Dive into classic anime with our curated exploration of the best retro anime. These timeless series and films are cornerstones of the medium, each a snapshot of the era’s innovative storytelling and distinctive animation styles. From the groundbreaking cyberpunk vistas of Akira to the space operas of Legend of the Galactic Heroes, these works paved the way for modern anime.
10 Best 70s Anime, Ranked
Anime has changed a lot over the years, so let’s take a look back.
Each title offers a glimpse into the past, where hand-drawn animation brought to life stories of heroism, adventure, and the boundless imagination of creators who set the foundation for today’s anime culture. Let’s explore the best of retro anime, celebrating the classics that continue to inspire.
10Astro Boy
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 7.09
Why Watch Astro Boy?
Astro Boy is a pioneering retrosci-fi animeseries created by Osamu Tezuka, first broadcast in 1963. It set the template for storytelling and visual style in anime, influencing generations of artists and viewers. The story is set in a futuristic world where robots coexist with humans and follow Astro Boy, a powerful robot created by Dr. Tenma to replace his deceased son.
Astro, equipped with advanced artificial intelligence and super strength, embarks on a journey to find his place in a society that often shows prejudice against robots. He becomes a hero, fighting crime, injustice, and other threats. Astro Boy is credited as the first popular animated television series in Japan.
Release Date
Episode Count
Where To Watch
June 06, 2025
Funimation
9Mazinger Z
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 7.27
Mazinger Z
Why Watch Mazinger Z?
Mazinger Z, created by Go Nagai, is a trailblazing anime that debuted in 1972. It is considered the first series to feature a pilot operating a giant robot from within, a concept that would become a staple of the mecha genre. The story revolves around the protagonist, Koji Kabuto, who pilots Mazinger Z, a colossal robot made of the fictional Super Alloy Z.
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The robot is the brainchild of Koji’s grandfather, a scientist who created it to combat Dr. Hell and his mechanical beasts that threaten to conquer the world. The series is notable for its blend of action, drama, and science fiction elements, and it popularized using technology for humanity’s defense against evil forces.
July 02, 2025
Crunchyroll
8Lupin III
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 7.63
Lupin the 3rd Part 1
Why Watch Lupin III?
Lupin III is an iconic retroheist animetelevision series based on the manga by Monkey Punch that first aired in 1971. The series follows the escapades of Arsene Lupin III, the grandson of Maurice Leblanc’s famous gentleman thief. Lupin III is a charismatic anti-hero who, along with his compatriots, the sharpshooter Jigen, the samurai Goemon, and the seductive Fujiko, engages in grand heists across the globe.
They constantly outwit the relentless Inspector Zenigata. Known for its clever blend of comedy, adventure, and heist-driven plots, Lupin III has become a staple in Japanese pop culture. It stands out for its sophisticated storytelling, stylish 70s animation, and the jazz-infused soundtrack that captures the show’s cool, caper-like tone.
August 09, 2025
7Sailor Moon
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 7.73
Sailor Moon
Why Watch Sailor Moon?
Sailor Moon is a popular retro anime created by Naoko Takeuchi that began airing in 1992. The story centers on Usagi Tsukino, a clumsy but kind-hearted teenage girl who can transform into Sailor Moon, the leader of a group of warriors destined to save Earth from various forces of evil.
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The series blends romance, comedy, and action as Usagi and her friends, the Sailor Soldiers, each named after a planet and possessing unique powers, battle against villains. Sailor Moon was pivotal in popularizing the concept of a team of magical girls, setting a precedent for many similar shows like Cardcaptor Sakura. It was also groundbreaking for portrayingstrong female charactersand introducing elements of LGBTQ+ relationships.
July 20, 2025
6Mobile Suit Gundam
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 7.77
Mobile Suit Gundam
Why Watch Mobile Suit Gundam?
Mobile Suit Gundam, created by Yoshiyuki Tomino, premiered in 1979. The animation reflects the techniques and aesthetics of the time, with hand-drawn cels and limited animation frames, which give it a distinctive retro look. Set in the Universal Century year 0079, the series chronicles the war between the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon.
The story follows Amuro Ray, a young civilian who becomes the pilot of the prototype robot Gundam and finds himself at the front lines of the conflict. The series is known for revolutionizing the mecha genre with mature themes, including the horrors of war, the nature of humanity, and the concept of Mobile Suits.
Jun 02, 2025
5Fist Of The North Star
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 7.96
Fist Of The North Star
Why Watch Fist of the North Star?
Fist of the North Staris a post-apocalyptic action anime that debuted in 1984. Created by Tetsuo Hara and Buronson, the series is set in a devastated world following a nuclear war. The story follows the journey of Kenshiro, the successor to the deadly martial art Hokuto Shinken, which gives him the ability to strike an opponent’s vital points and obliterate them from within.
You are already dead
Kenshiro wanders the wasteland, fighting against oppressive forces and protecting the innocent, using his skills to perform often gruesome finishing moves, accompanied by his iconic catchphrase, ‘You are already dead.’ This retro anime is celebrated for its iconic,muscular character designs, which have become emblematic of the era.
July 28, 2025
4Dragon Ball
Dragon Ball
Why Watch Dragon Ball?
Dragon Ball, created by Akira Toriyama, is a retro anime that aired in 1986. The anime set the standard for many tropes of the shonen action genre, such as Training and Power-Ups, Tournament Arcs, Long Battles, and Comic Relief. The series follows the adventures of Goku, a martial artist who searches for the seven Dragon Balls, which can summon a dragon to grant wishes.
The anime is known for its humorous, lighthearted tone, vibrant world-building, and dynamic fight sequences. Initially, Dragon Ball focuses on Goku’s childhood and his training with Master Roshi to participate in tournaments. It laid the groundwork for its more action-oriented sequel, Dragon Ball Z, which would further solidify the franchise’s global popularity.
June 13, 2025
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.16
Why Watch Akira?
Akira is a landmark 1988 Japanese animated film directed by Katsuhiro Otomo. Set in a dystopian 2019 Neo-Tokyo, it tells the story of Kaneda, a bike gang leader whose childhood friend, Tetsuo, gains telekinetic abilities after a motorcycle accident. Tetsuo’s powers spiral out of control, leading to a clash with military forces and other psychics.
Akira is renowned for its richly detailed animation, intense action sequences, and exploration of power, corruption, and social unrest. This retro anime was pivotal in introducing anime to Western audiences, showcasing the medium’s potential for mature storytelling. The film’s influence extends beyond anime, inspiring numerous works like The Matrix.
August 09, 2025 |
2Neon Genesis Evangelion
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.35
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Why Watch Neon Genesis Evangelion?
Neon Genesis Evangelion, created by Hideaki Anno, is a seminal anime series that first aired in 1995. It’s set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is threatened by enigmatic beings known as Angels. The story follows Shinji Ikari, a teenager recruited by the paramilitary organization NERV to pilot a giant biomechanical robot, an Evangelion, to combat these entities.
The series deconstructs the mecha genre, focusing on the emotional toll of the pilots. The series culminates in a controversial and abstract ending that was later expanded into two films, Death and Rebirth and The End of Evangelion. At the time of its release, Evangelion was part of a wave of retro anime that reached international audiences through VHS.
June 25, 2025
1Legend Of The Galactic Heroes
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 9.02
Legend Of The Galactic Heroes
Why Watch Legend of the Galactic Heroes?
Legend of the Galactic Heroes, adapted from Yoshiki Tanaka’s science fiction novels, is an OVA space opera series that began in 1988. This retro anime is #1 on the list as it delves into the tactical, philosophical, and political aspects of war. The narrative follows the tactical genius of two military rivals, Yang Wen-li of the Alliance and Reinhard von Lohengramm of the Empire.
The two rise through the ranks to face each other in battles. The series is renowned for its complex storytelling, large-scale space battles, and intricate characterization. It has gained a cult status among fans, is recognized for its unique place in anime history, and continues to be discovered by new audiences, adding to its retro allure.
