Although it took some time for the anime industry to gain the global recognition it deserves, the last decade has proven just how much audiences across the planet love these epic stories. The anime medium has quickly become one of the most influential forces of entertainment in the West, and one look at some of the best modern anime is enough to understand why.
Despite the popularity that recent series enjoy today, there are a handful of hidden gems waiting for viewers to discover them. The era of the 70s in particular, known as one of the earliest eras of anime, was a time of awe and inspiration that helped many beloved writers and directors create true masterpieces that remain relevant to this day.
The best anime of the 1980s
The '80s was a great era for anime, creating some incredible series that are still worth watching today.
10
Lupine III is a classic thriller that perfectly blends action and comedy
Inspired by his grandfather's legendary heist, gentleman thief Arsene Lupine travels the world to prove himself as history's greatest criminal. With his team of loyal and talented renegades, this humble man will prove that there is no treasure he can't steal, even as the determined Interpol agent, Inspector Zenigata, follows his team around the world.
Although not popular with today's audience, Lupine III Action and comedy were the epitome of anime for many years, blending these two genres into a truly enjoyable experience. The adventures of the gentleman criminal and his gang were as complex as they were fun, inspiring countless authors to write similar stories. The franchise has survived for more than 50 years, cementing a legacy that can only be rivaled by a few other programs.
9
The Rose of Versailles challenged gender norms decades ago
Born into a family with nothing but daughters, Oscar becomes his father's last and most desperate attempt to sire a son who can take on his clan's noble title. As such, he is raised and trained as any boy in France in the late 1700s. His life becomes more complicated when he meets and befriends Marie Antoinette, the girl who would become queen during a period of great conflict.
Often praised for challenging era-specific gender norms, The Rose of Versailles has stood the test of time and continues to be one of the most groundbreaking works of fiction. This bold and dramatic retelling of the French Revolution is as iconic as it is memorable. The story and characters paint a moving yet realistic portrait of what it was like to be a woman in this challenging era, despite being raised as a man.
8
Mobile Suit Gundam paved the way for the mecha genre
In the distant future, humanity has conquered the art of space travel and claimed other planets as their own. In this age of great technological advancement, life was peaceful until the colony of Zeon betrayed the Earth Federation in an attempt to gain independence. Faced with destruction, the planet's leaders have no choice but to ask pilot Amuro Rei to pilot a massive robotic weapon known as the Gundam to fight for their home.
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Undoubtedly the most popular and beloved of all mecha anime, Mobile Suit Gundam is a series that will change the genre forever. The impact left by this amazing show can still be felt today, as it spawned a huge franchise that has captivated millions of fans worldwide. Its approach to complex political issues, gray morality, and epic battles between dominant robots are just one of the many surprises that await fans. Gundam a chance
7
Future Boy Conan was one of Miyazaki's earliest works
Years before Conan was born, humanity fought a massive and brutal war with weapons of mass destruction that shifted the planet's axis. Seeking to escape 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.
The survivors of the attack establish a peaceful community on Remnant Island, at least until Conan meets a girl named Lana, who asks for help in overthrowing the oppressive government outside. Produced and directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, this epic and heartwarming story will leave audiences with a lot to think about. Future Boy Conan It is important for humanity to understand before it is too late that anti-environmental and anti-war sentiments are rife.
6
Heidi had a huge impact worldwide
With her aunt Dete looking for a better job in another town, an innocent orphan girl named Heidi is sent to live with her grumpy grandfather in a secluded cabin in the mountains. While their first few days are awkward and silent, as the old man is less than happy to take care of the baby, Heidi soon breaks down his defenses, helping him understand the joy of life again.
One of the first few anime that took off outside its country of origin, Heidi One of the classics of animation around the world, with millions of old fans since they were kids. It's a heartwarming and timeless story of love, faith and healing that fans should experience at least once in their lives, as the thousands of Latin-American fans who grew up with the titular hero can attest.
5
Aim for the Ace! The perception of sports anime changed
Inspired by her idol, the beautiful and skilled Rika Ryuzaki, Hiromi Oka decides to join her school's tennis team. What she thinks is a unique opportunity to improve herself and make new friends turns out to be the biggest challenge of her entire life, as her coach is determined to develop the immense potential within her.
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Aim for the Ace! More than just another dramatic and intense game anime; It is widely regarded by experts and fans as one of the fundamental pillars of the genre. This amazing series brought what might have been considered a lesser genre show into the spotlight, showing the inherent difficulties of human struggle and the pursuit of athletic success, and turning them into a compelling and moving story.
4
Space Battleship Yamato proved that anime was more than a cartoon
Earth's relative peace ended when an alien race known as the Gamilons attacked the surface with thousands of radioactive meteorites, forcing the survivors to hide underground. Their last chance to reclaim the planet and clear the surface is a device capable of absorbing radiation offered to humans by a benevolent race, the Iskanders. With nothing left to lose, humanity joins forces to modify the battleship Yamato into an interstellar vessel.
With epic space operas, thrilling intergalactic battles, and a cast of characters that perfectly embody the human will to survive and thrive, Space Battleship Yamato It's a series that has it all. It's a well-written and exciting adventure that has inspired countless sci-fi stories since it was first introduced. It's a revolutionary anime that cemented the way sci-fi was handled for decades.
3
Devilman opened new doors for the dark fantasy genre
Xenon, the Dark Lord of the Demon Clan, has spent many centuries planning his takeover of the planet. His plan is flawless: send his best spy, Devilman, to Earth to take over the body of Akira, a shy and vulnerable teenager, in order to assimilate and slowly bring society down. Sadly, he never expected his soldier to fall in love with humanity and become a superhero who risks his life to protect his new family and romantic interest.
Devilman took one of the saddest stories ever written and turned it into an upbeat and optimistic series about the best aspects of humanity. The series transformed the tortured protagonist Akira into an inspiration, giving him the power to protect the culture and people who took him in and show him what love is, a message that remains relevant to this day.
2
Tomorrow's Joe brought many social issues to the mainstream media
Joe is a violent and hot-headed orphan who has been struggling ever since he decided to escape from an orphanage and live as a homeless person in post-war Japan. His fortunes change when he meets an old and forgotten boxer who promises to train him, an offer the boy prefers to avoid by putting himself in prison. Yet, once inside, he discovers a natural talent for sports, as well as a deep passion for competition, portending a bright future for the hero.
on the surface, tomorrow's joe is a typical sports anime about a troubled character developing into a respectable boxer. However, the series has been praised for its subtle but sharp critique of the ruling economic class, the struggles that come from poverty, and the deep inequality that still exists in the world. This is a highly moving series that handles its many important themes respectfully and impressively.
1
Treasure Island flawlessly combines Western and Japanese culture
Life is a constant struggle for young Jim Hawkins and his mother, who work day and night to run their small and humble inn. When the hero finds a treasure map that leads to the bounty of the legendary Captain Flint, Jim sees it as fate, telling him to follow his gut and give his mother the life she deserves. He joins forces with Long John Silver, a charming but unscrupulous pirate whose motives are not quite clear.
A classic adventure anime, inspired by one of the best Western novels of the genre, which set before and after, became the inspiration for countless other pirate stories. The series was groundbreaking for its time, portraying the once-child story as a deeply personal and complex story that saw its characters learn and grow. This is a series that any fan of the adventure genre should try at least once in their lifetime.
