10 Best Classic Anime You Should Watch

Anime is a diverse and rich medium of entertainment that has been around for decades. But what makes an anime classic? Is it the age, the popularity, the influence, or the quality of the anime?

There is no definitive answer to this question, but one thing is certain: classic anime are the ones that have stood the test of time and have left a lasting impression on the fans and the industry. They are the ones that have shaped the genre, inspired the creators, and entertained the viewers for generations.

In this article, we will present you with a list of 10 best classic anime that you should watch. These anime are not only great in their own right, but also represent the diversity and evolution of anime over the years.

They span different genres, styles, themes, and messages, but they all have one thing in common: they are timeless masterpieces that will never go out of style. Whether you are new to anime or a veteran fan, you will find something to enjoy and appreciate in these classic anime.

So without further ado, let’s get started with the countdown!

10. Cowboy Bebop

Cowboy Bebop is a sci-fi anime that follows the adventures of a group of bounty hunters in the year 2071. They travel across the solar system in their spaceship, the Bebop, chasing down criminals and trying to make ends meet. Along the way, they encounter various dangers, mysteries, and characters, as well as their own pasts and personal issues.

Cowboy Bebop is a blend of action, comedy, drama, and noir, with influences from Western, jazz, and cyberpunk. The anime is known for its stylish animation, memorable soundtrack, charismatic characters, and episodic storytelling. Each episode is a self-contained story that explores a different theme, genre, or mood, but also contributes to the overall plot and character development.

Cowboy Bebop is widely regarded as one of the best anime of all time, and has influenced many other works in and outside of anime. It is a must-watch for any anime fan, and a perfect introduction to the medium for newcomers.

9. Rose of Versailles

Rose of Versailles is a historical anime that depicts the life of Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France, and Oscar François de Jarjayes, a fictional female commander of the royal guard. The anime covers the events leading up to the French Revolution, from the lavish court life to the social unrest and political turmoil.

Rose of Versailles is a masterpiece of drama, romance, tragedy, and history, with stunning art and animation, captivating characters, and emotional storytelling. The anime is especially notable for its portrayal of Oscar, a strong, independent, and complex heroine who struggles with her identity, duty, and love.

Rose of Versailles is a classic example of shoujo anime, a genre that targets young female audiences, but it also appeals to a wider and diverse fanbase. It is a landmark anime that has influenced many other works in terms of art, character, and theme. It is a must-watch for anyone who loves historical fiction, or who wants to learn more about the French Revolution from a different perspective.

8. Future Boy Conan

Future Boy Conan is a post-apocalyptic anime that follows the adventures of Conan, a young boy who lives on a remote island in a world that has been devastated by a nuclear war. One day, he rescues a girl named Lana, who is being pursued by a mysterious organization that wants to use her psychic powers.

Together, they embark on a journey to find Lana’s grandfather, who may hold the key to restoring the world. Future Boy Conan is a charming and exciting anime that showcases the imagination and creativity of Hayao Miyazaki, the legendary director of Studio Ghibli.

The anime is full of whimsical and inventive designs, such as flying machines, underwater cities, and giant animals. The anime also has a heartwarming and optimistic message, as it depicts the friendship, courage, and hope of the characters in the face of adversity.

Future Boy Conan is a classic example of adventure anime, a genre that features thrilling and fantastical journeys. It is a must-watch for anyone who loves Miyazaki’s works, or who wants to experience a fun and uplifting anime.

7. Fist of the North Star

Fist of the North Star is a martial arts anime that takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where violence and chaos reign. The anime follows the exploits of Kenshiro, the successor of a deadly fighting style called Hokuto Shinken, which allows him to kill his enemies by striking their vital points.

Kenshiro wanders the wasteland, fighting against various gangs, warlords, and rivals, while searching for his beloved fiancee, Yuria, who was kidnapped by his former friend, Shin. Fist of the North Star is a brutal and epic anime that combines action, drama, and tragedy.

The anime is known for its intense and bloody fights, where Kenshiro utters his iconic catchphrase, "You are already dead", before his opponents explode. The anime also has a compelling and emotional story, where Kenshiro faces many hardships, losses, and betrayals, but also finds allies, friends, and hope.

Fist of the North Star is a classic example of shounen anime, a genre that targets young male audiences, but it also has a cult following among other demographics. It is a must-watch for anyone who loves martial arts, or who wants to witness one of the most influential and iconic anime of all time.

6. Berserk

Berserk is a dark fantasy anime that follows the life of Guts, a mercenary who wields a massive sword and has a cursed mark on his neck. The anime chronicles his involvement with the Band of the Hawk, a group of elite soldiers led by the charismatic and ambitious Griffith, who dreams of ruling his own kingdom.

The anime depicts the friendship, rivalry, and betrayal between Guts and Griffith, as well as the horrors and wonders of the medieval world they live in. Berserk is a grim and gritty anime that explores the themes of fate, free will, human nature, and morality.

The anime is known for its graphic and violent scenes, where Guts battles against monstrous enemies and human foes alike. The anime also has a shocking and tragic twist, where Griffith sacrifices his comrades to become a demonic god, and Guts vows to take revenge on him.

Berserk is a classic example of seinen anime, a genre that targets adult male audiences, but it also has a loyal fanbase among other demographics. It is a must-watch for anyone who loves dark fantasy, or who wants to experience a powerful and emotional anime.

5. Princess Mononoke

Princess Mononoke is a fantasy anime that tells the story of Ashitaka, a young prince who is cursed by a demonized boar. He travels to the west to find a cure, and encounters a conflict between the humans of Irontown and the spirits of the forest.

He meets San, a girl who was raised by wolves and fights to protect the forest. He tries to mediate between the two sides, but soon realizes that the situation is more complex and dangerous than he thought. Princess Mononoke is a masterpiece of animation and storytelling, directed by Hayao Miyazaki, the founder of Studio Ghibli.

The anime is full of breathtaking and detailed visuals, depicting the beauty and diversity of nature, as well as the destruction and pollution caused by human greed. The anime also has a profound and nuanced message, as it portrays the conflict between humans and nature, as well as the importance of balance, harmony, and respect.

Princess Mononoke is a classic example of fantasy anime, a genre that features magical and supernatural elements. It is a must-watch for anyone who loves animation, or who wants to witness a stunning and meaningful anime.

4. Hunter x Hunter

Hunter x Hunter is a fantasy adventure anime that follows the journey of Gon, a young boy who wants to become a hunter, a special profession that grants access to various privileges and challenges. He joins the hunter exam, a rigorous and dangerous test that only a few can pass.

He meets and befriends other candidates, such as Kurapika, Leorio, and Killua, who have their own goals and motivations. Together, they explore the vast and mysterious world of hunters, where they encounter various creatures, factions, and mysteries.

Hunter x Hunter is a thrilling and captivating anime that blends action, comedy, drama, and mystery. The anime is known for its creative and diverse power system, called Nen, which allows the characters to use their aura for various effects. The anime also has a complex and unpredictable plot, where the stakes and conflicts escalate with each arc.

Hunter x Hunter is a classic example of adventure anime, a genre that features thrilling and fantastical journeys. It is a must-watch for anyone who loves fantasy, or who wants to experience a dynamic and engaging anime.

3. Rurouni Kenshin

Rurouni Kenshin is a historical action anime that takes place in the Meiji era of Japan, where the samurai culture is fading away. The anime follows the story of Kenshin Himura, a former assassin who has vowed to never kill again, and now wanders the country as a rurouni, a wandering swordsman.

He meets and joins forces with Kaoru Kamiya, a young woman who runs a dojo, and other allies, who face various enemies and threats from the past and the present. Rurouni Kenshin is a spectacular and emotional anime that combines action, comedy, romance, and drama.

The anime is known for its amazing and realistic sword fights, where Kenshin uses his reverse-blade sword and his unique style, called Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu. The anime also has a compelling and touching story, where Kenshin struggles with his guilt, redemption, and identity, as well as his relationship with Kaoru and his friends.

Rurouni Kenshin is a classic example of historical anime, a genre that features historical settings and events. It is a must-watch for anyone who loves samurai, or who wants to witness a beautiful and moving anime.

2. Dragon Ball Z

Dragon Ball Z is a martial arts anime that continues the story of Goku, a powerful and cheerful warrior who is also a member of an alien race called Saiyans. The anime follows his battles against various enemies who threaten the Earth and the universe, such as Frieza, Cell, and Majin Buu. He is aided by his friends and family, who also possess incredible abilities and courage.

Dragon Ball Z is a legendary and influential anime that defines the shounen genre. The anime is known for its epic and explosive fights, where the characters unleash their signature moves, such as the Kamehameha, and transform into higher forms, such as the Super Saiyan.

The anime also has a humorous and adventurous side, where the characters explore different worlds, meet new allies and foes, and collect the Dragon Balls, which can grant any wish.

Dragon Ball Z is a classic example of martial arts anime, a genre that features physical combat and supernatural powers. It is a must-watch for anyone who loves action, or who wants to witness one of the most popular and iconic anime of all time.

1. Slam Dunk

Slam Dunk is a sports anime that revolves around the basketball team of Shohoku High School. The anime follows the growth and development of Hanamichi Sakuragi, a delinquent and a newcomer to basketball, who joins the team to impress his crush, Haruko Akagi.

He is joined by other talented and passionate players, such as Kaede Rukawa, Hisashi Mitsui, Ryota Miyagi, and Takenori Akagi, who is also Haruko’s brother and the captain of the team. Together, they face various challenges and rivals, as they aim to become the best in Japan.

Slam Dunk is a hilarious and inspiring anime that captures the spirit and excitement of basketball. The anime is known for its realistic and thrilling matches, where the characters showcase their skills, strategies, and teamwork. The anime also has a comedic and romantic side, where the characters interact with each other and their love interests, often resulting in funny and awkward situations.

Slam Dunk is a classic example of sports anime, a genre that features athletic activities and competitions. It is a must-watch for anyone who loves basketball, or who wants to experience a fun and motivational anime.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these are the 10 best classic anime that you should watch. They are not only great in their own right, but also represent the diversity and evolution of anime over the years.

They span different genres, styles, themes, and messages, but they all have one thing in common: they are timeless masterpieces that will never go out of style.

Whether you are new to anime or a veteran fan, you will find something to enjoy and appreciate in these classic anime.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your popcorn, sit back, and enjoy these amazing anime! And don’t forget to share your thoughts and opinions on the list in the comments below!