Anime is always evolving and changing, and modern anime has given fans some pretty amazing series over the years. That said, most still agree that there’s just no beating the classics. With decades worth of hits out there, there’s no denying that old-school anime has something special that modern series can’t replicate. But for modern fans, some series are just a bit too dated.
However, there are plenty of classic anime titles that have a timeless appeal. From Cowboy Bebop to Berserk, many classic favorites hold up well and can easily be enjoyed by modern fans.With their unique storylines, iconic characters, and striking art styles, these series have something everyone will love.
10 Golden Boy
Golden Boy is a short and sweet classic OVA, following the adventures of Kintarou Ooe, a young man who travels all over Japan and tries out every kind of job imaginable. In his quest for knowledge and experience, he gets into all sorts of hilarious antics as he skirts his way through life.
Despite its age, Golden Boy is a beloved classic that fans still adore to this day. Though it’s admittedly aged poorly in some regards, it’s so hilarious that even modern fans can likely look past some of the more tasteless jokes. Viewers should be mindful, though, as this one isn’t appropriate for the kids.
9 The Vision Of Escaflowne
The isekai genre may be at its peak nowadays, but it’s far from a modern trend. Some of the best isekai series of all time actually came out decades ago, showing just how long the craze has been around. Many old-school isekai have some pretty unique storylines, including The Vision of Escaflowne, which combines isekai with elements of shojo and mecha.
Starring a young heroine, the series follows Hitomi’s journey through Gaea as she fights an evil empire with the power of a mysterious mech named Escaflowne. With this one-of-a-kind premise, a strong female lead, and a likable cast, The Vision of Escaflowne stands out among isekai titles. It’s the perfect series for modern fans who’ve grown tired of the same old isekai stories and long for something new.
8 FLCL
Fooly Cooly, commonly known by fans as FLCL, is a six-episode OVA series that many feel is a must-watch for any and all anime fans. Though it’s over two decades old, this series still feels surprisingly fresh and modern, and much of its appeal remains even after so many years.
FLCL is a mind-bending journey following the adventures of a young boy named Naota Nandaba, whose life changes forever after a chance encounter awakens the N.O. channel in his forehead. Now possessing an ability like no other, Naota finds himself thrown into the midst of an intergalactic battle. With its stunning visuals, over-the-top animation, and complex storyline, FLCL has everything a modern anime fan loves and more.
7 Trigun
To this day, the original ’90s Trigun anime is regarded as a masterpiece and a beloved classic. With its striking style, exciting gunslinging action, and lovable cast of characters, the series has stood the test of time, and even after so long, fans can’t get enough of it.
Coming from a time when sci-fi Westerns dominated the scene, Trigun reigned as one of the best of the bunch, and that can still be said to this day. With renewed interest in the series thanks to Trigun Stampede, now is a better time than ever for newcomers to give this classic a try. If they loved the reboot series, they’re sure to adore this old-school favorite as well.
6 Revolutionary Girl Utena
Revolutionary Girl Utena is a beloved shojo classic with a groundbreaking premise that challenged views on gender and sexuality in ways that hadn’t been done before. This incredible old-school series helped lay the foundation for many future favorites, and thanks to its contributions, anime has made great strides over the years.
Despite its age, Revolutionary Girl Utena is surprisingly modern in its storytelling and message, which many new fans will appreciate. While there’s no denying that Utena has become very visually dated over the years, it has such an impressive story that most modern fans should be able to overlook its old style and enjoy it regardless.
5 Lupin III
With the first series airing way back in the ’70s, it’s hard to imagine that an old classic like Lupin III could still appeal to fans nowadays. But despite the series’ age, it’s always held a special charm, no matter the decade, and it’s remained a widely popular and successful title nevertheless.
With so many different series and films, there’s a Lupin III story for every kind of fan imaginable, even modern ones. That’s because the series has grown and evolved over time, adopting what’s popular with every new decade, ensuring that the beloved gentleman thief will never go out of style.
4 Legend Of The Galactic Heroes
Legend of the Galactic Heroes is an ’80s sci-fi masterpiece that has withstood the test of time for decades. With so many adaptations over the years, including a recent reboot in 2018, there’s no denying that this old-school classic still holds up with fans. Sci-fi isn’t as prominent throughout anime these days, but it still appeals to fans of all ages.
That said, Legend of the Galactic Heroes is all the best parts of the genre, and though the original series is decades-old now, it’s got plenty that modern fans would enjoy. With striking visuals reminiscent of the time, a long, epic storyline, and many lovable characters, there’s something in Legend of the Galactic Heroes for every kind of fan.
3 Yu Yu Hakusho
Coming from the acclaimed Yoshihiro Togashi, Yu Yu Hakusho is one of the most beloved and influential shonen series of all time. Though it was at its peak back in the ’90s and early 2000s, the series has hardly waned in popularity, maintaining an active and devoted fanbase still to this day.
Given it’s managed to stay relevant even after all these years, it’s safe to say that Yu Yu Hakusho is a timeless classic that fans of all ages can enjoy. With such longevity, modern fans are sure to love this series just as much as Togashi’s other famous title, Hunter x Hunter, which has seen much success in the modern anime landscape.
2 Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop is a beloved sci-fi Western that many agree is a must-watch for all anime fans. Though the original series came out in the ’90s, this old-school favorite has stayed in the limelight for decades. It has everything a great series should — action, comedy, drama, and some of the most iconic characters in anime history.
Cowboy Bebop is not without its flaws, but some fans will still argue it’s near-perfect, nevertheless. Cowboy Bebop is a timeless series that’s only gotten better age, and despite its age, modern fans are sure to adore it.
1 Berserk
When the Berserk manga first came out in the late ’80s, no one could have guessed it would become a phenomenon that anime fans would still be talking about for decades to come. However, that’s exactly what happened. For most anime fans, this beloved old-school series is nothing short of a masterpiece. With its dark story, complex and well-written characters, and gorgeous art style, few titles can even begin to compare.
Most fans agree that no anime adaptation comes close to the manga, but despite that, the 1997 Berserk series still remains a favorite. From its visuals to its writing, this version retains the essence of the manga despite its differences. This adaptation is sure to satisfy modern fans who enjoy dark fantasy and a more mature story.