Top 10 Timeless '80s Anime That Still Captivate Audiences Today

While Japanese anime has a long history dating back to the early twentieth century, it is the anime from the 1980s that holds a special place as the Golden Age of anime in the Western world. This remarkable decade witnessed a significant surge in popularity for anime in the United States. With a diverse range of anime being introduced to American audiences, it encompassed everything from sweet romantic tales to intense and violent war narratives.

Of course, not all anime had a smooth transition into American culture and ended up being forgotten. However, there were certain series and movies that found their unique identity and became cherished classics, often surpassing their popularity in Japan. Listed below are ten exemplary 1980s anime that not only stand the test of time but continue to provide the same level of enjoyment today as they did three decades ago.

10 Super Dimension Fortress Macross (1982)

9 Golgo 13: The Professional (1983)

: The Super Dimension Fortress Macross recounts the events on board the SDF-1 Macross, an extraterrestrial vessel that crashed on Earth. Hikaru Ichijyo, Lynn Minmay, and Misa Hayase take center stage as they navigate the challenges of defending humanity against the Zentradi, an alien species determined to annihilate our existence. While the show features mechs as a backdrop, it is the captivating human narratives of love, betrayal, pride, greed, envy, courage, bravery, and wrath that make Super Dimension Fortress Macross a timeless watch.

Golgo 13: The Professional chronicles the daring exploits of esteemed assassin Golgo, also known as Duke Togo. Renowned for his impeccable success rate, Golgo undertakes any mission that meets his price and aligns with his strict moral code. However, his unwavering dedication to his profession has earned him countless enemies across nations and governments, forcing him to constantly anticipate potential attempts on his life. While the intricacies of meticulously planning and executing a "hit" captivate audiences, what truly distinguishes Golgo 13 as a captivating spectacle is its portrayal of a solitary man grappling with the immense pressure of living without allies amid a world eager to eliminate him. Much like the iconic James Bond, Golgo possesses a distinctiveness that has inspired many imitations but has never been surpassed.

8 Captain Tsubasa (1983)

Captain Tsubasa is a captivating tale that follows the exhilarating journey of Tsubasa Ozora, a teenage soccer player. From his earliest endeavors in the sport to his remarkable rise to the professional level, the series delves into both his growth as an athlete and as an individual. The narrative intricately explores the various off-field challenges that inevitably shape his on-field performance, lending depth and authenticity to the story. This seamless progression is what ensures that Captain Tsubasa remains a timeless narrative that remains relevant even in today's world. Widely regarded as a major influence on contemporary soccer anime like Blue Lock, Captain Tsubasa has preserved the electrifying essence of Tsubasa Ozora's personal odyssey.

7 Fist of the North Star (1984)

Taking place in a post-apocalyptic world, where humanity struggles for survival amidst chaos, Fist of the North Star follows the journey of Kenshiro. With his mastery of a deadly martial art prior to the catastrophe, Kenshiro must now rely on his skills to persevere through the harsh times ahead. He also utilizes his abilities to aid those less fortunate. The series offers a compelling narrative, intricate character development, and breathtaking martial arts action that consistently captivate viewers. The graphic violence and gore, although prevalent, have had a profound impact on the portrayal of combat in anime. Fans of the series will be thrilled to know that a new anime reboot is in the works.

6 Mobile Suit Gundam Zeta (1985)

5 They Were Eleven (1986)

In the aftermath of the original Mobile Suit Gundam series, Zeta picks up close to where the previous narrative left off. Amidst the ongoing conflict between space colonists and Earth, Kamille Bidan becomes a member of an anti-Earth faction, ultimately playing an unexpected role in determining the planet's destiny. Similar to its predecessor, the brilliance of Zeta stems from its focus on the characters rather than the technology. Bidan's personal struggles throughout the series - ranging from disillusionment with both factions to the enduring emotional trauma of losing his girlfriend in the war - are exceptionally well-written, making for an enduring and captivating story.

The plot of They Were Eleven centers around ten space cadets who are faced with a challenging final test: surviving on an abandoned spaceship for several weeks. However, their test takes an unexpected turn when an eleventh cadet appears on the ship. Since they are all strangers, none of the cadets can determine who among them is the impostor and why they have joined the group. In addition to the difficulties of the test itself, they must unravel the mystery of the impostor's identity and purpose. What makes They Were Eleven stand out is its captivating and suspenseful storyline, which keeps the audience on edge throughout the film until the surprising revelation at the end. Unlike the typical mechs, heroes, and romance themes commonly found in anime, this sci-fi mystery sets it apart and establishes its enduring appeal in today's anime landscape.

4 Dragon Ball (1986)

A series about a boy whose greatest aspiration in life is to become the ultimate fighter in the entire universe might not appear to be a tale that will endure the test of time, yet the allure of Dragon Ball lies not solely in its epic battles. Dragon Ball possesses an intrinsic timeless charm that stems from its foundation in the ancient Chinese masterpiece, Journey to the West - a legendary portrayal of a hero's arduous journey that continues to captivate a global audience. Moreover, Dragon Ball has effortlessly stood the test of time due to the unwavering adoration and celebration from its fans, transforming it into the anime equivalent of comforting sustenance. Consistently providing fans with an uncomplicated yet delightful adventure, Dragon Ball has secured a cherished place in the hearts of its devotees.

3 City Hunter (1987)

City Hunter revolves around the story of Ryo Saeba and Kaori Makimura, two individuals known as "fixers for hire" who tackle various problems - particularly the perilous ones - for a suitable fee. While the plot may adhere to the standard detective genre, what truly sets it apart is the impeccable presentation. The characters, namely Ryo and Kaori, set the bar high. Not only are they effortlessly cool and intriguing on their own, but their chemistry is absolutely captivating. They effortlessly transition from being tough and serious to goofy and hilarious, ensuring that audiences remain enthralled by these compelling characters as they engage in exhilarating and hazardous endeavors.

2 Gunbuster (1988)

Only spanning six episodes, Gunbuster manages to deliver a captivating story within a concise timeframe - never wavering in its purpose or execution. The narrative revolves around Noriko Takaya, a high school student navigating the treacherous path to adulthood. However, before she can embark on this journey, the Earth finds itself under the imminent threat of alien invasion. Noriko becomes a part of an all-female squad of mech pilots assigned to thwart this extraterrestrial peril. This series successfully established the foundational elements that define a captivating mech story, serving as an exemplary model for newer productions. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that the fan service in Gunbuster has not aged well and is unquestionably unsuitable by today's standards.

1 Legend of the Galactic Heroes

The Legend of Galactic Heroes is a must-watch anime classic that showcases interesting stories told with solid writing. While the main focus is on the conflict between the Galactic Empire and the Free Planets Alliance, what sets this series apart is its exceptional portrayal of the various human connections and motivations driving the war. In terms of political intrigue, even Game of Thrones pales in comparison to the behind-the-scenes maneuverings of the characters in this anime. Surprisingly, seemingly insignificant events occurring on different planets have far-reaching consequences that reverberate throughout the galaxy. Additionally, these small interactions often escalate into intense star battles. The magnitude of the Legend of the Galactic Heroes is not only seen in its breathtaking spectacle but also in the depth and complexity of every single event—a timeless achievement that continues to shine brightly.

In the 1980s, anime faced a significant challenge expanding its presence beyond Japan. Although there was a demand for more anime from the Western audience, their specific preferences remained uncertain. However, a handful of anime productions from the 1980s managed to achieve remarkable success by garnering passionate fandoms, which can be attributed to their enduring quality even today.