Top 10 famous 80s anime you probably never knew

1

Gunbuster

80s anime theme music, Gunbuster

A Japanese OVA series produced by studio Gainax from 1988 to 1989, directed by future popular Neon Genesis Evangelion creator, Hideaki Anno. Inspired by Top Gun, the Gunbuster anime is set in the future in 2023, where humanity is fighting against an alien race known as the Uchuu Kaiju using giant machines.

For about 6 episodes, the '80s anime Gunbuster was considered the 'spiritual precursor' of Neon Genesis Evangelion. Share elements like young teenage characters or giant robots fighting an extraterrestrial threat.

2

Appleseed (1988)

80s anime intro video Appleseed 1988 (Apple Seed)

Another creation in the works of Masamune Shirow, along with Ghost in the Shell, studio Gainax's 1988 OVA adaptation that takes place in post-World War III Japan. Set in the fictional city of Olympus, the city's inhabitants are humans, cyborgs, and biological artificial creatures known as Bioroids. Sharing elements related to post-humanism, the concept of the utopia is at the same time an overall mystery cybercrime drama. Although not as famous as Ghost in the Shell, Appleseed 1988 is still said to be a solid companion for familiar Shirow fans.

3

Vampire Hunter D

80s anime trailer, Vampire Hunter D (Vampire Hunter)

The original 80s anime series Vampire Hunter D, produced in 1985, is a dark sci-fi anime about vampire hunters known simply as "D". Taking place in the distant future in 12,090 AD, D is hired by a girl named Doris Lang to protect her from the powerful vampire lord known as Count Lee.

Originally a novel with illustrations from Final Fantasy's Yoshitaka Amano, Vampire Hunter D has since gained a large fan base in the US and is the first of many media adaptations. of franchises.

4

Wicked City

Some scenes from the 80s anime, Wicked City

A Japanese OVA, the 80s anime with elements of dark fantasy Wicked City takes place near the end of the twentieth century. Here, humanity is secretly co-existing with the demon world and the Black Guard police force is the bridge. Extremely erotic, violent, the work is the debut of director Yoshiaki Kawajiri. Best known for future anime such as Ninja Scroll and the second part of Vampire Hunter D is Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust. The film was later adapted into a live-action film in Hong Kong as Wicked City, although it changed aspects from the anime such as the demons replacing it with "Rapter" and the overall creative freedom in the plot. story.

5

Patlabor: The Movie

80s anime trailer, Patlabor: The Movie

Based on the manga created by Masami Yuki, Patlabor: The Movie is a science fiction anime series directed by Mamoru Oshii, written by Kazunori Ito - the 'research' team behind the success of Ghost in the Shell. Similar to Ghost in the Shell, Patlabor: The Movie is set in technologically advanced Japan in 1999. The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department is ordered to destroy rogue robotic units known as Labor, after they work fine even when closed. One of the first works by studio Production IG, this '80s anime is part of a franchise that includes several OVAs, light novels, and various sequels.