Nostalgic Anime Classics that Left an Indelible Mark on the Industry

Timeless Classics: 22 Old Anime Series and Movies That Set a High Bar

The world of anime has come a long way since its inception, but some classic series and movies continue to captivate audiences with their timeless stories, memorable characters, and stunning animation. In this article, we will take a journey through the history of anime, highlighting 22 old anime series and movies that have stood the test of time.

8 of the Best Old Anime Movies

From dark-fantasy westerns to psychological sci-fi thrillers, these classic anime movies showcase the diversity and creativity of Japanese animation. Here are some of the best old anime movies:

1. ‘Vampire Hunter D’ (1985): This dark-fantasy western is filled with blood-curdling baddies, including demons, mutants, and vampires.

2. ‘Gall Force: Eternal Story’ (1986): With a sci-fi-heavy plot, “Gall Force” highlights the battle between two advanced civilizations in a centuries-long war for galactic supremacy.

3. ‘Wicked City’ (1987): Many critics consider the English-dubbed version of this dystopian anime classic to be one of the first popular introductions of the medium for Western audiences.

4. ‘Akira’ (1988): This cyberpunk sci-fi masterpiece is set in postwar dystopian Tokyo, torn further apart by gang violence, terrorism, and sociopolitical dissent.

5. ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ (1988): Arguably the best anime studio in history, Studio Ghibli established itself as a pioneer in the medium with this early work of masterful storytelling.

6. ‘Ninja Scroll’ (1993): This Ronin classic is an absolute sweat fest of bone-breaking fight scenes and heart-pumping action set in the tranquil scenery of Edo-era Japan.

7. ‘Ghost in the Shell’ (1995): “Ghost in the Shell” is a psychological sci-fi thriller that follows members of the counterterrorism unit Public Security Section 9 in their fight to maintain law and order in a cyberpunk world.

8. ‘Spirited Away’ (2001): This Studio Ghibli masterpiece was written and directed by visionary Hayao Miyazaki, becoming the first hand-drawn Japanese film to win an Academy Award.

14 of the Best Old Anime Series

From sci-fi epics to historical dramas, these classic anime series showcase the diversity and creativity of Japanese animation. Here are some of the best old anime series:

1. ‘Astro Boy‘ (1963): Considered the foundational iteration of pure Japanese illustration in television history, “Astro Boy” is a giant leap forward in its own right.

1. ‘Speed Racer’ (1967): This Japanese animation classic tells the story of a brave young boy who loves racing and family above everything else.

2. ‘Space Battleship Yamato’ (1974-1975): Set in the distant future during an intergalactic war, “Space Battleship Yamato” is a sci-fi manga and anime series that has left Earth‘s surface an uninhabitable radioactive wasteland.

3. ‘Mobile Suit Gundam‘ (1979): Packed with hours of mech suit action and space station drama, this original series is a must-watch for any anime fan.

4. ‘The Rose of Versailles‘ (1979-1980): This beautifully crafted peek into the years leading to the French Revolution offers an alternative historical perspective through the eyes of Marie Antoinette and the Dauphine.

5. ‘Fist of the North Star‘ (1987-1988): With story arcs that mirror other apocalyptic films and TV series, “Fist of the North Star” follows the epic quest of Kenshiro in a dystopian landscape.

6. ‘Legend of the Galactic Heroes‘ (1988-1997): This futuristic anime series is about political players navigating interstellar conflict, with occasional filler episodes for exposition.

7. ‘Dragon Ball Z‘ (1989-1996): With the protagonist Goku and a star-studded cast of memorable characters, “Dragon Ball Z” is one of the most popular anime franchises found on primary streaming services.

8. ‘Yu Yu Hakusho‘ (1990-1994): This teenage delinquent-turned-spirit-detective series charges with maintaining balance between dimensions and saving the innocent from evil forces.

9. ‘Sailor Moon‘ (1992-1997): With its magical girl gang, “Sailor Moon” is one of the most popular manga and anime series to ever come out of Japan.

10. ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion‘ (1995-1996): Watch one episode, and it will change your thoughts about the art form – beautifully crafted illustrations, fast-paced fight scenes, and a franchise with several movies that complete the manga story sufficiently.

11. ‘Rurouni Kenshin‘ (1996-1998): Set in the distant past, this modern anime series primarily focuses on the adventures of Himura Kenshin, a masterless swordsman who wanders Meiji-era Japan in search of redemption.

12. ‘Serial Experiments Lain‘ (1998): This anime will pull you in from the first episode and drag you down into dark places of your consciousness.

13. ‘Cowboy Bebop‘ (1998): A beloved manga and anime series about a ragtag band of bounty hunters, “Cowboy Bebop” is an instant classic with its visionary neo-space Western animation style and well-developed characters.

History’s First Anime?

Anime stems from the popular manga comic book tradition in Japan, but it was a long road to get the art form to its modern global success. Many historians point to a hand-drawn short from 1917 titled “Namakura Gatana” (“Blunt Sword”) as the pioneering anime that paved the way.