Summary
- Animated films of the 80s featured themes of courage and friendship, becoming genre classics.
- Hayao Miyazaki's films rose in popularity, exploring darker themes and captivating audiences.
- The 80s marked a standout period for animation, with films like "Heavy Metal" and "An American Tail" becoming timeless favorites.
The 1980s was a decade of change, from the shifting trends in music, film, and fashion to the emergence of the video game industry. Animated movies in the 80s became even more ambitious, with artists creating grand fantasy worlds and epic sci-fi adventures. Numerous children's films were released throughout the decade, with many becoming genre classics. They would bring themes of courage and friendship to younger audiences, depicting beautifully crafted grand adventures.
Best Fantasy Movies of the 80s, Ranked
The 1980s were a great decade for the world of fantasy film, and these enduring classics prove it.
The 1980s also saw the rise of Japan’s answer to Walt Disney, Hayao Miyazaki, who would have an incredible run of movies that are as popular today as then. Adult animation would also see a rise in popularity, with animated movies taking on darker themes and depicting brutal, often graphic violence. The 80s was a standout year for animation, with many classics remaining timeless favorites for millions of fans.
10 Heavy Metal
Big Hair, Loud Guitars, and Beautiful Women
Heavy Metal
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- August 7, 1981
- Runtime
- 1h 26m
- Director
- Gerald Potterton, John Bruno
This unique fantasy anthology animation, squarely aimed at adults, is a bonafide cult classic. With a soundtrack that includes bands such as Black Sabbath, Journey, and Nazareth, Heavy Metal is a must-watch experience for all true metalheads.
Adapted from Heavy Metal Magazine, the film is an epic blend of science fiction and fantasy stories. The different segments are only connected by the theme of an ultimate evil. With plenty of graphic violence and nudity, the film is 80s excess at its most flamboyant. While Heavy Metal will appeal to a much smaller audience than many of the movies on this list, its enduring legacy ensures its place as one of the most memorable animated films of the decade.
9 An American Tail
Still Remains Relevant Today
An American Tail
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- November 21, 1986
- Runtime
- 81 Minutes
- Director
- Don Bluth
- Budget
- $9 Million
An American Tail was one of the highest-grossing non-Disney animation films of the era. Directed by animation legend Don Bluth, the film revolves around Fievel Mousekewitz, a mouse who immigrates to America from Russia with his family, but gets lost along the way. The film is about his journey to reunite with his family and start a new life.
While An American Tail had a troubled production, it was well-received on release and won several awards. Its themes around immigration, prejudice, racism, and hardship remain more relevant today. While the film deals with heavy subject matter that may put some children off, its memorable soundtrack and beautiful animation solidify it as one of the best animated movies of the 80s.
8 The Land Before Time
A Timeless Children's Classic
The Land Before Time
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- November 18, 1988
WHERE TO WATCH
- Runtime
- 69 minutes
- Director
- Don Bluth
This beloved children's classic follows the story of a group of young dinosaurs who must work together across a deadly landscape to find the Great Valley. Revolving around a young Apatosaurus named Littlefoot, whose mother was killed by a Tyrannosaurus rex, the film is an uplifting story of courage against adversity.
The Land Before Time continued Don Bluth’s exceptional run of animations throughout the 80s and quickly became a critical and financial success. The film would spawn a long-running series of direct-to-video films that continued the story of Littlefoot. However, the original Land Before Time remains an all-time animation classic beloved by many.
7 The Secret of Nimh
A Dark Fantasy Story of Courage
The Secret of NIMH
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- July 16, 1982
- Runtime
- 82 Minutes
- Director
- Don Bluth
The Secret of Nimh marked the directorial debut of Disney animator Don Bluth after leaving the company and forming Don Bluth Productions. This dark fantasy classic follows the story of Mrs Brisby, a field mouse seeking to save her son from illness.
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The film delves into themes of courage and family, as the unlikely central hero perseveres to save the ones she loves . The Secret of Nimh was critically acclaimed on release, with praise being shown for its high-quality animation, story, and depth. It would go on to win the Saturn Award for best animated film.
6 The Little Mermaid
A Return to Form for Disney
The Little Mermaid
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- November 17, 1989
WHERE TO WATCH
- Runtime
- 83 Minutes
- Director
- Ron Clements, John Musker
Released at the very end of the decade, The Little Mermaid is loosely based on Hans Christian Anderson’s classic fairy tale. The film follows the story of mermaid Ariel as her dream of living in the human world is granted by the sinister sea witch Ursula.
The Little Mermaid was Disney's first animated fairy tale since Sleeping Beauty (1959) and would mark the beginning of a successful run of movies by the studio during the next decade, which included Beauty and the Beast (1991) and Aladdin (1992). The Little Mermaid is a timeless family classic that remains popular among children even today. It would win Academy Awards for its score and the song Under the Sea.
5 Castle in the Sky
The Start of Studio Ghibli
Castle in the Sky
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- August 2, 1986
WHERE TO WATCH
- Runtime
- 125 minutes
- Director
- Hayao Miyazaki
- Studio(s)
Castle in the Sky was Studio Ghibli’s first feature-length movie and marked the beginning of the studio's now iconic run of films. Set in a steampunk-like setting, the film follows Sheeta and Pazu in their struggle to escape the army and other forces seeking possession of Sheeta’s necklace. The necklace is the key to Laputa, an advanced flying castle.
Like much of Miyazaki’s work, the film delves into themes around technology and the importance of nature. The film was highly inspired by Miyazaki’s journey across Wales, with much of the region's architectural style appearing in the film. While not initially successful, the film would garner a large audience worldwide as Studio Ghibli became more renowned outside of Japan.
4 Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
A Landmark in Japanese Anime
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- March 11, 1984
WHERE TO WATCH
- Runtime
- 117 Minutes
- Director
- Hayao Miyazaki
Widely considered one of the greatest anime movies of all time, this post-apocalyptic fantasy epic was a precursor to Miyazaki’s later work in Studio Ghibli, with many of the themes present in his later works explored here.
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Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is set in a futuristic world 1000 years after a nuclear war destroyed civilization. The film follows Nausicaä in her attempts to save the herds of colossal mutant insects from an ancient and deadly weapon. The film perfectly blends fantasy and sci-fi with strong themes of environmentalism, pacifism, and the dangers of war. The film would have a big impact on anime in Japan and help to further establish the industry throughout the decade.
3 Akira
A Sci-Fi Masterpiece
Akira
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- July 16, 1988
- Runtime
- 124 Minutes
- Director
- Katsuhiro Otomo
One of the greatest anime movies of all time, Akira would set the standard for the genre moving forward. With its highly detailed dystopian world, beautifully animated sequences, and brutal bloody action, Akira is a high point in adult animation.
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The film follows Kaneda, the leader of a biker gang, who attempts to save his childhood friend, Tetsuo. After being taken by a secretive military organization, Tetsuo is subjected to experiments where his latent psychic powers are unleashed. Akira blends huge spectacle, frantically paced action, and disturbing body horror amidst a vibrant cyberpunk backdrop. The film's stunning soundtrack, by composer Shoji Yamashiro, elevates the film even further. Akira is a must-watch movie for all film fans and a timeless sci-fi epic.
2 My Neighbor Totoro
A Japanese Icon
My Neighbor Totoro
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- April 16, 1988
- Runtime
- 86 minutes
- Director
- Hayao Miyazaki
This timeless classic is one of the greatest animated movies of the decade. Its beautiful story, stunning animation, and unique characters have made it beloved by millions. The film revolves around Satsuki and Mei, two young girls who have moved to the country with their father after their mother is hospitalized nearby.
They soon discover a magical world of spirits and nature on their doorstep. The character, Totoro, has become a national icon of Japan and is the mascot for Studio Ghibli. The film deals with themes of family, innocence, and imagination, as well as the importance of connecting with nature, which Miyazaki would commonly explore in his movies. My Neighbor Totoro is a delightful classic easily enjoyed by the whole family and remains one of Studio Ghibli’s very best.
1 Grave of the Fireflies
An Emotional and Tragic Tale
- Directed: Isao Takahata
- Released: 1988
- Runtime: 1h 28m
Grave of the Fireflies
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- April 16, 1988
WHERE TO WATCH
- Cast
- Tsutomu Tatsumi, Ayano Shiraishi, Akemi Yamaguchi, Yoshiko Shinohara
- Runtime
- 89 Mins
- Director
- Isao Takahata
- Writers
- Akiyuki Nosaka, Isao Takahata
This landmark animated movie is considered one of the greatest war films of all time and would set a new standard in animation exploring serious themes. Grave of the Fireflies follows siblings Seita and Setsuko as they attempt to survive the bombings in 1945, during the final few months of the Second World War.
This tragic tale delves into the horrors of war from the perspective of everyday people. It deals with themes of family, love, endurance, and the importance of cooperation and community. The film remains relevant as ever and stands as a warning and reminder of the impact of war on civilians. This important work is a must-watch movie that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.
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