As one of the most popular media in the world, there are plenty of anime shows available, including near-universally known ones like One Piece and De
As one of the most popular media in the world, there are plenty of anime shows available, including near-universally known ones like One Piece and Demon Slayer. However, with so many series, it is only natural that plenty of worthwhile efforts have been forgotten, which is especially true for the works of the 1980s. Since it was over 40 years ago, even the most popular anime from this decade has fallen out of favor with mainstream audiences, with some becoming outright forgotten.
Modern tastes may have changed, and plenty of ’80s anime are old-fashioned, but there are still plenty of perfect titles from the decade. That is why this list will feature ten forgotten anime from the 1980s that have aged perfectly even by current standards, based on aspects such as animation, story, relevance, timeless aspects, fan opinion, critical acclaim, and overall quality.
‘Space Adventure Cobra’ (1982-1983)
This list will feature a lot of sci-fi anime mainly because that is what was popular during the time, with shows such as Space Adventure Cobra. Johnson is a lonely salaryman, but he dreams of a grand adventure and of one day leaving this planet. His longing dream finally comes true after his suppressed memories resurface, taking him back into the galaxy to be free.
The rule of frigid was undisputed in the 1980s, and Space Adventure Cobra represents that better than most anime of the time. This anime feels like pure eye candy, boasting an impressive visual style that is psychedelic, trippy, and an absolute blast from start to finish. In that way, Space Adventure Cobra is a maximalist series that aged perfectly, even if the ultra hard-boiled style is a bit much.
‘Giant Gorg’ (1984)
Since sci-fi was so popular during the time, many sub-genres were spawned off of it, including mechs. Giant Gorg is one such series, following Yuu’s adventure to an unmapped world. However, while there, he discovers a government conspiracy, alien presence, and strange happenings, including a giant robot who acts as his protector on this strange land.
Created by a team of legendary creators responsible for some of the best series of the time, Giant Gorg flew under the radar, even during its initial run. However, it is still perfect by today’s standards, with underrated animation that is fluid and engaging, not to mention surprisingly current. Giant Gorg is a magnificent sci-fi anime series, and the weighty motion of the mech is something that feels realistic and what current audiences want.
‘Kimagure Orange Road’ (1987-1988)
Outside of sci-fi, another genre that was a staple of the decade was romance, which paired even better with the school theme. Kimagure Orange Road follows Kyousuke, who often has to switch schools because of his ability to communicate with the dead. Even though it is firm to make friends, he finds someone he can connect with in his newest school, but he needs to keep his secret hidden, which is proving challenging.
Kimagure Orange Road isn’t without its flaws, with a couple of one-dimensional and annoying characters. However, this anime will have fans feeling like their younger self, experiencing the nostalgia of leisurely school days, the forgotten joys of friendship, and the thrill of teenage love. This distinct style means it has aged perfectly in our age of nostalgia, and with solid animation, it also holds up visually.
‘Gunbuster’ (1988-1989)
The abundance of sci-fi anime during the 1980s meant that more than a few flew under the radar, including Gunbuster. This series follows Noriko and Kazumi, who are two rookie pilots sent into space to make sure an evil alien race doesn’t find and destroy Earth. However, they are finding this mission more challenging than they thought it would be.
Gunbuster is a true cult classic, earning this status because of its shockingly fluid animation, artistic character design, and charming style. It doesn’t even feel like a 1980s show; in fact, with such great animation, it is more like a ’90s anime masterpiece. The space battles hold real weight, and the splendid animation creates a captivating sci-fi series that unfortunately was forgotten over time.
‘Bomber Bikers of Shonan’ (1986-1999)
The delinquent genre used to be one of the most popular in anime, peaking during the 1990s. However, its roots span into the 1980s, including Bomber Bikers of Shonan. Society in Japan is mild-mannered, which doesn’t sit well with a handful of burning spirits who spend their youth beating up anyone they deem to be dishonorable, leading to fights everywhere all the time.
Bomber Bikers of Shonan instills a rebellious spirit within viewers that will have them wanting to take on the world. The spirited characters are all eccentric and brimming with personality, which the show puts into gorgeous locations based on real areas. This genre desperately needs to make a comeback, especially because Bomber Bikers of Shonan has aged so perfectly.
‘Legend of the Galactic Heroes’ (1988-1997)
While all the anime on this list are forgotten, some are still more popular than most, and Legend of the Galactic Heroes is bigger than most included here. After two teenage leaders take command of their respective colonies, they break a hundred-year ceasefire in order to prove their philosophies. With clashing ideals, they battle it out to determine which way of thinking is correct.
Legend of the Galactic Heroes has aged better than most anime, but the only reason it isn’t higher is that it isn’t as forgotten as most other series on this list. The philosophical discussion is intriguing, and this presents a story that doesn’t have any plot armor, simply aiming to deliver the most engaging narrative. It hasn’t just aged well; Legend of the Galactic Heroes is one of the best anime series of all time.
‘Yawara!’ (1989-1992)
Naoki Urasawa is one of the greatest manga authors ever, and while most of his titles are well-known, one of his first has also aged perfectly. Yawara follows the titular character who just wants to live a normal life as a girl, but her prodigious talent for judo has made her a star of the craft. Not liking the attention and the sport, she tries to hide her talent, but that doesn’t always end well.
Many fans know Urasawa as the creator of Monster, his magnum opus and one of the greatest anime series of all time. However, Yawara is one of his earliest and most underrated series that deserves more love simply because it is from a legendary creator, with fans able to see the growth and signature style in his work. However, it also highlights underrated aspects in Urasawa’s writing, including comedy, charm, and character development. Yawara is an excellent 1980s anime that everyone should check out.
‘Touch’ (1985-1987)
As mentioned, the romance genre was one of the most popular during the 1980s, and the biggest series from that time was Touch, which somehow ended up rather forgotten. Kazuya is hardworking and popular, and his brother, Tatsuya, is talented but slothful. After a tragedy befalls Kazuya, Tatsuya must step up to realize his brother’s dream while taking care of their childhood friend, Minami.
Touch is, fittingly, a touching story about adolescent grief that is always relatable and timeless, no matter the decade. However, the nuanced detail makes it perfect to watch nowadays. With gorgeous background art and a lack of dialogue, it portrays powerful emotions through the animation with a naturalistic tone. While it is a perfect forgotten anime, it has aged even better, with more fans needing to check it out.
‘Space Runaway Ideon’ (1980-1981)
As mentioned, the sci-fi and mecha genres were two of the biggest in the 1980s, and one underrated series was Space Runaway Ideon. When the human colonists on the planet Solo discover a god-like mech, its energy awakens powers inside the people, but conflicts escalate between these people and an alien race.
Before anime like Neon Genesis Evangelion, Space Runaway Ideon dealt with topics such as existential dread, a theme ahead of its time and handled brilliantly. This anime has no plot armor, with many character deaths and major narrative consequences, creating a shocking story that fits with the themes of improper communication, war, and cosmic horror. Space Runaway Ideon ends tragically with a finale that is more mature and intriguing than most current shows.
‘Sherlock Hound’ (1984-1985)
Studio Ghibli is one of the most iconic anime studios of all time, and all thanks to the legendary Hayao Miyazaki. However, before his time with the studio, he delivered delightful anime shows such as Sherlock Hound. It follows the titular detective and a cast of anthropomorphic dogs as they solve mysteries and go on adventures.
Although completely different than the current anime masterpieces Miyazaki makes nowadays, Sherlock Hound is more charming and heartwarming, something that newer fans should experience. This show is quirky and whimsical, but maintains its intrigue and compelling characters. This unique combo makes for a fascinating mystery and has made it a hidden gem that is perfect to watch now.
Sherlock Hound
- Release Date
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1984 – 1985-00-00
- Network
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tv asahi, ABC TV, Rai 1, Nagoya TV, HTB, Kyushu Asahi Broadcasting, YBC, Niigata Television Network 21, khb, KFB, Shizuoka Kenmin TV, HOME, KSB, Kagoshima Broadcasting
