It took a while for the animation industry to gain global recognition, but the past decade has proven how much audiences around the world love these epics. The medium of animation has quickly become one of the most dominant entertainment forces in the West, and looking at some of the best modern animation is enough to understand why.
Despite the popularity the recent series enjoys today, there are still some hidden gems waiting for audiences to discover. The '70s in particular, known as one of the most formative eras in animation, was a time of awe and inspiration that helped many of its most beloved writers and directors create true masterpieces that are still relevant today.
The best animation of the 1980s
The 80s was a fantastic era in animation that spawned some amazing series that are still worth watching today.
10
Lupine the Third is a classic thriller that perfectly mixes action and comedy.
Inspired by his grandfather's legendary robberies, gentleman thief Arsène Lupine travels the world to prove that he is the greatest criminal in history. With a band of loyal and talented traitors, this affable man will prove that there is no treasure he cannot steal, even as determined Interpol agent Inspector Zenigata tracks his team across the world.
Although not very popular with audiences these days, lupine the 3rd It's been the epitome of action and comedy animation for years, blending these two genres into a truly enjoyable experience. The adventures of the gentleman criminal and his gang were both entertaining and complex, and inspired countless authors to write similar stories. The franchise has survived for over 50 years and has cemented a legacy that few other shows can rival.
9
The Rose of Versailles challenged gender norms decades ago.
Born into a family with only daughters, Oscar becomes his father's last and most desperate attempt to produce a son who would inherit his bloodline's noble title. Therefore, she grew up and was trained like any other boy in France in the late 1700s. Her life becomes much more complicated after she meets and befriends Marie Antoinette, a girl destined to become queen during a time of great conflict.
It was often praised for challenging the typical gender norms of its time. rose of versailles It has stood the test of time and continues to be one of the most groundbreaking works of fiction to date. This bold and dramatic retelling of the French Revolution is as memorable as it is iconic. The story and characters are a moving and realistic portrayal of what it was like to be a woman in these difficult times, even if you were raised as a man.
8
Mobile Suit Gundam opens the way for the mecha genre
In the distant future, humanity has conquered the technology of space travel and claimed other planets as their own. In this era of great technological advancement, life was peaceful until the colony of Zeon betrayed the Earth Federation to gain freedom. Faced with destruction, the planet's leaders have no choice but to ask pilot Amuro Ray to pilot a giant robotic weapon called the Gundam to fight for their home.
Gundam: All series and where to watch
There are so many Gundam series available to fans that it can be difficult to know where to watch them. Here's an edited list of where you can watch all the series.
It is probably the most popular and loved of all mecha anime. mobile suit gundam This is a series that will change the genre forever. The impact of this incredible show can still be felt today as it spawned a massive franchise that has captivated millions of fans around the world. Its approach to complex political themes, gray morality, and epic battles between impressive robots is just one of the many surprises fans can expect. Gundam opportunity.
7
Future Boy Conan was one of Miyazaki's early masterpieces.
Years before Conan was born, humanity waged a massive and brutal war using weapons of mass destruction that shifted the planet's axis. To escape the destroyed world, the survivors attempt to escape into space, but are shot down by the tyrannical Industria government.
Those who survived the attack established a peaceful community on Remnant Island, at least until Conan met a girl named Lana who asked for their help in overthrowing the oppressive government outside. Produced and directed by the renowned Hayao Miyazaki, this epic and heartwarming story will give audiences something to think about. Future Boy Conan It is full of environmental and anti-war sentiments that humanity must understand before it is too late.
6
Heidi has had a huge impact around the world.
When her aunt Dete finds a much better job in another city, innocent orphan girl Heidi ends up living in a secluded cabin in the mountains with her grumpy grandfather. The first few days are awkward and quiet, but the old man doesn't really enjoy looking after the child, so Heidi soon lets down his defenses and helps him re-understand the joys of life.
One of the first few animations to gain explosive popularity outside of its home country. Heidi It's a classic animation that has been with millions of older fans around the world since childhood. This warm and timeless story of love, trust, and healing is one that fans should experience at least once in their lives, as the thousands of Latin American fans who grew up with the titular protagonist can attest.
5
Aim for the ace! Changing perception of sports animation
Inspired by her idol, the graceful and skillful Reika Ryuzaki, Hiromi Oka decides to join her school's tennis team. What she once thought was a unique opportunity to develop herself and make new friends ended up becoming the biggest challenge of her life as her coach became determined to develop the enormous potential within her.
The 50 Best Sports Animations of All Time (2026 Edition)
Whether it's baseball, basketball, or boxing, the best sports anime deliver suspense, drama, action, and comedy.
Aim for the ace! It's more than just a dramatic and intense sports animation. It is widely regarded by experts and fans as one of the fundamental pillars of the genre. This incredible series put what was previously considered a minor show into the spotlight, showcasing the human struggle and inherent difficulties of pursuing athletic success and turning them into compelling and moving stories.
4
Space Battleship Yamato proved that anime is more than just cartoons.
Earth's relative peace ended when an alien race known only as the Gamilons bombarded the surface with thousands of radioactive meteors, forcing the survivors to hide underground. The last chance to reclaim the planet and cleanse its surface is a device that can absorb the radiation provided to humans by the benevolent race of Iskandar. With nothing left to lose, humanity joins forces to convert the battleship Yamato into an interstellar vessel.
An epic space opera, thrilling galactic battles, and characters who perfectly embody the human drive to survive and thrive. Space Battleship Yamato This series has it all. This game is an extremely well-written and exciting adventure that has inspired countless science fiction novels since it was first introduced. This is a revolutionary animation that solidified the way science fiction would be treated for decades to come.
3
Devilman opened new doors for the dark fantasy genre.
Zennon, the dark lord of the demonic clan, has been planning to take over the planet for centuries. His plan is perfect. He sends his best spy, Devilman, to Earth to take over the body of Akira, a shy and weak teenager, to assimilate into society and slowly break it down. Unfortunately, he never expected his soldier to fall in love with humanity and become a superhero willing to risk his life to protect his new family and romantic interest.
Devil Man It takes one of the most tragic stories ever written and turns it into an optimistic and hopeful series about the best aspects of humanity. The series transformed the tortured hero Akira into an inspiration, giving him the power to protect his culture and those who accepted him and showed him what love is, a message that is still relevant today.
2
Tomorrow's Joe brought many social issues to mainstream media.
Joe is a violent and impatient orphan who has been struggling ever since he decided to escape the orphanage and live as a homeless person in post-war Japan. His fate changes when he meets an old, forgotten boxer who promises to train him, an offer the boy wants to avoid instead of ending up in prison. But once inside, he discovers a natural talent for the sport and a deep passion for competition, painting a bright future for our hero.
On the surface tomorrow's group It is a typical sports animation that depicts the process of a problematic character growing into a respected boxer. Nonetheless, the series has often been praised for its subtle but shocking critique of the ruling economic classes, the struggles that stem from poverty, and the deep inequalities that still exist in the world. It's an overwhelmingly moving series that addresses many important topics in a respectful and impactful way.
1
Treasure Island is a perfect combination of Western and Japanese culture.
Life was a constant struggle for young Jim Hawkins and his mother, who worked day and night to run their small, humble inn. When the protagonist discovers a treasure map leading to the legendary Captain Flint's bounty, Jim sees this as fate and tells him to follow his intuition and give his mother the life she deserves. He joins forces with Long John Silver, a charming but dishonest pirate whose intentions are unclear.
Inspired by one of the best western novels of its kind, it's a classic adventure animation set before and after, and has inspired countless other pirate stories. The series was groundbreaking for its time by depicting what was once a fairy tale as a deeply personal and complex narrative in which characters learn and grow. This is a series that any fan of the adventure genre should try at least once in their life.
