With the growing popularity of anime in the West, many series have become truly iconic. Classics like Dragon Ball and Sailor Moon paved the way, and more recent hits like Demon Slayer and Chainsaw Man continue to attract fans long after they first came out. But it’s not just the biggest shows that matter – many older, less well-known anime still hold a special place with viewers, even if they’ve faded from mainstream memory.
Whether you’re a longtime anime fan or new to the scene, these eight shows might be familiar – they’ve been popular for decades! While newcomers might not know them, these cult classics still hold up well today, even in 2026. They’re worth checking out for a nostalgic trip or just to experience some anime history. A show doesn’t need to be a huge blockbuster to be truly great.
Infinite Ryvius
In the year 2199, space travel is normal and many young people dream of becoming astronauts. Sixteen-year-old Kouji Aiba joins them, heading to the Liebe Delta space station to continue his studies and explore the solar system. But their journey takes a terrifying turn when a gas attack sends the station plummeting into freefall. The instructors bravely sacrifice themselves to save the students, leaving them stranded and forgotten in space. This 1999 anime series follows the students as they struggle to survive, facing challenges reminiscent of Lord of the Flies.
Though the story and characters quickly gained a following among science fiction enthusiasts, it was the music that truly made Infinite Ryvius famous. The soundtrack uniquely combined hip-hop and J-pop, and its theme song was a staple at anime conventions in the early 2000s. Fans of Gundam SEED might also notice a familiar art style, as the characters and mechs were designed by Hisashi Hirai.
Sorcerer Hunters
In the world of Sorcerer Hunters, society is split between those who can use magic – called Sorcerers – and those who can’t, known as Parsoners. Sorcerers frequently abuse their powers to control and take advantage of Parsoners, and very few people stand up to them. The Sorcerer Hunters are trying to fix this unfairness, led by ‘Big Mama,’ the leader of the Stella Church. However, this group of heroes is far from the typical image of saviors – they’re a bit of a ragtag bunch.
-
When Sorcerer Hunters debuted in the mid-90s, it quickly gained a loyal fanbase, largely thanks to its characters who seemed perfectly designed for cosplay. While some consider it heavily inspired by Urusei Yatsura, the show found its own audience by unexpectedly mixing silly, slapstick humor with surprisingly emotional storylines. If you enjoy heroic fantasy, especially with a touch of ecchi, this series might be worth checking out.
Kaleido Star
If you enjoy the dazzling performances of Cirque du Soleil or heartwarming stories from shojo anime, you’ll love Kaleido Star (2003). The series centers on Sora Naegino, a gifted young acrobat determined to join the legendary Kaleido Stage circus, which she’s dreamed of performing in since she was a child. But talent alone isn’t enough. Sora faces challenges like stage fright and tough competition as she strives to prove herself and win over the audience and her peers. Each episode showcases Sora’s incredible drive and dedication, even when facing setbacks like sabotage and injuries, as she pursues her lifelong passion.
I absolutely adore Kaleido Star! It’s one of those anime that just genuinely lifts your spirits and makes you want to chase your dreams. With 51 episodes spread over two seasons, there’s so much to enjoy, and even after over twenty years, people are still talking about how amazing it is. The story flows beautifully, the characters feel so real and complex, and I always felt completely connected to Sora as she worked so hard to achieve her goals. It’s a really special show!
Excel Saga
Across, a clandestine group, believes the world is hopelessly broken. To fix it and take control, their leader, Il Palazzo, sends officers Excel and Hyatt to Japan. Their mission: change society from within. However, things rarely go as planned. Excel’s chaotic energy and Hyatt’s frequent nosebleeds and fainting spells constantly lead to bizarre situations, making their already difficult task nearly impossible.
If you’re looking for a truly wild anime, look no further than Excel Saga. It’s famously chaotic, with a silly story, over-the-top characters, and plenty of jokes about the anime world itself. When it first came out in 2003, it was a huge hit with both critics and viewers, and it’s remained popular ever since, even as new comedies have appeared. If you enjoy the humor of Monty Python, you’ll definitely want to check Excel Saga out. And if you just want to relax and laugh for 26 episodes straight, this is the perfect show for you.
Vandread
The late 90s and early 2000s offered a lot of exciting science fiction, as demonstrated by shows like Infinite Ryvius. Vandread is a space opera with a lighter, comedic tone. It centers on a long-standing war between Taraak, a planet inhabited only by men, and Mejeer, a planet of only women. When a Taraakian warship is attacked and taken over by female pirates, the commander attempts to destroy the ship remotely, along with the pirates. This plan fails, and surprisingly, the two ships combine to form a new vessel called the NirVana. Now, the men and women aboard must find a way to live and work together – a challenge that proves more difficult than they expected.
Who’s That Character? 
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Results
High Score: 0 —
When it debuted in 2000, Vandread quickly gained a following thanks to its smooth animation, catchy music, and original story. While it’s faded from mainstream science fiction conversations, it remains a beloved cult classic. Despite potentially alienating some with its harem tropes, the show offers surprising emotional depth and exciting, fast-paced robot battles. If you enjoy series like Gundam or Macross, this show from the renowned studio Gonzo is worth checking out.
Nodame Cantabile
Nodame Cantabile is a relatable story about Shinichi Chiaki, a talented violinist and aspiring composer at Momogaoka College of Music. He’s a perfectionist who dreams of studying abroad but is held back by a fear of flying. His life changes when he meets Megumi Noda, nicknamed Nodame, a brilliant but messy and unconventional piano player. Despite their clashing personalities, their shared love of music brings them together as they each pursue their dreams.
Tomoko Ninomiya’s manga became incredibly popular in 2007, sparking a wave of adaptations. Before the anime, a live-action drama aired in Japan in 2006, and the anime itself ran for three seasons. The story also inspired classical music albums and video games. By early 2023, the manga had nearly 40 million copies in print, making it a huge success. Despite all this, the anime series is often overlooked in favor of newer shows that focus on music.
Blue Seed
Momiji thinks she’s just a typical middle schooler in the Japanese countryside, but her life is about to change dramatically. She’s attacked by a man who reveals she’s actually Kushinada, an ancient princess with the power to control monsters called Aragami. It sounds crazy, but it’s true! A secret government agency wants her to sacrifice herself to calm the Aragami and save Japan. Instead of accepting this fate, Momiji decides to fight back, learning everything she can from the people who offer to help her.
Blue Seed is a thrilling anime from the mid-90s, filled with action, drama, and a surprising love story. It’s a great choice for anyone interested in exploring the roots of the anime medium. While it has some funny moments, the show deals with serious and often violent themes, so viewers should be prepared.
Weiß Kreuz
The original Weiß Kreuz anime, which first aired in 1998, quickly gained a dedicated following thanks to its cast of attractive male characters. However, it’s not just a pretty face – the series also delivers solid action and a compelling plot. It centers around four handsome assassins who lead double lives, working in a flower shop during the day and battling criminals at night – criminals that are too dangerous for the police to handle. Each assassin has their own personal reasons for fighting, and fans of the anime Saiyuki might notice some similarities in themes and character dynamics.
Interestingly, Weiß Kreuz was made by Takehito Koyasu, a well-known voice actor who has worked in the industry since 1987. He recently voiced Kraft in Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End and returned as Faust VIII in the new Shaman King series. Although it can be hard to find now, it’s a show worth checking out, particularly if you enjoy the look of classic 90s anime.
Read More
- Poppy Playtime Chapter 5: Engineering Workshop Locker Keypad Code Guide
- Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo Chapter 23 Preview: Yuji And Maru End Cursed Spirits
- God Of War: Sons Of Sparta – Interactive Map
- Poppy Playtime 5: Battery Locations & Locker Code for Huggy Escape Room
- Who Is the Information Broker in The Sims 4?
- 8 One Piece Characters Who Deserved Better Endings
- Pressure Hand Locker Code in Poppy Playtime: Chapter 5
- Poppy Playtime Chapter 5: Emoji Keypad Code in Conditioning
- Why Aave is Making Waves with $1B in Tokenized Assets – You Won’t Believe This!
- How to Unlock & Visit Town Square in Cookie Run: Kingdom
2026-02-24 22:08