Entertainment
8 Classic Anime Shows That Are Still Better Than Most New Series
Anime is more popular than it has ever been, and viewers will also say it is better than it ever was before. Series like Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End and Jujutsu Kaisen have made anime a worldwide sensation, pushing the bounds of creativity. The animation is impeccable, and the direction is incredible, but is this the best of the best, or can some classics still hang with the newer series despite modern tastes and technological improvement?
Even though modern anime is popular, it misses a lot of what was good about the originals, which is why this list will feature eight classic anime series that are still better than most new series. Based on aspects such as staying power, writing, animation, influence, rewatchability, fan opinion, critical acclaim, and overall quality, these anime shows weren’t just good for their time; they are ageless masterpieces that put modern anime in their place. For an anime to be considered a classic on this list, it had to have come out anytime before the 2010s.
8
‘Maison Ikkoku’ (1986–1988)
One of the best anime genres is romance, and while it has evolved quite a bit, there is nothing better than a classic love story, and that is exactly what Maison Ikkoku delivers. The titular boarding house is home to many eccentric characters, and at his limit with their shenanigans, Yuusaku is about to move out. However, after meeting the new manager, he falls madly in love, now deciding to stay there a bit longer.
A lot of romance anime either takes things too slow with no meaningful change or tries to rush things, and while Maison Ikkoku is a slow burn, it also acts as a wholesome and realistic slice-of-life anime. It isn’t just a fluffy love story; it captures the bittersweet realities of life and relationships with a mature focus. Maison Ikkoku isn’t a high school romance; it is a sophisticated and compelling romance that is better than most newer love stories.
7
‘Bleach’ (2004–Present)
The Big Three are some of the most popular anime series of all time, and while the other two are just as popular, this list has opted to feature Bleach because of its modern-day resurgence. Ichigo is a normal high schooler, except for the fact that he can talk to ghosts. When he meets a Soul Reaper and borrows her powers, he is thrust into the world of the supernatural where he must protect his friends and town from new dangers.
Even decades after its peak popularity, when Bleach returned, it became one of the best modern anime shows, proving the classic is better than most new series. With one of the best anime power systems, this series instantly hooked viewers, showcasing the rule of cool and unmatched style it possesses. Bleach is also an influential anime in the modern landscape, proving its importance while remaining better than everything it inspired.
6
‘Great Teacher Onizuka’ (1999–2000)
Comedy changes every decade, maybe even every year, meaning it is hard for some shows to age well after some things become offensive or just not funny. However, Great Teacher Onizuka transcends time, not losing a step. The titular teacher is starting his first gig, but he is thrown to the wolves, with a classroom full of manipulative brats. Luckily, his days as a yakuza might be exactly what is needed to straighten these kids out.
Some aspects of Great Teacher Onizuka definitely didn’t age well, but the fact remains that no other anime series balances its tone of comedic genius, silliness, and maturity as well as this show. This anime touches on serious topics such as bullying and suicide with nuance, genuinely providing profound discussion then quickly shifting to ridiculous humor, in a good way. Great Teacher Onizuka is one of a kind, and an anime that no modern-day comedy can match.
5
‘Cowboy Bebop’ (1998–1999)
There are some classic anime that are simply better than modern shows, and then there are some which have been impossible to try and replicate: Cowboy Bebop falls into the latter. Spike Spiegel and his team of bounty hunters spend their days cleaning up the galaxy of crime filth, but when his dark past resurfaces, he must tackle it head-on or risk putting himself and his friends in danger.
Cowboy Bebop is a distinct anime that blends neo-noir with sci-fi, Hong Kong action, and jazz music, creating one of the most unique anime of all time. It is a timeless recipe that no modern series has found the secret formula for, making it a truly special show. Some modern anime have perfect episodes, but every single episode of Cowboy Bebop is an art form in its purest form, concluding with one of the best finales ever put to screen.
4
‘Monster’ (2004–2005)
Naoki Urasawa is a prolific manga author, and while he has a handful of anime adaptations, one classic masterpiece is a landmark of the medium. Monster follows Dr. Tenma, who saves the life of a child, only for that same kid to become a serial killer in the future. Taking matters into his own hands, Tenma plans to kill Johan, but will he be able to do it after learning about his dark and tragic past?
Monster is a perfect anime thriller, embodying everything great about the genre and then some, making it a blueprint that modern anime try to follow. However, no matter what new thriller or mystery anime comes out, it is never better than Monster, and that is because of its patient storytelling. Nothing can live up to the tension and shocking plot of this anime, especially modern anime that focus on flashy animation and overly dramatic storytelling.
3
‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ (1995–1996)
The modern anime landscape often ignores avant-garde series, and for that reason, the most popular of the genre, Neon Genesis Evangelion, is better than any new show. With the world facing its third apocalypse event, the only hope for humanity is Shinji and some other teenagers in mechs. However, he first needs to win a battle against himself and his inner demons before fighting the angel-like aliens that wish to destroy Earth.
A lot of modern anime don’t dare to spice things up and be innovative, and that is why anime original masterpieces like Neon Genesis Evangelion still thrive. Its imaginative and unique narrative redefined multiple genres and forms of storytelling, cementing a historic legacy that new series can’t even comprehend. Neon Genesis Evangelion had such flawless animation for its time, with a perfect hand-drawn style that newer animation simply can’t compete with.
2
‘Ashita no Joe’ (1970–1981)
A classic can be subjective, because many of the anime on this list are from the 2000s, which some might still consider new, but the oldest series featured, from the 1970s, is undoubtedly a classic. Ashita no Joe is about the titular character, who starts as nothing but a street punk. However, when a former boxer notices his potential, he trains him for the ring; first, Joe needs to serve his time in prison before he conquers any ring.
The animation is definitely old and won’t resonate with some viewers, but the story is one of the best and still unique for the sports genre. Ashita no Joe is somehow a distinct story despite being over fifty years old. Mature, grounded, intriguing, and tragic don’t begin to describe this golden-era boxing story that features some of the best character development in the medium. Ashita no Joe still packs a punch for an old fighter, but its knockout story and chilling vibe are enough to beat any new sports anime.
Some probably don’t classify it as a classic anime, but considering Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood came out in the 2000s, albeit in 2009, it is eligible for this list. Ed and Al lose parts or all of their bodies in a taboo alchemical experiment, prompting them to go on an adventure to find the philosopher’s stone. However, all they uncover is a government conspiracy that threatens to consume the world if they don’t intervene.
Many viewers claim Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is the best anime series of all time, and with a title like that, it is almost impossible for new shows to compete. Barely any modern anime has a self-contained story that perfectly wraps up. Even older shows don’t have this, proving how rare Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is. It has everything anyone could ever want in an anime, and that fact alone is why no new series could ever live up to what this anime built.
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