5 ’80s Anime Movies That Absolutely Deserve Modern Reboots

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The 1980s were a really innovative period for anime, known for tackling surprisingly complex and adult themes. While some modern anime still isn’t afraid to be daring, the level of violence, gore, and mature content in many ’80s titles was often shocking. Thinking about this distinctive era, it felt like the perfect time to revisit some classic anime films and imagine how they could be updated and remade for a new audience.

Let’s be clear upfront: some anime films are just too good to remake, no matter how old they are. This is especially true for classics like *Akira* and most of the films Studio Ghibli made during its peak. So, you won’t find titles like *My Neighbor Totoro* or *Grave of the Fireflies* on the list below. With that said, let’s look at some movies that *could* benefit from a 2020s remake.

5.) Vampire Hunter D

Fans have been eagerly awaiting a new anime adaptation of *Vampire Hunter D* for years. The original novels offer a wealth of stories about Dracula’s son, but the last anime film, *Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust*, came out in 2000. Although rumors of a new series have circulated, nothing has come to fruition, leaving fans disappointed.

A remake of the original film would be a great fit, as D’s fight against Count Lee has all the elements of a thrilling, violent adventure. Throughout this post-apocalyptic story, D battles not only vampires, but also mutants, terrifying creatures, and a wide range of other supernatural threats. As seen in *Bloodlust*, D’s world and character lend themselves well to a modern look and feel. Reviving this vampire hunter would be a fantastic addition to the anime world.

4.) Barefoot Gen

Although Studio Ghibli’s *Grave of the Fireflies* is a well-known film, a remake of *Barefoot Gen* would be valuable. This anime series is particularly remembered for containing one of the most upsetting scenes in anime history: a harrowing depiction of the Hiroshima bombing and its victims, both those who lived and those who didn’t, which continues to be deeply disturbing.

A great way to remake *Barefoot Gen* would be to combine the original film with its sequel into a single, powerful movie. The story, which picks up years after the Hiroshima bombing during World War II, is unsettling but important, and could serve as a valuable history lesson for audiences. While anime is known for epic battles and fantastical stories, there’s definitely room for more thought-provoking historical dramas like this one.

3.) Dragon Ball: Curse of The Blood Rubies

The early years of Son Goku, from the original *Dragon Ball* series, often get overshadowed in the larger *Dragon Ball* franchise created by Akira Toriyama. Many fans believe this original series is ripe for a remake, a point emphasized by the recent anime film, *Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero*. The film’s recap of the Red Ribbon Army’s history demonstrated how much more visually engaging Goku’s early adventures could be with updated animation.

The original *Dragon Ball* series had three theatrical movies in Japan: *Dragon Ball: Mystical Adventure*, *Dragon Ball: Sleeping Princess in Devil’s Castle*, and *Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies*. We chose *Mystical Adventure* specifically because it was the first *Dragon Ball* movie, and it featured a completely new story. It’s a great fit because it brings back the original team – Goku, Yamcha, Bulma, Oolong, and Master Roshi – which will appeal to longtime fans, and it introduces a fresh element that viewers of *Dragon Ball Z* and *Dragon Ball Super* might not be familiar with.

2.) Wicked City

It’s interesting how many films on this list were made by Studio Madhouse! Anime focused on fighting demons are incredibly popular now, as seen with *Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle*. That makes revisiting a classic like *Wicked City* a great idea. Like many anime from the 1980s, *Wicked City* didn’t shy away from intense violence and nudity, but it told a unique and compelling story – a kind of supernatural adventure you don’t often see anymore.

Wicked City starts with a world similar to Men in Black, but filled with demons. Governments try to keep demons hidden from the public and use special agents to battle supernatural dangers. The 1987 anime was originally based on a book series, and it has the potential to launch a new anime franchise, especially now. Many consider Wicked City a prime example of 1980s anime, and a modern animated version could introduce the story to a whole new audience.

1.) Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone

When researching options for this list, we were surprised to discover the first *Dragon Ball Z* movie came out in 1989. That made it an easy choice to include the battle against Garlic Jr., alongside the original *Dragon Ball: Curse of The Blood Rubies*. *Dead Zone* is frequently considered one of the best *Dragon Ball Z* films, and with good reason. Many fans believe this story could have been part of the main series, and Garlic Jr. actually did reappear in the anime later, though in a non-canon storyline.

The story of *Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone* is straightforward and immediately engaging, kicking off with Gohan’s abduction and maintaining a fast pace once the villain, Garlic Jr., appears. Set before Raditz’s arrival, this first *Z* movie has a concise plot that would fit well with the animation style Toei Animation uses today.

We’ve put together a list of classic ’80s anime that we think deserve a modern update. What are your thoughts? Share your opinions in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-10-10 23:43