A bunch of popular ones anime released in the 80s are still available on major streaming platforms like Crunchyroll and HIDIVE. Retrocrush is another platform for some of the most famous classic anime like Key the Metal Idol and Nadia: The Secret of Blue Watermaking it easy for fans to access these decades-old gems.
However, a fair amount of anime from the 1980s is no longer available on streaming platforms, often due to declining interest and complex licensing issues. Before any platform picks up these overlooked 80s anime, they likely face the challenge of determining if there is enough demand to justify distribution and promotion to viewers.
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8
Mr. Ajikko
Released in 1987
Before anime fans knew Shokugeki no Somais Yukihira, Master Boy's Cooking Liu Maoxing, and TorikoThe titular protagonist, Toriko, was called a cooking anime Mr. Ajikko. It is based on the manga of the same name by Daisuke Terasawa and was released on Japanese television in October 1987 by Studio Sunrise.
Mr. Ajikko 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, the main character Mister Ajikko always prevails 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, leading to hilarious day-to-day interactions between the characters.
However, in Sunny RyokoKasumi Kishimoto lives with four students in her aunt Chigusa's boarding house. There she meets Yusaku Takasugi, who steadily wins Kasumi's love and affection. The only problem is that Kasumi already has a boyfriend living abroad, so setting them up is too complicated.
6
Kabocha wine
Released in 1982
Kabocha wine is another 80s rom-com anime that's hard to watch today, not because of its outdated animation and tropes, but because the series isn't available anywhere on streaming platforms. Despite over 90 episodes, the content of The Kabocha Wine is largely inaccessible to fans.
Kabocha wine tells the story of Aoba Shunsuke, a junior high school student who falls in love with a tall and slender beauty named Natsumi. Despite their noticeable height difference, Aoba and Natsumi eventually hit it off and became the school's odd couple.
5
Touch
Released in 1985
Touch is one of the most famous 80s anime on this list, but no streaming platform currently has it in their library. Released in March 1985, Touch aired 101 episodes about three childhood friends, specifically their love of baseball and their romantic feelings for each other.
Touch is not only a sports anime, but also a romance and drama series where all the characters are deeply developed, with their relationships, personal struggles, and dreams playing just as important a role as the game itself.
4
Charge!! Private school for men
Released in 1988
Delinquent anime was especially popular in the 1980s, reflecting a period when school violence and gang culture were trending in Japanese media. Charge!! Private school for menor simply Otokojuku, is one of those delinquent anime released in the 80s, known for its realistic fight scenes and well-drawn character expressions.
In Otokojuku, delinquents gather and undergo rigorous training to revive the Japanese spirit. Under the feudal and military training of Headmaster Heihachi Edaijima, he transforms his delinquent students into men of honor, including protagonist Momotaro Tsurugi.
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3
Attacker!
Released in 1984
Attacker! is a volleyball sports anime that has earned massive acclaim from European fans despite its mediocre ratings in Japan. It's not just an 80s anime where protagonist Yu Hazaki is obsessed with playing volleyball, as the series also delves deeper into her personal relationships with her parents, as well as her rival, love interest, and teammates.
The story begins when Yu Hazaki transfers to Hikawa Junior High School after living most of her life in the countryside. The bustling city of Tokyo is a new environment for Yu, but she is more than determined to play volleyball again and compete against other teams while learning about the relationship between her parents.
2
Arashi Game Center
Released in 1982
Arashi Game Center is an iconic anime from the 1980s mainly because it was the first ever 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 support his big ambitions as his gaming talent is much better than other players.
From Arashi Game Center is all about Arashi Ishin and his passion for games, the series naturally features iconic games, from Galaxian and Breakout to Space Invaders, even though the series didn't directly mention them. Anime fans who like games should not miss this show.
1
Glass mask
Released in 1984
It's easier for anime viewers to watch these days Glass mask's live-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 Eiken Studios.
Fans Oshi no Ko Glass Mask can be great to watch as both anime series share the same intense focus on the entertainment industry and explore the struggles, rivalries and personal sacrifices that come with the pursuit of fame.
In The Glass Mask, the protagonist Maya Kitajima has a natural acting talent, but due to limited opportunities, she struggles to find the right stage to showcase her skills until she meets Chigusa Tsukikage. Her rival, Ayumi Himekawa, shares the same passion for acting, but gets more attention thanks to her popular parents.
