full of great anime movies and series. Be it a massive franchise, such as Dragon Ball, or introducing a new genre of the West, like Akira, these anime played their part in building the fame of anime all around the world.
Final Words
We hope that you got all the information that would guide you through your journey in the world of 80s anime. Now that you already know enough stuff, grab your blanket, get some popcorn and dive right into the huge world of anime!
Happy watching!
