Although it took some time for the anime industry to receive the global recognition it deserved, the last decade has proven just how much audiences across the planet love these epic stories. The medium of anime has quickly become one of the most dominant forces in entertainment in the West, and a look at some of the best modern anime is more than enough to understand why.
Despite the popularity the latest series enjoys today, there are more than a handful of hidden gems waiting for viewers to discover. The 1970s era in particular, known for being one of the most formative periods in anime, was a time of reverence and inspiration that helped several of the most popular writers and directors create true masterpieces that remain relevant today.
The best anime of the 80s
The 80s was a fantastic era for anime, spawning incredible series that are still worth watching today.
10
Lupine III is a classic thriller that perfectly mixes action and comedy
Inspired by the legendary robberies of his grandfather, gentleman thief Arsene Lupin travels the world to prove himself as the best criminal in history. Accompanied by his crew of loyal and talented renegades, this suave man proves that there is no treasure he cannot steal, even as determined Interpol agent Inspector Zenigata pursues his team around the world.
Although not as popular with today's audience, Lupine III has been the epitome of action and comedy anime for many years, blending the two genres into a truly enjoyable experience. The adventures of the criminal gentleman and his gang were as convoluted as they were hilarious and inspired countless authors to write similar stories. The franchise has been alive for over 50 years, cementing a legacy few other shows can rival.
9
The Rose of Versailles challenged gender norms decades in advance
Born into a family with nothing but daughters, Oscar became her father's last and most desperate attempt to produce a son who could take over the nobility of their bloodline. As such, she is raised and trained like any boy in late 18th century France. Her life becomes much more complicated after she meets and befriends Marie Antoinette, a girl destined to become queen in a time of great conflict.
Often praised for challenging typical gender norms of the time, The Rose of Versailles it has stood the test of time and continues to be one of the most groundbreaking works of fiction ever. This bold and dramatic retelling of the French Revolution is as memorable as it is iconic. The story and characters paint a poignant yet realistic portrayal of what it was like to be a woman, even though she was raised as a man, during this challenging time.
8
The Gundam mobile suit paved the way for the Mecha genre
In the distant future, humanity has conquered the art of space travel and claimed other planets as their own. Life was peaceful in this time of great technological advancement until the Zeon colony betrayed the Earth Federation in their quest for freedom. Faced with destruction, the planet's leaders have no choice but to ask pilot Amuro Ray to pilot a giant robotic weapon known as the Gundam and fight for their home.
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Arguably the most popular and popular of all mecha anime, Gundam mobile suit is a series that will change the genre forever. The impact this amazing show left can still be felt today as it spawned a massive franchise that has captivated millions of fans around the world. Its approach to complex political issues, gray morality and an epic battle between impressive robots is just one of the many surprises that await fans Gundam a chance.
7
Future Boy Conan was one of Miyazaki's first masterpieces
Years before Conan was born, humanity fought a massive and brutal war with weapons of mass destruction that caused the planetary axis to shift. In an attempt to escape the destruction of their world, a group of survivors attempt to escape into space, only to be shot down by the tyrannical government of Industrie.
The survivors of the attack established a peaceful community on Remnant Island, at least until Conan met a girl named Lana who asked him for help in overthrowing the oppressive government outside. Created and directed by the famous Hayao Miyazaki, this epic and heart-warming story will leave viewers with a lot to think about. Future Boy Conan it is full of environmental and anti-war sentiments that are vital for humanity to understand before it is too late.
6
Heidi had a huge impact around the world
Because her Aunt Dete has found a much better job in another town, an innocent orphan girl named Heidi is sent to live in a remote cabin in the mountains with her grumpy grandfather. While their first few days are awkward and quiet, as the old man is not too happy about having to look after a child, Heidi soon breaks down his defenses and helps him understand the joys of life again.
One of the first anime to explode outside of its country of origin, Heidi is a worldwide animation classic that has accompanied millions of older fans since childhood. This heartfelt and timeless story of love, trust and healing is something fans should experience at least once in their lives, as the thousands of Latin American fans who grew up with the main character can attest.
5
Aim for the ace! It shifted the perception of sports anime
Inspired by her idol, the charming and skilled Reika Ryuzaki, Hiromi Oka decides to join her school's tennis team. What she once thought would be a unique opportunity to improve and make new friends ends up being the biggest challenge of her life as her coach is determined to develop the immense potential she has within her.
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Aim for the ace! is more than just another dramatic and intense sports anime; is widely regarded among experts and fans as one of the mainstays of the genre. This amazing series has brought what was previously considered a lesser type of show into the spotlight, showing the human struggle and inherent difficulties that come with the pursuit of sporting success, and turning them into an engaging and moving story.
4
Space Battleship Yamato proved that anime was more than cartoons
Earth's relative peace ended when an alien race known only as the Gamilons attacked the surface with thousands of radioactive meteors, forcing the survivors to hide underground. Their last chance to reclaim their planet and clean up the surface is a device capable of absorbing radiation offered to humans by a benevolent race, the Iscandars. With nothing left to lose, humanity joins forces to modify the battleship Yamato into an interstellar vessel.
Epic space operas, thrilling intergalactic battles and a cast of characters that perfectly embody the human desire to survive and thrive, Space Battleship Yamato is a series that has it all. It's an extremely well-written and exciting adventure that has inspired countless sci-fi stories since it was first introduced. It is a revolutionary animation that cemented the way science fiction will be treated for decades to come.
3
Devilman opened a new door to the Dark Fantasy genre
The dark lord of the demon clan, Zennon, has spent several centuries planning his takeover of the planet. His plan is flawless: send his best spy, Devilman, to Earth to take over the body of shy and weak teenager Akira to assimilate and slowly overthrow society. Unfortunately, he never expected his soldier to fall in love with humanity and become a superhero willing to risk his life to protect his new family and romantic interest.
Satanic took one of the most tragic stories ever written and turned it into an optimistic and hopeful series about the best aspects of humanity. The series turned the tortured hero Akira into an inspiration, giving him the power to protect the culture and people who took him in and showed him what love is, a message that is still relevant today.
2
Tomorrow's Joe brought many social issues into the mainstream media
Joe is a violent and hot-blooded orphan who has been in trouble ever since he ran away from the orphanage and decided to live as a homeless person in post-war Japan. His fate changes when he encounters an old and forgotten boxer who promises to train him, an offer the boy preferred to avoid and ended up in prison. Once inside, however, he discovers a natural talent for the sport, as well as a deep passion for competition, that paint a bright future for the hero.
on the surface Tomorrow Joe is a typical sports anime following a troubled character developing into a respectable boxer. However, the series has often been praised for its subtle but striking critique of the ruling economic class, the struggles that stem from poverty, and the deep inequality that still exists in the world. It's a tremendously moving series that handles its many important themes in a respectful and compelling way.
1
Treasure Island perfectly combined Western and Japanese culture
Life was a constant struggle for young Jim Hawkins and his mother, who worked day and night to keep their small and humble inn running. When the protagonist comes across a treasure map leading to the reward of the legendary Captain Flint, Jim sees it as fate and tells him to follow his gut and give his mother the life she deserves. He joins forces with Long John Silver, a charming but dishonest pirate whose intentions are not entirely clear.
A classic adventure anime inspired by one of the best Western novels of the genre, set before and after and has become the inspiration for countless other pirate stories. The series was groundbreaking for its time, depicting the story of the once children as a deeply personal and complex narrative that saw its characters learn and grow. It's a series that every fan of the adventure genre should try at least once in their lifetime.
