Some of the most iconic and memorable anime came out of the '80s. Even today, plenty of classic '80s anime are looked back on fondly, with many standing the test of time and being appreciated by fans new and old.
From solid animation to an unmistakable style and aesthetic, plenty of the best '80s anime have a certain charm that makes them an easy watch. It's tough to narrow down just one for every year, but these stand out as the very best shonen anime each year of the '80s had to offer.
The Best Shonen Anime of Every Year of the 2020s (So Far)
It's been a great decade for anime, and these shonen series have really stuck out so far.
10 1980: Ashita no Joe 2
If you've seen the "See You Again" meme that's been making the rounds online, then you know Ashita no Joe (Tomorrow's Joe). The series was incredibly popular back in its heyday, and it still has plenty of fans to this day.
Ashita no Joe 2 was released nearly a decade after the original series, and is just as good as its predecessor, if not better. Even now, the series looks amazing, boasting a strong story and an incredible cast of lead and supporting characters.
9 1981: Urusei Yatsura
Rumiko Takahashi's classic love-triangle rom-com about a wannabe Playboy accidentally getting engaged to an alien invader princess, Urusei Yatsura is a must-watch for any anime fan. Takahashi has penned many amazing manga that have, in turn, received incredible anime adaptations, but Urusei Yatsura may just be her most iconic series.
The series might seem a little repetitive at times, and it's true that it does have a formula it likes to stick to, but things do progress, and characters do show signs of growth and development throughout its 194-episode run. Series protagonist Ataru getting his comeuppance is often the big punchline for each episode, but Urusei Yatsura does have some great tender moments between its leads outside of all the slapstick comedy.
8 1982: Space Cobra
Definitely a series that isn't all that well-known today, Space Cobra is a fun '80s adventure that still manages to hold up. Based on the manga by the late Buichi Terasawa, Space Cobra was first adapted into a movie in 1982 before an anime series was released later that year.
It's a solid series, with some great action and that classic '80s style many anime fans love. The movie is a great adaptation as well, but if you're interested in a more fleshed-out episodic experience, the '82 anime is the way to go.
7 1983: Captain Tsubasa
Not only is Captain Tsubasa one of the most well-known sports anime of all time, but the series has also become one of the best-selling manga of all time. It might not be as popular as other iconic '80s shonen like Dragon Ball or Fist of the North Star, but Captain Tsubasa remains a beloved series that's still getting adaptations to this day.
Every adaptation has its strengths and weaknesses, but many fans have a fondness for the original 1983 series. That could just be nostalgia talking, but the original remains a great adaptation with solid animation and great character development.
6 1984: Fist of the North Star
One of the most well-known anime of the '80s, Fist of the North Star might not be talked about all that much now, but it's still considered to be one of the greats. Many anime fans who haven't seen the anime probably know of it thanks to the popular "Omae wa mou shindeiru" meme, but there's so much more to the series.
From the incredible art style to memorable fight scenes and a story that people often overlook, Fist of the North Star stands out as one of the great '80s anime. Fans of the franchise have a new series to look forward to, with a new adaptation set to release sometime in 2026.
5 1985: Touch
Mitsuru Adachi is one of the most important mangaka when it comes to shonen sports manga. Though he's penned various series, his most iconic has to be Touch. Like many of Adach's series, Touch is a sports-focused romance, with the series following twin brothers Tatsuya and Kazuya as well as their childhood friend, Minami.
The anime is one of the better adaptations of Adachi's work, featuring incredible characters, a distinct art style, and some amazing moments that will stick with you long after you're done with it.
4 1986: Dragon Ball
It might sound like an exaggeration, but Dragon Ball is a big part of why anime is as popular as it is today all over the world. Though not the only series to reach a wide audience outside of Japan, Dragon Ball's continued popularity has played a major role in anime reaching various audiences throughout the years.
The original series often gets overshadowed by Z, but it remains an all-time classic. Equal parts adventure, comedy, and fantasy, Dragon Ball has tons to enjoy all these years later. With a fun ensemble cast, great action sequences, and an interesting world, it's easy to see why the series became and has remained so popular.
3 1987: Kimagure Orange Road
Though Dragon Ball gets a lot of credit for popularizing anime overseas, Kimagure Orange Road is another series that found a strong following and contributed to making anime a global phenomenon. The series is about a young esper named Kyosuke Kasuga, who, after once again having to move to a new city due to his family's powers being discovered, finds himself involved in a love triangle with a beautiful delinquent named Madoka and her best friend, Hikaru.
Kimagure Orange Road is one of the most incredibly influential series that often gets overlooked. It set the foundation for many shonen romantic comedies that would come after it, and Madoka is considered to be one of the earliest examples of a Tsundere in anime. The series still looks amazing and should be a fun watch for anyone who's never seen it.
2 1988: City Hunter 2
City Hunter is another classic '80s anime, and though it might not be as popular now as it was back then, it's still a great series that's perfect for anime fans looking for that classic aesthetic.
City Hunter 2 is a direct follow-up to the original, continuing to follow Ryo's exploits as a PI and Sweeper, with Kaori by his side to help out during missions and keep Ryo in check. It's full of great action and comedic moments, and there are plenty of sequels to keep you entertained after you're done with it.
1 1989: Dragon Ball Z
If we're talking about the best '80s anime, then Dragon Ball Z has to be mentioned. The follow-up to Dragon Ball, DBZ established a lot of what made the franchise the global powerhouse it is today. Goku's Saiyan heritage, the various transformations, insane powerscaling, and high-stakes battles all made Dragon Ball Z one of the most iconic anime ever.
The franchise is still going strong all these years later. Though things understandably slowed down considerably following the tragic death of Akira Toriyama, the recent announcement of the Super remake and sequel has fans excited for more DB. And none of it would've been possible without the success of the original and Z.