The anime really took off in the west in the 90s with Cowboy BebopBut the 1980s were an influential decade which, without having an impact on the West, was a significant era for Japan and the growth of the medium. Everyone knows classics like Dragon BallonBut the 1980s had countless other underestimated jewels than many modern fans neglect because of their age.
The 80s may not be the most memorable period in the history of the anime, but that does not mean that it has no essential anime. This list classifies the ten most underestimated anime of the 1980s, on the basis of Writing, animation, story, characters, opinion of fans and critical praise. Underestimated is an umbrella term for the anime which deserves higher notes, watch which is neglected, or series which are subtronned.
10
“Legend of the Galactic Heroes” (1988-1997)
The kind of science fiction is not as popular as before, but in its peak, it produced some of the greatest anime of all time, including Legend of galactic heroes. When two young leaders break the ceasefire several decades, their conflicting ideals raging a war that envelops the whole galaxy.
For many fans who know Legend of galactic heroesThey will probably be in disagreement with the placement of this anime on the list. What is right, since it is one of the animated series most acclaimed by criticism of all time. However, the series has become more and more sub-survated and neglectedwin a place on this list despite its being A science fiction leader.
9
“Fist of the North Star” (1984–1988)
Northern star fist is still another entry that is not exactly underestimated, but it landed on this list independently of its discolored popularity. Kenshirou wanders the apocalypse in search of his rival, hoping for a last duel of revenge. A Northern star fist remake is officially in production and is expected to be released in 2026.
Little anime on this list had the same impact as Northern star fistwhich had not only an anime character which defines the genre but which also revolutionized the action of the shows during this period. This anime is also an emblematic basic food in the anime community, broadcasting countless memes and images. However, Northern star fist is quite underestimated according to today’s standardsBut I hope the next remake will change this.
8
“Gunbuster” (1988–1989)
The gender mecha and science Gunbuster. When humanity discovers a diabolical extraterrestrial race by destroying them, Noriko and Kazumi are two recruit pilots which must ensure that the extraterrestrials do not discover the earth.
Gunbuster has a solid note And a dedicated fans base, but given its quality, it is surprising that the anime is not higher in both respects. THE Charming and fluid animation is still holding todayAnd the art style of the 80s adds even more splendor to this magnificent series. Spatial battles have real weight, creating a captivating science fiction series that has been forgotten over time.
7
“Dallos” (1983-1984)
Mamoru Oshii is known for Ghost in the shellA seminal anime film which is anything but underestimated. However, his first director of director is another story, as Tanker received horrible criticism, piling up a fascinating political fiction-fiction plot in just four episodes. After the extremists kidnap a person of interest, moon minors find it difficult to decide to join the rebellion or to bed down.
Tanker is probably the first real underestimated anime on this list, as Legend of galactic heroes And Northern star fist Either have critical praise, or popularity. TankerOn the other hand, is a poorly classified anime with few fans, which makes it perfect for this list. Artistic design and music are absolutely impeccable, offering a distinct atmosphere Despite the precipitated intrigue which undermines a story differently too ambitious.
6
“Cat’s Eye” (1983–1985)
Cities is one of the most popular anime shows of the 1980s, but in the same universe, Cat eye Exists, following three female protagonists. After someone kidnapped their father, the trio of brothers and sisters steals their paintings in the city, in the hope of finding clues to their fate.
Cat eye Perhaps sometimes repetitive, and the animation has definitely aged, but it remains an entertaining ghost thief who was quite popular during its original exit. However, With an surprisingly weak note, this classic deserves betterAnd I hope this will get this when his remake was broadcast in September 2025 on Disney +.
5
“Kimagure Orange Road” (1987–1988)
School anime is a basic food of the medium, but Kimagure Orange Road is surprisingly the first of its kind on this list. Kyousuke must often move because of the secret power of his family to communicate with the dead, but after having friendship with some eccentric individuals, he has trouble keeping things under the Wraps despite staying.
Some characters can sometimes be unidimensional and boring, but Kimagure Orange Road can make fans feel like their youngest, Living nostalgic school days of friendship and young love. Young audiences will connect more, but older viewers will love animation, music and the sense of nostalgia.
4
“Fang of the Sun Dougram” (1981–1983)
Fang of the Sun Dougram is yet another science fiction anime mecha on this list, proving that this era was full of classic Mech adventures. When a new governor becomes a dictator, a group of guerrillas fighters gets up to start the rebellion, hoping to change the world and free it from the new oppressive catch.
This anime is a rare breed, offering one of the most detailed and intelligent political war plots in the anime While also keeping silly moments and route holes. Fang of the Sun Dougram is both brilliantly written and missing in this regard, which makes it Anime series of the 80s underestimated It is today and a perfect watch for fans looking for something more in -depth and deep, with a hint of stupidity.
3
“IGANO KABAMARU” (1983–1984)
After the death of his grandfather and professor of Ninja, the titular protagonist moves to Tokyo with his grandmother, where he leads a normal life to school. However, Tokyo seems to have its own peculiarities, making Igano Kabamaru A story of a classical high school that combines action, adventure, comedy and romance.
Igano Kabamaru Perhaps nothing too special, but the animation resists well and is consistent for the whole show. The anime is earth-to-earth and ridiculously clumsy, offering fans the best of both worlds while highlighting the classic animation style of the 80s. Igano Kabamaru is a beautiful tranche from the 80s To master the style and the atmosphere.
2
“Bubblegum Crisis” (1987–1991)
A mysterious company has taken over the city of Reborn de Mega Tokyo, using its advanced robots to leave the police helpless. In other words, until the vigilance force known as Knight Sabers arrives to save the day. Bubblegum crisis is a series full of action in which a group of heroes saves the day and tries to release the city.
Bubblegum crisis is an underestimated network anime that older fans will remember with emotion. This anime of action led by women contains severe heat, entertaining viewers with its fascinating side plots and its fascinating action. Animation and cheese are very apparent, But that just looks like an anime of the 80s, making it more special this way.
1
“Sherlock Hound” (1984–1985)
Finally, coming to the number one is one of the largest anime of the 80s which is sort of underestimated. Sherlock dog is an anime mystery without base based on the classic Sherlock Holmes Series, this time after a distribution of anthropomorphic dogs and the series of mysteries and adventures they make.
All fans of Sherlock Holmes Or Mystery must discover this incredible anime of the 80s, which delivers to the plot while offering convincing characters, comic moments and clumsy situations. Hayao Miyazaki managed this charming animewhich surprisingly has a weak note and few fans, which makes it one of the Anime most underestimated of all time.
Sherlock dog
- Release date
-
1984 – 1984
- Network
-
TV Asahi, ABC TV, Rai 1, Nagoya TV, HTB, Kyushu Asahi Broadcasting, YBC, Niigata Television Network 21, KHB, KFB, Shizuoka Kenmin TV, Home, KSB, Kagoshima Broadcasting
-
Taichiro Hirokawa
Sherlock Hound (voice)
-
Chikao Ohtsuka
Professor Moriarty (Voix)
-
Yoko Asagami
Mrs. Hudson (voice)
-
Kosei Tomita
Doctor Watson (voice)
