10 Old Anime That Are Still Worth a Watch (or a Rewatch!) 

Anime has been around for quite some time now. Generally, with entertainment, things lose their relevance with time. What might have been a rage a few years ago might just seem lame now! 

There are only a few pieces of work that withstand the test of time and become classics. While some may have been a part of our childhood, we might not have explored some of these other classics. 

So, if you are looking for a change and want something classic, here are 10 anime you cannot go wrong with! 

Classics have a unique charm about them and carry a sense of nostalgia. They also stand the test of time and manage to stay relevant. Hunter×Hunter, Mushishi, Monster, and Samurai Champloo are some of the classics that will always hold up. 

10. Hunter× Hunter

Hunter×Hunter is a great anime if you are looking for a classic to watch or rewatch. It has great storytelling, good character development, and is super captivating. It is something worth investing your time in. 

You cannot really fault it with anything and I personally believe it should have created a bigger buzz. The only setback was the huge breaks that the manga had taken. 

I. Plot Line 

Hunter×Hunter is a story about a young boy named Gon, a boy who sets out on a mission to become a Pro-Hunter and fund his father, a famous Hunter, who abandoned him at a young age. 

The story goes on to explore the bizarre adventures Gon and his friends go through as Hunters. There is something very humane and captivating about how the story pans out and we highly recommend a watch. 

9. Cowboy Bepop

Years will pass, but Cowboy Bepop will remain a classic. It is cool, exciting and something definitely worth a watch. It’s about cowboys in space, a concept that is refreshing even after 23 years. 

I. Plotline 

Cowboy Bepop is a story about four bounty hunters who travel into space to capture criminals. They encounter many people and experience many adventures.  

8. Samurai Champloo

Samurai Champloo is another anime that has a similar vibe to Cowboy Bepop. This anime is a more wildly mélange of Edo-period history and contemporary hip-hop and bohemian culture. 

It also does a great job of putting a unique spin on what might have been just another samurai show. The animation and line work of this anime is great and is still something we don’t see a lot. 

I. Plot Line 

The story centers on Fuu’s search for a samurai who smells of sunflowers. She encounters Mugen and Jin, who have very distinct personalities. They continue their search which leads them into a myriad of situations.  

The storyline mainly focuses on how these people battle their adversities and teach us something in return. 

7. Inuyasha

If we are going to explore every genre, romance is going to be one of them. To be honest, Inuyasha is not one of the greatest stories out there. However, it takes a simple story and does it right. 

It makes its characters believable and the emotions are carefully portrayed. It is one of those anime, which we probably saw as kids. So, now is the right time to revisit this nostalgic show. 

I. Plot Line 

The series focuses on a middle school girl, Kagome Higurashi who is isekaid into the Sengoku period after falling into a well where she meets a half-demon, Inuyasha. 

She accidentally shatters the jewel that emerges from her body and together they go on the journey to restore this jewel before it falls into the hands of half-demon Naraku. 

6. Gurren Lagann

Gurren Lagann is one of the best power anime, it is over-the-top and has ridiculous characters. It is highly entertaining and loud. The greatness of this anime lies in not taking it too seriously. 

It doesn’t try to make the plot complicated. With Gurren Lagann, what we see is what we get! The characters are great and speculators and it’s just exuberance well done. 

I. Plot Line  

Gurren Lagann takes place in a future where Earth is taken over and ruled by the Spiral King. This King forces the humans to live in subterranean villages. These villages do not have any contact with the surface world. 

Simon is a meek young digger who joins with an eccentric delinquent named Kamina who encourages him to achieve his goal of reaching the surface. 

5. Code Geass

Code Geass, well what can we say, it’s just pure brilliance. Personally, I never really preferred Mecha anime. However, once you put down your prejudice and get into it, it’s a pretty good watch. 

It is interesting, intelligent, and very well done. The characters are not one-dimensional and have a lot of layers. Sure, they might not be completely sane, but they sure are fascinating. This anime also can keep you intrigued throughout its run. 

I. Plot Line 

Set in an alternate timeline, Code Geass follows the story of the exiled prince, Lelouch vi Britannia. He obtains the ‘power of absolute obedience’ from a woman named C.C. 

Using this mysterious power, Lelouch leads a rebellion against the rule of Britannia, commanding a series of exciting mecha battles. 

4. FullMetal Alchemist

Fullmetal Alchemist is widely regarded as one of the greatest anime of all time. While most of us have watched the Brotherhood series, the original is something we missed. 

The major difference arises from how faithfully these anime have adapted the source material. While Brotherhood has closely followed the manga, the original took its liberties, and the result? 

One of the darkest and the most unsettling anime. It has expanded on the characters more, the only place it lacks would be in the animation department. So I would recommend this anime. 

I. Plot Line 

The anime follows the story of the Elric Brothers as they search for a way to return their bodies to normal. They then stumble into a web of deeper conspiracies and learn that their entire country might be at risk and try to stop the ruin. 

3. Serial Experiments Lain

Serial Experiments Lain is one of the most intriguing and twisted anime. It is a masterpiece that stretches the human imagination. It is intellectually unparalleled and provides a mind-warping trip into extreme psychological themes.  

This anime has a broad range of complex ideas which cannot be broken down or simplified. It is definitely relevant even in today’s world. We can say it depicted a lot of things, well before time. 

All-in-all it’s an experience of a lifetime and you should watch it if you are into the darker side of anime. 

I. Plot Line 

The series follows Lain Iwakura, an adolescent girl in Japan, and her relation to the Wired, which is a communication system. It successfully depicts social alienation, paranoia, and dependence on technology.  

2. Monster

Well, onto our next masterpiece, Monster. This anime made me feel uncomfortable for the longest time, and the major reason was how frighteningly similar it is to real life. 

It explores topics such as human conditioning, sociopaths, and issues such as the values of human life. The writing of this anime is truly exceptional and provides you with a slow burn. 

But, honestly, at the end of the day, it is truly an anime worth spending your time on. 

I. Plot Line 

The story revolves around Kenzo Tenma, a Japanese surgeon living in Germany whose life becomes a mess after he gets himself involved with Johan Libert. He is one of his former patients and also a dangerous serial killer with very high intellectual abilities. 

1. Mushishi

Mushishi has the greatest storytelling that I have seen in the anime world. It is not flashy, grotesque, or absurd. It is just pure, plain magical storytelling. It is so simple yet so beautifully captivating.  

It manages to tell fascinating and coherent tales without having to rely on exuberance. It is one of those anime that you cannot forget and somehow awakens the philosophical side of you. Overall, you should DEFINITELY watch this anime. 

I. Plot Line 

The series follows Ginko, a man who dedicates himself to keeping people protected from supernatural creatures called Mushi. Each episode explores a different story and involves a different character.