Anime has been successful since the 1960s, but most people don't know the old works. Today we are going to see which are the best old anime of the last century that had a great influence on the Japanese animation industry.
Many of the anime mentioned in this list had some big influence in Japan and the world, affecting everything in some way. These old works can also be appreciated and can be superior to the current ones, even in animation.
Table of Content
Astro Boy - The first anime
There were already some animated films and even Japanese cartoons at the time, but Astro Boy was the first manga to win a TV adaptation that defined and segmented the Japanese animation market.
This anime is the work of the mangaka nicknamed the god of manga Osamu Tezuka. Its original debut on Japanese TV started in 1963, its character is as well-known and iconic in Japan as Mickey Mouse is in the Americas.
The anime takes place in a world where robots live alongside humans. In the story, Dr. Tenma creates a humanoid robot named Astro with the goal of replacing his son Tobio, who had passed away in a car accident.
Jungle Taitei - Kimba the White Lion
Another anime based on a manga created by Osamu Tezuka, and produced by his own company Tezuka Productions. Kimba is one of the first television anime to be shown in color. The series aired between 1965 and 1966 and had a movie in 1966.
The anime tells the story of a lion cub on a journey of self-discovery after the loss of his parents. Does this remind you of a Disney movie? Yes, there are claims that Disney was inspired by Kimba to create Simba.
There are other successful old anime by the same author Osamu Tezuka. We can mention the Princess and the Knight, but we don't want to go into too much detail, let's give other authors a chance in this article.
Sazae-San - The Infinite anime
We have already written about Japan's biggest success Sazae-san in another article. It is a family-oriented children's anime with simple features that first aired in 1969 and is still ongoing with over 7,000 episodes.
Sazae-san describes the ordinary life of the wife and mother Sazae Fugata and her family. It is probably the oldest and historically most important example of the genre "slice of life" in the world of anime. Unfortunately, Westerners do not pay attention.
Space Battleship Yamato
Also known as Star Blazers, Cosmoship Yamato, and Space Cruiser Yamato, this epic, psychedelic space adventure was the brainchild of animator and respected mangaka Leiji Matsumoto.
This anime takes place in the same universe as the popular series Space Captain Harlock and Galaxy Express 999. Matsumoto almost single-handedly popularized the "space opera" genre in anime.
Additionally, Yamamoto was the first anime series to be broadcast in its intended episode order when translated to English audiences because of its overarching plot.
Detective Conan - Detective Conan
Without a doubt my favorite anime! It debuted on Japanese TV in 1996 and is in release to this day with over 900 episodes. It is a crime investigation anime in the CSI and Sherlock Holmes style.
The story follows a young high school detective who has his body transformed into a child by a secret organization. He needs to keep his true identity a secret, so he lives as a child with a childhood friend with a detective father.
The anime is perfect, for the whole family, even my Mom watches and likes this anime. In addition to the 900 episodes, the series famous throughout Japan has already received more than 20 movies, has several arcs and charismatic characters and lots of action and suspense.
Ghost In The Shell
Ghost in the Shell spurred the wave of anime popularity that swept the West during the 1990s. Mamoru Oshii's film adaptation of Shirow Masamune's classic manga remains one of the most celebrated and influential anime ever made.
Set in a futuristic and cyberpunk version of Japan, the story revolves around the cyborg police officer Motoko Kurasangi as she grapples with her own sense of identity in an artificial body.
Its powerful imagery, impressive animation quality and philosophical depth have profoundly influenced many prominent Western filmmakers such as James Cameron and Stephen Spielberg. The Wachowski brothers credit Ghost in the Shell as the "spiritual predecessor" of the Matrix trilogy.
Honorable mentions of old anime
In addition to the almost complete list of old anime that passed in the last century, I will also cite another list with what I believe are also the best anime of the last century. It is not possible to talk in detail about each anime in this article.
- Star Of The Giants;
- Neon Genesis Evangelion;
- Daicon III & IV;
- Kinnikuman;
- Akira;
- Dragon Ball;
- Tetsujin 28-Go;
- Pokemon;
- Sally The Witch;
- Rurouni Kenshin;
- Hunter x Hunter;
- Trigun;
List of old manga
Unfortunately we can't list all manga before the 2000s, as the list is going to be huge, because there are thousands of manga. Fortunately, we can highlight a few that are available to buy in Brazil, should you be interested.
List of Old Anime
- A Lenda de Branca de Neve (co-produção com Mondo TV) – 1992
- Abelhinha Hutch – 1969
- Ai Shite Night [1983-1984]
- Akuma-kun [1989-1990]
- Angel Links (1999)
- Aoki Densetsu Shoot! [1990-1991]
- Apacchi Yakyuugun [1971-1972]
- Arion (1986)
- Armored Police Metal Jack (1991)
- Armored Trooper Votoms (1983)
- Arrow Emblem Grand Prix Taka [1977-1978]
- Asari-chan [1982-1983]
- Aura Battler Dunbine (1983)
- Bats & Terry (1987)
- Betterman (1999)
- Bikkuriman [1987-1989]
- Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon [1992 – 1993]
- Blue Comet SPT Layzner (1985) (1998)
- Brave Command Dagwon (1996)
- Brave Exkaiser (1990)
- Brave Police J-Decker (1994)
- Brave Raideen (1975)
- Calimero [1974-1994]
- Candy Candy [1976 – 1979]
- Captain Future [1978 – 1979]
- Captain Harlock [1978 – 1979]
- Captain Harlock Endless Road SSX [1982 – 1983]
- Captain Tsubasa [1983-1986]
- Captain Tsubasa J [1994-1995]
- Cardcaptor Sakura – 1998 e 1999
- Casshern – 1973
- Cho Denjin Machine Voltes v [1977-1978]
- Choriki Robo Galatt (1984)
- Choro-Q Dougram (1983)
- Chou Denjin Robo Combattler V [1976-1977]
- Choujin Sentai Baratack [1977-1978]
- Chōdenji Robo Combattler V (1976)
- Cinderela (co-produção com Mondo TV) – 1996
- City Hunter ’91 (1991)
- City Hunter: 357 Magnum (1989)
- Colorful (2010) (1982)
- Cowboy Bebop (1998)
- Cowboy Bebop: The Movie (2001) (1999)
- Crusher Joe (1983)
- Cutey Honey [1973 – 1974]
- Cutey Honey Flash [1997-1998]
- Cyborg 009 (1979)
- Cyborg 009 [1979-1980]
- Daikuu Maryuu Gaiking [1976-1977]
- Devilman [1972-1973]
- Di Gi Charat – 1999
- Digimon (Todas) [1996-Presente]
- Dinosaur Expedition Born Free (1976)
- Dirty Pair (1985) (1987)
- Document Dougram (1983)
- Dororon Enma-kun [1973-1974]
- Dr. Slump [2] [1997-1999]
- Dr. Slump and Arale-chan [1981 – 1986]
- Dragon Ball (Todos) [1986-Presente]
- Dragon Quest: Dai no Daibōken [1992-1993]
- DT Eightron (1998) (2000) (1981)
- Firefighter! Daigo of Fire Company M (1999)
- Galaxy Express 999 [1978-1981]
- Galaxy Express 999 [1981]
- Ganbare Genki [1985-1988]
- Gasaraki (1998)
- Gatchaman – 1972
- Ge Ge Ge no Kitaro [1968-1969]
- Ge Ge Ge no Kitaro [1993-1995]
- Genki Bakuhatsu Ganbaruger (1992)
- Genshi Shonen Ryu [1971 – 1972]
- Getter Robo [1974-1975]
- Getter Robo G [1975-1976]
- Getter Robo Gou [1991-1992]
- Ghost Sweeper Mikami [1993-1994]
- Giant Gorg (1984)
- Gokinjo Monogatari [1995-1996]
- Goldfish Warning! [1991-1992]
- Gowappa 5 Gōdam (1976)
- Great Mazinger [1974-1975]
- GU-GU Ganmu [1984-1985]
- Gunhed (1989)
- Guzula/Binsky – 1967
- Gênio Maluco – 1969
- Hana no Ko Lunlun [1979-1980]
- Hana Yori Dango [1996-1997]
- Hanitarou Desu [1997-1998]
- Hazedon (1972) (1994)
- Heavy Metal L-Gaim (1984)
- Heisei Tanuki Gassen Ponpoko – 1994
- Hello! Lady Lin [1988-1989]
- Himitsu no Akko-chan [1969-1970, 1988-1989, 1998-1999]
- Hokuto no Ken [1984-1988]
- Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere (1999)
- Horus: Prince of the Sun [1968]
- Hotaru no Haka – 1988
- Hurricane Polymar – 1974
- Hustle Punch [1965-1966]
- Hyakujuo Golion [1981 – 1982]
- Hāi! Step Jun [1985-1986]
- Hōhokekyo Tonari no Yamada-kun – 1999
- Ikyuu-san [1975-1982]
- Inuyasha: The Final Act (2009) (1980)
- invincible Steel Man Daitarn 3 (1978)
- invincible Super Man Zambot 3 (1977)
- Iron Leaguer (1993)
- Jigoku Sensei Nube [1996-1997]
- Jushin Liger (1989)
- Juuni Senshi Bakuretsu Eto Ranger – 1995
- Kamen no Ninja Aka Kage [1987-1988]
- Karioge-kun [1989-1990]
- Kick no Oni [1970-1971]
- Kiko Kantai Dairugger XV [1982 – 1983]
- Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo [1997-2000]
- Kinnikuman [1983-1986]
- Kinnikuman: Kinnikusei Oui Zoudatsu Hen [1991-1992]
- Kosoku Denjin Albegas [1983 – 1984]
- Koutetsu Jiigu [1975-1976]
- Kurenai no buta – 1992
- La Seine no Hoshi (1975)
- Lady Lady!! [1987-1988]
- Macross – 1982
- Magical Taruruuto-kun [1990-1992]
- Magne-Robo Ga-kin [1976-1977]
- Mahou no Mako-chan [1970-1971]
- Mahou Shoujo Lalabel [1980-1981]
- Mahoutsukai Sally [1] [1966 – 1968]
- Mahoutsukai Sally [2] [1989-1991]
- Majo no Takkyūbin – 1989
- Majokko megu chan [1974-1975]
- Mama is a 4th Grader (1992)
- Maple Town Monogatari [1986-1987]
- Marmalade Boy [1994-1995]
- Mazinger Z [1972-1974]
- Metal Armor Dragonar (1987)
- Mimi wo sumaseba – 1995
- Miracle Shoujo Limit-chan [1973-1974]
- Mirai Robo Dartanius [1979-1980]
- Miss Hokusai (9, 2015) (1987)
- Mobile Police Patlabor (1989)
- Mohretsu Atarou [1] [1969-1970]
- Mononoke-hime – 1997
- Nekketsu Saikyō Go-Saurer (1993)
- Neon Genesis Evangelion (co-produção com Gainax) – 1995
- Night Raid 1931 – 2010
- Ninja Scroll – 1993
- O Judoca – 1968
- Omohide Poro Poro – 1991
- One Piece [1999-atualmente]
- Ookami Shounen Ken [1963-1965]
- Orbital Era (1998)
- Pataliro [1982-1983]
- Perfect Blue – 1997
- Pinóquio – 1972
- Pokémon [1997-atualmente]
- Rainbow Sentai Robin [1966-1967]
- Robin Hood (co-produção com Mondo TV) – 1990
- Robot Child Beeton (1976)
- Ronin Warriors (1988)
- Round Vernian Vifam (1983)
- Round Vernian Vifam 13 (1998)
- Sailor Moon (todos) [1992-2014]
- Saint Seiya [1986 – 1989]
- Samurai Pizza Cats – 1989
- Sarutobi Ecchan [1971-1972]
- Scientific Adventure Team Tansar 5 (1979)
- Seraphim Call (1999)
- SF Saiyuki Starzinger [1978-1979]
- Shin Bikkuriman [1989-1990]
- Shin Captain Tsubasa [1989-1990]
- Shin Taketo Monogatari: Sen Nen Jo Ou [1981-1982]
- Shounen Ninja Kage no Fujimaru [1964-1965]
- Shurato – 1989
- Slam Dunk [1993-1996]
- Space Battleship Yamato 2199 (2013)
- Speed Racer – 1966
- Steamboy (2004) Strongest Robo Daiohja (1981)
- Stop!! Hibari-kun! [1983-1984]
- Super Bikkuriman [1992-1993]
- Superbook – 1983
- Taro the Dragon Boy [1979]
- Tekkaman Blade – 1993
- Tekkaman – 1976
- Tenkû no Shiro Rapyuta – 1986
- The Big O (1999)
- The Brave Express Might Gaine (1993)
- The Brave Fighter of Legend Da-Garn (1992)
- The Brave Fighter of Sun Fighbird (1991)
- The Brave of Gold Goldran (1995)
- The Five Star Stories (1989)
- The Ideon: A Contact (1982)
- The Ideon; Be invoked (1982)
- The Kabocha Wine [1982-1984]
- The King of Braves GaoGaiGar (1997)
- The Little Mermaid [1975]
- The Transformers [1984-1986]
- The Ultraman (1979)
- The Vision of Escaflowne (1996)
- Tiger Mask [1969-1971]
- Tiger Mask Ni-Sei [1981-1982]
- Tonari no Totoro – 1988
- Toushou Daimos [1978-1979]
- Trigun – 1998
- Tōshō Daimos (1978)
- UFO Robo Grendizer [1975-1977]
- Ultra Mashin Hero Wataru (1997)
- Umi ga Kikoeru – 1993
- Unico – 1981
- Video Senshi Laserian [1984-1985]
- Voltron series [1984-1989]
- Wakusei Robo Danguard Ace [1977-1978]
- Wild Knights Gulkeeva (1995)
- X – 1996
- Xabungle Graffiti (1983)
- Yatterman – 1977
- Yu-Gi-Oh! [1998]
- Yume no Crayon Oukoku [1997-1999]
- Yume Senshi Wingman [1984-1985]
- Zero Tester (1973) (2012)
- Zillion – 1986
- Ás do Espaço – 1965