5 ’80s Anime Series That Absolutely Deserve Modern Reboots

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The 1980s gave us some truly memorable TV series that helped define how stories are told today. But it was also a period of trial and error. Shows were often made with limited money and under intense pressure, which meant many promising ideas never fully came to fruition. While a few series became classics, countless others suffered from abrupt conclusions, inconsistent storylines, or confusing details, simply because studios lacked the resources or took on too many projects.

A common weakness of 80s anime was its tendency to tell stories in separate episodes, even when a continuing story would have worked better. This often meant plots felt rushed, went nowhere, or repeated themselves, as seen in shows like *Urusei Yatsura*, which prioritized humor over developing its romantic relationships. Despite these issues, the 80s produced a lot of creative and interesting ideas that are still worth exploring today.

5. Aura Battler Dunbine

Released in 1983, *Aura Battler Dunbine* is an early example of the isekai genre – a story about someone transported to another world. It follows Shō Zama, a street racer suddenly pulled from Japan into a fantastical realm filled with magic, knights, and giant robots. He’s forced to fight for the ruthless Lord Drake Luft, who wants to conquer Byston Well and invade Earth. Though initially loyal, Shō quickly realizes Drake is a tyrant and joins the resistance, teaming up with Marvel Frozen, an American warrior also brought to Byston Well. Together, they fight against Drake’s army, escalating the conflict and putting both worlds in danger. The story becomes increasingly complex and heartbreaking as the distinction between good and evil fades. It’s ripe for a remake, as the original series’ grand vision was limited by the technology and toy market of the time.

4. Cat’s Eye

Tsukasa Hojo, the creator of *City Hunter*, crafted *Cat’s Eye*, a thrilling series about three sisters – Hitomi, Rui, and Ai Kisugi. By day, they run a cafe, but by night, they become a sophisticated team of art thieves. They target paintings that once belonged to their father, Michael Heintz, a famous collector who vanished years ago. *Cat’s Eye* cleverly mixed romance, comedy, and suspenseful heists – a combination that wouldn’t become popular until much later, with shows like *Lupin III: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine*.

Although *Cat’s Eye* ran for 73 episodes across two seasons from 1983 to 1985, it hasn’t become as well-known outside of Japan as other series from that time, like *City Hunter*, or even the later work of its creator. This is surprising, considering how cleverly the show is written. The original series left some mysteries unsolved – particularly around the Kisugi family and a collection called the “Magnificent Seven” – which leaves room for a new version to explore these ideas further. Fortunately, a 12-episode animated series created by Liden Films is coming to Disney+ and Hulu in two parts: September 26th to October 31st, 2025, and December 26th, 2025 to January 30th, 2026.

3. Gunbuster

A modern remake of *Gunbuster* would be fantastic – not to replace the original 1988 series, but to introduce its brilliance to a new generation. Made before his famous work *Neon Genesis Evangelion*, this six-episode anime was director Hideaki Anno’s first dive into the complex inner lives of heroes.

Released in 1988, *Gunbuster* is a thrilling blend of giant robot action, science fiction, and a touching coming-of-age story. It centers on Noriko Takaya, who joins a pilot training program after the death of her father, a starship captain fighting alien creatures. Though she lacks natural talent, Noriko is accepted due to her family name and must overcome feelings of inadequacy with the help of her demanding instructor, Coach Ohta, and the naturally gifted Kazumi Amano. Because missions take place at near-light speed, time passes differently for Noriko than for those on Earth, meaning every successful sortie distances her from the people she’s trying to protect. While a fantastic sequel, *Diebuster*, came out in 2004, a complete remake of *Gunbuster* could introduce this early work of director Hideaki Anno to a new generation of fans who are more familiar with his later hits like *Evangelion* or his recent *Shin* series (*Godzilla, Ultraman, Kamen Rider*).

2. Kimagure Orange Road

I remember watching *Kimagure Orange Road* and being completely drawn in by its mix of high school romance and a touch of science fiction. It really felt like something new at the time, and I later realized it actually helped shape a lot of anime that came after it – shows like *Video Girl Ai* and *Waiting in the Summer* definitely owe a debt to its unique blend of comedy, drama, and romance.

Kyosuke Kasuga is a sweet but hesitant teenager from a family with telekinetic powers, which they must keep hidden. After meeting Madoka Ayukawa, he joins her school and gets caught in a developing love triangle with her and her cheerful friend, Hikaru Hiyama. Though he has the power to rewind time or alter reality, the story emphasizes that there are always repercussions for taking shortcuts in relationships. *Kimagure Orange Road* is a series worth revisiting – it expertly tugs at your heartstrings, then gently mends them, just as it did for a whole generation of anime fans who still feel a wave of nostalgia whenever they hear the song “Night of Summer Side.”

1. Bubblegum Crisis

Bubblegum Crisis stands out as a rare 1980s action anime featuring a female team that’s treated as strong heroes, not just a gimmick. The story takes place in MegaTokyo, a futuristic city rebuilt after a major earthquake in the year 2032, where powerful companies control everything thanks to advanced technology. The series follows the Knight Sabers, a team of four women who fight criminals using powerful, armored suits called “hardsuits.”

A modern revival of *Bubblegum Crisis* is long overdue, especially considering its original run was cut short. The 1987 anime series was originally intended to have 13 episodes, but disagreements between the production companies limited it to just 8. It’s a prime example of early cyberpunk anime, even appearing before the *Akira* animated film. Although a reboot called *Tokyo 2040* was made in the late 1990s, it changed too much of what made the original special and never gained the same dedicated fanbase.

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2025-10-14 21:43