Best Drama Anime of 1979

In the year 0079 of the Universal Century, humanity has expanded into space, residing in colony clusters referred to as "Sides." One such Side proclaims itself the "Principality of Zeon" and initiates a war against the Earth Federation, the governing authority that controls Earth. Utilizing powerful humanoid robots called "mobile suits," Zeon swiftly gains an advantage. Nine months into the war, the Earth Federation has created its own formidable mobile suit, the Gundam. When Zeon attacks the colony housing the Gundam, a 15-year-old civilian named Amuro Ray is suddenly thrust into a battle that carries him across Earth and space, opposing the enemy's ace pilot, Char Aznable.

During an era of rigid class divisions and escalating hardship among the common people, the Austrian Empire sends Princess Marie Antoinette to France to marry Crown Prince Louis XVI. This political marriage is intended to strengthen the alliance between the two nations, but the future queen deeply resents having her fate decided for her. Upon her arrival, Marie Antoinette is introduced to Oscar Fançois de Jarjayes, Commander of the Royal Guard. Because her father longed for a son, Oscar was raised as a boy and expected to inherit his title as Commander. Though admired by both men and women, Oscar secretly wishes to live as a woman instead of disguising herself as a man. As Oscar reluctantly serves the spoiled young queen, the growing suffering and anger of the poor become increasingly impossible to ignore—especially when Marie Antoinette carelessly wastes her wealth.

Anne Shirley, an eleven-year-old orphan brimming with imagination but prone to quick tempers, faces a difficult life until fate places her at the Cuthbert home in Avonlea. Elderly siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert had originally hoped to adopt a boy to assist with farm work, so they are deeply surprised to discover the child is a girl. Based on the beloved novel by L. M. Montgomery, Akage no Anne chronicles Anne’s journey from age eleven to seventeen, highlighting her relationships and partings with those around her. The narrative builds toward a pivotal choice Anne must face, one that will permanently alter the course of her life.

The dying King of the Flower Planet cannot pass his throne to his heir until the legendary Seven Color Flower—the emblem of the King's power—is located. The Angels Cateau and Noveau are dispatched to Earth to locate the Flower Girl, a young female descended from both humans and Flower Angels (who once lived on Earth long ago), and they discover Lunlun in France. The Angels persuade her to embark on an extended quest to find the Flower; along the way, she will encounter both the kindness and cruelty of humans and Flower Angels (personified by the ambitious Togenishia and her sidekick Boris), and she will fall in love with Serge Flora, a man hiding a great secret.

In 2052, Earth enjoys a period of peace until the Death Force—merciless aliens fleeing a dying solar system—arrives, seeking a new home. They strike Earth using a colossal satellite vessel known as Terror Star and begin terraforming the planet for their own use. Humanity's sole hope rests on Colin Collins and a handful of his fellow surviving students, who must operate a secret submersible craft capable of battling the invaders both on the sea and in outer space.

Arthur's parents are slain by the wicked Lavic, positioning him as a candidate for the throne of all Britain. Together with his valiant knights, he sets out on a journey to find the Holy Shield—the sole means to defeat Lavic and bring unity to the kingdom.

Shortly after being born, a young squirrel arrives at a farm and is caught by a human. The human then tries to give the squirrel to their pet cat, but the cat feels sorry for the squirrel and adopts it as their own child, naming it Banner. Banner and the cat live happily on the farm, but their joy does not last. A fire destroys the farm, and Banner becomes separated from his mother the cat.

Fifteen-year-old Isabelle Laustin serves as the central figure, alongside her parents Leon and Marie, her companions Jean and his sister Marie, and her romantic interest, Captain Victor. Following the fall of Napoleon III’s army and the siege of Paris, Isabelle flees to London while disguised as a male, where she takes up work as a secret agent.

During the American Civil War, a Virginia girl named Jeanie waits for her old sweetheart Robert to marry her, based on a childhood promise. The war complicates everything, and Robert returns as a Union soldier. Only after the conflict ends and many misadventures does their dream finally become reality.

In the verdant alpine meadows of Southern Tyrol, Austria, eleven-year-old Julie Braun endures the tragic loss of her parents at the hands of Italian soldiers. She is subsequently relocated to Vienna to reside with her relatives, the Clemente family. While she forms a bond with her cousins Johan and Tanya, Julie struggles to adapt to the household dynamic involving Uncle Karl and Aunt Klara. When World War I engulfs Austria, Karl loses his position at a glass factory, plunging Julie’s new family into severe poverty and hardship.

In the peculiar animal settlement of Himadabeya, a comical and heartwarming tale unfolds. A train arrives carrying Misha’s family, drawing the curiosity of the local residents who gather to witness the visitors. Mistaking the assembled crowd for a warm welcome, Misha’s father falls for the town and chooses to make it his home, marking the start of their journey. As Misha’s family gradually adapts to life in the small community, Misha matures into a robust young boy amidst the humor and charm of his new neighbors.