Whether sitting back to enjoy an episode of Demon Slayer or eagerly awaiting the new season of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, it might seem almost odd that anime as an art form dates back over a hundred years, evolving from short, simple chalk animations to the complex technological works of today. The very first anime premiered in theaters in 1917, these being mostly short and silent films focusing largely on Japanese folktales. However, the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and the following war-torn years left little footage of these early works behind. A few full-length movies appeared in the '40s and '50s, but nothing like the scale of what was to come.
1960s (Astro Boy, Speed Racer)
The 1960s were the origin of television anime, and the most defining works of that decade are based upon how they continue to influence anime today. Astro Boy, premiering in 1963 to immense popularity, was the first anime that aired with a half-hour slot and continuing story -- the blueprint for anime today. Astro Boy was significant for its message of peace and unity in a country still torn by the aftereffects of war. Its influence has been carried into video games, an animated feature from Sony Pictures and a future live-action film. The show proved that television anime could be successful, paving the way for the rest to come.
In 1967, the first sports anime came into being. Speed Racer was an immediate success and even jumped to the United States that same year, dubbed and edited for American audiences. Speed Racer was an adrenaline rush based on pop culture icons, as well as being an essential work for carrying anime outside of Japan to Western audiences.
1970s (Doraemon, The Rose of Versailles, Mobile Suit Gundam)
The 1970s were marked by anime that would have a profound effect on international and Japanese politics. The influence of Doraemon cannot be overstated. Hugely popular in the '70s, it received multiple remakes and assorted media, including films, a video game, a card game and a musical. Doraemon is the closest Japan gets to a national figurehead, and the character was appointed as the first anime ambassador by the Japanese Foreign Ministry in 2008, even making an appearance at the 2016 Olympics to promote this past summer's games. Doraemon is one of the highest-grossing series of all time and promoted a message of unity in post-war Japan.
The Rose of Versailles also held a political message, though this one in line with women's rights. Protagonist Lady Oscar broke gender stereotypes with her masculine career and subversive love interest. Her influence would lead to the further dismantling of gender roles in popular media. Finally, although Mobile Suit Gundam didn't initially receive high ratings, the legacy Gundam would have with subsequent adaptations makes it an icon. The story was meant to mirror the Japanese invasion of Manchuria, forcing viewers to consider Japan's own aggressive tactics.
1980s (Dragon Ball, Akira, My Neighbor Totoro)
The 1980s was a true advent of the medium as popular entertainment, as the widespread household use of colored television allowed bolder shows with flashy action sequences. Dragon Ball was one such show that set the standard for the battle anime and adaptations today; a testament to its influence. The anime movie was also coming back into style. Akira, premiering in 1988, is still regarded as one of the best science fiction films ever made. Akira turned the cyberpunk genre on its head, which led to further experimentation within the sci-fi genre. Studio Ghibli also made its debut in the '80s and would grow to become arguably the most internationally renowned anime studio. Among the films the studio produced in the '80s, My Neighbor Totoro is probably the most iconic.
1990s (Cowboy Bebop, Serial Experiments Lain, Evangelion)
The 1990s were a period of experimentation on what subjects anime was willing to explore. Although Neon Genesis Evangelion began as a standard mecha title, its eventual exploration of sexual themes and childhood complexes ended with the series becoming a philosophical work on what it meant to be an individual and how to accept past pains and insecurities. Evangelion's subsequent films have kept it relevant to today.
Cowboy Bebop once again took to a futuristic space setting like Gundam, but instead of exploring war, Cowboy Bebop took an intense look at the individual, creating a commentary on isolation, depression and inescapable pasts. The series landed several awards and is sometimes even referred to as the best animated series of all time. It's also credited with introducing a large Western audience to anime as a whole.
Serial Experiments Lain followed Akira into the cyberpunk genre, likewise taking a philosophical look at themes such as social exclusion and identity as main character Lain navigates a world that blends the line between reality and a global communications network similar to the modern internet. There is a distinct psychological horror aspect to the show, once more pushing at boundaries to see how far anime could go.
2000s (Naruto, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)
The 2000s was the prime decade for beloved works with devoted fans to take center stage. From One Piece to Bleach, many long-running shows had their start in the 2000s. Naruto lands a special place for being so popular internationally. The series captured Western fanbases that had graduated beyond Pokemon and Digimon and were looking for something with a bit more action. Naruto and Naruto Shippuden ran for an impressive 15 years and continue now with Boruto. The praise for Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood has never stopped coming since the series' release in 2009, and it's often regarded as the gateway into anime for its dynamic cast, tight plot and incredible animation. Brotherhood was also one of the first shows to be simulcast with English subtitles for a Western audience, and the dub was well-received, broadening the audience even further. Many consider it to be the quintessential shounen title to this day.
2010s (Attack on Titan, Devilman Crybaby)
The 2010s have been marked by the explosion of streaming services, making watching anime almost anywhere in the world much easier than before. It was the perfect time for Attack on Titan to arrive in 2013. The concept of titans fed into the current obsession with human-like monsters that popular culture was drinking up in the form of the Twilight movies and The Walking Dead, and the incredible animation of the 3d maneuver gear made every fight a delight to watch. With the show available on an increasing number of streaming platforms, Attack on Titan was part of the push to make anime part of mainstream culture.
Netflix's dive into the anime world resulted in the phenomenon Devilman Crybaby in 2018, notable for its exaggerated animation style, copious nudity, intense violence and immense popularity. Although Netflix had previously streamed some existing anime series and made an attempt at creating their own, the love for Crybaby gave the green light to Netflix executives to begin serious collaboration with anime studios. Both Attack on Titan and Devilman Crybaby represent the way streaming has allowed anime to be more accessible than ever, and Crybaby in particular has made people wonder what anime production will come to look like in the decades ahead.
