The modern age has made consuming content easier than ever, and with hundreds of episodes at the click of a button, binging anime is commonplace. Some shows like One Piece need to be binged, with that even taking over a year. However, other modern anime such as Jujutsu Kaisen make for a perfect binge session with a focus on entertainment value, digestible story, and thrilling action.
Modern anime may be up most fans’ alleys, but there are so many classic series that new fans don’t want that are also perfect to binge. That is why this list will highlight ten classic anime series that are still perfect to binge today based on entertainment value, digestible story, action, memorable moments, pacing, fan opinion, critical acclaim, and overall quality. This list will classify a classic anime as anything that came out in the 2000s or before.
It may be weird for many anime fans to consider Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood a classic, but it did come out in the 2000s, meaning it is eligible for this list. When brothers Ed and Al lose parts or all of their bodies in a taboo experiment, they set out on an adventure to find the philosopher’s stone. However, after learning of a government conspiracy, they must stop this threat before it engulfs the entire world.
As the newest anime on this list, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood has aged better than most and might appeal to more modern fans because of its fluid animation and shōnen story. Still, this series has everything an anime fan could want, from action to a compelling narrative, comedy, worldbuilding, drama, mystery, romance, well-written characters, and memorable moments. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is arguably the best anime of all time, and therefore is a perfect binge.
9
‘Ashita no Joe’ (1970–1981)
This list defines classics in a broad range, with most of the entries coming from the 1980s to 2000s, but there is no debate when it comes to Ashita no Joe; that anime is a definitive classic. Joe is a street punk, and when a former boxer sees potential in him, they start their boxing journey after Joe serves his prison sentence. However, this journey won’t be as easy as expected.
Compared to other shows, Ashita no Joe‘s animation hasn’t held up, but it pioneered many animation techniques, such as postcard memories. This iconic series is a masterclass of character development that reinvented the sports genre, creating a tragic yet captivating drama. Ashita no Joe is a longer anime, but that just means there is more to get attached to.
8
‘Monster’ (2004–2005)
Naoki Urasawa is a prolific manga author with some of the most influential works, and his magnum opus is Monster. Tenma is a surgeon who chooses to save the life of a child instead of the mayor. However, when said kid grows up to be a serial killer, Tenma must take matters into his own hands. But will Tenma be able to kill Johan after learning of his dark past?
With 74 episodes, Monster has more than enough episodes for fans to fall in love with, especially because it is a slow-burning thriller that becomes a full-on inferno of intrigue and mystery. With some of the greatest plot twists and shocking moments, Monster is an absolute anime masterpiece. This 2000s anime has aged wonderfully, delivering non-stop thrills and side adventures that build a magnificent series.
7
‘Cowboy Bebop’ (1998–1999)
The 1990s are home to some of the most memorable anime series ever, and Cowboy Bebop is arguably the most popular and iconic. Spike Spiegel and his crew are bounty hunters who travel around the galaxy, cleaning up the scum of space for a price. However, when Spike’s dark past resurfaces, he must tackle it head-on or risk losing his friends.
From the critically acclaimed director Shinichiro Watanabe, Cowboy Bebop is a distinct mix of sci-fi, noir, jazz, and classic action drama. This blend created one of the most unique anime series out there, but also contains a philosophical weight. Each character has their time to shine, and the episodic structure makes every episode a distinct masterpiece that makes binging Cowboy Bebop that much easier.
6
‘Legend of the Galactic Heroes’ (1988–1997)
The 1980s were the peak of the sci-fi genre in anime, with the greatest of them being Legend of the Galactic Heroes. After the deaths of two prominent leaders, a new generation is taking command, and their first order is to end the century-long ceasefire. With two rookies leading opposing militaries, a battle of ideals and philosophies threatens to consume the galaxy.
This duel of two giants may have a daunting episode count, but fans will speed through it after they get started. Legend of the Galactic Heroes abandons many anime tropes, creating a high-stakes story where even the most important characters don’t have plot armor. From genius tactical maneuvers to jaw-dropping plot twists to magnificent political realism, Legend of the Galactic Heroes has that one-more-episode effect that will have fans done with the story faster than expected.
5
‘Gunbuster’ (1988–1989)
The 1980s had a lot of anime shows that have been forgotten over time, but that just means there are more underrated series that fans should binge, including Gunbuster. Noriko and Kazumi are two rookie pilots sent into space to make sure an evil alien race doesn’t find and destroy Earth.
While Gunbuster is a forgotten 1980s anime, there is still a dedicated fanbase that deserves a second chance in the modern day. The animation is surprisingly fluid, and the charming style means this anime holds up better than expected, with a modern audience sure to love it. Gunbuster has remarkable space battles that hold real weight, resulting in a captivating series that is still worth bingeing now.
4
‘Trigun’ (1998)
Trigun Stampede is a modern-day remake of a classic that is more true to the manga, but that doesn’t mean it is better than the original Trigun. Vash the Stampede is the most wanted man in the world, with disaster following him wherever he goes. When two insurance agents try to find Vash and stop him from bankrupting their business, they discover that there is a darker scheme following Vash.
Trigun is a staple of the 1990s, and like many anime of the time, it features an episodic format that blends thrilling action-packed adventures with the occasional downtime to flesh out characters. This allows for an easy binge, with fans being able to enjoy both parts of this Western sci-fi. The cast is all engaging and endearing characters, and with a ’90s charm, Trigun is a fun series that is excellent to binge.
3
‘Macross Plus’ (1994–1995)
Some series are easier to binge than others, such as Macross Plus, which only features four episodes of unfiltered sci-fi goodness. An incident forced three friends to go their separate ways, and years later, they reunite in the most unfortunate of circumstances. Two of them are rival fighter pilots, and the other is the voice behind an AI singer, creating a dramatic and action-packed love triangle.
Macross Plus is a forgotten ’90s anime, but it was also made by Watanabe, proving he makes some of the most bingeable anime. The characters have their relatable side and plenty of screen time to develop, thrusting fans into some great fights with fluid animation. However, the soundtrack is the best part, making Macross Plus a visually and musically perfect anime.
2
‘Revolutionary Girl Utena’ (1997)
The magical girl genre isn’t for everyone, but it is home to some of the most iconic anime series, including Revolutionary Girl Utena, which more fans should try out and experiment with. The titular heroine hides as a prince in order to attend a school, but when she learns they fight for the hand of a magical girl, she fights to prove her worth and make sure no one else abuses the princess’s power.
Revolutionary Girl Utena is a daring show that explored a lot of taboo aspects for its time, but now remains an LGBTQ+ icon with inclusive storytelling and themes. This anime is full of endearing characters and exhilarating action, perfect for more fight-centric viewers. Revolutionary Girl Utena has the perfect number of episodes for a one-week binge that will have fans in love by the end.
1
‘Hajime no Ippo’ (2000–2014)
Ashita no Joe isn’t the only boxing anime on this list, with Hajime no Ippo earning the top spot. The titular character is naturally tough because of his family business, but he still has an innocent soul. But when Ippo learns of boxing, he finds a new ambition that might take him to the heights of the boxing world.
Hajime no Ippo is a genre-defining anime, encapsulating everything perfect about sports anime, from the underdog story to a focus on multiple characters to its riveting entertainment value. It may have a lot of episodes, but that makes the binge that much better, giving fans hundreds of episodes of enthralling fight scenes, character moments, and surprisingly good comedy. Hajime no Ippo is a fun, gripping, and lovable anime that should be on everyone’s next binge-watch.
Fighting Spirit
- Release Date
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2000 – 2002-00-00
- Network
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Nippon TV
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Kôhei Kiyasu
Ippo Makunouchi
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Rikiya Koyama
Mamoru Takamura
