Anime has become hugely popular in recent years, not just in Japan but around the world. This rise in popularity has set higher expectations for anime.
However, some of the most influential and impressive examples of anime come from the 1980s and 1990s. During these decades, anime was pushing the boundaries of what animation could achieve.
In particular, retro anime OVAs (original video animations) were known for their stunning animation quality and innovative storytelling.
These works were often groundbreaking in their use of animation techniques and tackled adult themes in ways that were quite new at the time.
They frequently featured intense action and violence, setting new standards for what anime could portray.
These classic OVAs were pivotal in shaping the anime industry and left a lasting impact on both longtime fans and those new to the medium.
Their influence is still felt today, and they remain essential viewing for anyone interested in understanding the history and evolution of anime.
1) Record of Lodoss War Became the Ultimate Fantasy Anime for Tolkien Fans
Lodoss War is a standout fantasy anime that captures the essence of classic fantasy tales. Filled with swords, magic, and heroic quests, it offers an adventure that would appeal to fans of Tolkien’s works.
The story follows a group of heroes who goes on a journey to defeat a powerful ancient evil threatening their world.
The anime unfolds like a classic Dungeons & Dragons campaign, full of epic battles and magical encounters.
Its detailed and polished portrayal of a fantasy world sets it apart from many other anime in the genre.
Lodoss War has earned its place among the best OVAs due to its high-quality presentation of the fantasy genre.
Its rich storytelling and engaging characters have made it a timeless favorite for fans of fantasy anime.
2) Battle Angel Alita Is A Post-Apocalyptic Sci-Fi Classic
Battle Angel Alita is a renowned anime classic in the science fiction genre, set in a post-apocalyptic world.
The story follows Alita, a powerful android girl found in a scrapyard, who is revived to fight against evil forces.
The setting of the anime is gritty and rugged, which helps to create a compelling and immersive atmosphere.
The series is known for its impressive action scenes that feature cyber-enhanced combat and its memorable characters.
These elements contribute to why Battle Angel Alita has earned its place as a beloved classic. The anime’s depiction of a rough and industrial world adds to its unique appeal.
Although the anime adapts only part of the original source material, it effectively captures the core of Alita’s story.
Its short length might leave viewers wanting more, but it remains a strong representation of the Alita and continues to be highly regarded in the genre.
3) Bubblegum Crisis and Its Timeless Cyberpunk Appeal
Bubblegum Crisis is a classic cyberpunk anime set in the futuristic city of MegaTokyo, where a team of women in power armor fight against dangerous biomechanical creatures called Boomers.
The anime is packed with thrilling action, iconic 80s fashion, and energetic music, perfectly capturing the sci-fi vibe of the late 80s and early 90s.
The anime’s visuals of a high-tech Tokyo, combined with its retro style, create a unique and exciting atmosphere.
With its straightforward action, memorable characters, and great animation, Bubblegum Crisis transports viewers to a time of big hair, cool sunglasses, and classic ’80s music, making it a standout OVA from that era.
4) Patlabor: The New Files Is a Lighthearted Side of Mecha Action
Patlabor: The New Files, also called Mobile Police Patlabor 2, is both a sequel and interquel to the original Patlabor anime series.
The OVA continues the story of the Second Special Vehicles Division, a police unit that uses giant robots known as Labors.
It fits between certain episodes of the anime and takes place after its finale, expanding on the series’ world and characters.
The OVA mixes mecha action with workplace drama and comedy, setting it apart from other darker sci-fi works.
While many mecha anime focus on intense battles or serious plots, Patlabor: The New Files takes a more lighthearted approach.
This combination of action and humor gives it a unique charm and makes it an enjoyable experience for fans of the genre.
For viewers looking for a mecha series that’s not overly dramatic, Patlabor: The New Files is a great choice.
Its blend of everyday police work with thrilling robot fights offers a refreshing take on sci-fi and remains a must-watch for those interested in lighter, more playful mecha stories.
5) Genocyber Is a Gritty OVA That Redefined Sci-Fi Horror
Genocyber, a 1994 OVA based on Tony Takezaki’s manga, is known for its mix of body horror and mecha action.
The story follows the aftermath of an experiment involving two psychic sisters, whose combined power leads to massive destruction as they transform into the powerful entity, Genocyber.
Despite the manga being unfinished, the anime tells its own version of the tale. The OVA focuses more on intense action and destruction than on storytelling.
Each episode showcases large-scale chaos with little continuity or development between them.
The detailed animation and graphic violence were typical of OVAs from that era, which often prioritized visuals over plot depth.
Though Genocyber lacks a clear story, its unique style and experimental nature make it stand out.
Its emphasis on visual spectacle over coherence makes it a precursor to later mecha anime, like Neon Genesis Evangelion, even if it doesn’t reach the same level of complexity.
6) Armitage III Is A Cyberpunk Crime Drama on Mars
In the year 2046, two police officers are sent to Mars to solve the murder of a singing android. As they dig deeper into the case, they uncover a larger conspiracy that poses a serious threat to both their lives and the future of Mars.
While investigating, the two cops handles their own personal conflicts and learn to work together.
Their journey takes them through a complex web of intrigue and danger.
Armitage III blends ’90s cyberpunk style with a gripping mystery and a classic buddy cop dynamic.
It’s considered a standout series from that era, especially cherished by fans who grew up watching late-night anime in the mid-’90s.
7) Cyber City Oedo 808 Is A Dystopian Thrill Ride with High-Tech Anti-Heroes Cyber City Oedo
In a distant future where Tokyo once stood, three hardened cybercriminals find themselves in a high-tech prison.
They are given a chance to shorten their long sentences by helping to capture the most dangerous criminals of their time.
However, if they fail to complete their missions, they face certain death due to explosive collars around their necks.
The anime, Cyber City Oedo, is packed with attitude, intense violence, and futuristic technology.
The characters are decked out in impressive costumes, and the story delivers on all the thrilling elements fans of this genre would expect.
Cyber City Oedo provides an exciting and action-filled experience as these anti-heroes battle against even more dangerous foes in a vividly imagined future.
It offers everything that fans of high-octane, cyberpunk stories could hope for.
8) Devilman: The Birth Is an Unforgettable Visual Masterpiece
The 1987 OVA Devilman: The Birth is a notable adaptation of Go Nagai’s classic horror manga. It is the second animated version of the series and follows the story of Akira Fudo, a teenager who becomes possessed by a demon named Amon.
With his pure heart keeping the demon in check, Akira transforms into Devilman and battles various evil forces.
This OVA is much darker and more faithful to the original manga compared to previous adaptations.
The opening scene is striking, depicting angels being brutally attacked by ancient demons.
The combination of dramatic visuals and haunting music sets a chilling tone for the rest of the OVA.
Even decades after its release, Devilman: The Birth remains impactful. Its dark themes and artistic presentation have allowed it to hold its own alongside modern animation, showing its lasting influence and quality.
9) Giant Robo the Animation Blends Old-School Charm with Modern Thrills
Giant Robo is a unique anime that blends a retro-futuristic style with martial arts action, similar to classic films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
It also includes a lot of exciting mecha battles, creating a diverse and thrilling experience. The anime’s mix of old-school charm and modern action is reflected in its character designs and storytelling.
The combination of robots and martial arts creates a fresh and engaging story that appeals even to viewers who might not usually enjoy robot-themed anime.
Giant Robo stands out for its impressive action scenes, whether involving giant robots or traditional wuxia combat.
This combination of elements and high-quality animation makes it a memorable and dynamic anime.
10) Demon City Shinjuku Is A 1988 OVA That Shaped Anime’s Dark Edge
Demon City Shinjuku, an OVA from 1988, was based on a novel from six years earlier and is a standout example of its time.
The story follows Kyoya Izayoi, a young man seeking revenge for his father by training under an old master.
He teams up with the daughter of a powerful politician to battle demons threatening Shinjuku, leading to a supernatural adventure filled with action.
The OVA is often compared to the classic anime Ninja Scroll because both feature intense battles and supernatural elements.
Demon City Shinjuku is known for its explicit violence and gore, which matches the gritty style typical of OVAs from that era. It shares similarities with Wicked City, another anime with brutal violence against demonic foes.
The influence of Demon City Shinjuku extends beyond its original release, affecting both modern anime and video game series like Shin Megami Tensei.
Its impact on the genre is still recognized, showing how it helped shape the direction of anime and related media.
11) Megazone 23 Is A Cyberpunk Classic That Defined 80s Anime
Megazone 23 is celebrated as a quintessential example of late 1980s anime, embodying the era’s artistic spirit with its cyberpunk themes.
The OVA film series follows Shougo Yahagi, a motorcycle fan who uncovers a sinister plot involving government secrets.
As he delves deeper, Shougo becomes entangled in mecha battles and encounters pop idol singers, adding layers of intrigue and excitement to his journey.
The series is noted for its dark and cynical tone, which perfectly captures the essence of the cyberpunk genre.
Megazone 23’s influence extends beyond its own time, impacting other media such as the video game 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim.
The movie’s themes and visual style were also reflected in Robotech: The Movie, demonstrating its significant role in shaping anime culture.
Despite its deep, conspiratorial story, Megazone 23 also features elements of pop idol culture, reminiscent of the Macross series.
This blend of high-stakes action and musical elements made it a standout and memorable piece of anime history. Its lasting impact is a evidence to its innovative approach and enduring appeal.
12) El Hazard: The Magnificent World Is An Isekai Classic That Shaped Anime’s Fantasy Genre
El-Hazard is a classic example of early isekai anime, telling the story of students and their teacher who are transported to a fantasy world.
Once there, they find themselves caught in a battle against Jinnai and the Bugrom army. The success of the OVA led to a 26-episode anime remake, though it followed a different storyline.
This series has a nostalgic feel, even for viewers who haven’t seen it before. It fits perfectly within the fantasy anime style of its time, capturing the early stages of the isekai genre before its tropes became more established.
El-Hazard stands as a reminder of how isekai storytelling began to take shape.
For modern fans of reincarnation and fantasy anime, El-Hazard offers a look into the roots of the genre. Its blend of adventure and fantasy elements makes it a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the early history of isekai storytelling.
13) Black Magic M-66 Is a Sci-Fi Slasher That Pushed Anime Boundaries
Black Magic M-66, adapted from Masamune Shirow’s manga Black Magic, is often compared to the Terminator films due to its intense plot involving a rogue android.
The story follows a reporter trying to escape the deadly android’s grasp, creating a tense and action-packed chase.
The OVA is known for its gritty and violent tone, even more so than the original manga. It doesn’t hold back on bloodshed, with brutal scenes of limbs flying and intense battles throughout.
Though the story is fairly simple, the action and gore make it a thrilling watch. While the animation might feel a bit dated now, it still has a unique charm.
Black Magic M-66 stands out as a sci-fi anime with a slasher movie vibe, making it an exciting late-night pick for fans of action-packed, darker anime.
14) M.D. Geist’s Is Wild Ride Through Futuristic Combat
Geist is the main character of M.D. Geist, a futuristic anime featuring one of the most formidable soldiers.
He was so dangerous that he was put into cryogenic storage on a space satellite. When the satellite explodes, Geist is released back into a world filled with conflict.
Don’t be fooled by the M.D. in his name it doesn’t mean medical doctor. Instead, it stands for most dangerous, highlighting his extreme combat skills.
M.D. Geist is known for its over-the-top action and lack of logical plot development. From the moment Geist uses a grappling hook to board a moving aircraft and shoots its pilot with a rocket launcher, the anime embraces wild, ’80s-style action without any concern for coherence or deep storytelling.
15) Dominion Tank Police Is A Cyberpunk Classic with a Humorous Twist
Dominion Tank Police is an OVA adaptation of Masamune Shirow’s manga Dominion, known for its cyberpunk and sci-fi themes.
Much like Shirow’s other work, Ghost in the Shell, this series explores futuristic concepts and pollution.
The setting features characters who wear gas masks in the polluted outdoor environment, reminiscent of the themes in Studio Ghibli’s Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.
Ginga Teikoku)
The OVA takes place before the events of the manga and focuses on the character Buaku’s activities before he encounters Greenpeace.
The series is noted for its humor, which sets it apart from other darker anime of the time. This lighter approach and the blend of workplace drama with sci-fi elements make it a standout in the genre.
Many fans believe the OVA is superior to the later Dominion Tank Police TV show. Its unique mix of humor, futuristic setting, and engaging characters provides an enjoyable viewing experience for those interested in sci-fi anime.
16) Violence Jack Is A Post-Apocalyptic Anime Classic
The Violence Jack OVAs from the 1980s, based on Go Nagai’s work, are known for their extreme brutality and dark themes.
The series takes place in a harsh, post-apocalyptic world even more intense than Fist of the North Star. The main character, Jack, is a fierce warrior who deals with villains in a very violent manner.
One of the most shocking episodes, Evil Town, highlights the series’ graphic nature. It features severe violence and numerous attacks, making it a challenging watch for those sensitive to such content.
The episode’s title reflects its intense and disturbing scenes. Violence Jack had a significant impact on post-apocalyptic anime, setting a high bar for horror and gore.
Despite its influence, no other series has matched the sheer intensity and horror of the Violence Jack OVAs. The series remains a standout example of extreme anime from that era.
Memes of the Day
I’m The Fourth Se* Ed Teacher For Young Master
Koenshaku-chan to H na Doujinshi o Tsukuru Hanashi
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Yuujin no Hahaoya ni Fudeoroshi Saremashita
Choroi yo Kama-sama?
Futari de Watashi o Ikasenaide..
Mizugi no Onechan to Yoru no Umi de Ecchi Suru Hon
Drunken S*x at the Club Welcoming Party! Volume 1
