Like Disney films and Warner Bros’ cartoons, anime has evolved tremendously over the years. Today’s series astound users with cutting-edge animation and modern storytelling. But there’s something uniquely captivating about retro anime—the classics that paved the way for everything we enjoy now. Crunchyroll, one of the largest streaming platforms for anime, offers a wide variety of shows. Their catalogue includes some of the best retro anime that still hold up today. Here’s some of our favourites.

Robotech 

Robotech is a classic anime that holds a special place in the hearts of many fans, blending science fiction, drama, and mecha action into a captivating story. For many North American audiences, Robotech was the series that introduced them to anime. The show is set in a future where humanity uses advanced alien technology to defend Earth from extraterrestrial threats. What sets Robotech apart is its multi-generational storyline, as it follows different characters across three sagas, each dealing with new challenges while maintaining strong continuity. The series has complex characters, emotional depth, and intense battles, making it a timeless experience for anime lovers. Crunchyroll has the entirety of the first series, along with two movies that came after.

Fist of the North Star 

For fans of dystopian settings, muscle-bound heroes, and over-the-top action, Fist of the North Star is the series for them. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the series follows Kenshiro, a martial artist who possesses the deadly Hokuto Shinken technique, which can cause enemies to explode from within. The plot revolves around Kenshiro’s journey to rescue his fiancée and bring justice to a lawless wasteland. Even if you haven’t watched it, you’ve surely heard the iconic catchphrase from the show, “You don’t even know you’re already dead”. It may seem dated by today’s standards, but the action is so exaggerated and stylized that it feels timeless. For those into brutal, high-stakes combat, Fist of the North Star is essential viewing, and thankfully Crunchyroll has all 6 seasons.

Dragon Ball

Before there was Dragon Ball Z, there was the original Dragon Ball, which chronicles the early adventures of a young Goku as he embarks on a quest to find the seven Dragon Balls. Unlike the more action-heavy Dragon Ball Z, the original series is a mix of adventure, comedy, and martial arts, and has a more light-hearted tone. While it may not be as fondly remembered as Dragon Ball Z, it’s still an essential part of anime history. The series ran from 1986-1989, and all 153 episodes are on Crunchyroll.

Lupin the Third

If you are looking for something even older, you may want to look into Lupin the Third. The series has been running since the early 1970s, although it wasn’t introduced to North American audiences until much later.  The show follows the adventures of the gentleman thief Arsène Lupin III, who, along with his crew, pulls off daring heists while evading the clutches of the relentless Inspector Zenigata. The series is a mix of humour, action, and intrigue, which holds up surprisingly well. The animation does look a little dated, but as the show goes on it gets better. The second TV series is by far the most popular, and you don’t have to watch the early stuff to be able to jump right in if you would like to start there. If you are a completist however, Crunchyroll has them all.

Yu Yu Hakusho

Arguably one of the best shounen anime ever made, Yu Yu Hakusho is a must-watch for any fan of the genre. This show follows Yusuke Urameshi, a teenage delinquent who dies saving a child and is given a second chance at life. He becomes a Spirit Detective, investigating supernatural occurrences in the human world and battling demons. What makes Yu Yu Hakusho stand out is its character development, complex battles, and timeless themes of friendship, sacrifice, and redemption. The animation, while old-school, still delivers thrilling fight scenes, and the soundtrack is quintessentially ’90s, which adds to its charm. The entire series can be found on Crunchyroll.

Retro anime offers a nostalgic journey back to the roots of the medium, and thankfully Crunchyroll can help prevent you from digging out your old VHS tapes to find the episodes you enjoy. Whether you’re into action-packed battles, heartwarming friendships, or philosophical musings, there’s a retro anime out there for you. You’ll be surprised how they have stood the test of time and continue to keep you entertained.