Some of the most iconic and memorable anime came from the 80s. To this day, plenty of classic 80s anime are looked back on, with many standing the test of time and appreciated by fans new and old.
From solid animation to an unmistakable style and aesthetic, many of the best 80s anime have a certain charm that makes them an easy watch. It's hard to narrow down just one for each year, but these stand out as the very best shonen anime each year of the 80s had to offer.
The Best Shonen Anime Every Year in the 2020s (So Far)
It's been a great decade for anime, and these shonen series have really stood out so far.
10
1980: Ashita no Joe 2
If you've seen the “See You Again” meme that's been making the rounds online, then you know Ashita no Joe (Tomorrow is Joe). The series was incredibly popular back in its heyday, and it still has many fans to this day.
Ashita no Joe 2 was released nearly a decade after the original series, and is just as good as its predecessor, if not better. Already, the series looks fantastic, with a strong story and an incredible cast of main and supporting characters.
9
1981: Urusei Yatsura
Rumiko Takahashi's classic love triangle rom-com about a wannabe Playboy who accidentally becomes engaged to an alien intruder princess, Urusei Yatsura is a must for all anime fans. Takahashi has written many great manga that have in turn received incredible anime adaptations, but Urusei Yatsura might just be her most iconic series.
The series can seem a little repetitive at times, and it's true that it has a formula that it likes to stick to, but things are moving forward, and characters are showing signs of growth and development throughout its 194 episodes. Series protagonist Ataru getting his comeuppance is often the big punchline of each episode, though Urusei Yatsura has some great tender moments between its leads outside of all the slapstick comedy.
8
1982: Space Cobra
Definitely a series that is not so well known today, Space Cobra is a fun 80s adventure that still holds up. Based on the manga by the late Buichi Terasawa, Space Cobra was first adapted into a film in 1982 before an anime series was released later that year.
It's a solid series, with good action and the classic 80s style that many anime fans love. The movie is also a great adaptation, but if you're interested in a more fleshed-out episodic experience, the '82 anime is the way to go.
7
1983: Captain Tsubasa
Not only is Captain Tsubasa one of the most well-known sports anime of all time, but the series has also become one of the best-selling manga of all time. It might not be as popular as other iconic 80s skins Dragon Ball or Fist of the North Starbut Captain Tsubasa remains a beloved series that is still being adapted to this day.
Each adaptation has its strengths and weaknesses, but many fans have a fondness for the original series from 1983. It could just be talking about nostalgia, but the original is still a great adaptation with solid animation and great character development.
6
1984: Fist of the North Star
One of the most famous anime of the 80s, Fist of the North Star it may not be talked about much now, but it is still considered one of the greats. Many anime fans who haven't seen the anime probably know it thanks to the popular “Omae wa mou shindeiru” meme, but there's so much more to the series.
From the incredible art style to memorable fight scenes and a story that people often overlook, Fist of the North Star stands out as one of the great 80s anime. Fans of the franchise have a new series to look forward to, with a new adaptation set to be released sometime in 2026.
5
1985: Touch
Mitsuru Adachi is one of the most important mangaka when it comes to shonen sports manga. Although he has written various series, his most iconic has to be Move. Like many of Adach's series, Move is a sports-focused romance, with the series following twin brothers Tatsuya and Kazuya and their childhood friend Minami.
The anime is one of the better adaptations of Adachi's work, with incredible characters, a distinct art style, and some great moments that will stick with you long after you finish it.
4
1986: Dragon Ball
It might sound like an exaggeration, but Dragon Ball is a big part of why anime is as popular as it is today all over the world. While not the only series to reach a wide audience outside of Japan, Dragon Ball's continued popularity has played a large role in anime reaching different audiences over the years.
The original series is often overshadowed by Z, but it's still an all-time classic. Equal parts adventure, comedy and fantasy, Dragon Ball have plenty to enjoy all these years later. With a fun ensemble cast, great action sequences and an interesting world, it's easy to see why the series became and has remained so popular.
3
1987: Kimagure Orange Road
Fixed Dragon Ball is widely credited for popularizing anime overseas, Kimagure Orange Road is another series that found a strong following and helped make anime a global phenomenon. The series is about a young esper named Kyosuke Kasuga, who, after once again having to move to a new city due to the discovery of his family's powers, finds himself in a love triangle with a beautiful criminal named Madoka and her best friend, Hikaru.
Kimagure Orange Road is one of the most incredibly influential series that is often overlooked. It set the stage for many romantic comedies to come after it, and Madoka is considered one of the earliest examples of a Tsundere in anime. The series still looks amazing and should be a fun watch for anyone who has never seen it.
2
1988: City Hunter 2
City hunter is another classic 80s anime, and while it may not be as popular now as it was then, it's still a great series that's perfect for anime fans looking for that classic aesthetic.
City Hunter 2 is a direct follow-up to the original, continuing to follow Ryo's exploits as a PI and Sweeper, with Kaoriside by side to help out during missions and keep Ryo in check. It's full of great action and comedic moments, and there are plenty of sequels to keep you entertained once you finish it.
1
1989: Dragon Ball Z
If we're talking about the best 80s anime, that is Dragon Ball Z must be mentioned. The follow up to Dragon Ball, DBZ established much of what made the franchise the global powerhouse it is today. Goku's Saiyan heritage, the various transformations, crazy power scaling and high stakes battles were done Dragon Ball Z one of the most iconic anime ever.
The franchise is still going strong all these years later. Although it understandably slowed down considerably after the tragic death of Akira Toriyama, recently announced Super remake and sequel have fans hungry for more DB. And none of that would have been possible without the success of the original and Z.
