Although it took some time for the anime industry to gain the global recognition it deserved, the past decade has proven how much audiences across the planet love these epic stories. The medium of anime has quickly become one of the most dominant entertainment forces in the West, and watching some of the best modern anime is more than enough to understand why.
Despite the popularity that the latest series enjoys today, there are more than a handful of hidden gems waiting for audiences to discover them. The 70s era in particular, known to be one of anime's most formative ages, was a time of reverence and inspiration that helped several of the most beloved writers and directors create genuine masterpieces that remain relevant to this day.
Best anime from the 1980s
The 80s was a great era for anime that spawned some incredible series that are still worth watching today.
10
Lupine III is a classic thriller that perfectly mixes action and comedy
Gentleman thief Arsene Lupin, inspired by the legendary robberies carried out by his grandfather, travels the world to prove that he is the best criminal in history. Together with his crew of loyal and talented renegades, this suave man will prove that there is no treasure he cannot steal, even as determined Interpol agent Inspector Zenigata pursues his team across the globe.
Although not as popular with today's audience, Lupine III was for many years the epitome of action and comedy anime, blending these two genres into a truly enjoyable experience. The adventures of the gentleman criminal and his gang were as intricate as they were hilarious and inspired countless authors to write similar stories. The franchise has lived on for more than 50 years, cementing a legacy that few other shows can rival.
9
The Rose of Versailles challenged gender norms decades in advance
Born into a family of only daughters, Oscar becomes her father's last and most desperate attempt to have a son who can take over the noble title of their lineage. As such, she is raised and trained as any boy in late 18th century France would. Her life becomes much more complicated after meeting and befriending Marie Antoinette, a girl destined to become queen during a period of great conflict.
Often praised for challenging the era's typical gender norms, The Rose of Versailles has stood the test of time and continues to be one of the most groundbreaking works of fiction ever. This bold and dramatic retelling of the French Revolution is as memorable as it is iconic. The story and characters paint a moving but realistic portrayal of what it was like to be a woman, even if raised as a man, during this challenging era.
8
Mobile Suit Gundam pioneered the Mecha genre
In the distant future, humanity has mastered the art of space travel and claimed other planets as their own. Life was peaceful in this age of great technological advancement until the colony of Zeon betrayed the Earth Federation in an attempt to gain freedom. Faced with destruction, the planet's leaders have no choice but to ask pilot Amuro Ray to pilot a massive robotic weapon known as the Gundam to fight for their home.
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Arguably the most popular and beloved of all mecha anime, Mobile Suit Gundam is a series that would forever change the genre. The impact of this amazing show can still be felt today, as it created a huge franchise that has enchanted millions of fans worldwide. Its approach to complex political subjects, gray morals and epic battles between impressive robots are just one of the many surprises that await fans who give Gundam a chance.
7
Future Boy Conan was one of Miyazaki's earliest masterpieces
Years before Conan was born, humanity fought a massive and brutal war with weapons of mass destruction that caused the axis of the planet to shift. Escaping the destruction of their world, a group of survivors attempt to escape into space, only to be shot down by the tyrannical government of Industria.
Those who survived the attack established a peaceful society on Remnant Island, at least until Conan met a girl named Lana, who asked for his help in taking down the oppressive government outside. Created and directed by the acclaimed Hayao Miyazaki, this epic and heartwarming story will give audiences plenty to think about. Future Boy Conan is full of environmental and anti-war sentiment that is vital for humanity to understand before it is too late.
6
Heidi had a huge impact all over the world
Due to her aunt Dete finding a much better job in another town, the innocent orphan girl named Heidi is sent to live in a secluded cabin in the mountains with her grumpy grandfather. While their first few days are awkward and silent, as the old man is less than happy about having to take care of a child, Heidi soon breaks through his defenses and helps him understand the joys of life again.
One of the first anime to explode outside of its country of origin, Heidi is a classic in animation worldwide, following millions of older fans since they were children. This heartwarming and timeless story of love, trust and healing is one that fans should experience at least once in their lifetime, as the thousands of Latin American fans who grew up with the titular protagonist can attest.
5
Aim for the ace! Changed the perception of sports anime
Inspired by her idol, the graceful and skilled Reika Ryuzaki, Hiromi Oka decides to join her school's tennis team. What she once thought would be a unique opportunity to improve herself and make new friends becomes the biggest challenge of her entire life, as her trainer is determined to develop the immense potential she holds within.
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Aim for the ace! is more than just another dramatic and intense sports anime; it is widely regarded by experts and fans as one of the mainstays of the genre. This amazing series took what used to be considered a lesser type of show in the spotlight, depicting the human struggle and inherent difficulties that come with the pursuit of athletic success, and turned them into an engaging and poignant story.
4
Space Battleship Yamato proved that anime was more than cartoons
Earth's relative peace ended when an alien race known as the Gamilons attacked the surface with thousands of radioactive meteors, forcing the survivors to hide underground. Their last chance to reclaim their planet and clear the surface is a device capable of absorbing radiation offered to humans by a benevolent race, the Iscandars. With nothing left to lose, humanity joins forces to modify the battleship Yamato into an interstellar vessel.
Epic space operas, thrilling intergalactic battles and a cast of characters that perfectly embody the human desire to survive and thrive, Space battleship Yamato is a series that has it all. It is an extremely well-written and exciting adventure that has inspired countless sci-fi stories ever since it was first introduced. It's a revolutionary anime that cemented the way sci-fi would be handled for decades to come.
3
Devilman opened new doors for the Dark Fantasy genre
The Dark Lord of the Demon Clan, Zennon, has spent centuries planning his takeover of the planet. His plan is flawless: send his best spy, Devilman, up to Earth to take over the body of a shy and weak teenager, Akira, to assimilate and slowly bring down society. Sadly, he never expected his soldier to fall in love with humanity and become a superhero willing to risk his life to protect his new family and romantic interest.
Devilman took one of the most tragic stories ever written and turned it into an optimistic and hopeful series about the best aspects of humanity. The series turned the tortured hero Akira into an inspiration, giving him the power to protect a culture and people who took him in and showed him what love was, a message that is relevant to this day.
2
Tomorrow's Joe brought many societal issues to the mainstream media
Joe is a violent and hot-headed orphan who has been struggling ever since he escaped from the orphanage and decided to live as a homeless person in post-war Japan. His fate changes when he encounters an old and forgotten boxer who promises to train him, an offer the boy prefers to avoid by going to prison. But once inside, he discovers a natural talent for the sport, as well as a deep passion for competition, creating a bright future for the hero.
On the surface, Tomorrow it's Joe is a typical sports anime that follows a troubled character who develops into a respectable boxer. Nonetheless, this series has often been praised for its subtle but striking critique of the ruling economic class, the struggles that come from poverty, and the deep inequality that still exists in the world. It's an overwhelmingly moving series that handles its many important themes in a respectful and impressive way.
1
Treasure Island combined Western and Japanese culture flawlessly
Life has been a constant struggle for young Jim Hawkins and his mother, who have worked day and night to keep their small and humble inn going. When the protagonist comes across a treasure map that leads to the legendary Captain Flint's bounty, Jim sees this as fate and tells him to follow his gut and give his mother the life she deserves. He teams up with Long John Silver, a charming but dishonest pirate whose intentions are not entirely clear.
A classic adventure anime, inspired by one of the best western novels of the genre, which set a before and after and became the inspiration for countless other pirate stories. This series was groundbreaking for its time, portraying the story of a once child as a deeply personal and complex story that saw its characters learn and grow. It's a series that every fan of the adventure genre should try at least once in their life.
