Retro Anime Worth Watching Today

Highlights

Familiar with
Sailor Moon
but haven’t watched it? Dive into a world of action, fantasy, & slice-of-life.
Yu Yu Hakusho
mixes action & deep issues seamlessly, perfect for a fun yet thought-provoking watch.
Legend of the Galactic Heroes
delves deep into war, politics, & some unexpected character deaths.

As a connoisseur of all things anime, I must say that these two masterpieces have left an indelible mark on my heart and mind. The first one, Sailor Moon, harkens back to my teenage years when I was just discovering the boundless realms of this fascinating medium. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling that can teach us valuable life lessons while keeping us entertained with its action-packed sequences and captivating characters.

Nowadays, you can find people deeply fond of various anime series. Ranging from “One Piece” and “Jujutsu Kaisen” to “Haikyuu!” and even Studio Ghibli productions, anime has become a ubiquitous part of our culture. The reason for its prevalence lies in the rich history and distinctiveness of this Japanese art form, which has progressed significantly while maintaining its original roots. Before the mighty Saitama could throw his punch, Astro Boy had to soar through the skies. What exactly captivates viewers about anime?

As someone who grew up watching anime, I can confidently say that it has had a profound impact on my life. While films like “Vampire Hunter D” and “Akira” are undoubtedly classics in their own right, I’ve found myself more captivated by the TV series that have graced our screens over the years. Some of these shows have even spanned nearly a decade, offering endless hours of entertainment and emotional connections with their incredible characters. The fusion of gripping narratives, stunning visuals, and memorable characters has become synonymous with anime today, and I believe it’s this unique blend that sets it apart from other forms of media.

9 Legend of the Galactic Heroes (Original)

A Space Opera For The Ages

Ran from 1988 – 1997 with 110 episodes produced by Kitty Films
There have been multiple stage adaptations, movie compilations, including a musical, and several video games
There is an Iserlohn Fortress Cafe in Tokyo that visitors can go to and enjoy foods inspired by the show, get commemorative glasses, and buy exclusive merchandise

There was a recent remake of this, but the original has undeniable panache with more unique character designs, a classical soundtrack, and epic space battles no one can forget. What’s more: the anime isn’t afraid to just outright kill off a major character — similar to shows such as Game of Thrones in the modern zeitgeist. But the show’s themes go much deeper than one might think.

The Gundam series, similarly, portrays battles among space-traveling factions, but with a more dramatic flair. On the other hand, The Legend of the Galactic Heroes delves deeply into the human condition during war, exploring themes like justifying violence, managing guilt, and accepting responsibility. With a runtime spanning nearly a decade, there’s an abundance of content for newcomers to explore. An interesting trivia: given its original debut, fans had to order VHS tapes by mail to watch it. Remarkably, it’s now quite accessible today.

8 Yu Yu Hakusho

Get In Loser, We’re Going Spirit Hunting & Friend Making

Ran from 1990 to 1994 originally with 112 episodes by Studio Pierrot
The author Yoshihiro Togashi previously wrote an occult detective fiction manga that he credits with inspiring Yu Yu Hakusho
Draws upon Buddhist mythology with themes of altruism, accountability, and working through problems despite weaknesses or difficulties

“Yu Yu Hakusho” is a unique blend of everyday life and fantasy action, featuring the story of Yusuke Urameshi, who seems to have died but unexpectedly returns as a Spirit Detective. Accompanied by his former adversary Kuwabara, the demon Hiei, the human-form trickster fox spirit Kurama, and Botan, a Japanese personification of death, he tackles malicious spirits. Botan serves a role similar to Charon from Greek mythology, with her oar included. Prince Koenma, also known as Junior, who is the ruler of the Spirit World, is frequently present.”

As a gamer, diving into this world, I’m ready for a mix of teenage humor that’s relatable and some heavy, heartfelt storylines. Yusuke, our protagonist, is just a teenager, so expect the jokes to resonate with us. Yet, beneath the laughter lies a tale that tackles complex interpersonal issues. For instance, Yusuke’s mom grapples with alcoholism, and Hiei’s mom had to make the heart-wrenching decision of throwing him off a cliff to save his sister. It might sound intense for kids, but the charm of these characters will draw us in, while the action scenes will keep us hooked and eager for more.

7 Patlabor: The TV Series

A Mecha Procedural That’s More Than Worth A Watch

Aired from 1989 – 1990 with 47 episodes by Sunrise Studio
Headgear, the group of writers and artists behind Patlabor, formed to ensure they kept full rights to any work created
“Patlabor” is a portmanteau of the words “patrol” and “labor” to reference the humans and their mecha partners

Fans of anime might recognize “Patlabor” from the movies, but the series actually debuted first with a more playful atmosphere than the films. Some could even compare it to “Brooklyn 99” in the realm of sci-fi mecha anime during the late 80s and early 90s. Each episode offers a blend of action, humor, tension, and world-building. However, the sense of urgency isn’t as intense as in shows like “Attack on Titan” or “Mobile Suit Gundam”. Instead, viewers can comfortably enjoy it without feeling the pressure that comes with some other anime.

As a dedicated fan, I must admit that the mechanical action scenes in this series were simply outstanding. Yet, what truly resonates with me is how the show transformed into an engaging character study, making it feel like catching up with cherished friends whenever I rewatch it. Over the years, there have been numerous spin-offs, including films, novels, video games, and even a live-action adaptation, enriching the universe of this beloved series.

6 Record Of Lodoss War

They Don’t Make Them Like This Anymore

Madhouse produced the original 13-episode OVA in 1990 with another 27-episode series coming in 1998 by AIC
Originally created as a Sword and Sorcery D&D “replay” in 1986 in Comptiq magazine
Many of the novels have not yet been translated into English despite how much fans laud them for their own prowess and intrigue

Should a Dungeons and Dragons anime ever truly embody its essence, this could very well be it. The narrative revolves around Parn, an up-and-coming warrior, Deedlit the elf, and their motley crew as they traverse the realm of Lodoss amidst impending conflict. Few stories manage to convey the immense scale of dragons like Record of Lodoss War, for it unhesitantly includes them in various forms, often showcasing them to the audience.

The animation style is classic and rich with lots of color and weight to the characters and settings. The world-building is just as rich with there being political machinations, mistaken identities, dragons who are aspects of gods and goddesses, etc. There are different races, as well, including Elf, Dwarf, Human, etc, and each race has tensions with themselves and the other races and kingdoms in Lodoss. Though it’s a shorter watch, viewers will no doubt feel completely immersed and long for more when done with the series.

5 Slayers (NEXT & TRY)

A Sleeper Hit That Still Hits

All original 3 seasons were animated by J.C. Staff with a total of 78 episodes from 1995 – 1997
Other seasons entitled Slayers REVOLUTION and Slayers Evolution-R, respectively, only aired the first episodes in English
Season 1 adapts light novels 1 and 3 while season 2 adapts volumes 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8. TRY does not draw from the printed stories at all

Assume the role of Lina Inverse, a rebellious teenage sorceress with a knack for finding trouble. Her world is filled with absurdity, yet it delves into complex themes such as the Lord of Nightmares, shattered deities, and dragon artifacts. Imagine it’s similar to “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End,” but this time, Frieren exhibits extreme behavior, displays signs of instability…and has a strong tendency towards theft.

In recent times, anime that draws inspiration from Dungeons & Dragons isn’t as prevalent anymore, making it a must-see for enthusiasts of contemporary series like Frieren and Delicious in Dungeon. The enchantment and mystery woven into the narrative harmonizes splendidly with Lina and her motley band of treasure seekers’ antics. Essentially, think of this as the Space Dandy to Cowboy Bebop, but instead set within a fantasy realm.

4 The Visions Of Escaflowne

It’s All In The Cards…And The Mecha

Animated by Sunrise Studio with 26 episodes that aired originally in 1996 in Japan
Originally, the series was supposed to be male-oriented with a sexy girl side character and dramatic fight scenes
Yoko Kanno created the music for the series with some tracks rearranged by Inon Zur

These days, Isekai anime seems to be everywhere, so suggesting an older one might seem unusual. However, The Vision of Escafiland stands out as it blends isekai elements with slice-of-life, coming-of-age, fantasy sci-fi mecha, and romance genres in a truly distinctive manner. Additionally, the anime boasts a film adaptation that showcases exceptional animation and art direction.

As a long-time enthusiast of the anime genre, I find myself deeply captivated by the synopsis you’ve presented. Having spent countless hours immersed in various worlds, both fantastical and futuristic, I can appreciate the unique blend of elements that this series offers.

3 Super Dimension Fortress Macross

Get Ready To Cry In Space Y’all

Tatsunoko Production made the series in 1982 – 1983 with 36 episodes
Credited with sparking the anime idol trope with the character Lynn Minmay and boosting the musical career of the voice actress Iijima Mari
The series was an anime first and then had manga adaptations afterward

The series titled “Super Dimension Fortress Macross,” often abbreviated as SDF Macross, is based on a time when human discovery of life beyond our own universe has just begun. However, unintentionally sparking a massive galactic war, some humans are transported great distances from Earth and they strive to find their way back home. Unlike the series “Legend of the Galactic Heroes,” Macross foregoes complex political intrigue in favor of providing viewers with thrilling space battles involving giant mecha and an abundance of emotional romance.

As a gamer reminiscing about my past, I can’t help but marvel at the impact of an anime that first aired in 1982 – a time when animated stories were often viewed as childish amusement. However, this particular series, known as Macross, defied those expectations by delving deep into the struggle to maintain one’s humanity amidst war and despair, all while unfolding as a thrilling space opera. At times, it could be brutally intense – a rarity in animated storytelling back then. Yet, its fearlessness and captivating animation left an indelible mark, giving birth to numerous spin-offs such as Robotech. A fun trivia: You can now stream most of this series on Disney+!

2 Sailor Moon

An Anime About Learning How To Stay Kind

Produced by Toei Animation with 200 episodes and 3 TV specials from 1992 – 1997
The creator, Takeuchi Naoko, is married to the creator of Yu Yu Hakusho
There have been many adaptations to other mediums including stage plays, video games, card games, musicals, companion books, and even an ice skating show

Everyone is probably familiar with Sailor Moon, but many people haven’t actually sat down and watched the show in forever or maybe at all. Like Yu Yu Hakusho, Sailor Moon integrates action and fantasy sequences with slice-of-life stories about a middle school girl named Tsukino Usagi and her friends. Every character has different strengths, weaknesses, and preferences. The show uses its larger-than-life story to teach young adults about identity, interpersonal relationships, and how to deal with challenges they don’t understand.

As a child of the ’90s, I can wholeheartedly say that this series is a must-watch for any fan of the Magical Girl genre. The show is brimming with nostalgic 90s fashion, which takes me back to my own childhood and reminds me of the style trends we all embraced during that era. What sets this series apart, however, is its unique blend of ideas from astronomy, astrology, Greco-Roman mythology, and traditional Japanese elemental themes. For Western viewers like myself, the original, unedited version offers a fresh and exciting experience, as it introduces new elements that were not present in the television broadcasts we grew up with. Overall, I believe this series is a hidden gem that deserves recognition for its innovative approach to storytelling and visual style.

1 Rose Of Versailles

Romance In The Time Of Revolution (And A Case Of Gender Swap)

Produced by Tokyo Movie Shinsha in 1979 – 1980 with 40 episodes
Represented a shift from animation being for younger audiences to being for teens and young adults
Though a political story, the plot also provides commentary on gender roles, playing with the binary gender experience in romance

For enthusiasts of the anime “Revolutionary Girl Utena,” this post is worth paying extra attention to, as it shares a notable similarity: a female character masquerading as a man. However, the tale diverges significantly from the story of the pink-haired prince who transforms into a vehicle. Instead, it’s set during the time leading up to the French Revolution and revolves around Marie Antoinette and Lady Oscar. Despite being the youngest of six daughters, her father groomed her for his military position, raising her as a son.

In this animated series, Oscar serves as a conduit for educating viewers about French government during the specified era, while Antoinette grapples with the repercussions of an affair. As the French Revolution gains momentum, the narrative takes a dramatic shift. The story’s creation was inspired by the author’s increasing fascination with the Japanese New Left movement. Despite its political undertones and the author’s involvement, the anime has garnered widespread acclaim, resulting in musical adaptations, live-action films, statues of characters, and spin-offs. Even today, it remains an uncommon story that is highly recommended for viewing.

2024-08-12 06:35