A bunch of popular ones anime was released in the 1980s are still available on major streaming platforms like Crunchyroll and HIDIVE. Retrocrush is yet another platform home to some of the most well-known classic anime, such as Key the Metal Idol and Nadia: The Secret of Blue Watermaking it easier for fans to access these decades-old gems.
Still, quite a few anime from the 80s are no longer available on streaming platforms, often due to declining interest and complex licensing issues. Before any platform picks up these overlooked 80s anime, they likely face the challenge of determining if there is enough demand to justify distribution and marketing to viewers.
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8
Mr. Ajikko
Released in 1987
Before anime fans knew Shokugeki no Somais Yukihira, Cooking Master Boy's Liu Maoxing, and TorikoThe main character of the title Toriko, it was a cooking anime called Mr. Ajikko. It is based on the manga of the same name by Daisuke Terasawa and was released on Japanese television in October 1987 by Studio Sunrise.
Mr. Ajikko features a 14-year-old cooking prodigy named Yoichi Ajiyoshi, who beats other master chefs in intense cooking battles. While most adult chefs often underestimate Yoichi, Mister Ajikko's protagonist always dominates in the end with his delicious dishes.
7
Sunny Ryoko
Released in 1987
If you're a fan of Rumiko Takahashi's Maison Ikkoku, you've probably heard of Mitsuru Adachi's Sunny Ryoko series. Both classic animes share the same setting, with the female lead living alongside her love interest, resulting in hilarious day-to-day interactions between the characters.
However in Sunny RyokoKasumi Kishimoto lives with four male students in her aunt Chigusa's boarding house. There she meets Yusaku Takasugi, who steadily earns Kasumi's love and affection. The only problem is that Kasumi already has a boyfriend who lives abroad, which makes their arrangement too complicated.
6
The kabocha wine
Released in 1982
The kabocha wine is yet another 80s rom-com anime that's hard to watch these days, not because of its dated animations and tropes, but because the series isn't available on streaming platforms anywhere. Despite over 90 episodes, the content of The Kabocha Wine is largely inaccessible to fans.
The kabocha wine tells the story of Aoba Shunsuke, a short high school student who falls in love with a tall and curvy beauty named Natsumi. Despite their noticeable height difference, Aoba and Natsumi eventually hit it off and became the school's odd couple.
5
Move
Released in 1985
Move is one of the most well-known 80s anime on this list, but no streaming platforms currently have it in their library. Touch was released in March 1985 and aired 101 episodes about three childhood friends, particularly their love of baseball and their romantic feelings for each other.
Move is not just a sports anime but a romance and drama series, where all the characters are deeply developed, with their relationships, personal struggles and dreams playing as important a role as the game itself.
4
Charge!! Men's private school
Released in 1988
Anime about criminals was especially popular in the 80s, reflecting a period when school violence and gang culture were a trend in Japanese media. Charge!! Men's private schoolor simply Otokojuku, is one of those crime anime released in the 80s, known for its realistic fight scenes and well-drawn character expressions.
In Otokojuku, criminals gather and undergo rigorous training to revive the spirit of Japan. Under the headmaster's feudal and military training, Heihachi Edaijima transforms his delinquent students into men of honor, including the protagonist Momotaro Tsurugi.
Who is that character?
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
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Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
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3
Attacker you!
Released in 1984
Attacker you! is a sports anime about volleyball that received huge recognition from European fans despite its mediocre ratings in Japan. It's not just an 80s anime where the protagonist, Yu Hazaki, is obsessed with playing volleyball, as the series also delves deeper into her personal relationships with her parents as well as her rival, love interest and teammates.
The story begins when Yu Hazaki transfers to Hikawa Junior High School after living most of his life in the countryside. The bustling city of Tokyo is a new environment for Yu, but she is more than determined to play volleyball again and compete with other teams while learning about the relationship between her parents.
2
Game Center Arashi
Released in 1982
Game Center Arashi is an iconic 80s anime mainly because it was the first series to ever feature an avid gamer as its main character. Arashi Ishino is a competitive gamer aiming to conquer all the video games in the world. He has the talent to back up his big ambition, because his talent in the game is far superior to that of other players.
Then Game Center Arashi is about Arashi Ishino and his passion for gaming, the series naturally features iconic games, from Galaxian and Breakout to Space Invaders, even though the series didn't directly mention them. Anime fans who like games should never miss this show.
1
Glass mask
Released in 1984
Nowadays, anime viewers may find it easier to watch Glass masks live-action adaptation on streaming platforms instead of its anime series. After all, the anime is over 40 years old now, having released 22 episodes courtesy of studio Eiken from April to September 1984.
Fans of Oshi no Ko can be fun while watching Glass Mask, as both anime series share the same intense focus on the entertainment industry and explore the struggles, rivalries, and personal sacrifices that come with chasing stardom.
In Glass Mask, the main heroine, Maya Kitajima, has a natural talent for acting, but due to limited opportunities, she struggles to find the right stage to showcase her abilities until she meets Chigusa Tsukikage. Her rival, Ayumi Himekawa, shares the same passion for acting, but she gets more attention thanks to her popular parents.
