Back to the 80s: Five Anime Classics You Can't Miss - Part One
The 1980s were a wild time for anime, delivering shows that broke the mold and paved the way for everything that followed. If you’re diving into the roots of anime or just looking for some seriously good throwbacks, these five picks from the 80s are where you can start.
1.Akira
Director: Katsuhiro Otomo
Studio: Tokyo Movie Shinsha
Dive into the electrifying streets of Neo-Tokyo with Akira, a trailblazing anime that redefined the genre. In this intense narrative, Tetsuo, a young member of a biker gang, discovers his devastating psychic powers following a mysterious motorcycle accident. Alongside his best friend Kaneda, Tetsuo is propelled into a shadowy world of government plots and underground revolutionary movements. Akira captivates with its breathtaking animation and complex themes that explore rebellion, technology, and human potential, making it not only a visual but also an intellectual spectacle. Prepare for a thrilling journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Where to Watch: Available for streaming on Hulu and Crunchyroll with a subscription. It can also be streamed on Amazon via a Crunchyroll subscription.
Watch on Hulu
Watch on Crunchyroll
Stream on Amazon via Crunchyroll
Image courtesy of Tokyo Movie Shinsha via Fandom
2.Demon City Shinjuku
Creator: Hideyuki Kikuchi
Studio: Madhouse
Dive into the eerie and chaotic world of Demon City Shinjuku, a place where Tokyo is no longer what it used to be, thanks to a supernatural disaster that’s turned it into a realm of darkness. Here, Kyoya Izayoi, armed only with his mystical sword, takes on dark forces and a sinister sorcerer who’s hell-bent on crushing humanity. This blend of horror and fantasy is as visually striking as it is emotionally gripping. Warning—this anime is intense. With its mix of gritty noir, heart-pounding horror, and non-stop action, it’s no wonder it’s become a cult favorite.
Where to Watch: Available for free on Pluto TV and Crackle. It is also available to Amazon Prime members.
Image courtesy of Madhouse via Fandom
3. Wicked City
Creator: Yoshiaki Kawajiri
Studio: Madhouse
Dive into the noir-infused world of Wicked City, where a human and a demon agent collaborate to prevent interdimensional threats from destabilizing the fragile peace between their realms. During their mission, they encounter a shape-shifting alien that could be anyone on board, triggering a tense game of mistrust and survival. Renowned for its unique aesthetic that melds dark fantasy with horror and psychological thriller elements, this film explores deep themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the moral complexities of good versus evil, all while maintaining a suspenseful atmosphere that keeps you guessing until the last moment.
Where to Watch: Available to watch for free on Tubi and Pluto TV. It is also available to Amazon Prime members.
Image courtesy of Madhouse via Fandom
4. Lily C.A.T.
Creator: Yoshiaki Kawajiri
Studio: Madhouse
Dive into the noir-infused world of Lily C.A.T. where a human and a demon agent collaborate to prevent interdimensional threats from destabilizing the fragile peace between their realms. During their mission, they encounter a shape-shifting alien that could be anyone on board, triggering a tense game of mistrust and survival. Renowned for its unique aesthetic that melds dark fantasy with horror and psychological thriller elements, this film explores deep themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the moral complexities of good versus evil, all while maintaining a suspenseful atmosphere that keeps you guessing until the last moment.
Where to Watch: Available to watch for free on YouTube and The Roku Channel. You don’t need a Roku device or account—it's accessible on any device that can stream video online.
Image courtesy of Studio Pierrot via Fandom.
5. The Dagger of Kamui
Creator: Tetsu Yano
Studio: Madhouse
Get ready to dive into the legendary world of The Dagger of Kamui, an OG anime that blends samurai action with an unforgettable story of adventure and revenge. This isn’t just another anime—it’s a masterpiece. Follow Jiro, a young orphan wrongfully accused of a crime, as he journeys across feudal Japan and beyond. Armed with only a mystical dagger and his street smarts, Jiro uncovers shocking family secrets and faces down powerful enemies. The animation is stunning, the story is gripping, and the whole vibe takes you on a ride through history, betrayal, and redemption. If you’re into intricate plots and breathtaking visuals, this one’s got your name all over it.
Where to Watch: Now, here’s the deal—an OG anime like this can be tough to stream online sometimes. But if you’ve been checking out our articles celebrating classic 60s and 70s anime, you know the deal. Just because it’s hard to find doesn’t mean it’s not worth the search. The Dagger of Kamui might not be available on Tubi, right now, but Tubi loves to rotate its movie titles, so there’s a good chance it’ll pop up again. Check back periodically, or better yet, set up notifications via email so you don’t miss out when it drops. And trust me, you’ll want to add this one to your watchlist—this is anime history in the making.
Image courtesy of Madhouse via Fandom
These iconic 80s anime aren’t just about entertainment; they’re a front-row seat to the era that laid the groundwork for today’s anime phenomenon. Whether you’re diving into the history of anime or hunting for your next binge-worthy series, these classics should be on your watch list.