Vintage animation invites with its inspiring charm and engaging storyline. These classics from the early days of animation have molded the anime industry and are beloved by fans worldwide.
“Astro Boy,” the charming robot boy, Astro, navigates humans and artificial intelligence. “Speed Racer” lets you follow Speed, an ambitious racer, and enjoy high-octane races like never before. In “Mobile Suit Gundam,” huge humanoid robots fight in spectacular space battles.
This nostalgic voyage will satisfy anime fans and explore the timeless classics that continue to impact anime storytelling. Relax and let vintage anime transport you to a golden period of animation.
Also Read: 11 Supernatural Anime To Watch That You Can Watch in July 2023
12 Vintage Anime To Watch
1. Speed Racer
“Speed Racer,” known as “Mach GoGoGo” in Japan, is a famous anime series about a young, brilliant race car driver, Speed Racer. The show features futuristic racing and intense competitions.
Speed Racer wants to be the world’s best racer like his brother Rex Racer, who disappeared. Speed confronts many hardships on and off the racetrack, supported by his family, including his father, Pops Racer, mother, Mom Racer, younger brother Spritle, and pet chimpanzee Chim-Chim.
Speed Racer competes in car races and other races, frequently against brutal and cunning opponents. Racer X discreetly protects Speed and his family. Speed’s drive, racing talents, and unshakeable sense of justice help him win throughout the series, making him a fearsome and respected racer.
The show is an action-packed racing anime with moral lessons and beautiful moments. “Speed Racer” is famous for its characters, race sequences, and theme song, “Go Speed Racer, Go!” Fans of all ages love the series for its ageless appeal and fascinating storytelling.
2. Astro Boy
“Astro Boy,” also known as “Tetsuwan Atom,” is a classic anime and manga series by Osamu Tezuka. Dr. Tenma, a talented scientist who lost his son Tobio, creates a robot youngster with advanced AI and emotions in his likeness. He gives the robot “Atom” a feeling of justice and compassion.
Dr. Tenma discovers he cannot replace his son after Atom comes to life, straining their connection. Despite this, Atom becomes a champion of justice, utilizing his great power and talents to protect robots and people from threats and villains.
Atom faces several enemies in each episode. He fights evil robots, rogue AI, and bad individuals who misuse technology by using it against them. He shows his generosity and empathy by befriending robots as well as humans.
The Astro Boy tales are logical and full of thrilling adventures. The moral implications of creating sentient creatures, artificial intelligence, and humanism are all considered. The narrative is more than simply an action anime because of Atom’s difficulties with his two identities as a robot and a human.
Atom’s eventual protection of both machines and humans becomes a symbol of humankind’s resilience and unity as the story develops. His efforts challenge conventional wisdom about the proper relationship between robots and people and serve as an inspiration to others.
Also Read: 33 Classic Anime To Watch On Netflix
3. Mobile Suit Gundam
“Mobile Suit Gundam” is a classic anime series set in a distant future where humanity has colonized Sides. The Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon, a group of space colonists seeking independence from Earth, fought the One-Year War.
Side 7 civilian Amuro Ray is the protagonist. He discovers the Federation’s top-secret RX-78-2 Gundam prototype mobile suit as Zeon attacks the colony.
Zeon’s armies are no match for his superior piloting and Gundam technology. He struggles with the morality of war and the responsibility of piloting such a deadly weapon throughout the series.
Char Aznable, the “Red Comet,” a flamboyant Zeon ace pilot, opposes. Char wants to avenge his family and advance in Zeon. His conflict with Amuro on the battlefield and ideological differences bring complexity to the series.
“Mobile Suit Gundam” covers war, politics, and the human cost of conflict as it continues. It depicts war’s devastation on soldiers and civilians. The series explores devotion, betrayal, and independence.
Also Read: 43 Anime Like Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury
4. Space Battleship Yamato
“Space Battleship Yamato,” known as “Star Blazers,” follows Gamila’s assault on Earth in 2199. The Gamilas have irradiated Earth, making it uninhabitable and threatening humanity.
Yamato offers hope in humanity’s darkest hour. The sunken vessel, now a relic, is revived and turned into an interplanetary spacecraft. Captain Susumu Kodai’s Yamato crew protects humanity’s last survivors.
They aim to uncover the Cosmo Reverse System on Iscandar. This technology can remove Earth’s radiation, allowing humanity to rebuild. The Yamato’s crew battles aggressive aliens, harsh conditions, and their own doubts and concerns in unexplored space.
The Yamato crew faces several moral difficulties and obstacles. They must decide how to save mankind, use advanced alien technology, and make partnerships with various alien races. The team bonds and finds strength in their united mission to safeguard Earth and give people hope as the story develops. “Space Battleship Yamato” blends sci-fi, space opera, and military drama.
5. Lupin III
“Lupin III” is a popular anime series about Arsène Lupin III, the grandson of the famed gentleman thief. Lupin III and his wacky crew perform daring heists and adventurous adventures worldwide.
Lupin III is chased by Interpol’s persistent Inspector Koichi Zenigata. He steals expensive treasures, unique relics, and precious jewels. His wit, cunning, and disguises keep Zenigata on his toes.
Lupin III’s gang includes Daisuke Jigen, Goemon Ishikawa XIII, and Fujiko Mine. They collaborate to pull off complex heists and outwit their foes. He travels to exotic cities, islands, and ruins throughout the series. He meets many diverse allies and foes, adding to the thrill and unpredictability of his adventures.
Lupin III’s main motivation is money and excitement, yet he occasionally does well. He may help the needy, expose corrupt institutions, or solve mysteries.
The series has a moral ethic despite his thievery. He targets dishonest people and avoids harming them. Lupin’s dualism and the series’ humor and action provide complexity and charm.
6. Captain Harlock
The iconic anime and manga series “Captain Harlock,” also known as “Space Pirate Captain Harlock,” follows the honorable and enigmatic space pirate. The story, by Leiji Matsumoto, is set in a distant future where humanity has spread over the cosmos.
Captain Harlock of the renowned starship Arcadia opposes Earth’s corrupt government and its alien allies. He fights the tyrannical Gaia Sanction with a small but dedicated crew.
Harlock’s roots are unknown, but he symbolizes resistance and revolt. He is quiet, yet his deeds speak volumes. Harlock’s morality makes him a complex and honorable character. His perseverance inspires people under Gaia Sanction’s authority.
Captain Harlock faces old allies turned foes and powerful foes as his fight against Gaia Sanction intensifies. Harlock pursues justice and free, united mankind despite threats and betrayals.
7. Neon Genesis Evangelion
“Neon Genesis Evangelion” explores psychological concepts and mecha action. In Hideaki Anno’s post-apocalyptic universe, Angels threaten humanity’s existence.
Gendo Ikari, Shinji’s father, summons him to NERV. Gendo controls an Evangelion, a gigantic bio-mechanical robot designed to fight Angels. Shinji reluctantly pilots Evangelion Unit-01 out of duty.
Shinji fights a war he doesn’t understand as an Eva pilot. Introspective and philosophical, the series tackles the characters’ psychological scars and emotional challenges. As the story progresses, NERV’s mission is to defend against the Angels and thwart the “Human Instrumentality Project.”
The Angels, NERV, and Evangelion units expose their secrets, conspiracies, and existential dilemmas. The series’ deep psychological investigation relies on each character’s painful past.
8. Cowboy Bebop
“Cowboy Bebop” is a cult anime series recognized for its genre-bending, sleek visuals and jazz-infused music. In the distant future, a gang of bounty hunters called “cowboys” navigate a harsh intergalactic world full of danger, intrigue, and redemption.
The series follows Spike Spiegel’s Bebop group. Former gangster Spike became a bounty hunter. Jet Black, the ship’s mechanic, and co-pilot, is a gruff ex-cop with a kind heart.
The group travels across space with Faye Valentine, a vivacious and amnesiac femme fatale with a mystery history, and Edward Wong Hau Pepelu Tivrusky IV (Ed), a quirky and hyperactive computer genius and hacker.
Bounty hunters face their demons and troubled pasts while capturing criminals and fugitives in the series. Each Bebop member has a complicated past and motivations for seeking forgiveness and escape.
“Cowboy Bebop” combines episodic adventures with an overarching story about the characters’ inner problems and the consequences of their choices. The series’ existentialism, loneliness, and life’s impermanence themes are thought-provoking and emotive.
The bounty hunters become embroiled in a labyrinth of criminal groups, political machinations, and cosmic mysteries while pursuing their targets. The series features thrilling action, well-choreographed combat, and stunning cinematography.
Also Read: Cowboy Bebop Review: Is The Anime Worth A Watch?
9. Akira
Katsuhiro Otomo’s manga “Akira” inspired a groundbreaking cyberpunk anime feature. After a psychic force destroyed Tokyo, Neo-Tokyo was reconstructed.
The film follows motorcycle gang leader Kaneda and his close friend Tetsuo, who gets psychic abilities following a motorcycle accident caused by a mystery youngster with telekinetic skills. Tetsuo becomes dangerous and unstable as his psychic skills increase unchecked, attracting the military and a mysterious government agency.
Kaneda becomes embroiled in a plot involving government experimentation, psychic phenomena, and Akira’s homecoming. Akira is a youngster who created the first devastating explosion decades ago, and his powers are the key to comprehending Neo-Tokyo’s enigmatic happenings.
Kaneda and “The Resistance” try to avert the city’s collapse as groups fight for dominance and Tetsuo’s powers grow out of control. Kaneda’s pursuit of Tetsuo reveals Neo-Tokyo’s government’s dark secrets and Akira’s talents.
“Akira” examines authority, corruption, and experimental experimentation. It explores the hazards of unregulated technological growth and the psychological effects of trauma in a harsh, dystopian future.
10. Ghost in the Shell
In the future, technology has integrated human thoughts with computers and cyborg bodies. The series follows Section 9 chief Major Motoko Kusanagi, a talented cyborg agent. Cybercrime and terrorism are the team’s main goals in a world of cybernetic upgrades and virtual realities.
Major Kusanagi obsesses about catching the Puppet Master, a famed hacker. This mysterious cyber-criminal can “ghost-hack,” influencing and controlling others’ memories and minds. The Puppet Master’s motives are unknown, and his activities question individuality, identity, and humanity.
Major Kusanagi struggles with self-identity throughout the film. She wonders if her “ghost,” her consciousness, is distinct or just a mix of her past human recollections.
Major Kusanagi finds political intrigue, business schemes, and human-machine hybrids as she investigates the crime. The film tackles artificial intelligence, consciousness, and the ethics of integrating humans with technology.
“Ghost in the Shell” has stunning animation and cityscapes that inspire cyberpunk and futurism. Kenji Kawai’s melancholy soundtrack enhances the film’s philosophical and introspective plot.
Also Read: Top 20 Anime Like Ghost In The Shell You Must Watch
11. Sailor Moon
Naoko Takeuchi’s “Sailor Moon” and its sequel, “Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon,” are two of the most successful magical girl franchises in anime and manga history. Usagi Tsukino, a clumsy adolescent of fourteen, discovers that she is Princess Serenity, the Moon Princess.
Luna, an odd talking cat, grants Usagi the ability to transform into Sailor Moon. Usagi learns she is a Sailor Guardian, one of a group of powerful heroes who defend Earth from malevolent forces.
Several Sailor Guardians, each representing a different celestial body, are introduced during the series. These protectors are Sailor Mercury, Sailor Mars, Sailor Jupiter, and Sailor Venus. They team together to take on Queen Beryl and the Dark Kingdom. The Sailor Guardians find out that Prince Endymion is the reincarnation of Tuxedo Mask, the enigmatic masked man who aids them in their battles against evil.
As the story develops, Sailor Moon and her allies face up against the Black Moon Clan, Sailor Uranus, Sailor Neptune, Sailor Pluto, and the Death Busters. The positive messages, strong female friendships, and enduring effect on the magical girl genre are what “Sailor Moon” is remembered for long after the fights and transformations are forgotten.
12. Dragon Ball
“Dragon Ball” follows Son Goku, a youthful, naive martial artist with great strength, on his exciting adventures. Goku lives alone in the mountains until he meets Bulma, a lively girl searching for the Dragon Balls, seven legendary spheres that may unleash a powerful dragon that grants any wish.
Goku joins Bulma in her search for adventure, and they have many thrilling and dangerous adventures. While collecting the Dragon Balls, they face tremendous enemies, martial artists, and strange personalities.
Goku improves his fighting skills, learns strong techniques, and finds his extraterrestrial origins. He is a Saiyan, a fierce warrior race brought to Earth as a newborn to conquer it, but a brain injury erased his memory. Goku’s pure heart prevents him from becoming a Saiyan, so he defends Earth instead.
Goku fights in several martial arts events, making friends and enemies. Vegeta, another Saiyan prince, is one of his most famous opponents. Goku and his companions confront increasingly formidable enemies like Emperor Pilaf, the Red Ribbon Army, and Piccolo as the series unfolds.
Also Read: Dragon Ball Z Review: An Emblematic Shonen Series
