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Unlock the 10 Epic ’80s Anime Series Every New Fan Must Experience!

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1980s weren’t just about animated movies, they also introduced series that left an indelible mark on culture, resonating deeply with viewers. These iconic anime series played a crucial role in shaping the anime culture as we know it today, offering creativity, compelling narratives, memorable characters, and vivid worlds that would captivate any contemporary anime fan. The longevity of their popularity underscores their cultural importance.

While movies such as Akira or Grave of the Fireflies are undeniably animated masterpieces, the ’80s anime series provides a wealth of diverse viewing options. These series can be easily accessed on popular streaming platforms. From epic mecha tales to humorous slice-of-life comedies and culminating with the best Phantom Thief in the anime genre – keep reading to uncover these gems!

1982 saw the debut of “Macross: Super Dimension Fortress,” which kick-started the three-part “Super Dimension” series. This captivating anime was created by Shoji Kawamori and revolves around a romantic triangle amidst the grand scale conflicts of Earth’s first alien war. The narrative unfolds following an extraterrestrial spaceship crash landing on our planet, causing widespread destruction to buildings. In response to this potential invasion threat, humans established the Earth United Nations Government and their military force, the U.N. Spacy.

The Macross series, a significant staple in the realm of anime and manga, continues to garner admiration for its captivating designs and intricate details, which have made it a sought-after item in Japanese toy stores. Notably, Super Dimension Fortress Macross is often recognized for pioneering the idea of transforming robots, thereby earning its status as one of the 80s’ most impactful anime series.

The Legend of the Galactic Heroes began as a collection of grand science fiction novels penned by Yoshiki Tanaka. These books were subsequently transformed into an anime, which portrayed the unending conflict between the Galactic Empire and the Free Planets Alliance. The entire series was produced in OVA format, spanning 110 episodes, and garnered much praise from its viewers.

As a devoted fan, I can wholeheartedly say that “Legend of the Galactic Heroes” has left an indelible mark on Japanese literature and, more specifically, its anime adaptation has been nothing short of extraordinary for me. This magnificent space saga offers a fresh retelling with enhancements, but the original anime truly outshines it.

I’m head over heels for “The Rose of Versailles,” penned by the brilliant Riyoko Ikeda! This captivating tale delves into the realm of revolution, with its heart pulsing around the fascinating character of Oscar Francois de Jarjayes – a girl brought up as a man to assume her father’s legacy. Remarkably, this series draws inspiration from Ikeda’s vibrant youth in the ’60s, a time that echoed the French Revolution’s impact on a wave of Japanese political movements.

The Rose of Versailles is a renowned work in the world of manga and anime, frequently hailed as a groundbreaking masterpiece that significantly shaped the archetype of a woman disguising herself as a man within manga. The acclaim and influence this series garnered have had a profound impact on the evolution of shojo manga, particularly in the way women were depicted in this genre. It transformed stereotypical, flat characters into complex, multi-layered stories revolving around them. Given its immense contribution to the medium, it’s more than worthwhile to watch the entire series for its historical significance alone. However, beyond that, it offers a delightful journey from start to finish.

The Journey of Tomorrow’s Joe” (or “Tomorrow’s Joe: A Drifter’s Boxing Odyssey”)

In this compelling narrative, we delve into the world of “Tomorrow’s Joe,” a series inspired by the manga penned by Asao Takamori. The story revolves around the life of a wandering soul, Joe Yabuki, who unexpectedly finds his calling in the competitive realm of boxing. Rising through Japan’s prestigious global boxing ranks, Joe’s tale unfolds as an inspiring underdog narrative that some argue laid the foundation for stories like “Rocky.” The power of this series lies in its portrayal of resilience and determination in the face of adversity, making it a must-watch for any sports enthusiast.

The character “Joe” from tomorrow’s story is frequently connected and impacted by various manga, anime, and fighting games such as Naruto, Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, and King of Fighters. Joe’s journey from poverty to prosperity has inspired numerous individuals to overcome their circumstances, explaining why its influence remains significant within the medium today.

Gunbuster” is a six-episode OVA (Original Video Animation) series, initially created by Gainax and directed by Hideaki Anno for the first time. The storyline revolves around Earth, which is under attack by extraterrestrial monsters. To counter this invasion, humanity resorts to utilizing massive robotic suits called Machine Weapons. The protagonist of this series, Noriko, lost her mother to these alien creatures six years prior to the events depicted in “Gunbuster.” As a result, she enrolls at the Okinawa Space Pilot High School for girls with the hope of preventing Earth from experiencing the same tragic fate.

The series “Gunbuster” paved the way for a unique sub-genre in giant robot anime, ultimately laying the foundation for Hideaki Anno’s subsequent masterpiece, “Neon Genesis Evangelion,” to earn a timeless place among fans of anime everywhere. Consisting of only six episodes, this show offers a satisfying watch on Crunchyroll that will undoubtedly prove to be a rewarding investment of your afternoon.

Originally penned by Tsukasa Hojo, the animated adaptation of “City Hunter” was produced by Sunrise Studios back in 1987. This series revolves around Ryo Saeba, a private detective with a soft spot for women, who dedicates himself to eliminating crime in Tokyo. Accompanying him is his associate Hideyuki Makimura, whose untimely demise occurs at some point, resulting in Ryo taking on the responsibility of caring for Makimura’s sister, Kaori.

For a long time, City Hunter has been cherished by many due to its enduring appeal and stunning aesthetics.

A humor-based television show that stood out from contemporary comedies due to its distinctive flair, consistently receiving accolades for its adorable lead character and captivating episode plots. This series also left an impact on the 2015 Chris Brown song “Zero.

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Maison Ikkoku was penned and sketched by the talented manga artist Rumiko Takahashi, who’s also behind Urusei Yatsura. The anime adaptation came out in 1986 by Studio Deen. This series revolves around the life of Yusaku Godai, a character living in a fictional boarding house. He develops feelings for Kyoko Otonashi, the new manager, and the narrative explores his romantic pursuit towards her. The story primarily focuses on the relationships among the boarding school residents, showcasing how their individual characters evolve through interactions with each other.

Rumiko Takahashi’s early work, Maison Ikkoku, stands independently with its intricate romances and platonic relationships portrayed in a fully realistic setting. Compared to her other popular works, it is more mature and character-driven. The story combines witty and endearing romantic elements, making it a must-see for those who enjoy romance.

Back in the day, I found myself utterly captivated by the epic tale penned by Buronson – “Fist of the North Star”. This martial arts anime, set in a post-nuclear wasteland, follows the journey of an influential warrior named Kenshiro. With his powerful Hokuto Shinken technique, he dedicates his life to battling ruthless gangs, bandits, and warlords who prey upon the innocent and defenceless.

Fast forward to 1984, where Toei Animation breathed life into this captivating story, launching a massive media franchise that spans across anime, live-action films, numerous OVAs, and video games. Simply put, “Fist of the North Star” is more than just an anime; it’s a cultural phenomenon!

Fist of the North Star has been acknowledged as among the most impactful manga series in history, with its reach extending to other popular mangas like Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, Berserk, and Vinland Saga, plus numerous others. Over the years since its debut, it has earned acclaim for its action sequences and the well-developed character of Kenshiro, who is widely regarded as one of Shonen’s most remarkable protagonists and continues to be fondly remembered by fans as an emblematic figure from the 1980s anime era.

Yoshiyuki Tomino was responsible for both creation and management of the anime series, “Mobile Suit Gundam,” which first appeared in 1979 under Nippon Sunrise’s banner. The story unfolds in an alternative universe where, in the year 0079, the Zeon Principality broke away from the Earth Federation and ignited a prolonged battle known as the One-Year War. In the midst of this struggle, a young boy named Amuro Ray stumbles upon the Federation’s innovative prototype, the RX-78 Gundam – a formidable mecha – and ends up piloting it.

Initially, Mobile Suit Gundam didn’t receive much attention when it debuted, yet it swiftly transformed into a groundbreaking series in the mecha anime genre. Subsequently, it garnered numerous accolades and continues to be celebrated for its captivating characters. To put it simply, it’s not just one of the top 1980s anime but also an influential work of fiction from the late 20th century that has left a lasting impact.

Originating from the renowned character of Arsene Lupin, Lupin the Third was developed by Monkey Punch and focuses on the adventures of master thief Lupin III, who happens to be the grandson of Arsene Lupin. This series is recognized for its frequent changes in tone but consistently preserves its unique style and fun factor. In this show, the characters are particularly expressive, and some impressive heists are orchestrated within each episode.

The enduring appeal of the Lupin franchise is undeniable in Japan, with consistently top-tier ratings across all reviews, and continues to serve as a source of inspiration for iconic series like Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo. In essence, the timeless charm of Lupin The Third makes it an ideal watch for any anime enthusiast, as its storyline may be straightforward, but the depth of its characters keeps viewers hooked.

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2025-04-25 03:26

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