Copyright Screen Rant
Long before anime became a global phenomenon capable of breaking box-office records worldwide, there was a golden age of anime that shaped the medium into what it is today. The old-school masterpieces became legendary for their unforgettable characters, unique worlds, innovative visuals, and, above all, their timeless, iconic storylines. These anime left behind an undeniable legacy that has influenced fans and creators across generations, opening the doors for modern anime hits to reach jaw-dropping heights. The golden age of anime introduced the medium to a global audience and set benchmarks that continue to capture attention, even decades later. They are masterpieces that prove how enduring old-school anime truly is. Slam Dunk Slam Dunk follows Hanamichi Sakuragi, a high school delinquent whose life changes after he meets Haruko Akagi, a cheerful classmate who introduces him to basketball. Wanting to impress her, he joins his school’s team and eventually develops a genuine love for the game. Through the competitive rivalries, developing friendships, and personal growth, Sakuragi learns the value of teamwork and perseverance. Slam Dunk’s narrative is full of authenticity and is best known for redefining the sports anime genre. Despite the series concluding in 1996, the franchise remained popular and eventually received a prequel film, The First Slam Dunk, in 2022. The series is also celebrated for popularizing basketball in Japan and its realistic portrayal of the sport. Cardcaptor Sakura Cardcaptor Sakura follows Sakura Kinomoto, a bright and curious young girl who accidentally releases a set of magical Clow Cards, each with its own unique power. With the help of a mysterious guardian named Cerberus and her best friend, Tomoyo Daidouji, she becomes a Cardcaptor who must retrieve all the cards before they cause chaos. The series blends lighthearted humor with whimsical adventures and heartfelt friendships. Its animation is vibrant and eye-catching, keeping audiences engaged in the storyline with its artistry. Cardcaptor Sakura is also known for breaking ground in representing LGBTQ+ characters and relationships. The story is full of charm, emotional depth, and meaningful character development. Trigun Trigun centers on Vash the Stampede, a notorious gunslinger with a massive bounty on his head. He’s known as the Humanoid Typhoon for the chaos that seems to follow him, and is joined by Meryl Stryfe and Milly Thompson, two insurance agents who track and mitigate the damage he causes. However, despite his fearsome reputation, Vash is a pacifist with an unshakable moral compass and sharp intellect. As he travels a post-apocalyptic desert, he takes on bounty hunters, bandits, and his own haunting past, all while trying to protect lives without taking them. The series explores themes of justice, redemption, and morality. Mobile Suit Gundam Wing Mobile Suit Gundam Wing centers on five young pilots sent from colonies orbiting Earth to infiltrate the planet and destabilize the oppressive United Earth Sphere Alliance. Each pilot operates a unique Gundam mobile suit, allowing them to navigate their worlds and conflicts, pushing them to realize the true cost of rebellion and the meaning of peace. Mobile Suit Gundam Wing is one of many series in the Gundam franchise, but it stands out as one of the most popular and influential. With a blend of political intrigue and mecha action, the series offers both depth and thrilling sequences that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Mobile Suit Gundam helped popularize anime in the West. Revolutionary Girl Utena Revolutionary Girl Utena centers on the titular character, Utena Tenjou, a strong-willed girl who is determined to embody the nobility and grace of a prince. She enrolls at Ohtori Academy, where she takes part in sword duels in order to win the hand of the Rose Bride, Anthy Himemiya. As she fights to protect Anthy, she finds there are hidden secrets regarding the school, the student council, and lingering behind the duels themselves. Revolutionary Girl Utena deconstructs the magical girl and shojo genres with powerful symbolism and motifs built on psychological and societal commentary. Revolutionary Girl Utena stands out most for its subversion of standard tropes and exploration of themes including sexuality, gender, and self-love. The story inspired countless creators and fans, becoming a landmark title that challenges conventions and expectations, and remains a timeless classic that continues to resonate with fans decades later. Cowboy Bebop Cowboy Bebop follows a ragtag crew of bounty hunters on the spaceship Bebop, led by none other than Spike Spiegel, a former gangster. Along with Jet Black, a former police officer; Faye Valentine, a con artist; Edward Wong, a teenage hacker; and Ein, an artificially enhanced, intelligent corgi, the crew travels across the solar system to chase criminals. Each member of the crew is haunted by their own unresolved past as they take on dangerous missions and criminals. The series is known for its exploration of themes such as loneliness, regret, and the search for meaning. As a story that blends sci-fi, western, and neo-noir, Cowboy Bebop has an immensely unique identity among anime. Paired with its unforgettable jazz soundtrack, the story feels genuinely alive and immerses viewers in its world through thrilling action sequences and engaging characters. Cowboy Bebop is a masterpiece that redefined what anime storytelling could achieve. Sailor Moon Sailor Moon follows Usagi Tsukino, an ordinary teenage girl who discovers she is the reincarnation of the Moon Princess Serenity, destined to become Sailor Moon and protect the Earth from dark forces. Alongside her fellow Sailor Guardians, she battles evil for love and for justice while learning the value of courage and friendship. Throughout the series, viewers watch as Usagi grows from a clumsy, insecure girl to a confident and powerful leader, offering a satisfying and rewarding character arc. Sailor Moon hooks fans with its blend of magic, action, humor, drama, and depth, making it an engaging story from start to finish. Sailor Moon is among anime’s most popular series and is celebrated for its part in popularizing anime in the West and revolutionizing the magical-girl genre. With iconic transformations, well-rounded characters, and a focus on strong female protagonists, Sailor Moon cemented its place as one of anime’s most beloved and timeless series. Dragon Ball Z Dragon Ball Z continues the story of Son Goku, a spirited Saiyan warrior from Earth, as he takes on increasingly dangerous and threatening foes alongside his allies. From ruthless, galactic tyrants to bioengineered androids to ancient magical creatures, the series details Goku’s development as the protector of Earth while exploring themes of hard work, perseverance, and friendship. The series is best known for its humor, legendary battles, and epic transformations that redefined the entire shonen genre for generations to come. Its lovable and memorable characters make the series shine with their distinctive personalities that keep every battle fresh and exciting. Dragon Ball Z is among the most influential anime ever created. Akira Akira takes place in a dystopian, post-apocalyptic Neo-Tokyo and centers on Kaneda, the brash leader of a biker gang, and his childhood friend, Tetsuo. Their lives take a drastic turn when Tetsuo develops uncontrollable telekinetic psychic powers and becomes the target of a secret government project and the military as he threatens all of Neo-Tokyo. The story explores friendship, corruption, and the cost of power in a way that leaves behind an unforgettable impact. Akira is one of the best cyberpunk anime, renowned for its groundbreaking animation and mature themes. The film influenced fans and creators alike worldwide and continues to have an enduring legacy. Neon Genesis Evangelion Neon Genesis Evangelion follows Shinji Ikari, a reluctant teenager who is chosen to pilot a massive bio-mechanical Evangelion to defend humanity from dangerous and mysterious beings known as Angels. Alongside fellow pilots, he must take on apocalyptic threats as well as his own insecurities, personal struggles, and relationships.
