Legend of the Galactic Heroes (1989)

A vast science fiction epic, Legend of the Galactic Heroes is very different from most anime in many ways. While most anime is based on manga, this is based on a series of science fiction novels. In addition there are no giant robots, hard suits, or alien monsters. It is simply about people, their drives, their pain and their conflict. The characters range from the Galactic Emperor all the way down to gunners, fighter pilots and ordinary townspeople.