Are you ready to journey back to the groovy era of ’80s romance anime?
Timeless masterpieces like Maison Ikkoku and Kimagure Orange Road will show you the most famous romance stereotypes ever.
But don’t be fooled into thinking these shows are only for your parents’ generation. They explore timeless themes of love, loss, and personal growth that still resonate with audiences of all ages.
So hold on tight, because the journey of love is about to show you the best ’80s romance anime out there.
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11. Igano Kabamaru
This classic anime follows the adventures of a young ninja-in-training named Kabamaru who moves to Tokyo with his caretaker to attend school and explore the city’s culinary delights.
One of the most exciting aspects of this anime is its blend of action, comedy, and romance. While Igano Kabamaru is not primarily a romance anime, the show’s romantic elements add to its charm.
You’ll love seeing Kabamaru navigate his way through love interests, including Mai, a fellow student who starts off disliking Kabamaru but soon falls for him, and Kaoru, a childhood friend who’s always been in love with him.
The show has a special place in the hearts of many viewers, especially in Greece and Saudi Arabia. Despite being an older anime, it continues to be a popular choice for fans looking for something different and entertaining.
The unique combination of ninja action, hilarious comedy, and sweet romance will keep you hooked from beginning to end.
10. They Were Eleven
They Were Eleven is a thrilling romance anime movie that is based on Hagio Moto’s manga.
The plot revolves around 10 space cadet hopefuls who are assigned a final exam to survive on a deserted spaceship. However, the group is shocked to discover the presence of an 11th member on board, forcing them to band together and uncover the identity of the impostor.
What sets this movie apart is its exploration of trust and survival in the face of adversity, as well as its unique approach to love and relationships.
As the characters struggle to survive, they develop deep connections and explore themes of gender identity.
Although it may not stick entirely to the manga, this movie offers a unique and memorable viewing experience that is sure to captivate you from start to finish.
9. Magical Angel Creamy Mami
This gem from the ’80s follows the story of Yuu, a young girl who gains magical powers after seeing a spaceship.
With the help of her 2 cats, Yuu transforms into the idol Creamy Mami and embarks on a journey filled with music, acting, and even fighting off bad guys and aliens.
But amidst all the excitement, Yuu must also navigate the ups and downs of teenage love and try to win the heart of her childhood friend Toshio.
Magical Angel Creamy Mami was a pioneer in blending magic, music, and romance in anime, paving the way for future shows in the same genre. Its influence on modern anime cannot be overstated.
You’re sure to fall in love with the perfect mix of wonder and love in this classic anime.
8. Lady Georgie
This 80s gem follows the life of Georgie, an Australian girl adopted by a farmer and his family, who becomes the object of affection for her adoptive brothers, Abel and Arthur.
But the real drama begins when Georgie falls in love with the handsome grandson of the British Governor, only to discover a shocking secret about her past.
Determined to find her true love and real parents, Georgie sets off to London with her adoptive brothers, where they face the challenges of aristocratic society and its treacherous ways.
Lady Georgie is a beautiful tale of love, loss, and finding oneself, and will leave you hooked from start to finish. You’ll be drawn in by its compelling storyline, breathtaking scenery, and lovable characters.
7. Touch
Touch is a classic ’80s sport romance anime that will make you feel all the feels.
The story revolves around Uesugi Kazuya, a dedicated baseball player, his gifted twin brother Tatsuya, and their childhood friend, Asakura Minami. The plot thickens when Tatsuya realizes that he’s in love with Minami, the same girl Kazuya has been eyeing since they were kids.
Touch explores the complexity of relationships and love, highlighting the sacrifices one makes for the people one cares about. The anime’s emotional storytelling will keep you engaged and invested from start to finish.
Not only is Touch a touching romance anime, but it also has a great sports component that adds an extra layer of excitement.
It’s no wonder this anime is so beloved in Japan, and it’s a must-watch for anyone looking for a classic romance anime with heart.
6. Ranma ½
Ranma 1/2 is an iconic vintage romance anime, adapted from a manga by the legendary Rumiko Takahashi. It started 1989, with a total of 161 episodes.
The story revolves around martial arts expert Ranma Saotome, who, due to a curse, transforms into a girl when exposed to cold water.
His engagement with Akane Tendo sets the stage for a series of hilarious misunderstandings and mishaps as they are compelled to live together and navigate their unconventional predicament.
Ranma is an iconic anime romance and is unlikely to lose this status anytime soon.
Like all works by the iconic Rumiko Takahashi, it has a unique element in its plot that continues to make it stand out to this day. And in this case, it’s the gender-swap dynamic that Ranma experiences.
We are 100% confident in telling you that if you haven’t watched it yet and are a fan of vintage romance series, you can’t miss it.
5. Urusei Yatsura
Looking for an 80s romantic cohab. comedy anime that’s out of this world? You should definitely give Urusei Yatsura a try.
The show follows Ataru Moroboshi, a high school student who gets engaged to Lum, an alien princess, after winning a game of tag. As Ataru navigates his complicated love life, the show explores themes of love and loyalty while still delivering laughs.
Urusei Yatsura was ahead of its time, introducing tropes that would later define the harem genre. The show also popularized anime intro and outro songs, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.
If you’re in the mood for a wacky and heartfelt romantic comedy, Urusei Yatsura is the perfect pick.
Also, the 2022 remake is a great chance to watch it if you prefer something modern. It goes without saying that we still recommend the original adaptation for the time being, but the new one is also lovely.
4. Castle in the Sky
This movie is a shining example of why ’80s romance anime is so beloved and a must-watch for any fan.
The story follows the journey of Sheeta and Pazu as they embark on a quest to uncover the secrets of the floating city of Laputa. Along the way, they form an unbreakable bond that will leave you rooting for their success and fill your heart with warmth.
Castle in the Sky is a masterpiece from Studio Ghibli that showcases how anime can blend elements from different cultures to create something truly unique.
It’s no surprise that it won the Animage Anime Grand Prix in 1986 and continues to be a beloved classic to this day.
Although there’s no traditional romantic storyline, the relationship between Sheeta and Pazu is a highlight of the movie. Their loyalty and dedication to each other will make you believe in the power of friendship and love.
This movie inspired many other fantasy series and set the course for Miyazaki to produce great movies.
3. Macross
This iconic show was the first of its kind to feature a love triangle, which adds a layer of complexity to the story that will keep you hooked until the very last episode.
The plot revolves around the United Nations repurposing an alien spaceship named SDF-1 Macross, but things take a turn when it’s attacked by the Zentradi. The ship teleports to the far reaches of space, where Hikaru, a skilled pilot, and Minmay, an aspiring singer, form a close bond.
However, their relationship becomes complicated with the arrival of the talented officer, Misa Hayase.
Macross’ impact on the anime industry can’t be overstated, as it inspired the creation of Robotech, a gateway anime title of the 80s that introduced anime to many Americans.
2. Kimagure Orange Road
So if you’re a fan of anime and in the mood for a classic love triangle story with a touch of the supernatural, we highly recommend Kimagure Orange Road.
This beloved 80s anime was a massive hit in Japan, selling over 20 million copies, and introducing anime and manga to a whole generation of Europeans.
In the series, we follow the story of Kyousuke Kasuga, a middle school student with a family of paranormal powers, as he gets caught between 2 girls: Madoka Ayukawa, a delinquent known for her wild behavior, and her friend Hikaru Hiyama, who develops a crush on Kyousuke.
It’s a charming series that will take you on a journey as Kyousuke navigates his feelings while dealing with his family’s supernatural abilities.
The love triangle in Kimagure Orange Road does a fantastic job of capturing the emotions of teenage romance, and the ’80s vibe perfectly showcases the era’s fashion, music, and culture.
As a groundbreaking classic that influenced future romance anime, Kimagure Orange Road is a must-watch.
1. Maison Ikkoku
Maison Ikkoku is widely considered the best ’80s romance anime adapted from a seinen manga and for good reason.
This anime has become a cult classic that paved the way for the romance genre as we know it today.
Set in the charming town of Clock Hill, Maison Ikkoku tells the story of Yuusaku Godai, a tenant who falls in love with the new boarding house manager, Kyoko Otonashi.
But it’s not just any love story, Maison Ikkoku stands out because of its focus on adult characters dealing with real-world issues, making it a relatable and engaging series.
Its influence can still be felt today, with many modern romance shows drawing inspiration from its formula.
If you’re a fan of the romance anime genre, you must watch this show as it provides a blueprint for what a successful romance anime should look like.
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