Anime That Defined Eras of Global Animation

Anime has dramatically changed over the years thanks to a handful of groundbreaking series and films. From the simple beginnings of 1960s television to today’s stunning digital productions, these works have shaped each era. They not only introduced new story ideas and improved animation quality, but also helped anime become popular around the world. This selection highlights 20 anime that were pivotal moments for the industry and have become classics.

‘Astro Boy’ (1963–1966)

As a huge animation fan, I always love learning about the shows that started it all. This series was truly groundbreaking – it was the very first 30-minute animated show on Japanese TV and basically created the template for how all anime is made today. The creator, Osamu Tezuka, was a genius. He had to work with a tight budget, so he developed this really clever style called ‘limited animation’ to get weekly episodes done. The story itself is fantastic – it’s about a super-strong robot boy who feels things, and he’s trying to bring peace between humans and robots in the future. It was a massive hit, and it really opened the door for anime to become popular all over the world. Plus, it’s where that famous ‘big eyes’ style that you see in a lot of anime came from!

‘Space Battleship Yamato’ (1974–1975)

This groundbreaking series helped change anime, moving it towards more involved, ongoing space adventures for older viewers. It tells the story of the crew aboard the battleship Yamato as they journey across the galaxy in search of a technology that can save Earth from being destroyed by radiation. The show was known for its intense drama and realistic technology, influencing many successful science fiction anime that followed. It also sparked the first large anime fan communities and led to a surge in merchandise sales in Japan.

‘Mobile Suit Gundam’ (1979–1980)

Yoshiyuki Tomino’s groundbreaking series redefined mecha anime by portraying robots as realistic military weapons, not invincible heroes. It tells the story of a harsh civil war between the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon, with a strong focus on the emotional and mental effects of war on those involved. Unlike many shows of its time, this series prioritized in-depth characters and complex political themes over simple, repetitive battles. It went on to become a hugely successful franchise and continues to be a major influence on both animation and the plastic model (or ‘kit’) industry worldwide.

‘Dragon Ball’ (1986–1989)

This show is considered the blueprint for many action-packed anime series focused on martial arts and characters getting stronger. It centers on Son Goku’s journey to gather the Dragon Balls as he trains to become a legendary fighter. By mixing humor, exciting adventures, and thrilling battles, it created a formula that inspired countless other shows. The story continued with several successful sequels, becoming a globally recognized franchise.

‘Akira’ (1988)

This movie is famous for bringing more mature anime to a large Western audience. It’s set in a futuristic, troubled version of Tokyo and tells a story about secret government plots and people with dangerous psychic abilities. The animation was groundbreaking for its time, with smooth, detailed movements and dialogue recorded before the animation was created – a rare technique then. Its dark, realistic visuals and thought-provoking ideas have inspired many filmmakers and science fiction writers around the world.

‘Sailor Moon’ (1992–1997)

This show breathed new life into the ‘magical girl’ genre by blending it with the teamwork seen in shows like Power Rangers, and raising the stakes to a cosmic level. It centered on Usagi Tsukino and her friends, who used their special powers to defend Earth from supernatural dangers. The series became a huge hit around the world, celebrated for its messages about strong women and the value of close friendships. It also inspired many popular shows with female leads and action-packed stories in the years that followed.

‘Ghost in the Shell’ (1995)

Directed by Mamoru Oshii, this movie is a hugely influential work of cyberpunk, famous for its groundbreaking combination of classic animation and computer-generated visuals. It delves into thought-provoking questions about what it means to be human in a future dominated by technology. The film centers on Major Motoko Kusanagi, who is tracking a shadowy hacker called the Puppet Master through a vast city. Its unique visual style and philosophical ideas had a significant impact on Western films, even inspiring the creators of ‘The Matrix’.

‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ (1995–1996)

Hideaki Anno’s work revolutionized the giant robot genre by diving deep into the characters’ emotional and psychological struggles, and using symbolic imagery. The series centers on teenage pilots battling strange creatures called Angels, all while confronting their own inner demons. It’s widely credited with sparking the anime explosion of the late 1990s, particularly the trend of more complex, adult-focused anime shows airing late at night. With its thought-provoking themes and richly developed characters, it showed that animation could offer sophisticated storytelling for grown-up viewers.

‘Pokémon’ (1997–2023)

This hugely popular series, based on a well-known video game, brought Japanese animation to audiences around the world, captivating millions of children. Following Ash Ketchum and Pikachu’s adventures, it set the standard for monster-collecting stories and became a major marketing success. For over twenty years, the show aired continuously, growing into one of the most famous and financially successful entertainment brands ever created. Its worldwide popularity helped make anime a common part of television and culture in Western countries.

‘Cowboy Bebop’ (1998–1999)

Created by Shinichiro Watanabe, this anime is well-known for its unique combination of sci-fi, western, and noir influences. It centers around a crew of bounty hunters who journey across space in their ship, the Bebop, all set to a fantastic and highly-regarded jazz score. Many Western viewers discovered anime through this show, thanks to its sophisticated stories and movie-like visuals. The series features self-contained episodes and explores the sad histories of its characters, creating a distinctive, stylish, and bittersweet mood.

‘Spirited Away’ (2001)

Hayao Miyazaki’s film from Studio Ghibli was a massive hit in Japan, becoming the country’s highest-earning movie when it came out. It also won an Oscar for Best Animated Feature, which helped bring international attention and respect to Japanese animation. The story follows Chihiro, a young girl who finds herself in a magical world of spirits and must rescue her parents from a curse. The film is famous for its beautiful, detailed hand-drawn animation and its incredibly creative and culturally inspired world.

‘Naruto’ (2002–2007)

This anime series was a major hit in the early 2000s, becoming one of the three most popular action shows worldwide. It follows Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja striving to prove himself and become the leader of his village. The series is known for its heartfelt character development and creative, strategic fight scenes. It also helped grow the anime fanbase around the world as online communities and fan culture began to flourish.

‘Fullmetal Alchemist’ (2003–2004)

Based on Hiromu Arakawa’s popular manga, this series is praised for its well-crafted story and thoughtful examination of themes like self-sacrifice and the impact of war. The story follows brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric as they use alchemy to search for the Philosopher’s Stone, hoping to repair their bodies. It skillfully blends funny moments with serious drama and intricate political plots, making it a critically acclaimed show that resonates with a wide range of animation viewers thanks to its relatable emotional core.

‘Death Note’ (2006–2007)

This thrilling anime moves away from typical action and instead centers on a battle of wits between two incredibly intelligent characters. Light Yagami uses a mysterious notebook to eliminate criminals, while the brilliant detective L tries to catch him through clever reasoning. The series is well-known for its tense mood and the complex questions it raises about right and wrong, and the use of power. It became hugely popular in the mid-2000s, helping to introduce more complex, story-focused anime to viewers around the world.

‘The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya’ (2006)

This show was incredibly influential in popularizing the “moé” style and the current wave of anime adapted from light novels. It centers on Kyon, a high schooler unexpectedly pulled into the bizarre world created by Haruhi, a girl with the power to unknowingly change reality. The series stood out from other anime at the time with its unique, non-chronological episode order and a now-famous closing credits dance. It also cemented Kyoto Animation’s reputation as a leading animation studio known for its detailed character work and emotional storytelling.

‘Puella Magi Madoka Magica’ (2011)

This series is famous for taking the classic magical girl formula and turning it on its head with a much darker, more complex approach. Writer Gen Urobuchi brought elements of psychological horror and a sense of hopelessness to a genre typically known for its cheerful tone. The story centers on Madoka Kaname and her discovery of the disturbing truth behind becoming a magical girl. Its distinctive visuals, especially the unusual ‘witch barriers,’ have inspired many other dark fantasy series.

‘Attack on Titan’ (2013–2023)

This anime became incredibly popular around the world thanks to its thrilling story, dark themes, and exciting action. It’s set in a world where humanity fights for survival against enormous, human-eating creatures called Titans, hiding behind massive walls for protection. What starts as a terrifying struggle for survival eventually grows into a complicated story with political intrigue and a richly developed world. The show’s huge success on streaming services changed how people around the globe watch anime.

‘Your Name.’ (2016)

Directed by Makoto Shinkai, this incredibly popular film is known for its stunning visuals and beautiful animation. It tells the story of two teens who unexpectedly start switching bodies and try to connect with each other across time and distance. The film successfully combined classic Japanese ideas with modern settings, appealing to audiences around the world. Its success cemented Shinkai’s position as a major director in animated films, especially after some of the industry’s most famous creators retired.

‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba’ (2019–Present)

This incredibly popular series broke box office records, with the movie becoming the highest-grossing anime film ever made. Created by Ufotable, it’s known for its stunning visuals and action sequences that combine traditional 2D animation with modern 3D technology. The story centers on Tanjiro Kamado, who becomes a demon slayer in hopes of turning his sister back into a human after a devastating event. The series’ success proves that investing in high-quality animation can really pay off in today’s global streaming market.

‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ (2020–Present)

This popular series, created by MAPPA, is known for its incredibly smooth animation and exciting fights with supernatural creatures. The story centers on Yuji Itadori, a student who becomes part of a hidden group of sorcerers dedicated to battling dangerous curses that arise from negative human feelings. It’s fast-paced and successfully blends scary, dark themes with the energetic action you’d expect from a classic action anime. Its success with both audiences and critics shows just how high the bar is for animated shows today.

Which of these era-defining anime series had the biggest impact on your journey as a fan?

2026-01-30 21:54