The best old anime of the last century

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.

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 mangaka nicknamed the god of manga Osamu Tezuka. His original Japanese TV debut began in 1963, his 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 called Astro to replace his son Tobio, who had died in an automobile accident.

The best old anime of the last century

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.

The best old anime of the last century

Sazae-San - The Infinite anime

We've already written about Japan's biggest hit Sazae-san in another article. It is a children's anime for families with simple features that aired in 1969 and is currently being released with more than 7,000 episodes.

Sazae-san describes the ordinary life of wife and mother Sazae Fugata, and their family. It is probably the oldest and most historically important example of the genre.”slice of life” in the anime world. Unfortunately westerners don't pay attention.

The best old anime of the last century

The article is still halfway through, but we recommend also reading:

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.

The best old anime of the last century

Detective Conan - Meitantei 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.

The best old anime of the last century

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.

Located in a version futuristic and cyberpunk from Japan, the story revolves around cyborg policewoman Motoko Kurasangi as she struggles with her own sense of self 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.

The best old anime of the last century

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

  • The Legend of Snow White (co-production with Mondo TV) – 1992
  • Hutch Bee – 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 Raiden (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 and 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)
  • Cinderella (co-production with Mondo TV) – 1996
  • City Hunter '91 (1991)
  • City Hunter: 357 Magnum (1989)
  • Colorido (2010) (1982)
  • Cowboy Bebop (1998)
  • Cowboy Bebop: O Filme (2001) (1999)
  • Crusher Joe (1983)
  • Cutey Honey [1973 – 1974]
  • Cutey Honey Flash [1997-1998]
  • City Hunter
  • "009 Re:Cyborg" [2012]
  • Daikuu Maryuu Gaiking [1976-1977]
  • Devilman [1972-1973]
  • I'm sorry, but "Di Gi Charat" is a proper noun and the title of a Japanese anime series, so it should not be translated. The year "1999" remains the same in both languages.
  • Digimon (All) [1996-Present]
  • 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 (All) [1986-Present]
  • Dragon Quest: Dai's Great Adventure [1992-1993]
  • DT Eightron (1998) (2000) (1981)
  • Firefighter! Daigo da Fire Company M (1999)
  • Galaxy Express 999 [1978-1981]
  • Galaxy Express 999 [1981]
  • "Genki, do your best" [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 Gor (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
  • Crazy Genius – 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 at Akko-chan [1969-1970, 1988-1989, 1998-1999]
  • Hokuto no Ken [1984-1988]
  • Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere (1991)
  • Horus: Prince of the Sun [1968]
  • Hotaru no Haka - 1988
  • "Polymar" do furacão - 1974
  • Hustle Punch [1965-1966]
  • Hyakujuo Golion [1981 – 1982]
  • Ha! 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)
  • invencível Super Man Zambot 3 (1977)
  • Iron Leaguer (1993)
  • Jigoku Sensei Nube [1996-1997]
  • Jushin Liger (1989)
  • Juuni Senshi Bakuretsu Eto Ranger - 1995
  • Masked Ninja Red Shadow [1987-1988]
  • Karioge-kun [1989-1990]
  • "Kick no Oni [1970-1971]"
  • Kiko Kantai Dairugger XV [1982 – 1983]
  • Kindaichi Case Files [1997-2000]
  • Kinnikuman [1983-1986]
  • Kinnikuman: Kinnikusei Oui Zoudatsu Hen [1991-1992]
  • Super Electromagnetic Machine Albegas [1983 – 1984]
  • Koutetsu Jiigu [1975-1976]
  • Kurenai no buta - 1992
  • The Stars of La Seine (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]
  • Mahōtsukai Sally [1] [1966 - 1968]
  • Mahoutsukai Sally [2] [1989-1991]
  • Majo no Takkyūbin - 1989
  • Majokko Megu Chan [1974-1975]
  • Mama é uma aluna de quarta série (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 (2015) (1987)
  • Mobile Police Patlabor (1989)
  • Mohretsu Atarou [1] [1969-1970]
  • Mononoke-hime - 1997
  • Nekketsu Saikyō Go-Saurer (1993)
  • Neon Genesis Evangelion (co-production with Gainax) – 1995
  • Night Raid 1931 - 2010
  • Ninja Scroll - 1993
  • The Judoka – 1968
  • Omohide Poro Poro - 1991
  • One Piece [1999-currently]
  • Ookami Shounen Ken [1963-1965]
  • Orbital Era (1998)
  • "Pataliro" [1982-1983]
  • Perfect Blue - 1997
  • Pinocchio - 1972
  • Pokemon [1997-currently]
  • Rainbow Sentai Robin [1966-1967]
  • Robin Hood (co-production with Mondo TV) – 1990
  • Robot Child Beeton (1976)
  • Ronin Warriors (1988)
  • "Round Vernian Vifam (1983)"
  • Round Vernian Vifam 13 (1998)
  • Sailor Moon (all) [1992-2014]
  • Saint Seiya [1986 - 1989]
  • Samurai Pizza Cats - 1989
  • Sarutobi Ecchan [1971-1972]
  • Equipe de Aventura Científica Tansar 5 (1979)
  • Seraphim Call (1999)
  • SF Saiyuki Starzinger [1978-1979]
  • Shin Bikkuriman [1989-1990]
  • Shin Captain Tsubasa [1989-1990]
  • Shin Taketo Story: Thousand-Year Castle [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, o garoto dragão [1979]
  • Tekkaman Blade - 1993
  • Tekkaman – 1976
  • Castle in the Sky - 1986
  • The Big O (1999)
  • The Brave Express Might Gaine (1993)
  • O Valente Lutador da Lenda Da-Garn (1992)
  • The Brave Fighter of Sun Fightbird (1991)
  • The Brave of Gold Goldran (1995)
  • As Cinco Estrelas Histórias (1989)
  • The Ideon: A Contact (1982)
  • The Ideon; Be invoked (1982)
  • The Kabocha Wine [1982-1984]
  • O Rei dos Braves GaoGaiGar (1997)
  • The Little Mermaid [1975]
  • The Transformers [1984-1986]
  • The Ultraman (1979)
  • A Visão de 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)
  • I'm sorry, I don't understand this phrase. Can you provide more context or explain what it means?
  • Unique - 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]
  • Dream Crayon Kingdom [1997-1999]
  • Yume Senshi Wingman [1984-1985]
  • Zero Tester (1973) (2012)
  • Zillion - 1986
  • Space Ace – 1965

Read more articles from our website

Thanks for reading! But we would be happy if you take a look at other articles below:

Read our most popular articles:

Do you know this anime?