Anime history is vast and complex. Since the medium emerged in the early 1900s, millions of creators have experimented with it and used it to tell the stories that lived in their hearts. Because of this, diving into anime history can often feel overwhelming, as not only are there thousands of shows to watch, but many of these shows have complex release histories, making it hard to find a way to watch them.
Thankfully, this is where RetroCrush comes in. This streaming proudly declares itself the home of retro anime and boasts a massive catalogue of shows from the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. Because of this, RetroCrush’s catalog is packed with hidden gems that every anime fan should check out at least once.
Dirty Pair Is A Fun ’80s Romp.
Based on the light novel series written by Haruka Takachiho and illustrated by Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, Dirty Pair made its TV debut in 1985. In the year 2138, humanity has expanded into the stars, and human colonies can now be found on or near numerous planets across the galaxy. However, this expansion isn’t a smooth one, as many colonies are encountering new issues they can’t solve on their own.
This is where the World Welfare Works Association steps in. This firm sends its special agents (dubbed trouble consultants) to any planet or colony in need of aid. The show follows Kei and Yuri, two trouble consultants who have become known as the Dirty Pair due to their habit of leaving chaos in their wake as they handle any problem the World Welfare Works Association throws at them. A delightful blend of comedy and action, Dirty Pair is sure to leave any anime fan feeling satisfied.
Boogiepop Phantom Is A Twisting Mystery
Based on Kouhei Kadono’s series of light novels, Boogiepop Phantom was produced by Madhouse. Five years after a gruesome series of murders, the peace is suddenly shattered when a mysterious pillar of light appears in the sky. Even worse, several people have disappeared, leading many to believe that the killer is on the loose once more.
What makes Boogiepop Phantom stand out is its structure. Each episode follows a different character who comes into contact with the main plot in some manner. Thus, the show encourages viewers to piece together the story as they watch, creating a deeply immersive experience.
Cat’s Eye Is A Classic Criminal Caper
Based on Tsukasa Hojo’s manga series of the same name, Cat’s Eye made its television debut in 1983. The series follows Rui, Ai, and Hitomi Kisugi, three sisters who lead a double life. By day, they are the owners of the Cat’s Eye cafe in Tokyo. But by night, they are a trio of art thieves who track down and recover pieces of art that belonged to their missing father.
However, their crimes suddenly become more complex when Hitomi starts dating Toshio Utsumi, a young police officer tasked with tracking them down and bringing them to justice. Thus, the girls must work even harder to maintain their double lives and leave no trace when committing their crimes. Cat’s Eye is a fun series that is perfect for fans of shows like Lupin the 3rd and City Hunter.
Iria: Zeiram the Animation Is A Sci-Fi Prequel
Produced by Ashi Productions and serving as a prequel to the 1991 live-action film Zeiram, Iria: Zeiram the Animation shows how Iria became a legendary bounty hunter. It starts with Iria shadowing her brother, Gren, as he goes about his mercenary duties. However, when they attempt to seize back control of a hijacked ship, they come face-to-face with a seemingly indestructible alien called Zeiram.
A fun action romp, Iria: Zeiram the Animation features some supremely cool visuals. While Zeiram fans will enjoy this look back at Iria’s past, the anime doesn’t require knowledge of the film’s story to understand it, meaning that sci-fi anime fans should check it out.
The Twelve Kingdoms Is An Underrated Isekai
Despite the recent isekai renaissance, The Twelve Kingdoms remains painfully overlooked. Based on Fuyumi Ono and Akihiro Yamada’s series of fantasy novels, the series follows Youko Nakajima, a high school student who is unhappy with her life. However, things take a sudden turn when a mysterious man appears and pledges his allegiance to her.
At first, Youko is confused, but after a group of demons attacks her classroom, the man whisks her and her two friends to another world. This thrusts the girls into an epic quest to discover why they were transported to this new world and find a way home. A fantastic series with plenty of heart, The Twelve Kingdoms is a must-watch for all isekai fans.
Thermae Romae Is A Unique Story About Plumbing
Based on Mari Yamazaki’s award-winning manga, the 2012 Thermae Romae series was produced by DLE. The series follows Lucius Modestus, an architect living in ancient Rome. While struggling with creative block, Lucius goes to his local spa, hoping that some relaxation time will allow him to come up with new ideas.
However, while at the spa, Lucious spots an odd tunnel. When he explores this tunnel, he finds himself in a modern Japanese bathhouse. Instantly wowed by modern plumbing, Lucious starts to go back and forth between Japan and Rome, learning all he can about bathhouses. A charmingly original series, Thermae Romae will delight anime fans who love their isekai with a touch of silliness.
Blue Seed Is A Strange Seinen Romp
Animated by Production I.G. and Ashi Productions and based on Yuzo Takada’s manga, Blue Seed landed on screens in 1994. Set in 1992, the series follows Momiji Fujimiya, a middle-school student who lives with her grandmother. Alas, Momiji’s quiet life is turned upside down when a strange man with magatama beads in his hands attempts to kill her.
As she tries to work out what caused the man to attack her, Momiji learns that she might possess special powers. However, this discovery comes with a downside, as she quickly realizes that otherworldly forces will do anything to stop her from using her powers to their fullest. A fun action comedy, Blue Seed is a breezy watch for Seinen fans.
Tetsujin 28 Is An Updated Take On A Classic
Released in 2004 and animated by Palm Studio, Tetsujin 28 is an updated retelling of Mitsuteru Yokoyama’s legendary Tetsujin 28-go manga. Ten years after the end of World War 2, Professor Shikishima and his company, Shikishima Industries, have become leaders in the tech sphere. Their main area of research is robotics, something that has led the professor to create many powerful machines.
However, when Shoutarou, the son of Dr. Kaneda, gets involved, he soon finds himself entangled in something bigger than he ever dreamed. Tetsujin 28-go is a foundational mecha manga, and the 2004 anime does a fantastic job of bringing it to life. Thus, Tetsujin 28 is the perfect series for anime fans looking to dip their toes into mecha history.
Princess Nine Is A Charming Sports Series
Princess Nine follows nine girls who attend Kisaragi Girls’ School. Keen to prove that girls can play sports just as well as boys, nine girls form a baseball team and set their sights on winning the prestigious National High School Baseball Championship, the finals of which are held at the legendary Koshien Stadium. However, the girls quickly find that the road to the top isn’t easy.
Doubly so because their key player, Ryo Hayakawa, is the daughter of Hidehiko Hayakawa, a legendary pitcher who was forced out of baseball due to a scandal he wasn’t actually involved in, meaning Ryo has a lot of trauma linked to the sport. However, as the girls fight their way through the tournament, they bond and help each other grow, leading to a warm and deeply moving experience.
Magic User’s Club Is A Unique Magical Girl Series
Produced by Triangle Staff and directed by Junichi Sato (who would also work on Sailor Moon and Cowboy Bebop), Magic User’s Club starts with a mysterious spaceship landing on Earth. Quickly presuming the ship is a threat, the world’s military attempts to destroy it, only for the craft to instantly vaporize their weapons. However, as the craft doesn’t seem to attack those who do not attack it, an uneasy peace forms.
However, the Kitanohashi High School Magic Users Club believes that the aliens will soon attempt to take over the Earth. Thus, they develop their magic powers (learned from an ancient grimoire one of their members found) and prepare to do battle with the aliens. A fun twist on the magical girl formula, The Magic User’s Club is made by its cute and memorable cast of characters.
