The 1980s was a transformative decade for anime, marked by a surge of creativity and technological advancements that expanded the boundaries of the medium. This era witnessed the release of films that would not only define the genre but also leave an enduring mark on global pop culture. From the apocalyptic streets of Neo-Tokyo to the enchanted forests inhabited by Totoro, these narratives explore the depths of human emotion, and celebrate the resilience of the spirit in various forms. These stories are brought to life through a combination of traditional animation techniques and the early use of computer graphics, creating visual experiences that remain influential to this day. Here, we take a look at the ten best anime films of the 80s.
10. Patlabor: The Movie – Mamoru Oshii (1989)
“Patlabor: The Movie” is set in a futuristic Tokyo, where towering robots known as Labors are integral to the city’s booming construction industry. As the city stands on the cusp of a massive transformation, a string of unexplained incidents involving these mechanical giants begins to wreak havoc, turning the urban landscape into a perilous zone of destruction. It is within this setting that the specialized police unit, Division 2, equipped with their own set of advanced Patlabors, steps in to unravel the mystery. They find themselves tracing the chaos back to a malevolent conspiracy tied to a revolutionary operating system and an overly ambitious urban development project along Tokyo’s waterfront.
As the plot progresses, the film combines high-stakes action with the unraveling of a conspiracy. Director Mamoru Oshii crafts a world that scrutinizes the complex relationship between mankind and its creations. The members of Division 2 face challenges that test the very fabric of their resolve, revealing the delicate balance between order and anarchy in a society heavily reliant on technology. Through its compelling plot and dynamic characters, the movie prompts viewers to ponder the potential consequences of technological integration into the fabric of daily life. “Patlabor: The Movie” stands as more than just an action film; it is a reflective commentary on the possible future of humanity and technology.
9. Night on the Galactic Railroad – Gisaburō Sugii (1985)
“Night on the Galactic Railroad” follows the journey of Giovanni, a thoughtful and solitary young boy who finds himself on a train cutting a path through the stars, alongside his introspective friend Campanella. This celestial train soars through the galaxy, serving not just as a vehicle through the stars, but as a catalyst for a philosophical journey that defies the confines of earthly existence. Each stop along this interstellar journey offers Giovanni and Campanella windows into the grandeur of existence and the echoing vastness of the universe. Giovanni’s odyssey transcends the physical realm, becoming an exploration that confronts his innermost thoughts, stirring questions about his own essence and his relationship with the universe.
In hands of Gisaburō Sugii, this adaptation of Kenji Miyazawa’s renowned literary work transforms into a celestial experience that beckons the viewer to look inward and embrace the mystery of the cosmos. The film’s leisurely tempo harmonizes with its visual splendor, creating an atmosphere that is both tranquil and otherworldly. “Night on the Galactic Railroad” standas as a reflective and mesmerizing journey, offering not just a story, but a spiritual experience that resonates with a quiet intensity, making it one of the best anime films of the 80s.
8. Urusei Yatsura: Beautiful Dreamer – Mamoru Oshii (1984)
In “Urusei Yatsura: Beautiful Dreamer,” the second installment in the beloved series, the high-spirited teens of Tomobiki High School are ensnared in a repetitive cycle on the eve of their eagerly anticipated school carnival. Ataru Moroboshi, the quintessential unlucky everyman, alongside an ensemble that includes his eccentric friends and the extraterrestrial princess Lum, grapples with an increasingly distorted reality. The familiarity of their town warps into a labyrinth of the surreal, prompting a profound inquiry into the essence of their world. In their search for answers, the group encounters a domain where the boundaries of dreams and waking life are blurred, challenging their perceptions and their sanity.
Another entry from Mamoru Oshii, “Beautiful Dreamer” is as a film that intertwines moments of whimsical comedy with existential introspection. Breaking the mold set by the anime’s earlier narratives, this film steers into more thoughtful territory, creating a stimulating and thought-provoking cinematic experience. The plot, with its looping structure, becomes a complex conundrum that entices both the protagonists and viewers to question the fabric of the world they perceive as real. Oshii’s film is thus a testament to his directorial genius, proving his skill at harmonizing contrasting thematic elements into an absorbing storyline.
7. Castle in the Sky – Hayao Miyazaki (1986)
“Castle in the Sky” chronicles the escapades of Sheeta, a girl with a mysterious past, and Pazu, an industrious miner’s apprentice with a heart full of dreams. When Sheeta, descending from the heavens, is captured mid-fall by the quick-witted Pazu, they embark on a thrilling quest. Their journey quickly escalates when they realize Sheeta carries a pendant that is not just an heirloom, but a beacon to the fabled city of Laputa, a castle that hovers above the earth’s surface. Besieged by sky-bound brigands and government officials, Sheeta and Pazu move ahead, aiming to unravel the mysteries of Laputa and its hidden splendors.
Hayao Miyazaki’s creation is a journey that deftly blends a fascination with the old-world allure and the promise of discovery and adventure, making it one of the best anime films of the 80s. Vivid landscapes and fluid motion capture the essence of a world teetering between the relics of yore and the excitement of the unknown. The film embodies the essence of youthful daring, and an unquenchable thirst for the secrets that lie just beyond the horizon. “Castle in the Sky” stands as a highlight of animation, one that champions the timeless quest for wisdom and the safeguarding of the planet’s marvels, all while captivating the viewer with its heartwarming narrative of hope and resilience.
6. Kiki’s Delivery Service – Hayao Miyazaki (1989)
“Kiki’s Delivery Service” recounts the enchanting story of Kiki, a spirited young witch who, in adherence to her culture’s rite of passage, embarks on a formative year-long sabbatical to carve out her niche and launch her own magical courier operation. Opting for a vibrant seaside town as her base, she commences her bespoke delivery service, and along the way forges a connection with Tombo, a local youth with a deep-seated passion for flight. Kiki’s journey transcends the mere transport of parcels; it’s an exploration of her maturation and her efforts to find acceptance in her new environment.
In this tale, Hayao Miyazaki’s narrative prowess is on full display, creating a tale that celebrates the value and wonder that can be found in everyday life. Lively and expressive animations give rise to a heartwarming experience, filled with lighthearted moments and subtle comedy. “Kiki’s Delivery Service” provides insight into the hurdles of adolescence, the significance of persistence, and the exhilaration of forging one’s own destiny, making it one of the most beloved Studio Ghibli films ever made. Retaining its status as an enduring favorite, the film gracefully illustrates the journey from the innocence of youth to the complexities of adulthood, with both finesse and magical allure.
5. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind – Hayao Miyazaki (1984)
“Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” ushers viewers into a futuristic landscape where civilizations are teetering on the brink of extinction, beset by expansive toxic jungles and menacing insects. The protagonist, Nausicaä, a compassionate and determined princess of the tranquil Valley of the Wind, finds herself in the heart of a brewing conflict. Her peaceful community is caught in the crosshairs of the militant Tolmekian kingdom, which aims to resurrect a long-dormant weapon to cleanse the land of its poisonous state. Through her deep connection with the environment, Nausicaä uncovers the vital role the forest fulfills in detoxifying the planet’s tainted air, leading to revelations that could alter the course of their world.
This cinematic endeavor is a reflection of Hayao Miyazaki’s deep-seated concern for environmental themes, crafting a story that underscores the potential for coexistence between humans and their habitat. Exceptionally vivid visuals and detailed animation serve to emphasize the film’s environmentalist stance. Nausicaä herself is portrayed as a beacon of hope and deep understanding, championing a balance between technological progress and natural preservation. “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” ensures its place as one of the best anime films of the 80s, with its call for environmental stewardship resonating through an enthralling fantasy saga.
4. Angel’s Egg – Mamoru Oshii (1985)
“Angel’s Egg” is an atmospheric and thought-provoking film that introduces us to a young girl, the guardian of a mysteriously oversized egg, in a ghostly and gothic setting. Her world of solitude is intriguingly interrupted by the arrival of a strange soldier, and together they traverse a dream-like domain, populated by enigmatic statues and elusive, shadow-clad entities. With minimal dialogue, the film relies on its strikingly somber visuals and the dense aura of its world to tell its tale, allowing the stark and compelling imagery to drive the narrative forwards. The girl’s unwavering dedication to the egg she cherishes and the soldier’s probing doubts about its true importance form the crux of this unique plot.
In this work, Mamoru Oshii invites viewers into a reflective space of introspection on spirituality, one’s calling, and the fleeting essence of existence. The sophisticated animation style, both fluid and expressive, acts as a vessel for profound philosophical inquiry. As the characters navigate through their mysterious reality, seeking purpose, it beckons the viewers to engage with the story in a deeply personal way. “Angel’s Egg” stands as an unconventional gem within the world of anime, provoking enduring thought and discussion, and creating a narrative that remains elusively profound, well beyond its initial viewing.
3. My Neighbor Totoro – Hayao Miyazaki (1988)
“My Neighbor Totoro” plunges us into the charming tale of Satsuki and Mei, two spirited young sisters who, along with their father, relocate to the Japanese countryside to be within reach of their mother, who is residing in a nearby hospital. Immersed in their lush new surroundings, they chance upon a collection of mystical spirits, chief among them the majestic and benevolent forest spirit Totoro. This endearing creature becomes their guide to a hidden, enchanting realm within the everyday, revealing the subtle magic present in nature. Amid the trials posed by their mother’s ill health and the bittersweet trials of growing up, Totoro emerges as a bastion of solace and childlike amazement.
Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpiece is a loving tribute to the untarnished essence of youth and the enduring fortitude found within us. The beautiful landscapes and carefully crafted animation invite the audience into an immersive world where the grandeur of the natural world and the unadulterated joys of life are held in high esteem. “My Neighbor Totoro” seizes the viewer’s imagination and delivers a narrative that is both uplifting and universal, effortlessly crossing cultural lines to bewitch viewers from every corner of the globe. Becoming a cultural phenomenon, “My Neighbor Totoro” stands as a testament to the wonder of childhood and nature, making it one of the best anime films of the 80s.
2. Akira – Katsuhiro Otomo (1988)
“Akira” propels us into the dazzling, cyberpunk world of Neo-Tokyo, a metropolis rising from the ashes of obliteration caused by a devestating explosion. At the heart of this story is Kaneda, a brazen bike gang leader, and Tetsuo, his comrade since childhood, who suddenly fins himself with dangerous telekinetic powers after a motorcycle accident. Tetsuo’s newfound abilities quickly spiral into a perilous maelstrom, capturing the gaze of clandestine military and government operatives. This untamed force ushers both friends into the core of an escalating political intrigue and the ominous shadow of a second, potentially ruinous cataclysm.
Katsuhiro Otomo’s groundbreaking film commands respect as a monumental piece in both the realms of science fiction storytelling and the art of animation. Charged with visceral energy and adorned with groundbreaking animation techniques, the movie delves into complex motifs of authority, ethical decay, and societal upheaval, striking a chord with its audience. “Akira” is more than just a mere visual marvel, as it also explores the depths of its characters’ consciousness and reflects upon the challenges that permeate their reality. Its enduring influence on an array of contemporary media secures its status as a foundational pillar of the anime film industry.
1. Grave of the Fireflies – Isao Takahata (1988)
“Grave of the Fireflies” portrays a searing and deeply affecting narrative in the twilight of World War II’s devastation in Japan. We witness the poignant journey of Seita and his young sister Setsuko, orphaned and adrift after their mother perishes in a merciless air raid on Kobe, with their father absent due to his duties in the Japanese Navy. Their battle for sustenance and survival against the collapse of their world is not just gut-wrenching but a powerful testament to the staggering personal losses brought on by conflict. The siblings find themselves in an unyielding embrace of dependency on one another, their bond a singular point of light in the encroaching darkness of their circumstances.
Isao Takahata’s cinematic endeavor stands as a grave meditation on the ravages of war, all the more compelling for its portrayal through the perspective of its youthful characters. The film’s visual storytelling is rendered with an aesthetic that is unflinchingly honest and brutal, capturing the somber beauty and heartbreak of the time. “Grave of the Fireflies” investigates profound themes of human tenacity, the anguish of loss, and the unwavering fortitude of the human heart, even when faced with insurmountable odds. It has secured its place as an unforgettable piece of art in the world of cinema, rightfully earning its place as one of the best anime films of the 80s.
Summary
To summarise, here are the ten best Anime films of the 80s:
- Patlabor: The Movie – Mamoru Oshii (1989)
- Night on the Galactic Railroad – Gisaburō Sugii (1985)
- Urusei Yatsura: Beautiful Dreamer – Mamoru Oshii (1984)
- Castle in the Sky – Hayao Miyazaki (1986)
- Kiki’s Delivery Service – Hayao Miyazaki (1989)
- Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind – Hayao Miyazaki (1984)
- Angel’s Egg – Mamoru Oshii (1985)
- My Neighbor Totoro – Hayao Miyazaki (1988)
- Akira – Katsuhiro Otomo (1988)
- Grave of the Fireflies – Isao Takahata (1988)
