Best Anime From The 90s

As a connoisseur of all things anime and a proud member of the otaku community, I must say that these three masterpieces of the genre have left an indelible mark on my life. Each one offers a unique perspective, from the dark psychological exploration of Neon Genesis Evangelion to the action-packed adventures of Yu Yu Hakusho and Cowboy Bebop’s space-faring escapades.

Over time, the world of anime has seen remarkable advancements, with a notable increase in the number of shows available. This abundance makes it simpler to discover an anime that aligns with your preferences. With an overwhelming amount of fresh content being churned out regularly, it’s easy to overlook series that debuted just last year, let alone those from more than a decade ago.

Clearly, it can be challenging for fans to recall anime produced in the 1990s. However, there were some exceptional anime from that decade that every fan should experience. Remarkably, some of the top ’90s anime are considered among the best shows ever made, and this recognition extends beyond just the animation industry.

Criteria for an anime to qualify:

13 Digimon Adventure

MyAnimeList Score: 7.78

Digimon Adventure revolves around a band of companions who inexplicably find themselves in the Digital Realm, where they encounter Digimons. They’re provided with Digivices, devices that enable them to advance their Digimon. As they navigate this world, they discover that it is their destiny to protect the Digital World from an evil entity.

In the ’90s and early 2000s, shows like Dragon Ball, Pokemon, and Digimon Adventure were staples for many young viewers. While some modern audiences might not feel as strongly about it due to lack of nostalgia, the 1999 series of Digimon Adventure remains exceptional, offering a compelling mix of action, adventure, drama, and character growth. Unlike its contemporary, Pokemon, Digimon Adventure‘s narrative felt more significant and far-reaching, even incorporating some quite intense moments.

12 Initial D First Stage

MyAnimeList Score: 8.35

The First Stage of Initial D delves into the world of Takumi Fujiwara, a student who also works at a gas station. His buddy Itsuki, an ardent racer, shares this job. At first, Takumi shows no enthusiasm for racing, as driving brings back memories of his household chores. Yet, he unwittingly finds himself immersed in street racing, leading him on a journey where the risks escalate over time.

When it comes to most genres in anime, there are undoubtedly some titles that can be labeled as “best” or “most prominent.” However, this isn’t typically true for driving and racing anime. Among them, Initial D stands out as the unquestionable king of car racing anime. Its initial season is often considered the series’ pinnacle. Remarkably, even after many years have passed, the race scenes continue to be awe-inspiring spectacles.

11 Trigun

MyAnimeList Score: 8.22

Trigun derives its storyline from Yasuhiro Nightow’s works. At the center of the narrative is Vash, also known as the Human Typhoon, who carries a massive bounty of $60 billion on his head, making him a target for every bounty hunter out there. Despite his destructive reputation, Vash prefers to maintain peace and avoid conflict whenever possible. Unlike many other anime series, Trigun doesn’t revolve around a protagonist who aspires for grand accomplishments. Instead, the action is well-balanced, providing a steady rhythm that allows viewers to better comprehend Vash and the other characters in the story.

Packed with extraordinary animation and boasting an endearing cast of characters, Trigun delivers pure entertainment from beginning to end. Although the plot expands as a villain connected to Vash’s past is introduced, this anime shines brightest when it tells compact adventures that could be sci-fi adaptations of traditional Western stories.

10 Sailor Moon

MyAnimeList Score: 7.73

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but express my deep affection for the iconic shoujo series, “Sailor Moon,” penned by Naoko Takeuchi. This extraordinary manga made its debut in 1992 and concluded in 1997, yet its influence continues to resonate worldwide. The anime’s captivating appeal led to numerous movie adaptations.

Much like Dragon Ball Z revolutionized the battle shonen genre, Sailor Moon was instrumental in popularizing magical girls, and remains the most recognized title within this genre. Although certain elements have become dated, the allure of the Sailor Scouts has managed to endure, ensuring that the anime remains appealing.

9 Rurouni Kenshin

MyAnimeList Score: 8.28

The anime titled “Rurouni Kenshin” narrates the tale of Himura Kenshin, an infamous swordsman, whose very name strikes terror into his adversaries. Yet, Kenshin renounces his tumultuous past and travels across Japan, until he encounters a young woman who is finding it hard to manage her martial arts school.

Rurouni Kenshin, drawn from its original material, has managed to stand the test of time, despite some less-than-stellar filler episodes that ultimately led to its cancellation in 1998. These episodes, while regrettable, can be easily overlooked when appreciating the main storyline. Characters like Kenshin, particularly his endearing dynamic with Kaoru, are truly captivating and serve as the show’s highlights.

8 Berserk

MyAnimeList Score: 8.59

The manga we’re discussing was penned by the late Kentarou Miura, who unfortunately died at a young age. Despite being categorized as seinen, the popularity of “Berserk” rivals that of well-known shonen series. Many manga authors have found inspiration in “Berserk”, and it has even left its mark on other mediums such as video games.

1997’s anime version of Berserk explores two significant storylines: the Black Swordsman tale and the Golden Age saga. It’s essential to mention that this adaptation is incomplete, representing only a small part of the broader impact of the series. For newcomers, it’s highly recommended to delve into the manga as it offers a more immersive experience compared to any adaptation. That being said, the 1997 series offers an engaging take on the dark fantasy genre, effectively setting the stage for the origins of Guts and Griffith.

7 Dragon Ball Z

MyAnimeList Score: 8.17

As a dedicated gamer, I can confidently say that when it comes to global impact, there’s no denying the significance of Dragon Ball Z in the anime world. Akira Toriyama’s groundbreaking series was instrumental in cementing Japanese animation as a powerful presence, not just in Japan, but also in regions like Europe and South America. The legacy of DBZ is so robust that the franchise continues to thrive even today, long after the original series ended.

The fact that Dragon Ball Z (DBZ) is well-known doesn’t automatically make it the top ’90s anime. Instead, DBZ is just one of the great ones from that era. With its over-the-top characters and battles that leave planets in ruins, DBZ has become a cultural icon. The characters themselves, their transformation scenes, and even their distinctive hairstyles are iconic. Though it may seem slow compared to modern standards, the fights in DBZ still pack a punch, with each moment given space to fully engage viewers. This is why so many scenes from DBZ remain etched in the memories of ’90s kids.

6 Great Teacher Onizuka

MyAnimeList Score: 8.69

Great Teacher Onizuka, or GTO, is easily among the best shonen anime series. It follows a 22-year-old delinquent, Onizuka, who decides to become a teacher after seeing a teacher sway a female student. Onizuka soon realizes that he has a sense of morality, and cannot commit immoral acts. He becomes an outstanding teacher who looks after his students and gives them invaluable lessons throughout the series.

In a harmonious blend, GTO skillfully weaves humor with drama, resulting in an enjoyable mix that can range from playful silliness to mature depth. Onizuka’s comical behavior and expressive facial expressions have earned legendary status, maintaining their hilarity since 1999. However, it is the show’s powerful portrayal of bullying that truly stands out, resonating strongly even today.

5 Serial Experiments Lain

MyAnimeList Score: 8.09

Serial Experiments Lain” isn’t a show for everyone, but that’s fantastic. In an entertainment world where familiar ideas are often rehashed until they’re devoid of excitement, unique shows like “Serial Experiments Lain” are scarce and irreplaceable. There simply isn’t another series quite as captivating.

The narrative centers around a shy girl named Lain Iwakura, who comes from a troubled household. Her life undergoes a dramatic shift when she learns that her schoolmates have been receiving emails from a deceased classmate. This event propels the girl into the digital realm, a technological universe that questions her understanding of self. Delving into profound psychological and philosophical concepts, Serial Experiments Lain can be perplexing and bewildering at times, yet it offers immense satisfaction (particularly on a repeat viewing).

4 Slam Dunk

MyAnimeList Score: 8.54

As a die-hard basketball anime fan, I’d say that while Kuroko no Basket reigns supreme today, there’s a strong case for Slam Dunk being the ultimate pick. If you’re seeking a more authentic and gritty portrayal of the sport, then the 1993 series is just the ticket for you. It delves deep into Hanamichi’s training, showing his gradual progression towards excellence rather than instant success. Plus, it’s side-splittingly funny – one of the funniest shows from the ’90s! If it hadn’t been cut short, Slam Dunk would have been the complete package; sadly, it only misses by a hair.

To win over a girl, Hanamichi decides to join his school’s basketball team, hoping to capture the attention of the captain’s sister. At first, his motivation is purely romantic, but as he discovers an unexpected knack for the game, albeit clumsy and unpolished, he finds himself falling in love with basketball itself. Throughout this journey, Hanamichi encounters a diverse group of teammates and competitors.

3 Neon Genesis Evangelion

MyAnimeList Score: 8.35

In the sci-fi series, Neon Genesis Evangelion, the story unfolds in a future version of Tokyo city. The main character is Shinji, a young lad, who finds himself entrusted with an overwhelming mission: to vanquish a supernatural being known as an Angel. With the assistance of a mechanical entity called an Evangelion, Shinji struggles to survive this encounter and ends up being admitted to a hospital. This battle alters his life significantly as he adapts to living in Tokyo-3.

As a devoted fan, I firmly believe that Neon Genesis Evangelion (NGE) has surpassed the boundaries of anime, transforming into a cultural phenomenon in its own right. Given the fact that mecha is relatively obscure outside of Japan, the extraordinary success of one of the genre’s most twisted and dark narratives is a powerful testament to Hideaki Anno’s unique creative vision.

2 Yu Yu Hakusho

MyAnimeList Score: 8.46

Apart from “Hunter x Hunter,” another remarkable work from Yoshihiro Togashi that had an impressive ’90s adaptation is “Yu Yu Hakusho.” This shonen staple centers around the character Yusuke Urameshi, who tragically dies in a car accident. Remarkably, he gets a second chance at life from Koenma, the son of the ruler of the afterlife. Yusuke manages to pass Koenma’s tests and is brought back to life, embarking on a new journey as a detective.

Initially, the concept appears straightforward, but it soon expands dramatically, resulting in the iconic Dark Tournament arc and the innovative yet equally impressive Chapter Black saga within Yu Yu Hakusho. This anime stands nearly unrivaled as a prime example of the battle shonen genre, surpassing even Dragon Ball Z in many aspects. The fights are consistently thrilling without becoming tedious, while the characters boast immediate appeal and frequent unexpected twists. The villains are as impressive as any ’90s anime antagonists.

1 Cowboy Bebop

MyAnimeList Score: 8.75

Under the masterful guidance of Shinichiro Watanabe, Cowboy Bebop is hailed by numerous fans as a supreme example of anime. This future-set series chronicles an unconventional team of bounty hunters who track down criminals for rewards. Each member of the crew has a compelling history that unfolds engagingly across the 26 episodes. Despite their occasional disagreements, they exhibit affection for one another in distinctive ways throughout their escapades.

Cowboy Bebop features two main types of episodes: standalone and ongoing. The ongoing stories form a series of interconnected chapters that delve into the crew’s somber past, beautifully executed throughout. On the other hand, the standalone episodes are generally lighter in tone, exploring various sci-fi subgenres including an exceptional tribute to Alien. Regardless of personal preference, Cowboy Bebop excels at both narrative styles, offering a captivating overarching plot along with engaging self-contained tales. It’s worth mentioning that the soundtrack is exceptional.

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2024-09-08 04:24