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For hardcore anime fans, several old-school anime have been a starting point to their journey into the animeverse. While the ever-evolving industry improves on quality with every passing decade and year, several classic series have always held their place as the pioneers.
From action to romance, from adventure to magic, there are several such anime series that have been highly reputed among the fans and will always stay popular for some of the best storylines and visuals the industry has ever produced. Here are some of the best old-school anime series that newer fans must watch.
Disclaimer: This article solely reflects the author’s opinions.
Sailor Moon, Naruto, and 8 other old-school anime series that are a must-watch for new fans
1) YuYu Hakusho: Ghost Files (Studio Pierrot)
Released back in 1992, the YuYu Hakusho series by Studio Pierrot is a classic anime series that has been a popular series among fans, even to this day. Covering several genres like action, comedy, demons, martial arts, and supernatural, the shounen series is a fan favorite.
The series features a very intriguing storyline and has several unique characters who come together, building up an impressive storyline. Several newer anime fans would love this mashup of their favourite modern-day genres in the iconic and classic Japanese anime style.
2) Berserk (Studio OLM)
While there was a remake of the original series in 2016, done by Studio Gemba, the original 1997 Berserk series by Studio OLM is still considered by many fans as much better than the remake. While the remake had a more polished animation style, the old one being called better should explain a lot about the series.
The anime was adapted from the manga of the same name, written by Kentaro Miura, and is considered one of the best stories written to date. From its interactive action sequences to its intriguing storyline, the classic anime series is a must-watch for any new fans of the anime universe.
3) Sailor Moon (TOEI Animation)
The 1992 TOEI Animation series Sailor Moon was a shoujo series aimed towards the female audience. At the time of its release, there were no other such series, making it very iconic and unique, which contributed to its rise in popularity among fans to this day.
While it mainly catered to the female audience, the magical and fantasy anime could be enjoyed by anyone and everyone. The series’ main theme is all about friendship, courage, and the concept of doing what’s right, making it both an inspirational and a popular hit among several fans.
4) Dragon Ball Z (TOEI Animation)
The 1989 Dragon Ball Z series, written by the renowned, legendary mangaka, late Akira Toriyama, was a go-to anime for many fans during their childhood years. It also acted as a starting point for several fans as an entry to the world of anime.
The series is widely renowned for some iconic characters, like Goku and Vegeta, who have carved their way into the fans’ hearts emotionally and nostalgically. The series is a classic hit from back in the 90s that still has several seasons and titles under the main banner coming out, even to this day.
5) Neon Genesis Evangelion (Studio Gainax)
Released in 1995, the psychological and action series by Studio Gainax, Neon Genesis Evangelion, is one of the most popular series in its genre from the 90s that still finds a way to the hearts of its fans even today. The newer fans who enjoy watching mechas and the futuristic style of anime series will love this old-school classic.
From an engaging narrative to several futuristic references during the 90s, the series was one of the most unique in its category. Furthermore, it covered some of the best action sequences of that time that kept the fans and viewers on the edge of their seats.
6) Mobile Suit Gundam (Studio Sunrise)
Studio Sunrise’s Mobile Suit Gundam, released in 1979, is probably one of the most recognizable series for fans acquainted with it. If any newer fans like robots and mechas, this series is a definite match for them, with some of the best iconic characters and mechas.
Mobile Suit Gundam also has an extensive narrative around the theme of space and science fiction, catering to those fans, making it an ultimate serving of the perfect series for all the newer science and mech-loving anime fans.
7) The Naruto series (Studio Pierrot)
One of Studio Pierrot’s biggest labels released in 2002, the Naruto series is an iconic old-school anime series with an extraordinarily executed narrative by the mangaka Masashi Kishimoto. From coming of age to some of the most excruciating emotional breaking points, the series had everything.
Furthermore, it had some of the most iconic characters in the anime-verse, including Naruto, the main protagonist himself. The series had a plethora of characters that fans could relate to in some way or another, making the series a journey that the newer fans should definitely go on.
8) Hunter X Hunter (Nippon Animation)
While there was a remake in 2011 by Studio Madhouse, the original 1999 Hunter X Hunter series by Nippon Animation is regarded by many as a far better experience. The original series, written by Yoshihiro Togashi, is a complete package of action and adventure for any fans interested in these genres.
Featuring several unique characters woven into an immaculate narrative, the series is a must-watch for newer fans looking to enjoy some classic shows with the iconic 90s Japanese animation and art style.
9) Bleach (Studio Pierrot)
A list about classic old-school anime series would be incomplete without the addition of Studio Pierrot’s Bleach series, which was released in 2004. Even running to this day with its Thousand-Year Blood War saga, the series has been a fan favorite for over two decades and will remain so due to its several popular qualities.
From several iconic characters, to a well-thought-out power system, to some of the most impressive storylines and narratives, mangaka Tite Kubo’s Bleach series checks the box for every category as one of the best shounen anime to date.
10) Death Note (Studio Madhouse)
Released in 2006 under Studio Madhouse’s production, the Death Note series is notably one of the best thriller and psychological anime series to ever come out. Featuring one of the best-written detective and criminal narratives with a perfect blend of the supernatural, the series was a superhit upon release and still holds a place to date.
It is one of the best cat-and-mouse chase series with several twists throughout the narrative that gave the fans and viewers a boost of adrenaline with every suspenseful scene in the story. Furthermore, it was also one of the earliest anime series to introduce an anti-hero concept into the anime-verse.
Final thoughts
The concept of old-school anime series being introduced to a newer anime fanbase is quite intriguing. While the newer anime series might excel in animation and other production qualities, the older series have just something about them that leaves an everlasting impression on the fans’ hearts forever.
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Edited by Bharath S
