7 Favorite Retro Anime That Are Becoming More Popular in 2025, Have You Watched Them?

Kapanlagi.com - The trend of watching classic anime or retro anime is making a comeback in 2025. Many new generations are curious about legendary animated series, while long-time fans choose to rewatch due to the strength of the story and its distinctive visual style. Some titles even feel increasingly relevant and touching, despite being produced decades ago.

Unlike modern anime that often focus on high-speed animation and stunning visual effects, retro anime emphasizes strong narratives, complex characters, and memorable background music. In a world filled with instant content, rewatching old anime provides a more emotional and profound experience.

Some titles like Akira, Grave of the Fireflies, Great Teacher Onizuka, and Golden Boy are being discussed again in both local and global anime communities. Are you one of those who are swept away by this nostalgia?

1. Grave of the Fireflies: Tears in the Silence After the War

7 Classic Anime That Are More Relevant (credit:imdb)

This 1988 Studio Ghibli production tells the story of two siblings, Seita and Setsuko, who struggle to survive after a bombing in Kobe during World War II. This 89-minute film presents a subtle sadness, without the need for excessive dramatization.

GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES successfully visualizes the impact of war from a child's perspective. Through gentle animation and a melancholic story, this film touches the audience to their core. To this day, it remains one of Ghibli's most heart-wrenching works of all time.

2. Golden Boy: The Comedy and Street Education of an Eccentric Young Man

7 classic Anime that are becoming more relevant (credit:imdb)

Released in 1995, GOLDEN BOY has only six episodes but manages to capture attention due to its unique storytelling approach. Its protagonist, Kintaro Oe, is a drop-out student from the University of Tokyo who chooses to wander to "learn from life".

Kintaro jumps from job to job, from office boy to ramen seller to swim coach. His reckless nature often causes chaos, but there is always a life lesson behind his actions. Although wrapped in adult comedy, this anime carries a message about hard work and self-discovery.

3. Akira: A Dystopia that Represents the Modern World

7 classic Anime that are becoming more relevant (credit:imdb)

AKIRA (1988) is a cyberpunk anime that pioneered bringing anime to the world's attention. Set in Neo-Tokyo in 2019, this anime combines political chaos, psychological conflict, and stunning futuristic visuals.

The main conflict revolves around Kaneda and Tetsuo, two friends who end up becoming enemies after telekinetic powers take over Tetsuo. The film offers explosive action, deep social critique, and visual aesthetics that remain captivating even in 2025.

4. Inuyasha: A Journey of Love and Revenge in the Sengoku Era

7 classic Anime that are becoming more relevant (credit:imdb)

This anime first premiered in 2000 and aired on Indonesian TV in the early 2000s. Kagome, a high school girl from Tokyo, is thrown back in time and meets Inuyasha, a half-demon human.

Their story centers on the quest for the shards of the Shikon Jewel while facing a powerful demon named Naraku. With elements of adventure, romance, and Japanese mythology, INUYASHA is still very much worth watching again in the present era.

5. Porco Rosso: Legendary Pilot with a Curse and Romance

7 classic Anime that are becoming more relevant (credit:imdb)

This film by Hayao Miyazaki was released in 1992 and tells the story of a former Italian fighter pilot, PORCO ROSSO, who is cursed with the face of a pig. Behind the airplane action and aerial conflicts lies a touching love triangle.

Porco is pursued by air pirates and must repair his plane to face the duel. The film depicts personal struggles, sacrifices, and the beauty of Italy in the 1930s. Its classic visuals and mature narrative keep it fresh to watch today.

6. Perfect Blue: When Popularity Changes Reality

7 Old Anime That Are Becoming More Relevant (credit:imdb)

This film by Satoshi Kon from 1997 is a psychological horror and is often considered a precursor to anime with psychological themes. Mima, a former idol who transitions to acting, faces career pressures, dual identity, and terror from obsessive fans.

A story filled with illusions and blurred realities makes PERFECT BLUE an intense watch that shakes the mind. Themes of cyber-stalking and identity crisis make this film even more relevant in today’s social media era.

7. Great Teacher Onizuka: The Teacher with a Troubled Past

7 Old Anime That Are Becoming More Relevant (credit:imdb)

Although the original source was temporarily inaccessible, Onizuka still deserves mention. This anime tells the story of a former gangster who aspires to be the best teacher. With an unconventional approach, he conquers troubled students in unique ways.

Onizuka is not only entertaining but also touching. Themes of change, education, and the teacher-student relationship make this anime remain relevant and widely quoted to this day.

Come on, read articles about other anime recommendations at Kapanlagi.com. If not now, when?

(kpl/vna)