There’s a special charm in retroanimethat newer series can sometimes lack. At their best, older titles are rich in hand-drawn artistry, emotional pacing, and bold storytelling. Each series on this list stands the test of time for a reason. Whether you’re watching for the first time or returning, these classics offer something unforgettable that modern anime rarely matches.
10Mobile Suit Gundam (1979)
Directed by Yoshiyuki Tomino, Produced by Sunrise
Mobile Suit Gundamchanged anime forever by grounding robot battles in political drama and human emotion.Director Yoshiyuki Tominoonce said, “I didn’t want children’s entertainment. I wanted to speak to people growing up in confusion.” His vision of real robot warfare and flawed protagonists created a new genre and captivated thoughtful viewers across Japan.
The story of Amuro Ray, a reluctant teenager piloting the RX 78, unfolded with tension and tragedy. Yasuhiko Yoshikazu’s character designs conveyed subtle emotion while Kunio Okawara’s mechanical style gave the Gundam its iconic shape. Fans still call it a war story first, mecha anime second. It remains the foundation for generations of science fiction storytelling.
9Urusei Yatsura (1981)
Chief Director Mamoru Oshii, later Kazuo Yamazaki, Produced by Kitty Film and Studio Pierrot
Urusei Yatsurawas a comic explosion of aliens, romance, and slapstick set in a chaotic version of everyday Japan.Creator Rumiko Takahashisaid, “I wanted to draw a boy who gets into trouble just by being alive.” Lum’s devotion and Ataru’s bad luck created endless gags, but also a new kind of romantic comedy.
Mamoru Oshii injected surreal timing and experimental pacing that left a deep influence on anime. When Kazuo Yamazaki took over, he focused more on character warmth and daily interactions. Akemi Takada’s wide-eyed designs defined Lum’s look. The result was an anime full of unpredictable energy that still feels completely alive today.
8Revolutionary Girl Utena (1997)
Directed by Kunihiko Ikuhara, Produced by J.C.Staff
Utenais a dreamlike allegory of adolescence told through sword duels, impossible staircases, and quiet rebellion. Director Ikuhara explained, “We didn’t want answers. We wanted viewers to question themselves.” From its rose-filled imagery to its refusal to explain its mysteries,Utenaremains one of anime’s most ambitious and poetic creations.
The series draws from fairy tales, theater, and psychological drama. Shojo tropes are twisted and reimagined in a story where roles constantly shift. Composer Shinkichi Mitsumune’s operatic music turns every conflict into ritual. Japanese fans still seeUtenaas more than anime. It is often described as a mirror, showing each viewer something different.
7Maison Ikkoku (1986)
Directed by Kazuo Yamazaki, Produced by Studio Deen
Maison Ikkokufollows the residents of a rundown boarding house where romance blooms slowly between a widowed manager and a struggling student. Animator Hiroaki Sakurai recalled, “We treated pauses like lines of dialogue. Silence had meaning.” Every episode lets its emotions build through glances, routines, and unspoken understanding.
Rumiko Takahashi’s original manga was deeply personal, and the anime honors that tone. Kazuo Yamazaki’s direction kept the pace gentle, never rushed. Even minor characters like the drunken tenants feel like family.Maison Ikkokuremains a comfort show in Japan, known for its quiet strength and belief in second chances.
6Slam Dunk (1993)
Directed by Nobutaka Nishizawa, Produced by Toei Animation
Slam Dunkbrought speed and emotion to high school basketball and made millions care about sports anime. Toei animator Shigenobu Nagasaki said, “We wanted to capture the heat of adolescence. Not just the game, but everything around it.” That energy pours through every pass, jump, and clash on the court.
Hanamichi Sakuragi begins as a delinquent but grows into a true team player. The series balances comedy, rivalry, and sincere friendship with amazing consistency. Even non-fans of basketball found themselves invested.Japanese viewers still revisit the seriesfor its iconic matches and the lesson that heart matters more than talent.
5Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water (1990)
Directed by Hideaki Anno, Produced by Gainax
Nadiais an adventure across oceans and identity, blending Jules Verne inspiration with steampunk invention. Director Hideaki Anno (who would makeEvangelionsoon after) said, “I wanted to explore what makes someone human. Nadia’s journey is about self-discovery more than mystery.” The show is remembered for both its beauty and its emotional honesty.
The early episodes shine with wonder and tension. Later story arcs dive into trauma, belief, and growing up. Nadia and Jean feel real because their decisions are messy and sincere. Even with its uneven production, Japanese fans treasureNadiaas a bridge between youthful fantasy and adult awareness.
4Yu Yu Hakusho (1992)
Directed by Noriyuki Abe, Produced by Studio Pierrot
Yu Yu Hakushostarts with a street punk dying to save a child and evolves into a spiritual battle series with rich characters and dark turns. Yoshihiro Togashi shared that “I was writing about people who make mistakes but still try to do what’s right.” That moral core drives every arc.
From the brutal Dark Tournament to the soul-searching Chapter Black, every episode builds on Yusuke’s growth. Kuwabara, Hiei, and Kurama form one of anime’s most beloved teams. Noriyuki Abe directed with sharp pacing and empathy. In Japan,Yu Yu Hakushois seen not just as a classicbut as a rite of passage.
3The Rose of Versailles (1979)
Directed by Osamu Dezaki, Produced by Tokyo Movie Shinsha
Set during the French Revolution,The Rose of Versaillestells the story of Oscar, a woman raised as a nobleman who serves the queen. Osamu Dezaki’s direction was described by critics as “like watching a painting in motion.” He used bold framing and soft light to highlight every emotional moment.
Oscar’s struggle between duty and desire captured the imagination of shojo audiences. Riyoko Ikeda’s original manga was already famous, but this anime gave it a new layer of theatrical beauty. The series remains beloved in Japan for its tragic grandeur and its unforgettable heroine who lived for justice and love.
2His and Her Circumstances (1998)
His and Her Circumstances(akaKare Kano) begins as a romantic comedy about perfect students who wear masks and gradually reveals the raw vulnerability underneath. Hideaki Anno said, “I wanted to animate not just faces, but what people hide behind them.” His direction mixes sketchbook stills, voiceovers, and sudden mood shifts to show inner truth.
Yukino and Arima are two teens who look perfect but carry pressure and pain. Their journey toward love involves learning how to be real. Even when the animation breaks down in later episodes, the early material remains powerful. In Japan,Kare Kanois remembered for its honesty and ambition.
1City Hunter (1987)
Directed by Kenji Kodama, Produced by Sunrise
City Hunterfollows Ryo Saeba, a sharpshooter with a womanizing streak and a loyal heart, as he protects Tokyo’s lost and desperate. Kenji Kodama said, “We wanted every episode to be a full story with action and feeling.” Its mix of comedy and noir made it a hit across generations.
Ryo’s partnership with Kaori, complete with giant mallet and chalkboard messages, gave the show its heart. The music, the cars, and the neon lights all captured 1980s Japan in motion. Fans still describeCity Hunteras cool and romantic, where action leads to kindness and danger never overshadows hope.
