What is the best 1980s anime?

Ashita no Joe (9.02) ranks #1 among 1980s anime on the Anime Codex rubric, which scores each show on story, characters, themes, world, animation and cultural impact.

How are these 11 1980s anime ranked?

Each show is scored 1–10 on six criteria, weighted by demographic, into a single Codex score. This page lists every qualifying 1980s anime by that score and updates as the catalogue grows.

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Best 1980s anime, ranked

Every 1980s anime in the Codex, scored on six things that actually matter and ranked by weighted score (1980–1989). 11 titles, led by Ashita no Joe (9.02). Re-ranked automatically as scores change — no stale lists.

9.02

Ashita no Joe

1980Top: Cultural 9.8

8.37

Maison Ikkoku

1986Top: Character 9.0

7.98

Akira

1988Top: Cultural 10.0

7.55

Yawara! A Fashionable Judo Girl

1989Top: Character 8.2

7.11

Saint Seiya

1986Top: Cultural 9.0

7.05

Fist of the North Star

1984Top: Cultural 9.0

6.93

Dragon Ball

1989Top: Cultural 10.0

6.88

Dr. Slump

1981Top: Cultural 8.5

6.68

Captain Tsubasa

1983Top: Cultural 9.5

1989Top: Cultural 8.0

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FAQ

What is the best 1980s anime?: Ashita no Joe (9.02) ranks #1 among 1980s anime on the Anime Codex rubric, which scores each show on story, characters, themes, world, animation and cultural impact.
How are these 11 1980s anime ranked?: Each show is scored 1–10 on six criteria, weighted by demographic, into a single Codex score. This page lists every qualifying 1980s anime by that score and updates as the catalogue grows.