Copyright Screen Rant
Anime has come a long way since its early days and has since evolved into a massive global phenomenon in the entertainment industry. From its modest beginnings to its current status as a rising force, it has attracted viewers worldwide. Each decade has brought its own unique stories, characters, and creativity, helping turn anime into what it is today. From Astro Boy to Demon Slayer, anime has captivated audiences for decades, with some of the most prominent titles influencing new creators and stories to this day. While every decade has several notable anime, some stand out more than others due to their influence on the medium, their role in popularizing anime, and the series' lasting impact. 1960s: Astro Boy Astro Boy was created by Osamu Tezuka and first serialized in Kobunsha’s shōnen magazine from 1952 until 1968. The manga’s 112 chapters were later collected into 23 volumes by Akita Shoten, and an official English translation was released in 2002 by Dark Horse Comics. The series earned a groundbreaking anime adaptation in 1963. The story centers on a talented scientist who builds a robot boy, Astro, to replace his son, Tobio, who died in a car accident. However, he soon grows frustrated by Astro's inability to fill the loss, and he sells him to a circus. Eventually, Astro is adopted by Dr. Ochanomizu and is set on a path of heroism. He fights against injustice and defends those who can’t protect themselves, no matter if they are human or a robot. Along his journey, he learns what it truly means to be human, discovering who he is and where he belongs. Paired with themes of anti-discrimination and pacifism, the anime stood as a thrilling and meaningful story that continues to influence creators. 1970s: Ashita no Joe (Tomorrow's Joe) Ashita no Joe, also known as Tomorrow’s Joe, was written by Asao Takamori and illustrated by Tetsuya Chiba. The title has been serialized across 20 volumes since 1968, and its anime adaptation first aired in April 1970. The story introduced audiences to an uncompromising narrative of determination, passion, and defeat. The story follows Joe Yabuki, a defiant orphan scraping by in Tokyo’s slums until a former, washed-up boxer, Danpei Tange, discovers his potential. Under his guidance, Joe channels his anger and aimlessness into the brutal world of boxing as he struggles to confront his own inner demons. His story follows his rise from a delinquent to a world-ranked boxer. Joe’s persistence lasted through pain and hardships, with his unrelenting drive to prove his worth leading him down a path of sacrifice. Through his battles, both physically and mentally, the series effectively explored the self-destructive nature of obsessive passion and the cost of unchecked ambition. Ashita no Joe remains one of anime’s most unforgettable and tragic masterpieces to this day. 1980s: Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z Dragon Ball, created by Akira Toriyama, was serialized from 1984 to 1995, spanning 42 manga volumes. The anime adaptation was produced by Toei Animation, first airing from February 1986 to April 1989, and later continued as Dragon Ball Z from April 1989 to January 1996. The story centers around Son Goku, a spirited and curious young boy with a passion for martial arts. After a chance encounter, he takes part in a quest with new friends to find the seven Dragon Balls, mystical artifacts capable of granting any wish. His journey evolves from a simple, light-hearted adventure to high-stakes action and thrilling martial arts tournaments. The story continues in Dragon Ball Z, taking place roughly five years after the original series, and follows Goku and the Z-fighters as they take on increasingly dangerous and powerful threats. Dragon Ball Z became one of the most popular, influential, and iconic anime series to date, and its legacy has influenced countless creators, fans, and series alike. Goku’s journey set a benchmark for what shōnen storytelling can be and what it can achieve. While the series is best known for its humor, characters, and battles, Dragon Ball also captured global attention for its ability to convey universal themes such as hard work and perseverance, and for revolutionizing animation styles. 1990s: Sailor Moon Sailor Moon was created by Naoko Takeuchi, and its anime adaptation premiered from March 1992 to February 1997. The series reached international audiences with its North American debut in September 1995, becoming a defining title in the magical girl genre and helping popularize anime in the West. The series follows Usagi Tsukino, a clumsy teenager who discovers she is Sailor Moon and the reincarnation of the Moon Princess Serenity. Tasked with defending Earth from dark forces, she, alongside her fellow Sailor Guardians, battles against villainous groups and adversaries who seek the power of the Silver Crystal. Along her journey, Usagi grows into a confident and capable leader. Despite being targeted toward younger audiences, Sailor Moon explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the power of love and hope, making it universal and enjoyable for everyone. The series became a defining anime of the 90s, inspiring a generation of creators and revolutionizing the magical girl genre. 2000s: Naruto Naruto, created by Masashi Kishimoto, first debuted as a manga in September 1999 and was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump until November 2014. Within a few years, the manga series received an anime adaptation in October 2002, which ran until March 2017, becoming one of the most successful and influential anime ever created. The story centers on the titular character, Naruto Uzumaki, a young, spirited orphan who is shunned by his village for harboring the Nine-Tails Fox spirit within his body. Determined to gain the respect and recognition of the Hidden Leaf Village, he aims to one day become the Hokage, the village leader. Along his journey, he creates new friendships, takes on dangerous enemies, and trains relentlessly, becoming a powerful and inspiring ninja. Paired with themes of perseverance, identity, and breaking and overcoming cycles of hatred. Naruto’s growth throughout the series is not only rewarding but also immensely inspirational. 2010s: Demon Slayer Demon Slayer was created by Koyoharu Gotouge, with the anime first premiering in April 2019. Adapted directly from Gotouge’s manga, the series quickly captured worldwide attention with its stunning animation, emotional storytelling, and intense action. Its early acclaim only grew as audiences continue to recommend and discover the series, turning it into one of anime’s biggest titles yet. The story centers around Tanjiro Kamado, a kind-hearted boy with a peaceful home life until demons slaughter his family. His only surviving sister, Nezuko, is transformed into one, leading Tanjiro down a path to seek a cure and avenge his family, all while ensuring the same tragedy doesn’t befall someone else. In the Demon Slayer Corps, Tanjiro trains to become a powerful slayer and fights alongside his new companions, including Inosuke and Zenitsu. Yet even as it takes down murderous demons, the story never hesitates to explore the characters’ humanity, often leading to emotional, tragic, and unforgettable moments. As Demon Slayer approaches its three-film finale, the series has proven that it's become a global force with the release of its first film, Infinity Castle Part 1: Akaza’s Return. The film broke multiple records and became one of 2025’s highest-grossing films. Many believe that Demon Slayer will become the first billion-dollar anime following its release in China. 2020s: Jujutsu Kaisen While the 2020s are still unfolding and filled with notable series such as Solo Leveling and Chainsaw Man, Jujutsu Kaisen by Gege Akutami has already made a significant impact. With its anime first premiering in October 2020, the series has since grown into one of anime’s most talked-about titles. The series follows Yuji Itadori, an ordinary high school student who finds himself entangled in the world of jujutsu sorcerers after swallowing a powerful cursed object. Enrolled in a new school specifically designed to train the next generation of sorcerers, he makes new friends. He learns to control his power with the help of one of the most powerful sorcerers.
