A bunch of popular ones Anime released in 1980 Still available on major streaming platforms like Crunchyroll and HIDIVE. Retrocrush is yet another platform home to many famous classic anime, viz Metal Idol key and Nadia: The Secret of Blue WaterMaking it easy for fans to access these decades-old gems.
Still, a good deal of anime from the '80s is no longer available on streaming platforms, mostly due to declining interest and complicated licensing issues. Before any platform picks up these overlooked '80s anime, they may face the challenge of determining whether there is enough demand from viewers to justify distribution and promotion.
35 Best Anime on Crunchyroll Now (2026)
Crunchyroll's anime lineup continues to grow. This guide highlights the best series to watch now in 2026.
8
Mr. Ajik's
Released in 1987
Before anime fans knew it Shokugeki no SomaYukihira, Cooking Master Boy Liu Mao Jing, and TorikoThe titular protagonist, Toriko, was a cooking anime Mr. Ajik's. It is based on the manga of the same name by Daisuke Terasawa and was released on Japanese TV in October 1987 by Studio Sunrise.
Mr. Ajik's Features a 14-year-old cooking prodigy named Yoichi Ajiyoshi, who defeats fellow master chefs in intense cooking battles. While Yoichi is often underestimated by most adult chefs, Mr. Aziko's main character always wins 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 anime share the same setting, with the female lead living together with her love interest, resulting in fun day-to-day interactions between the characters.
However, in Sunny RyokoKasumi Kishimoto lives in her aunt Chigusa's boarding house with four other students. There, she meets Yusaku Takasugi, who steadily earns Kasumi's love and affection. The only problem is, Kasumi already has a boyfriend living abroad, so their set-up is very complicated.
6
Kabocha wine
Released in 1982
Kabocha wine Yet another '80s rom-com anime that's hard to watch these days, not because of its dated animation and tropes, but because the series isn't available on streaming platforms anywhere. Despite running for over 90 episodes, The Kabocha Wine's content remains largely inaccessible to fans.
Kabocha wine Aoba tells the story of Shunsuke, a short high school student who falls in love with a tall and curvy beauty named Natsumi. Despite their significant difference in height, Aoba and Natsumi eventually hit it off and become the school's odd couple.
5
touch
Released in 1985
touch One of the most famous '80s anime on this list, but none of the streaming platforms currently have it in their library. Released in March 1985, Touch aired 101 episodes about three childhood friends, particularly their love of baseball and romantic feelings for each other.
touch Not just a sports anime but a romance and drama series, where all the characters are deeply developed, their relationships, personal struggles and dreams play just as important a role as the game itself.
4
charge!! Boys 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!! Boys Private SchoolOr simply Otokojuku, is one of those crime anime that released in the '80s, known for its realistic fight scenes and well-drawn character expressions.
In Otokozuku, criminals gather and undergo rigorous training to revive the spirit of Japan. Under the feudal and military training of the principal, Heihachi Edaijima transforms his delinquent students into men of honor, including the main character, Momotaro Tsurugi.
Who is that character?
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
get started
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Easy (7.5 seconds) Medium (5.0 seconds) Hard (2.5 seconds) Permadeath (2.5 seconds)
3
Attacker you!
Released in 1984
Attacker you! is a sports anime about volleyball that received great recognition from European fans despite average ratings in Japan. It's not just an 80s anime where the main character Yu Hazaki loves to play volleyball, as the series also delves deep into his personal relationships with his parents as well as his rivals, love interests and teammates.
The story begins when Yu Hazaki transfers to Hikawa Junior High School after spending most of his life in the countryside. The bustling city of Tokyo is a new environment for Yu, but he is determined to play volleyball again and compete with other teams to learn about the relationship between his parents.
2
Sports Center Arashi
Released in 1982
Sports Center Arashi An iconic '80s anime primarily because it was the first series to feature an avid gamer as the main character. Arashi Ishino is a competitive gamer who aims to conquer every video game in the world. He has the talent to back up his big ambitions, as his talent in gaming is far superior to other players.
since Sports Center Arashi About Arashi Ishino and his passion for games, the series features iconic games from Galaxy and Breakout to Space Invaders, even if not directly mentioned. Anime fans who are into games should never miss this show.
1
Glass mask
Released in 1984
Nowadays, anime viewers can find it easier to watch Glass masklive-action adaptation on streaming platforms instead of its anime series. After all, the anime is now over 40 years old, having released 22 episodes from April to September 1984 courtesy of Studio Aiken.
fans of Of Oshi no Glass Mask can be a blast to watch, as both anime series share the same intense focus on the entertainment industry, exploring struggles, rivalries, and personal sacrifices in search of 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 cares more for her popular parents.
