10 Classic Anime With Every Episode Streaming on Crunchyroll

Anime is now incredibly popular and easy to watch all over the world, with streaming services eager to offer new episodes as soon as they’re released. But it’s not just the latest shows – services like Crunchyroll also have a fantastic collection of older, classic anime too.

Even though anime is becoming more popular, it’s still hard to find and watch older shows legally. Many classic anime titles are never available on streaming services, and even those that are often disappear from platforms. However, Crunchyroll currently has a good selection of well-known classic anime, making it a great place to discover the history of the medium and enjoy anime from years past.

The Original Mobile Suit Gundam Is a Must-Watch Classic

Mobile Suit Gundam Is Streaming on

The groundbreaking mecha series, Mobile Suit Gundam, first appeared in 1979 and has since become a huge cultural phenomenon. It continues to influence the genre, but it’s also worthwhile to remember where it all began.

The first Mobile Suit Gundam TV show revolutionized the mecha genre by proving that giant robot stories could explore serious themes of war and complex characters. This show, and the impact it had, essentially created the “real robot” style of storytelling. Gundam 0079 establishes the core world and storylines of the entire series, and watching it provides a much deeper understanding of everything that follows in the Gundam universe.

Fist of the North Star’s Old-School Charm Aged Well

Fist of the North Star Is Streaming on

Fist of the North Star is a groundbreaking manga and anime series that helped define the action-packed, tough-hero style of the 1980s. It tells the story of Kenshiro, a skilled but reserved fighter who journeys across a ruined world, protecting people from ruthless gangs. The series was incredibly popular and continues to be considered a classic, with its impact still felt in manga and anime today.

The original Fist of the North Star is a classic for a reason. Despite being an older series, its exciting fights, dramatic storylines, and unique style still hold up today. With a new anime coming in 2026, now is the perfect time to rediscover this influential shonen anime.

City Hunter Combines Nostalgic Aesthetics & Timeless Humor

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Although it’s not as popular now, City Hunter was a huge hit in the ’80s and ’90s, leading to four anime seasons, several movies, and TV specials. Luckily, most of the series is still available to watch on Crunchyroll, letting fans enjoy its classic and captivating atmosphere.

City Hunter follows Ryo Saeba, a skilled detective with a reputation for being a ladies’ man, as he takes on criminals in the vibrant city of Tokyo. The series expertly blends exciting action and mystery with lighthearted comedy, making each episode a captivating and fun experience.

Space Pirate Captain Harlock Sends Pirates to Space

Space Pirate Captain Harlock Is Streaming on

Leiji Matsumoto was a hugely influential manga artist in the 1970s and 80s, and his work essentially created the space opera style of anime we know and love today. He was a pioneer of epic, emotionally resonant space adventures with thoughtful themes. Unfortunately, not all of his anime series are easy to find and watch now.

Fans can now watch the classic anime Space Pirate Captain Harlock on Crunchyroll. The series follows Captain Harlock, a legendary space pirate known for his quiet strength and unwavering desire for freedom. Even today, the adventurous and heartfelt story of Captain Harlock continues to inspire those who dream of exploring space.

The Irresponsible Captain Tylor Is a Fun-Loving Parody of Space Operas

The Irresponsible Captain Tylor Is Streaming on

Unlike the serious space adventures of anime like Captain Harlock, The Irresponsible Captain Tylor is a funny parody of the dramatic space stories popular in the 1980s. The main character is a very different kind of hero – a relaxed and somewhat clueless slacker who somehow manages to succeed through sheer luck.

Tylor unexpectedly became a spaceship captain and keeps stumbling into dangerous situations. Despite this, he always manages to succeed, often without even trying, and the hilarious adventures he and his crew have make for a consistently funny show.

Yu Yu Hakusho Is an Action-Packed Foundational Shonen Anime

Yu Yu Hakusho Is Streaming on

Even as newer action-adventure stories try new things, a well-made, classic battle shonen like Yu Yu Hakusho still stands out. The story follows Yusuke Urameshi, a rebellious teen with a good heart, who becomes a Spirit Detective and gets a second chance at life. It’s an exciting adventure packed with fantastic fights, characters you’ll love, and everything that makes a great shonen story.

Unlike some other long-running anime from the 1990s, Yu Yu Hakusho stays exciting and doesn’t feel repetitive, even with 112 episodes. It wasn’t groundbreaking, but it’s a classic that has stood the test of time for good reason.

Dragon Ball Become One of the Biggest Anime Franchises Ever

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For over 40 years, Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball has been a hugely influential anime and manga series, beloved by fans worldwide. While the franchise continues to evolve with new content, many fans still cherish the original TV series as the beginning of Goku’s legendary journey.

The original Dragon Ball from 1986 is more relaxed and fun than the later series, but it’s incredibly important to the franchise’s overall success. Its cheerful tone and emphasis on realistic martial arts give it a special, nostalgic appeal that’s both enjoyable and heartwarming.

Great Teacher Onizuka Is a Conventions-Breaking School Comedy

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Comedy anime often don’t hold up well over time, but Great Teacher Onizuka is a notable exception. It still feels funny and original, even decades after its release in the ‘90s, and its edgy humor continues to get a strong reaction from viewers.

Great Teacher Onizuka follows a former motorcycle gang leader who unexpectedly becomes a teacher. His class is full of troubled students, and he uses unique and often outrageous methods to help them turn their lives around. The series is a hilarious yet surprisingly thoughtful look at society and what it takes to break the mold, making it a story that still resonates today.

Trigun Enjoys Modern Success as a ‘90s Anime Classic

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Originally a space Western about a peaceful gunslinger wandering a harsh, distant planet, it has become a beloved classic, captivating audiences for many years in different forms.

Now that new episodes of the updated Trigun series, Trigun Stargaze, are available on Crunchyroll, many fans are rediscovering the original anime. Trigun remains enjoyable across all its versions thanks to its blend of exciting action, thrilling shootouts, and thoughtful themes, but most viewers still prefer the nostalgic appeal of the 1990s adaptation.

Cowboy Bebop Is One of the Best Classic Anime Series of All Time

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Many anime fans consider the 1990s to be a peak period for the art form, as some of the most important and beloved shows first appeared then. Few anime, even those made today, are as impressive as Cowboy Bebop, the critically acclaimed and innovative masterpiece by Shinichiro Watanabe.

Cowboy Bebop is a strikingly stylish anime that blends genres like film noir and space westerns. While each episode might seem separate, they all contribute to a deep and meaningful story. It’s a series that looks great and has a lot to say, and many consider it the best anime available on Crunchyroll.

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2026-02-16 20:41