Best Drama Anime of 1984

A millennium has passed since the devastating "Seven Days of Fire," a nuclear conflict that wiped out most life on Earth. In the aftermath, humanity struggles to survive against a hostile jungle thriving among the ruins, infested with toxic spores and giant insects that relentlessly encroach on the dwindling human settlements. The peaceful farming kingdom known as the "Valley of the Wind" remains untouched by the jungle due to its coastal location. Here, the Valley's spirited young princess, Nausicaä, sees her tranquil realm disrupted when an airship from Tolmekia crashes into their territory. After discovering a mysterious, pulsating artifact within the wreckage, Tolmekia launches a military assault on the Valley, aiming to reactivate a dangerous weapon from the ancient war. Nausicaä is forced to stop the Tolmekians from igniting another catastrophe that would doom humanity, all while protecting her people from the spreading toxic jungle.

In the year 19XX, after a betrayal left him near death, the valiant warrior Kenshiro sets out across a desolate, post-apocalyptic wasteland to rescue his fiancée Yuria from the villainous Shin who captured her. Along the way, Kenshiro uses his deadly Hokuto Shinken martial art to defend the weak against brutal bandits. His heroic deeds soon draw the attention of powerful enemies, including tyrannical warlords and other skilled fighters, pulling Kenshiro into battles that go beyond his original goal. As each challenge grows greater, the heir of Hokuto Shinken must push his limits to reclaim what he holds most dear. Facing rising threats and an escalating war against darkness, especially his conflict with Shin and the Nanto Seiken martial arts faction, Kenshiro gradually becomes the protector of a harsh, irradiated world.

Tomobiki is its usual self, full of strange occurrences. The students are busy getting ready for the upcoming school festival that is supposed to happen the next day. But chaos breaks out when they discover that the next day never comes. As they look into this weird event, their understanding of what is real and what is a dream starts to get confused.

The story of "Glass no Kamen" follows Kitajima Maya, a talented 13-year-old actress taken under the wing of the mysterious star Tsukikage. Through her journey, Maya grows, faces intense training, surmounts obstacles, and ultimately rises to become the top actress of her era by around age twenty. A major element is her fierce competition with Himekawa Ayumi, the glamorous daughter of famous film actors, as both pursue the coveted title role of the "Crimson Goddess." Another significant plotline involves Maya’s connection with Hayami Masumi, a handsome and cruel entertainment tycoon who harbors a secret love for her. Yet their developing romance is hindered by misunderstandings and unfortunate timing.

In 2120, following Earth's near destruction in the final great world war, humanity has expanded to colonize other worlds. On the colony of Gloire, however, the inhabitants are caught off guard and ill-prepared when the Zor arrive—beings who were the planet's original inhabitants and departed after their own near-fatal catastrophe. Returning to reclaim their former homeworld, an unyielding war erupts between the two species, ultimately leading to a climactic clash that ends in a no-win situation for both sides.

In the year 3990, Pentagona—a solar system made up of five planets ravaged by conflict—is ruled by the immortal tyrant Oldna Poseidal. Daba Myroad, one of the final survivors of the nearly exterminated Yaman Clan, lives on the remote planet Koam alongside his companion Mirao Kyao. Daba possesses L-Gaim, a humanoid mecha known as a "Heavy Metal" and the last relic of the Yaman Clan. While fleeing a gang of thieves trying to steal L-Gaim, Daba and Mirao encounter Fanneria Amu, a young actress, and Lilith Fau, the last fairy left in Pentagona. After Daba nobly agrees to carry out the dying wish of one of the thieves pursuing him, he is guided to the wealthy merchant Amandara Kamandara. With their purpose clear, this diverse group sets off to confront formidable enemies and becomes embroiled in a rebellion seeking to topple Poseidal's oppressive regime.

Chibi-neko, a two-month-old kitten whose previous owners abandoned her, is discovered by 18-year-old Tokio. Though his mother has severe allergies and a fear of cats, she allows him to keep the kitten, worried about his withdrawal ever since he failed his university entrance exams. Chibi-neko quickly forms a strong attachment to Tokio. In her imagination, Chibi-neko sees herself as a tiny human capable of speaking like one, even though everyone around her only hears meowing. She believes that all humans were once kittens themselves. One day, a stray cat tells Chibi-neko about Cottonland, a paradise where every wish comes true.

Katri, a nine-year-old girl, resides on a farm in Finland with her grandparents. Her mother has been living in Germany for the past three years. Due to financial difficulties, Katri takes a job at a neighboring estate to help support her household. Over the course of the series, she encounters numerous trials and obstacles.

Due to constant seismic activity, the island of Industria is sinking and its inhabitants are making evacuation plans. Out of nowhere, Lepka—who was thought to have been defeated long ago—strikes. Having stayed hidden underground, Lepka intends to steal Industria’s solar energy to fuel Gigant, a massive warplane built for world conquest. Lana and Monsley quickly figure out Lepka’s evil plan and escape Industria to warn Conan and the others, who are organizing the island’s evacuation. Once Conan learns of the danger, he sets out with his lively friends Dyce and Jimsy on a dangerous mission to stop the threatening Gigant.

Oshin is raised in a rural environment where her family works as rice farmers. She watches her father and brother labor without rest in the fields, while her grandmother and pregnant mother constantly struggle to obtain sufficient food. At only seven years old, Oshin gives up her education to work as a servant in a wealthy household, enduring hardships far beyond anything she could have foreseen.

In the year 2500, on the fifth planet of the Tolphan system, a supercomputer selects ideal match pairings to ensure peaceful marriages.

The Souya, currently operating as a museum ship, began its service as an icebreaker and patrol vessel, and is notable for being the first Japanese ship to take part in an Antarctic research expedition. This anime follows the ship and its crew through their various adventures.