80s anime is often seen as the medium’s golden age, where the shows that emerged revolutionised and acted as templates for the modern anime we know now. The 80s anime aesthetic, characterised by its rich, retro style, has left a significant mark on the industry. The hand-drawn animations, neon-coloured environments, and charming character designs that are part of 80s anime to watch continue to inspire contemporary anime creators. 80s anime movies, such as those from Studio Ghibli, came out and continue to charm audiences worldwide until today. Akira Toriyama and Hayao Miyazaki inspired mangakas and anime creators by introducing iconic characters like Goku and Totoro, further cementing the influence of the 80s anime aesthetic.
Original Video Animations (OVAs) originated from this era; the 80s anime style you are familiar with most likely comes from this display of creativity from studios that were allowed to release content straight to fans instead of through television or theatres. Whether it’s the neon-coloured environments, smooth and buttery hand-drawn animations, or charming character designs, the 80s anime aesthetic’s bold style remains an entertaining watch for anime audiences who want to watch for nostalgia.
80s anime movies that displayed this art style and aesthetic, such as Akira, are classics that have made a mark on fans worldwide. They set up a legacy that not only influenced the anime industry but also had a significant impact on Western films. This period also popularised space operas and mecha anime genres, sprinkling in unique storytelling and narratives that reflected the tastes of anime watchers. These narratives often explored complex themes and character development, setting them apart from other forms of entertainment. Though many of the 80s anime shows have disappeared over time, this era won’t be forgotten for its role in defining the modern anime classics we’ve grown to love.
Let’s dive into this list of the best 80s anime shows to watch.
Captain Tsubasa
Captain Tsubasa (1983) is one of the best soccer animes of the 1980s. It not only captured the spirit of the era but also significantly contributed to the development of football culture in Japan. This popular sports anime inspired a wave of Japanese players, leaving a lasting legacy in the country’s competitive football scene.
Launched in 1983, Captain Tsubasa introduced the captivating story of Tsubasa Ozora’s evolution from an elementary school football player into a national team star. The anime’s distinctive focus on character development—each character’s unique playstyle—sets it apart in the sports anime genre. Tsubasa Ozora, the bright-eyed, determined shounen protagonist, starkly contrasts his rival, Kojiro Hyuga, a more aggressive and competitive player. The drama outside the matches adds depth to the story, giving it as much heart as its protagonist.
Also known as Flash Kicker in some countries and Supercampeones in the Spanish-speaking world, Captain Tsubasa has achieved global popularity, mirroring the sport it portrays. This fame has led to a range of official merchandise, from T-shirts to collectables. The franchise also expanded into sequels such as Captain Tsubasa Road to 2002, Captain Tsubasa Season 2, and even a video game, Captain Tsubasa: Rise of Champions, released in 2020. Fans of the game have gone as far as discovering the PC save location to back up their game files or mod their teams!
Based on Yoichi Takahashi’s manga, Captain Tsubasa displays excellent qualities for an anime on and off the pitch, teaching fans the power of friendship and ambition with its high-octane action.
Check out our list of the top 10 best sports anime here!
Legend of the Galactic Heroes
Originally adapted from the popular Legend of the Galactic Heroes books by Yoshiki Tanaka, this series is a massive space opera with highly developed characters and a gripping narrative. Legend of the Galactic Heroes is arguably the most unique 80s anime because of its core emphasis on its plot and fleshed-out cast. Condensing this show and its 80s anime style won’t do it justice. Still, in one sentence, it’s about two groups – the autocratic Galactic Empire led by Reinhard von Lohengramm and the democratic Free Planets Alliance of Yang Wen-li – and their conflict told through a complex narrative filled with war and politics.
The ensemble cast of characters, including the driven Greenhill, are Legend of the Galactic Heroes’ symbols of political ideologies that carry weight until today’s state of affairs. Furthermore, the majestic ships add to the grandeur and scale of the series and its 110 episodes. Given the size of this genre-defining 80s anime, knowing Legend of the Galactic Heroes’ watch order is essential. To start, Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Die Neue These is a way for casual anime watchers to enjoy the classic series in the current age. The prequel to the original OVA, Legend of the Galactic Heroes Gaiden, is also available to the hardcore nostalgia junkie who wants to start at the very beginning.
Whether you want to start at the OVA original, Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Die Neue These Blu Ray, or the prequel, you’re sure to enjoy the timelessness of this story. With season 5 of this space epic just around the corner, you won’t want to miss out on this 80s anime show gem.
Ranma 1/2
Ranma ½ is a goofy and wacky dive into 80s anime shows, offering comedic beats with romance and martial arts. What puts Ranma ½ ahead of its time is its unique plot that centres around gender – Ranma Saotome is a martial artist who suddenly transforms into a woman whenever he is wet by cold water and back into a man when it’s by hot water. With this precedent alone, the mix of comedy and romantic possibilities is endless, with Ranma Saotome attracting – and confusing – any and everyone. Two of these characters are Ranma Shampoo, a Chinese warrior falling in love with Saotome, and Akane Tendo, fiance to our gender-fluid (again, no pun intended) protagonist. The relationship between the three creates a steamy and unique love triangle that’s only present in a show with such a distinct premise.
Experiencing the ensemble cast of Ranma ½ characters is now possible for modern fans through the Ranma ½ remake, which will air on October 5, 2024. The 80s anime style will be present through the slapstick comedy of the show. However, way ahead of its time, it’ll be like a time capsule into how the world viewed gender and identity when it wasn’t as open to how it currently views sexuality. The show’s impact on anime humour and narrative conventions, establishing it as a definitive classic, is evident in its use of gender transformation as a comedic device and its exploration of complex romantic relationships.
Patlabor
Patlabor, known also as Mobile Police Patlabor is a mecha show with the 80s anime style which is known for its stellar OVAs and a unique approach to robot warfare. During a time when the mecha genre was popularised by giant robots such as those in the Gundam series, the Patlabor mecha flavour was confined to a somewhat smaller scale. It focuses on how the everyday cop in Tokyo would fight crime in the city; this format made it more relatable for audiences and brought about the possibilities of incorporating crime-fighting Robo-Suit-Wearing cops in daily life. There are still very technical aspects about these mech suits, as introduced by elements such as the Patlabor Griffon, a more advanced mecha whose movement is modelled after a human.
Due to its popularity, the Patlabor franchise grew with every passing sequel, including Patlabor 2: The Movie. It was edgier and dialogue-driven and will continue until 2026 when a sequel entitled Patlabor EZY will grace the current anime scene.
Many people don’t know how good the Patlabor films are, especially Patlabor 2. They have clever writing, complex concepts, and beautiful animation. These films aren’t just shows you can shut your brain off and watch fireworks; they explore more profound thoughts, such as the moral issues that come up with technology politics in Tokyo. The franchise heavily influences 80s mecha anime, and with Patlabor streaming on various platforms, fans of the genre might want to check out this hidden gem.
Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z
Arguably, the defining 80s anime show, Dragon Ball, is a global phenomenon that Western audiences would associate with the medium. The Dragon Ball universe is a fleshed-out masterpiece full of unforgettable characters. Unquestionably its most iconic aspect, the Dragon Ball characters are recognisable even to the most casual anime watcher, complete with the bright 80s anime style. The much-beloved sequel, Dragon Ball Z, is based on the original Dragon Ball. It included many martial arts displays, bizarre creatures, and vibrant environments atop its classic adventure-based shounen story.
Given the strength of its characters, most of Dragon Ball Z’s narratives centre around its strong ensemble cast. Whether it be Goku, Vegeta, Frieza, or the mysterious yet beloved side character of Dragon Ball, Launch, you can’t help but get attached to this lovable troupe. The Dragon Ball multiverse is a must-watch for fans of the series. The original 1986 series, Dragon Ball, is essential to understanding its characters’ motivations. For example, Goku’s relationships with the many characters throughout the series are rooted in many of the friendships (and what he went through with them) he made throughout the beginning of the franchise.
With the upcoming Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO game this 2024, fans of the series can take control of all of their favourite Dragon Ball characters. With martial arts and combat being another big part of the series, this fighting game has all the famous moves used by its characters throughout its many important fight scenes. Renamed from Dragon Ball Budokai Tenkaichi 4, this game is a fresh reboot for the series – and all its fans.
Its fame and popularity have led to multiple spin-offs in addition to video games. Among these are Dragon Ball Magic and Dragon Ball Heroes. The Dragon Ball logo is also plastered on various merch, like t-shirts, jackets, and towels. There is even a high-fashion streetwear collaboration with the known hype beast label North Face, showing how this series has penetrated the fashion industry.
Correctly watching Dragon Ball in order enhances the experience of following Goku’s story. It’s equally rewarding to see his humble beginnings and how far he grows into becoming not just the series’ but anime’s strongest hero. Knowing where to watch Dragon Ball Z is just as important: it’s available on Crunchyroll, the top anime streaming site, and Hulu, depending on your location.
Macross
Macross combines elements of mecha, romance, and space exploration into an 80s anime style tied with a bow made of music. Yes, music plays a big part in this show, as it’s an essential element throughout the entire series – including Macross Delta, Macross Frontier, and Macross Plus. These three bring something unique to the table on top of their story beats, no pun intended. Macross Frontier is the action-packed older brother known for high-octane mecha warfare. On the other hand, Macross Delta brings the weeb culture into the scene as it introduces idols into the show’s main plot. Look no further than Disney Plus, as all of Macross has come into the popular streaming platform.
A show about a ragtag group of characters with music as a central plot device? That sounds like music to fans of another generation-defining anime, which is none other than Cowboy Bebop. Macross is very similar to the popular franchise, providing fans of the genre an electric ride across the galaxy. The Macross series is an ideal 80s anime show recommendation to fans of Cowboy Bebop—or anyone who wants to satisfy their craving for jazzy beats, colourful characters, and deep narratives.
Macross’s legacy and influence push it outside the box of anime. A synth-wave project named after the series, Macross 82-99, captures the kind of music at the heart of the series. With the producer’s retro-futuristic beats and boops, Macross 82-99 captures the jazzy tunes that make up the thrilling ride through space.
Fist of the North Star
Fist of the North Star holds a special place in 80s anime for its iconic catchphrases and absurd fight sequences. The show revolves around Kenshiro, who uses the Hokuto Shinken martial art throughout his adventures fighting bad guys across a world-turned-wasteland. What makes Fist of the North Star (1986) stand out is it’s excessive violence: Kenshiro’s fighting style centres around his ability to strike his foes’ vital areas – typically after a cool catchphrase – to end his enemy in goofy ways.
The Fist of the North Star characters are primarily big, muscular, and grotesque-looking goons, ranging from warlords, bike gang bandits, and jacked martial artists. It appeals to Western audiences as its baddies are recognisable to fans of any fantasy medium, as there are also gladiators, bounty hunters, and enforcers in this show. Fans of the wildly popular Mad Max franchise can check out this 80s anime show for a nostalgic, anime spin on the dystopic adventure.
The Fist of the North Star manga has been influential in shounen anime, particularly in its art style, and played a significant role in establishing Kenshiro as one of the iconic protagonists of all time. The 1986 Fist of the North Star movie also brought a condensed version of the original story to a broader audience with its cinematic action sequences.
Thanks to its violent storyline and nostalgic 80s anime character design led by Kenshiro, Hokuto no Ken continues to attract fans of graphic combat and fighting techniques. Whatever version of Fist of the North Star you plan to watch, be it the manga, anime, or the original movie, anyone seeking to experience the intense, action-packed heyday of 80s anime in the 1980s should not miss this.
Vampire Hunter D
Vampire Hunter D is a classic because it mixes macabre horror well with future fantasy. The 1985 anime is about a strange dhampir vampire hunter named D who lives in an alternate universe where vampires, monsters, and occult practices are common. His serious disposition and special talents have made him an iconic personality in 80s anime. The assortment of Vampire Hunter D characters, from virtuous vampires to hideous monsters, gives the scary world he lives in more depth.
Following the Vampire Hunter D manga, Yoshitaka Amano’s spooky visual art greatly inspired the anime’s amazing visuals. The illustrations by Amano gave it an 80s anime style with its identifiable edgy beauty that complemented its bleak and moody story. Because the first Vampire Hunter D anime in 1985 was so popular, a sequel called Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust was made in 2000 and praised for having beautiful graphics and more intense elements.
Anyone interested in delving into or returning to this iconic creation should know where to watch Vampire Hunter D, currently available on many streaming platforms. Nevertheless, if you like frightful, supernatural, or sombre writing, Vampire Hunter D is a classic 80s anime to watch.
Wicked City
For fans who like to watch darker 80s anime shows, Wicked City is still one of the more bold anime from the time period. It came out in 1987 and is a distinctive and creepy mix of supernatural horror and sexual fantasy. Wicked City’s plot, centred around dark and mature themes like sexuality and violence, has made it a cult favourite among anime fans who like mature, adult-oriented shows. Wicked City has a disturbing tone thanks to its rough animation and noir-style setting.
Dark and brooding anime like Wicked City and Vampire Hunter D have adult subject matter and gloomy, scary worlds. Wicked City earned a lot of attention for its divisive substance. Many modern horror anime shows are influenced by Wicked City, carrying on its legacy. The film takes fans of 80s anime, especially those who enjoyed shows unafraid to push boundaries, on a psychological journey.
In a nutshell, Wicked City is still one of the most famous 80s anime shows, perfectly capturing the spirit of a time when the medium was trying risky things to stand out. Anyone who likes scary anime and the 80s nostalgia should watch Wicked City, whether they remember how anime demons used to creep them out or looking for some material they haven’t experienced before.
Space Hunter Cobra
Space Adventure Cobra is an excellent 80sa anime show for people who like elements of action, advanced technologies, and antagonists you can sympathise with. When it first came out in 1982, it immediately became an overnight sensation in the U.S. thanks to its dazzling animation, original narrative and lively music that are all part of the 80s anime style. The show is about an antihero named Cobra who fights baddies from different galaxies with an infamous gun called the psychogun.
Vibrant characters and colourful animations make Cobra Space Adventure stand out from other 80s anime shows. Cobra is a charming anti-hero, blending the look of Western action figures with a Japanese twist, always accompanied by his fiercely loyal robotic companion, Space Adventure Cobra’s Lady Armaroid. She provides the plot with more extraordinary substance by combining the intense conflicts with accurate times of fellowship and solidarity.
Addtionally, a further element in the series’ legacy in anime is the Space Adventure Cobra movie. Its noir, space opera style, evocative of Star Wars and Blade Runner, draws fans who return to watch Space Adventure Cobra. This anime is still a favourite because of Cobra’s legendary voyages, making it a must-see for anyone who wants classic spacefaring adventures.
In conclusion, 80s anime was a turning point in the medium’s history. Its unique and nostalgic art style, creative stories, and lasting cultural influence make it stand out. This era’s OVAs, filled with creative themes and inventive stories, set the stage for the anime we love today. Many 80s anime to watch continue to capture audiences with their originality and likability. For anime fans, this golden age is a must-see period that offers endless enjoyment.
