Top Animes (1963-1999) *List from the order of the first release*

Astro Boy (1963-1966)

Honestly, you are definitely a true anime fan if you know this 60’s back and white anime classic.

Kimba the White Lion (1965-1967)

Many people thought this anime has been ripped off by Disney’s Lion King (1994) since “Kimba” sounds almost exactly alike to “Simba”, the protagonist of Lion King. But, Lion King may have also ripped off Shakespeare’s Hamlet. So Lion King may never have been original in the first place.

 

Speed Racer (1967-1968)

After Kimba the White Lion, Speed Racer may have been the second colored anime during the 60s at the time.

Doraemon (1969-1996)

All the show may have ended in the year 1996, this anime has continued its storyline till this day in the big screen worldwide. Being one of the most iconic characters in all of Asia.

Urusei Yatsura (1981-1986)

From the creator of Rumiko Takahashi, is her first ever anime manga created to seen on screen. Based on an alien girl who arrived on Earth to explore and adventure the land.

Voltron (1984-1985)

Five robotic lion-based cats that once combined will form the greatest weapon in the universe. Sound familiar?

If you didn’t already know, this iconic 80s anime has a Netflix Adaptation available to watch right now! Voltron: Legendary Defender released June 10, 2016, three years ago.

This show has been considered one of the best anime adaptations made. So be sure to check it out if you haven’t already.

Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac (1986-1989)

This iconic 80s anime will also be receiving a Netflix adaptation soon as of this summer 2019! So stay tuned until then to rewatch your favorite anime come back to the screens.

Although, the exact date for this show’s premiere hasn’t been announced yet… even though we’re currently in the summer of 2019…Be sure to look out for the show to watch it when it does release.

Dragon Ball (1986-1989)

This iconic anime has been made into various games and movies, already surpassing its fame since 1986.

Ranma ½ (1989-1992)

Continuing the works of Rumiko Takahashi comes a more famous anime of hers, Ranma 1/2. All of Rumiko’s work involves a similar romantic relationship in all of her creations. This particular anime talks about a cursed man who turns into a girl once he touches cold water.

Dragon Ball Z (1989-1996)

Now the main protagonist continues his story as an adult, believing to be more famous than the original Dragon Ball, as this anime series is a bit more recent for younger audiences.

Sailor Moon (1991-1997)

Now, even if you don’t watch Sailormoon, you must have at least recognized or seen the characters at some point in your life. This iconic anime is one of the most watched animes during the 90s.

Mobile Fighter G Gundam (1994-1995)

One of the most iconic Japanese robot based animes along with Transformers and Voltron. This famous character has been made into millions of toys for kids to play with throughout the years.

Mobile Suit Gundam Wing (1995-1996)

Continuing this iconic character’s story arc, comes another sequel to the first anime itself: Gundam Wings.

New Genesis Evangelion (1995-1996)

This famous anime is now available on Netflix for streaming purposes. Rewatching the series will bring back many memories of what it’s like to watch anime back int he 90s.

Pokemon (1997- beyond

Now, this is truly one of the most iconic animes in the ’90s. With all the famous Nintendo games to Pokemon Go to even movies made after movies. Pokemon is known to almost everyone around the world, even if they don’t watch anime.

Now, I’m not sure this remake would count as a new adaptation for the film. So you take this information as you please: Pokémon Detective Pikachu released May 10, 2019, bringing back many fan-loved characters back into the big screen.

Cowboy Bebop (1998-1999)

Futuristic BountyHunters fighting crime through adventures? Cowboy Bebop definitely has gained a unique aspect of what makes an anime stand out.

One Piece (1999- beyond

One Piece is on the edge of 1999 to 2000 animes, so it’s kind of in the middle of both eras in a way. Which actually shows when you watch the show. It feels a bit modern with some factors that still make it a popular 90s anime.

The New Era (2000-2016 and Beyond)

All animes beyond this point are considered modern and the “iconic” word has begun to fade. But there are many other aspects and factors to making these animes truly special and different from the rest.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters (2000-2006)

With the number of card games that this anime has, I think it’s safe to say that Yu-Gi-Oh! Is definitely well known both in the anime industry as well as the American entertainment.

Inuyasha (2000-2010)

Like Studio Ghibli, Rumiko Takahashi has written yet another iconic anime that will last for centuries. With beautiful characters and a sweet loving romance between the main protagonists as always.

I think it’s safe to say that Rumiko has a bit of a soft spot when it comes to love and romance and has now become the expert in writing them. Also, I think that this show is pretty iconic for lasting ten years and continuing with four movies. 

FullMetal Alchemist (2003-2004)

From the manga comes the anime as any anime originates from. But this particular show is essential different due to its intriguing storyline. With its dark fantasy genre based on two brothers who want to replace their prosthetic limbs to become Full Metal Alchemists.

Ouran High School Host Club (2006-2011)

These seven recognizable boys in their school uniforms are from the iconic anime Ouran High School Host Club. Now available to watch on Netflix for streaming purposes.

Code Geass (2006-2008)

This anime based a world where destructive robots terror the land. With a new upcoming film Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection that released last month on May 5, 2019.

Naruto Shippuden (2007-2017)

For a show to reach up to 10 seasons for each year is pretty impressive. Not every anime is able to achieve such a goal, lasting 10 years of success and in its story arc without getting too bland or boring. Making this show definitely one of the most iconic of the decade.

Fairy Tail (2011-2018)

Illustrated by Hiro Mashima is an ongoing TV show with future spin-off shows in the future. With this iconic anime, hopefully, the show will continue to make more episodes.

Sword Art Online (2012-2019)

Although this show may seem very mainstream, yet lacks the proper aspects in order to be mainstreamed, I believe that this show has some sort of uniqueness to it. With creative characters that are well drawn out and the mini romances between the protagonists.

However, I do agree that the overall storyline wasn’t as impressive as thought after rewatching the series again.

Free! (2013- beyond

You’ve probably seen these characters on towels are your local anime store, cause I definitely have. So, honestly, an anime’s success might as well be based on the number of towels that their show has been printed on.

Attack on Titan (2013- beyond

With episodes continuing to air this month, this anime has been an ongoing show for quite a while now. This dark, post-apocalyptic, and horrific anime have an overarching storyline that will allow this show to continue to grow in success.

Tokyo Ghoul (2014- beyond

This show has been known to help out a lot of people who have mental disabilities and allows them to heal with this show. Honestly, that’s amazing how an anime can help cure/heal mental disorders in the mind. As Tokyo Ghoul is quite the psychological mental ride anyway when watching the show itself.

Yuri on Ice (2016- beyond

If an ice skating based anime doesn’t sound possible, you may need to start watching some new modern animes. Yuri on Ice is definitely a very new and modern anime as it had debuted back in 2016 (so three years ago). But that isn’t the point, new shows like these can help prove that anime is timeless.

My Hero Academia (2016- beyond

With a fourth season on the way, fans could never have been more excited. Lately, there hasn’t been any really well-written animes out there, but this show definitely makes the cut. In a superhero based world where an ordinary human like us could be heroes too.

 

Thank you so much for reading! Comment down below your favorite anime or any shows I might have missed