Anime Shows – Anime Afar

People who were lucky enough to be children, teens, or young adults in the 1980s will tell you without hesitation that 80s life was the best life. Not only was America enjoying an economic boom, but some of the best pop culture icons ever were launched in the 80s; popular movies, TV shows, and singers that are still cherished today. Somehow the movies, music, and television were just better in every way. Maybe it was because everything seemed so fresh and new, and we were just starting to see the tip of the ice burg when it came to rapid technological improvements in entertainment. People that enjoyed the 80s will fondly remember walkmen, MTV, trapper keepers, and the obsession with brightly colored fashion. Quietly, somewhat behind the scenes, a fandom was brewing. A fandom centered on Japanese animation and was rapidly growing in popularity with American audiences. While anime first arrived on the small screen in American in the 1960s with Astro Boy, it took a while for western audiences to catch on. We weren’t used to highly evolved animated stories that featured adult situations, complex characters, and even violence. Back in the 60s, American audiences were accustomed to cartoons made for kids and featuring funny animals that lacked human features and emotions. Astro Boy flopped in America after just one year, but it planted a seed. Adult-focused animated series called anime and similar graphic novels called manga were both extremely popular in Japan. More and more of that style of entertainment started to find its way to America. However, the shows and movies were being reshaped for American audiences. Character names were changed, and some of the violent and suggestive scenes were removed. VHS imports straight from Japan became a popular underground movement in the US. Fans of anime would import anime services on VHS tapes and then do the work to translate them, add subtitles, redistribute them, or show them during anime clubs. Once these unedited versions found their way into the hearts of American anime lovers, there was no turning back. Around this time, full-length anime movies were starting to become more popular in Japan. Japanese directors battled with American directors over not making cuts or too many alterations to their work. Audiences were treated to many movies that came to have cult-like followings and whose characters are still part of our pop culture today, such as My Neighbor Totoro and Kiki’s Delivery Service. Anime series and movies are meant for adults and therefore have a vast genre pool that includes everything from comedy to horror. In the 80s, robots were trendy. Towards the end of the decade, a movie called Akira would shock and amaze American audiences who finally saw just how competitive anime could be with mainstream movies. While it was a bit of a financial flop in Japan, Americans enjoyed it so much that it ushered in a whole new generation of fans in the 90s. Here is a list of popular anime from the 1980s. If you missed any of these gems, make sure to check them out. Excluded are OVA’s. 1980 Anime Shows The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1980 TV series)Ashita no JoeAstro Boy (1980 TV series)Fisherman SanpeiGanbare GenkiInvincible Robo Trider G7King Arthur (TV series)King Arthur: Prince on White HorseLalabel, the Magical GirlThe Littl' BitsMaeterlinck's Blue Bird: Tyltyl and Mytyl's Adventurous JourneyMonchhichiThe Monster KidMuteking, The Dashing WarriorOjamanga Yamada-kunRescuemanRuy, the Little CidSpace Battleship Yamato IIISpace Emperor God SigmaSpace Runaway IdeonSpace Warrior BaldiosTetsujin 28-goThe Wonderful Adventures of Nils (TV series)Zukkoke Knight - Don De La Mancha 1980 Anime Movies 11 Piki no Neko3000 Leagues in Search of MotherAshita no JoeBack to the ForestBe Forever YamatoCaptain (manga)Cyborg 009Doraemon: Nobita's DinosaurGanbare!! Tabuchi-kun!!Ganbare!! Tabuchi-kun!! 2: Gekitō Pennant RaceGanbare!! Tabuchi-kun!! Hatsu Warai 3: Aa Tsuppari JinseiHana no Ko LunlunHana no Ko Lunlun: Hello Cherry GardenLalabel, the Magical GirlMakoto-chanNextworldNobody's Boy: RemiPhoenix (manga)Phoenix 2772The Tomb of DraculaToward the TerraTwelve Months (1980 film) 1981 Anime Shows Ai no Gakko Cuore MonogatariBeast King GoLionBelle and Sebastian (Japanese TV series)Dash KappeiDotakonDr. SlumpFang of the Sun DougramGalaxy Cyclone BraigerGolden Warrior Gold LightanGoShogunThe Gutsy FrogHello! SandybellHoney Honey no Suteki na BoukenJarinko ChieLittle Women (1981 TV series)Manga Mito KōmonMiss MachikoNinja Hattori-kunOhayō! SpankQueen MillenniaSix God Combination GodmarsSuperbookThe Swiss Family Robinson: Flone of the Mysterious IslandTiger MaskUlysses 31Urusei YatsuraVoltron (1984 TV series)Yattodetaman 1981 Anime Movies 21 EmonAshita no JoeCaptain (manga)Daicon III and IV Opening AnimationsDoraemon: The Records of Nobita, SpaceblazerList of Dr. Slump filmsEnchanted Journey (film)Furiten-kunGalaxy Express 999Hashire Melos!Jarinko ChieKyoufu Densetsu Kaiki! FrankensteinMobile Suit GundamMobile Suit Gundam (1981 film)Mobile Suit Gundam II: Soldiers of SorrowNatsu e no TobiraOjamanga Yamada-kunThe Sea Prince and the Fire ChildSpace Warrior BaldiosSwan Lake (1981 film)Taotao (TV series)Unico 1982 Anime Tv Shows AcrobunchArcadia of My Youth: Endless Orbit SSXArmored Fleet Dairugger XVAsari-chanCobra (manga)Combat Mecha XabungleDon DraculaThe Flying House (TV series)Galactic Gale BaxingarGame Center ArashiGyakuten! IppatsumanThe Kabocha WineLittle PollonLucy-May of the Southern RainbowLupin VIIIMagical Princess Minky MomoMaya the Honey BeeThe Mysterious Cities of GoldPatalliro!Robby the RascalSuper Dimension Fortress MacrossThunderbirds 2086Tokimeki TonightWarrior of Love Rainbowman 1982 Anime Movies Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp (1982 film)Andromeda StoriesArcadia of My YouthAsari-chanDoraemon: Nobita and the Haunts of EvilList of Dr. Slump filmsFuture War 198XGoShogunHaguregumoMobile Suit GundamMobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in SpaceThe Monster KidNinja Hattori-kunOhayō! SpankQueen MillenniaSix God Combination GodmarsSpace Adventure Cobra: The MovieSpace Runaway IdeonStar of the GiantsTechno Police 21CThe Wizard of Oz (1982 film) 1983 Anime Tv Shows Aishite KnightArmored Trooper VotomsAround the World with Willy FogAura Battler DunbineCaptain (manga)Captain TsubasaCat's Eye (manga)Creamy Mami, the Magic AngelFushigi no Kuni no AliceGalactic Whirlwind SasuraigerGenesis Climber MOSPEADAGeorgie!Ginga Hyōryū VifamIgano KabamaruItadakimanKinnikumanLightspeed Electroid AlbegasMīmu Iro Iro Yume no TabiMirai Keisatsu UrashimanMiyuki (manga)Mrs. Pepper Pot (TV series)Nanako SOSPermanPlawres SanshiroPsycho Armor GovarianSam (mascot)Serendipity the Pink DragonSpecial Armored Battalion DorvackStop!! Hibari-kun!Story of the Alps: My AnnetteSuper Dimension Century OrgussSuperbookTaotao (TV series) 1983 Anime Movies Barefoot Gen (1983 film)Combat Mecha XabungleCrusher JoeDaicon III and IV Opening AnimationsDoraemon: Nobita and the Castle of the Undersea DevilList of Dr. Slump filmsFang of the Sun DougramFinal YamatoGenma WarsGolgo 13: The ProfessionalMiyuki (manga)Nine (manga)Ninja Hattori-kunNoel's Fantastic TripPatalliro!PermanUnicoUnico in the Island of MagicUrusei Yatsura (film series)Urusei Yatsura: Only You 1984 Anime Tv Shows Adventures of the Little KoalaAttacker You!Bismark (TV series)Cat's Eye (manga)Chikkun TakkunChō Kōsoku GalvionChoriki Robo GalattElves of the ForestFist of the North StarFutari DakaGalactic Patrol LensmanGiant GorgGlass MaskGod MazingerGu Gu GanmoHeavy Metal L-GaimKatri, Girl of the MeadowsLittle MemoleLupin III Part IIILupin the ThirdNoozlesOkawari-Boy Starzan SOnce Upon a Time... SpacePanzer World GalientPersia, the Magic FairySherlock HoundSuper Dimension Cavalry Southern CrossTaotao (TV series)Video Warrior LaserionVoltron (1984 TV series)Wing-Man 1984 Anime Movies Bagi, the Monster of Mighty NatureDoraemon: Nobita's Great Adventure into the UnderworldList of Dr. Slump filmsDr. Slump and Arale-chan: Hoyoyo! Dream Capital Mecha PoliceDr. Slump and Arale-chan: Hoyoyo! The Treasure of Nanaba CastleFuture Boy ConanGamba no BōkenGreat Riot! Seigi ChoujinThe Kabocha WineKinnikuman (film)Kinnikuman: Showdown! The 7 Justice Supermen vs. The Space SamuraisLensman (1984 film)Locke the SupermanMacross: Do You Remember Love?Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (film)Nine (manga)Papa Mama Bye byePermanUrusei Yatsura (film series)Urusei Yatsura 2: Beautiful DreamerWata no Kunihoshi 1985 Anime Tv Shows Alpen RoseBlue Comet SPT LayznerBumpety BooButton NoseDancouga – Super Beast Machine GodDirty PairGeGeGe no KitarōHigh School! KimengumiLittle Ghost Q-TaroMagical Emi, the Magic StarMobile Suit Zeta GundamMusashi no KenNinja Senshi TobikageOnegai! Samia-donPrincess SarahTouch (manga) 1985 Anime Movies Arei no KagamiCaptain TsubasaThe Dagger of KamuiDoraemon: Nobita's Little Star WarsList of Dr. Slump filmsGoShogunGu Gu GanmoHere Come the LittlesA Journey Through FairylandKimagure Orange RoadKochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kōen-mae HashutsujoLegend of the Gold of BabylonLittle MemoleOdin: Photon Sailer StarlightPermanSeigi Choujin vs. Ancient ChoujinThe Three-Eyed OneUrusei Yatsura (film series)Urusei Yatsura 3: Remember My LoveVampire Hunter D (1985 film) 1986 Anime Tv Shows Adventure Island (video game)Animated Classics of Japanese LiteratureAnmitsu HimeBosco AdventureDoteramanDragon Ball (TV series)Family!Ganbare, Kickers!Ginga: Nagareboshi GinHikari no DensetsuList of Dragon Ball animeMachine Robo: Revenge of CronosMaison IkkokuMaple TownMobile Suit Gundam ZZMock & SweetMy Favorite Fairy TalesPastel Yumi, the Magic IdolRobotanSaint SeiyaThe Story of Pollyanna, Girl of LoveUchūsen SagittariusWonder Beat ScrambleThe Wonderful Wizard of Oz (TV series) 1986 Anime Movies 11 Piki no NekoThe Adventures of Lolo the PenguinAi CityArion (manga)Barefoot Gen 2Call Me TonightCaptain TsubasaCastle in the SkyCream LemonDirty Pair: Project EdenDoraemon: Nobita and the Steel TroopsDragon Ball: Curse of the Blood RubiesFist of the North Star (1986 film)Gall ForceGrey (manga)High School! KimengumiLittle Ghost Q-TaroMaple TownMegazone 23Phoenix (manga)Project A-koRobotech: The MovieSaint Elmo – Hikari no RaihoushaSango-sho Densetsu: Aoi Umi no ErufiiSuper Mario Bros.: Peach-Hime Kyushutsu Dai Sakusen!Tabidachi: Ami ShushoThey Were ElevenToki no Tabibito: Time StrangerTouch (manga)Touch 2: Sayonara no OkurimonoTouch: Sebangō no Nai AceUrusei Yatsura (film series)Urusei Yatsura 4: Lum the ForeverWindaria 1987 Anime Tv Shows AkakageBikkurimanCity HunterFist of the North StarGrimm's Fairy Tale ClassicsHello Kitty's Furry Tale TheaterHiatari Ryōkō!Kimagure Orange RoadLady!!List of Hello Kitty television seriesMachine Robo: Battle HackersMami the PsychicMaple TownMetal Armor DragonarMister AjikkoNorakuroOraa Guzura DadoOx TalesSaber Rider and the Star SheriffsTales of Little WomenThe Three Musketeers AnimeTransformers: The HeadmastersTsuide ni TonchinkanUltra BZillion (TV series) 1987 Anime Movies Adventure Island (video game)Bats & TerryDoraemon: Nobita and the Knights on DinosaursDragon Ball: Sleeping Princess in Devil's CastleGall ForceList of Saint Seiya filmsLittle Ghost Q-TaroMaple TownMinna AgechauNeo Tokyo (film)Robotech II: The SentinelsRoyal Space Force: The Wings of HonnêamiseSaint Seiya: The MovieThe Tale of Genji (1987 film)Touch (manga)Touch 3: Kimi ga Tōri Sugita Ato niTreasure Island (1978 TV series)Twilight of the CockroachesUltraman: The Adventure BeginsWicked City (1987 film) 1988 Anime Tv Shows AnpanmanThe Burning Wild ManCity HunterDagon in the Land of WeedsF (manga)Grimm's Fairy Tale ClassicsHello! Lady LynnHimitsu no Akko-chanIronfist ChinmiKinnikumanKiteretsu DaihyakkaLittle Lord Fauntleroy (TV series)Mashin Hero WataruOishinboOsomatsu-kunRonin WarriorsSakigake!! OtokojukuSonic Soldier BorgmanTopo Gigio (anime)Transformers: Super-God MasterforceTsurupika HagemaruWhat's Michael?Wowser (TV series) 1988 Anime Movies Akira (1988 film)BikkurimanDoraemon: The Record of Nobita's Parallel Visit to the WestDragon Ball: Mystical AdventureFair, then Partly PiggyGall ForceGrave of the FirefliesHiatari Ryōkō!Hiatari Ryoko! Ka - su - mi: Yume no Naka ni Kimi ga ItaKimagure Orange RoadKinnikumanLegend of the Galactic HeroesList of Saint Seiya filmsMaison IkkokuMami the PsychicMobile Suit Gundam: Char's CounterattackMobile Suit SD GundamMy Neighbor TotoroSakigake!! OtokojukuSix God Combination GodmarsUltimate TeacherUltra BUrusei Yatsura (film series)Urusei Yatsura 5: The Final Chapter 1989 Anime Tv Shows The Adventures of Hutch the Honeybee (1989 series)The Adventures of Peter PanAkuma-kunAlfred J. KwakBikkurimanBlue BlinkChimpuiCity HunterDash! YonkuroDragon Ball ZIdol Densetsu ErikoThe Jungle Book (1989 TV series)Jushin Liger (TV series)Kimba the White LionLegend of Heavenly Sphere ShuratoMadö King GranzörtMagical HatMiracle Giants Dome-kunThe New Adventures of Kimba The White LionOhayō! SpankParasol HenbēPatlabor: The TV SeriesRanma ½Sally the WitchSD Gundam's CounterattackTime Travel TondekemanTransformers: VictoryYawara! 1989 Anime Movies Bye Bye, Lady LibertyCity HunterDoraemon: Nobita and the Birth of JapanDragon Ball Z: Dead ZoneThe Five Star StoriesGall ForceKarura MauKiki's Delivery ServiceList of Saint Seiya filmsLittle Nemo: Adventures in SlumberlandMini-Dora SOSMobile Suit SD GundamOnegai! Samia-donPatlabor: The MovieSD Gundam's CounterattackSonic Soldier BorgmanUrotsukidōjiUtsunomikoVenus WarsYōtōden