Are you looking for a new show to watch? If so, why not check out some of the best old animes that are still worth watching today?
Classic titles like Sakura Card Captors, Knights of the Zodiacs, and Dragon Ball are among the most renowned old Japanese animations; this article will provide you with a list of must-see old animes worth checking out.
Here are some of the best old anime you can watch now that were popular in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.
Best Old Animes Worth Watching!
1. Dragon Ball
This anime series is based on the manga of the same name, created by mangaka Akira Toriyama, and follows the story of Son Goku, a young man who embarks on an epic quest to gather the legendary Seven Dragon Balls.
2. Cardcaptor Sakura
It tells the story of a 10-year-old girl named Sakura who opens a mysterious book and scatters 52 dangerous magic cards throughout her city in what has become one of the most acclaimed and influential shoujo animes of all time. Sakura must become a young warrior to hunt down the cards released.
3. Cowboy Bebop
As a result of an accident that drastically affected the entire solar system, mankind was severely harmed in the universe of “Cowboy Bebop.” In 2071, humans will live on other planets and can travel to other planets easily. There is, however, alarming levels of crime, and, just like in the Wild West, criminals receive large rewards for their actions.
As one of the greatest science fiction anime ever created, “Cowboy Bebop” is currently available on Netflix, which also produced it. Live action in 2021.
4. Rurouni Kenshin (Samurai X)
Known also as “Samurai X,” “Rurouni Kenshin” tells the story of a bloodthirsty former samurai who wanders the countryside as a wanderer after the Japanese Revolution. Seeking redemption, he now devotes his life to protecting the weaker and never committing murder again. However, he faces new challenges due to past and present enemies.
5. Sailor Moon
In “Sailor Moon,” Usagi Tsukino discovers that she is the reincarnation of a warrior who fights for justice and love. Throughout the world, this influential Shoujo anime was a big hit. There are several seasons on Netflix, so you can start watching now!v
6. Neon Genesis Evangelion
This acclaimed post-apocalyptic sci-fi series features epic battles between robots and humans. “Neon Genesis Evangelion” is among the most influential animes ever.
It used themes from Eastern and Western mythology and concepts from psychoanalysis to construct its characters and was very well received by the general public and specialized critics.
7. Star Blazers (Space Battleship Yamato)
Initially released in the first half of the 1970s, this science fiction anime centered on the story of Susumu Kodai and other terrestrial crew aboard a spaceship during an interstellar war, known as “Stellar Patrol.”
Since the release of the original, this acclaimed franchise has been the subject of two highly successful serial sequels between 1970 and 1980, as well as numerous sequels, spin-offs, and remakes.
8. Speed Racer
One of the first anime shows broadcast in Western countries was “Speed Racer,” originally titled “Mach Go Go Go”. Based on the mangaka’s works, the series follows the electrifying adventures of 18-year-old Go Mifune, pilot of the legendary Mach 5, created by his father. It was released in the 1960s.
9. Astro Boy
“Astro Boy” is one of the longest-running Japanese franchises. Osamu Tezuka’s universe was first shown on tiny screens in 1963. It was later exported to numerous broadcasters worldwide over the following decades with numerous films, series, and spinoffs.
Astro was created by the Minister of Science of Japan, Doctor Tenma, who saw an opportunity to replace his son, who died in a car accident, with this android that would benefit the world.
10. Ashita no joe
The anime “Ashita no Joe” follows the story of a rebellious young man named Joe Yabuki, who uses violence to protect himself from the world around him. When Joe gets into a fight with gang members one day, a former boxing coach named Danpei Tange sees how well he fights.
Soon after, he offers the young man training with the promise of making Joe the best boxer in Japan. A coming-of-age story of friendship and redemption awaits in this acclaimed classic Japanese anime.
11. Berserk
The acclaimed supernatural anime “Berserk” tells the story of Guts, a warrior anti-hero who acts as a hunter of demonic creatures known as Apostles. A former commander of the so-called “Falcon Band,” Guts has a life marked by traumas and perverse episodes.
12. Legend of the Galactic Heroes
Created by Japanese novelist Yoshiki Tanaka, “Legend of the Galactic Heroes”, also known as “Ginga Eiyū Densetsu”, is a classic science fiction series that first debuted in 1988 directly to the video market.
The story follows an epic intergalactic struggle between Reinhard Von Lohengramm of the Galactic Empire and Yang Wen-li of the Free Planets Alliance. The story is highly acclaimed for its rich construction of characters and the complex political organization it addresses. In addition to having very different personalities, the two leaders have conflicting goals for their subjects.
13. Slam Dunk
One of the greatest classics among sports anime, “Slam Dunk,” is based on the acclaimed manga of the same name released in the early 1990s.
It tells the story of rebellious and womanizing Hanamichi Sakuragi, a young man who has been rejected countless times by dozens of girls.
14. The Knights of the Zodiac
In the series, there’s a young man named Seiya who gets special armor from Pegasus and becomes a legendary knight. There are also other characters who get their powers from ancient gods. The story has a lot of elements from Greek and Roman mythology.
15. Weißkreuz
Aya Fujimiya, Omi Tsukiyono, Ken Hidaka, and Youji Kudou are part of a team of assassins called Weiß. They take orders from their leader, Persia, who is a mystery.
During their missions, they discover that many of their tasks are connected to the powerful and dangerous Takatori family.
16. Slayers
“Slayers” is a story about a sorceress named Lina Inverse and her friends. They go on adventures and battle all sorts of magical creatures.
This series has five main seasons, five movies, and two OVAs created by Hajime Kanzaka and Rui Araizumi. It’s also been turned into role-playing games and video games.
17. Yu Yu Hakusho
“Yu Yu Hakusho” was a beloved show for many teenagers who grew up in the 1990s.
The story is about a 14-year-old named Yusuke Urameshi. He’s a bit of a troublemaker and, sadly, he dies while saving a child. But his story doesn’t end there. He’s given a second chance at life as a spirit detective thanks to some tests from a being named Koenma.
As the series unfolds, we follow Yusuke as he battles all sorts of demons and supernatural creatures. It’s a thrilling journey through the spirit world and beyond.
