Updated August 11, 2022 by Ernie

Lately, everyone is talking about the cyberpunk future concept but the new generation is missing out a lot on the vintage concept. Some people really like vintage-themed anime which we’ll soon be discussing but that doesn’t mean that anime with futuristic themes are bad. There’s just something about 70s anime that hits us differently. Now, if we look back at old yet legendary anime, nostalgia hits us, right? 

Are we missing out on anime from the 70s? Let’s find out! Here’s a list of 15+ BEST 70’s Anime! 

 

BEST ANIME FROM the 70s

 

16. Mobile Suit Gundam

 

INFORMATION
Title	Mobile Suit Gundam
Genre	Sci-Fi
Type	Series
Studio	Sunrise
Premiered	Spring 1979
Episode Count	43
Duration	25 minutes per episode

The story is set in 0079 of the Universal Century. Mankind has shifted to space and they are living in clusters called “Slides”. One of the clusters claims itself the “Principality of Zeon” and as a result declares war on the Earth where the government is ruling.

Using strong humanoid robots, Zeon gains the upper hand. It has been nine months since this conflict started. Now, the Earth Federation has created its own humanoid robot called Gundam to fight Zeon. A guy named Amuro Ray finds himself trapped in this conflict. Now, he will have to fight through space and earth. 

Mobile Suit Gundam talks about the realities of war on a battlefront and political scale. The mecha concept along with the problems of the military will straight off blow your mind! Let’s see how Amuro Ray handles the conflicts between Zeon and Gundam. If you are looking for a 70s anime with a mecha concept, you’ve successfully found your pick. 

 

15. Devilman

INFORMATION
Title	Devilman
Genre	Action, Horror
Type	Series
Studio	Toei Animation
Premiered	Spring 1972
Episode Count	39
Duration	25 minutes per episode

Devilman tells us the story of a shy and easygoing teenager named Akira Fudo. He has gone mountain-climbing along with his father. When they’re climbing through the mountains both of them die in a tragic accident. After Akira’s death, his body is used by a demon soldier who uses his human form just to fulfill the missions of chaos on Earth. This demon also has to make a way for demons to rule this planet. 

Before the demon makes his move, he meets his childhood friend Miki and ends up falling in love with her. OMG! Is this evil demon going to turn into a simping demon? Well, yes! The demon decides to protect Miki and humanity by going against his fellow demons. How cool is that! His fellow demons, especially Zennon, become more exasperated due to his betrayal and send his fellows to destroy Devilman. Will the power of love prove to be enough to fight these demons? To find out, watch Devilman! 

If you’re looking forward to watching a horror anime from the 70s, you’re at the right place. We’ve just found the perfect pick for you guys! So, make sure to watch it! 

 

14. Doraemon (1973)

INFORMATION
Title	Doraemon (1973)
Genre	Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
Type	Series
Studio	Unknown
Premiered	Spring 1973
Episode Count	26
Duration	25 minutes per episode

Here comes the anime that made everyone’s childhood fun. Having a friend like Doraemon is everyone’s fantasy. Nobita Nobi literally lived our fantasy and we were so happy for him even though he caused so much trouble, such a dummy. 

Nobita Nobi is a helpless student who doesn’t get good grades like others nor is good at any specific thing. After seeing Nobita’s situation, an automated cat named Doraemon decides time travels and guides Nobita and puts him on the right path so he can succeed in the future. 

Unfortunately, this robotic cat has some dysfunctionalities in it thus making it no better than Nobita himself. LOL! But fortunately for Nobita, he gets to experience so many exciting adventures and sees futuristic tools too! Whenever he’s in danger, he calls Doraemon who’s always there for them. I really envy the bond between the two of them but it’s nice to see them getting along with one another. Have you guys watched Doraemon?  

 

13. Captain Future

INFORMATION
Title	Captain Future
Genre	Action Horror
Type	Series
Studio	Toei Animation
Premiered	Fall 1978
Episode Count	52
Duration	23 minutes per episode

This anime tells us the story of a Captain of the Future. His parents died when he was just an infant. His parents were in an artificial satellite and they died badly. Captain’s father was a scientist who left Earth for the Satellite to dedicate his life to only science. 

It’s true when you start experimenting with science you end up falling in love with it and end up feeling nothing about endangering your life for the betterment of mankind. His father was friends with a really smart scientist too whose name was Dr. Simon Wright. When he realized that his friend had died, he decided to implant his brain in a container. That’s how they came up with a superior robot and an android. 

Captain Future aka Curtis Newton decided to dedicate his life to fighting evil along with Dr. Wright, Android, and the Robot. There are action, sci-fi, and adventure genres included in this anime. If you start watching this anime, you’re going to love it! 

 

12. Gatchaman 

INFORMATION
Title	Devilman
Genre	Action, Adventure
Type	OVA
Studio	Tatsunoko Production
Premiered	Fall 1972
Episode Count	3
Duration	47 minutes per episode

It is the year 2066, and the Republic of Hontworl who’s a charter member belonging to the United Nations. He leaves the organization without explaining why he left it. This causes so much trouble within the U.N and endangers the security of the World. After some time, the capital of the Republic of Triad gets attacked by a weird bird-like fortress called the Turtle King. 

The International Space Organization heads to Dr. Kouzaburou who gets tasked to deal with a mysterious enemy; at the same time, the scientists of ISO are disappearing. The five members of the Science Ninja Team also known as the warriors are called to clear things up and get rid of this chaos. 

It’s been years since the team battled against the infamous organization known as Galactor. Will our MC still be able to lead his team through this chaos? To find out, watch Gatchaman! 

 

11. Space Pirate Captain Harlock 

 

INFORMATION
Title	Space Pirate Captain Harlock
Genre	Action, Adventure
Type	Series
Studio	Toei Animation
Premiered	Spring 1978
Episode Count	42
Duration	25 minutes per episode

The story is set in 2977 AD, and mankind has vanished. The world is all about robots now. OMG, if 70s anime has predicted this, I believe them. In this world, robots do all the work now through subliminal messages. The government or the politicians have turned lazy and all they care about is golf and racing. They have turned boring and plain. 

Captain Harlock has what it takes to get rid of this poor mentality. Thus, he’s leading a group of passionate people who want an adventurous life. There’s a mysterious force called Mazone which has invaded the Earth. This Mazone takes the form of a mysterious woman who can kill anyone. After Tadashi Daiba’s father was ignored by the Government, he killed Mazone and decided to join Captain Herlock. Now, we’ll see the interaction between two like-minded people! Let’s go! 

 

10. Lupin III

INFORMATION
Title	Lupin III
Genre	Action, Adventure, Comedy
Type	Series
Studio	Tokyo Movie Shinsha
Premiered	Fall 1971
Episode Count	23
Duration	25 minutes per episode

If you’re into action, adventure, and comedy you’ve found your pick. Lupin III is not only about adventure but it makes the anime really funny whenever we see our crackhead MC being clumsy. The story of Lupin III tells us about Arsene Lupin III who’s the grandson of one of the most famous thieves in the world, Arsene Lupin. He’s definitely living up to his grandfather’s name, stealing things in a cool way!  

Since he’s infamous, he’s quite popular among the persistent inspector named Zenigata belonging to the ICPO. He’s Lupin’s archrival. The interaction between an inspector and a criminal is just so interesting. His criminal lifestyle interrupts his love life. The love of her life is a femme fatale known as Fujiko Mine. Sometimes, Lupin can’t tell whether she’s working against him or is working with him. 

Lupin III is living such an interesting life with so many people yet he still manages to get through the biggest troubles. If you like a clumsy MC who’s a criminal, you’ve found your next pick. Lupin III is also one of the best 70s anime of all time! 

 

9. Candy Candy 

INFORMATION
Title	Candy Candy
Genre	Drama, Slice of Life
Type	Series
Studio	Toei Animation
Premiered	Fall 1976
Episode Count	115
Duration	25 minutes per episode

Candy Candy is the story of a girl named Candy who’s an Orphan. She’s a very bright, full of life, and optimistic girl with a warm heart. When she was just a child she started to live in an orphanage called Pony’s Home. She had really nice people around her. One of her friends was Annie and she also met “Prince of the Hill” who she claims is a very important person to her. Who could the Prince be? 

After spending years in the Orphanage, she’s adopted by Leagen’s Family. A bad and spoiled sister is awaiting her. Once in a garden full of roses, she comes across a guy who resembles the “Prince of the Hill.” This boy is named Anthony. Since that day, a new fantasy begins. Thanks to Anthony, Candy could get through her sister’s bad attitude. This story is quite dramatic and is mostly a slice of life. If you want a refreshing anime to watch, Candy Candy is the one for you. 

 

8. Panda! Go Panda! 

INFORMATION
Title	Panda! Go Panda!
Genre	Comedy
Type	Movie
Studio	Tokyo Movie Shinsha
Premiered	Winters 1972
Episode Count	2
Duration	36 minutes per episode

With just two episodes, this anime is going to cheer you up! I mean, who doesn’t like pandas? This anime is a 30-minute movie that was made in 1972. It tells us the story of a little girl named Mimiko who was left alone when her grandmother was away. How will this girl live now? Will she be able to tackle all the hardships? Let’s see if she finds a good fellow on her journey! 

 

7. Future Boy Conan

INFORMATION
Title	Future Boy Conan
Genre	Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi
Type	Series
Studio	Nippon Animation
Premiered	Spring 1978
Episode Count	23
Duration	29 minutes per episode

On Remnant Island, Conan was the only child who was born. It is a place where a group of refugees was settled after magnetic bombs wiped out humanity. Right after 20 years, most of the roads have disappeared, and good for Conan, he was raised by an old man. 

As Conan grew up, he started believing that this is the only place left on Earth. Conan gets super shocked to find a girl named Lana who was unconscious on the beach. Conan was having mixed feelings about this situation. He thought that humanity had vanished but when he saw that girl, he got his hopes up and wondered if more people were still around. 

When Lana gains consciousness, she tells Conan how Industria wants to keep her as a hostage to make her grandfather power their machinery. The top pilot of Industria appears and takes Lana. Conan gets determined to save her and decides to set off on a journey to do so! 

 

6. Anne of Green Gables 

INFORMATION
Title	Anne of Green Gables
Genre	Drama, Slice of Life
Type	Series
Studio	Nippon Animation
Premiered	Spring 1978
Episode Count	50
Duration	25 minutes per episode

Life isn’t easy for anyone with a short temper. Similarly, Anne is a girl with a short temper and is an orphan too. She has a curious nature, thus her imagination is vast. Fate had some other plans for her. For instance, she gets taken by the Cuthbert house in Avonlea. The elders were looking for a boy who could help them in the fields but they get shocked when they get to know that Anne is a girl. This story tells us about Anne’s interactions with the other people. This is a story where Anne grows from 11 years to 17 years. If I’m not wrong there’s a Netflix adaptation for Anne of Green Gables too.

 

5. The Rose of Versailles 

INFORMATION
Title	The Rose of Versailles
Genre	Drama, Romance
Type	Series
Studio	Tokyo Movie Shinsha
Premiered	Fall 1979
Episode Count	40
Duration	24 minutes per episode

This anime has used the combination of original characters. Thus, the story tells us about the lives of two women. One of them is the Queen of France Marie Antoinette and the other one is Oscar Francois de Jarjayes, who’s a commander of the Royal Guard. Two women who are the same yet so different. 

Oscar’s dad always wanted a son therefore, she lives up to her father’s expectation by being a commander. She can’t really help but live as a woman at the end of the day. As she continuously serves the spoiled Queen, her jealousy grows since the queen has everything she wants and spends money like it’s nothing. It becomes hard for Oscar to serve the queen but she has to do it anyway. If you are into the historical aspects, watch The Rose of Versailles! 

 

4. Time Bokan

INFORMATION
Title	Time Bokan
Genre	Adventure, Comedy
Type	Series
Studio	Tatsunoko Production
Premiered	Fall 1975
Episode Count	61
Duration	24 minutes per episode

This is the story of the inventor of the time-travel machine named Dr. Kieta who’s on a test run of his machine to the past. When the time spacecraft comes back to the present, his young students or assistants are surprised to see the arrival of a parrot inside the cockpit. All the youngsters set out on a journey to find the missing scientists since they’re lost somewhere between time and space. Will they be able to find the scientists? Is the time-travelling machine actually dangerous? To find out, watch Time Bokan! 

Time Travelling stories are always super interesting. Whenever we’re watching such stories we get to think that time-travelling is actually possible. This anime is also one of the most interesting 70s anime of all time. What do you guys think about Time Bokan? 

 

3. Nobody’s Boy Remi 

INFORMATION
Title	Nobody’s Boy Remi
Genre	Adventure, Drama, Slice of Life
Type	Series
Studio	Madhouse, TMS Entertainment
Premiered	Fall 1977
Episode Count	51
Duration	24 minutes per episode

There’s something about the countryside that is different from the busy cities. It’s true that the air’s much clearer in the countryside and nature is really pretty too. Remi is a boy who is living a very happy life in the countryside along with his mother. However, everything changes when his father comes back home and is in dire need of money. He reveals how Remi is actually adopted and ends up selling him. F (for respect) 

After he was sold, he ends up with a musician who travels every now and then along with his troupe of animal entertainers. Together, they travel throughout the country just to find Remi’s real parents. Remi also learns about the harsh lessons life taught him. It is a deep story about friendship, love, and family. If you’re looking forward to crying, watch Nobody’s Boy Remi. 

 

2. Speed Racer

INFORMATION
Title	Speed Racer
Genre	Adventure
Type	Series
Studio	Tatsunoko Production
Premiered	Spring 1967
Episode Count	52
Duration	25 minutes per episode

I just had to add this anime to the list of BEST 70s anime since it is popular enough. I can still hear its opening in my head. Go Speed Racer Go Speed Racer! It tells us the story of a teenager who drives a race car and goes on different adventures along with his girlfriend, his brother with a monkey best friend, and his mysterious brother who’s a racer named X. This is such a fun racing anime to watch. I don’t think there is much anime about racing anymore. The sweet aspect of this anime is that his father created his race car. I remember how this anime made our childhood worth remembering. Have you guys watched Speed Racer? 

 

1. Space Battleship Yamato

INFORMATION
Title	Space Battleship Yamato
Genre	Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
Type	OVA
Studio	Xebec, AIC
Premiered	Fall 1974
Episode Count	26
Duration	25 minutes per episode

Space Battleship Yamato is one of the BEST 70s anime of all time. It tells us about the space battleship Yamato is on a journey to the planet Iscandar to get a device back that will revitalise the war-ravaged Earth. In the year 2199, Earth gets invaded by a peculiar race known as Gamilas who have bad intentions towards Earth and are deciding to conquer this planet. So, if you love spaceships and want to watch a vintage anime, you can watch Space Battleship Yamato. 

The concept of Space and wars with unknown species never fails to amaze us. It always makes us curious whether aliens exist or not. This story to be specific tells us about the journey of Yamato and his spaceship as they fight the dangerous monsters. 

 

Conclusion

That’s it for the BEST 70s Anime. I hope you guys enjoyed reading this blog and got to feel the nostalgia from the anime you watched back in the day. If you’ve been an otaku since the 70s you have my respect. The world of Anime will never die and we otakus won’t ever stop watching anime. Isn’t that right? So, stay tuned for more recommendations since we truly love anime! The vintage anime had their own aesthetics and pleasures even though the animation is a bit troublesome but that’s when the story makes up for it. Anyways, see you guys on the next blog. Do let us know your favorite 70s anime in the comments down below!