10 Retro Anime Classics Everyone Should Watch

Retro Anime

For anime fans wondering why they think newer anime with 20 words in its’ name seems boring or soulless, it’s time to dive into the roots of the medium.

Let me convince you why these ten anime classics, spanning a variety of genres, are most definitely essential viewing for newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts alike.

1. Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou (4 Episode OVA | 1998 – 2003) by Hitoshi Ashinano

Alpha at work in her self named café.

Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou (YKK for short), offers a serene exploration of life through the experiences of Alpha, a robot tending her self-named café.

Its reflective tone, beautiful landscapes, and quiet atmosphere make it a perfect anime to enjoy when you want to relax and forget everything of the day.

2. Record of Lodoss War (13 Episode OVA | 1990) by Ryo Mizuno

Deedlit (left) showing Parn (right) a hint of concern.

Inspired by Ryo Mizuno’s replay of Dungeons and Dragons, Record of Lodoss War follows the adventures of Parn, Deedlit, and their allies as they fight for peace among nations as well as investigating emerging dark forces bent on causing harm and despair.

This classic series with swords, sorcery, and cute elves, Lodoss War offers something for every type of anime fan and cannot be missed.

3. Spirit of Wonder: Miss China’s Ring (1 Episode OVA | 1992) by Kenji Tsuruta

Miss China filling up beer for customers in her restaurant.

This charming short OVA delivers romance and science fiction, focusing on Miss China (who’s name we never actually find out), owner of her own bar/restaurant, and her ecstatic but kind love interest.

Its steampunk-esque aesthetic and attention grabbing narrative perfectly encapsulate the realism as well as the abstract of the world of Tsuruta’s manga.

4. Gunsmith Cats (3 Episode OVA | 1995 – 1996) by Kenichi Sonoda

Irene “Rally” Vincent (left) and “Minnie” May Hopkins (right)

You like action, babes, and excitement? Then this series is for you. Gunsmith Cats follows bounty hunters Irene “Rally” Vincent and “Minnie” May Hopkins as they fight crime on the streets of Chicago’s criminal underworld.

Gun enthusiasts will love to see how many firearms one can recognize due to their scarily accurate depiction and attention to detail. With a mix of crazy car chases, very likeable leads, and nonstop explosions, it’s a fantastic homage to 80s/90s action-crime films.

5. Dragon’s Heaven (1 Episode OVA | 1988) by Makoto Kobayashi

Shaian (left) towering high above Ikuru (right).

Blending mecha with fantasy, this marvelous OVA showcases quite honestly some of the best hand-drawn animation I’ve ever seen in an anime. What really sets it apart from the rest is the unique art style very heavily inspired by the artwork of famed French artist Jean Giraud (aka Moebius).

Its story depicts a sentient mech named Shaian and a lone female warrior named Ikuru forming a short but fulfilling alliance against a common enemy. Showcasing mecha designs that’d rival even the most hardcore EVA and Macross fans, it’s a marvel I think every anime and art lover should watch at least once.

6. Tamala 2020: A Punk Cat in Space (Anime Film | 2002) by t.o.L (“trees of Life”)

Tamala leaving her dystopia of a city in pursuit of a better life.

Flat out insane and thought provoking, this initially one-off film follows Tamala, a cat with a punk attitude (hence the title), as she leaves her birth home on a quest to find life somewhere else, somewhere where they may be someone just like her.

With surreal animation and on-the-nose social commentary, it’s a film that even non anime fans could enjoy and get a laugh from.

7. Gunbuster (6 Episode OVA | 1988 – 1989) by Toshio Okada

The original “girls in giant mechs” show.

From Gainax and the directorial debut of Hideki Anno (you know, the Evangelion guy), this iconic mecha series blends elements of space opera, drama, and intense conflict into a emotionally touching but satisfying narrative.

The story of Noriko Takaya’s journey from a timid but determined pilot into a hero defending humanity is both rad and inspiring.

8. Slayers (104 Episode Television Series | 1989 – 2009) by Hajime Kanzaka

Lina (left) and Gourry (behind) as they escape from an angry mob.

If you watched Record of Lodoss War and thought, “you know, I just wish there was way more humor”, then this anime is for you.

This series centers on Lina Inverse, a powerful yet flawed (and self-conscious) sorceress, along with her reliable yet sometimes dimwitted companions. Showcasing a mix of humor, magic battles, and sense of journey, Slayers remains a beloved franchise for its lightheartedness, appealing characters and compelling storytelling.

9. Devilman: The Birth (2 Episode OVA | 1987 – 1990) by Go Nagai

Surely nothing out of the ordinary will happen to these angels.. right?

Go Nagai’s Devilman: The Birth OVA (OVA 1 of 2) brings the dark, brutal and disgusting world of demons to life. The Birth serves as a haunting introduction (especially if your only experience is with the 70’s anime tv series) to Akira Fudo’s disturbingly wicked alter-ego Devilman.

Showcasing plenty of blood, demon fights, limbs getting torn, and even moments of sadness, Devilman: The Birth is the perfect entrypoint into Go Nagai’s classic series.

10. Kimagure Orange Road (48 Episode Television Series | 1987 – 1988) by Izumi Matsumoto

The quintessential anime love triangle.

An iconic romantic comedy, this series follows the Kyosuke Kasuga (who is psychic along with his two sisters and father by the way) as he attempts to juggle a love triangle with the strongheaded Madoka and her best friend, the ever aloof but delightful Hikaru.

If there ever was an anime that screamed the aesthetic of the 1980’s, it would no doubt be Kimagure Orange Road. Madoka herself was the originator of the tsundere archetype (sorry Asuka, you lose this one).

Why Retro Anime Matters

Without Retro Anime we’d never has such modern classics like Frieren and Higurashi; it delivers an aethestic that I can’t even begin to perfectly describe without taking at least 4 hours of your precious time. That classic look and technique of animated on cels will never be topped in my honest opinion. But what do I know? I’m just some random dude who types articles for the internet after all.

Whether it’s the natural and calming beauty of Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou or the bat-shit insane gore of Devilman: The Birth, these ten anime OVAs/tv series are a testament to the ever timeless appeal of retro anime. Grab some Dunkaroos, some Surge soda, get comfy, and turn on that tiny CRT you still somehow have lying in your parent’s basement and prepare to witness absolute KINO.

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About

Just a guy who appreciates classic anime, games, and especially cute elves.


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