Anime became incredibly popular in the 1990s with many beloved shows. While Crunchyroll is known for streaming current anime and adding new series regularly, it also has a large library of classic 90s anime available.
Although One Piece started in 1999, it’s not on this list because we’re focusing on lesser-known anime. Crunchyroll offers a great selection of anime from the 90s, including shonen, shojo, fantasy, and comedy series – and while One Piece is fantastic, this list highlights some hidden gems.
Yu Yu Hakusho
First shown in 1992, the anime Yu Yu Hakusho ran for 112 episodes and was based on a very popular manga series. Created by Yoshihiro Togashi and animated by Studio Pierrot, it became a major hit despite a lot of competition at the time.
Yusuke Urameshi dies saving a child, but finds out in the Spirit World that his sacrifice wasn’t needed – the child wasn’t in danger anyway. Realizing people care about him, especially a close friend, Yusuke accepts a chance to come back to life. This resurrection kicks off an epic journey where he trains to become a powerful warrior. Alongside his friends, he must defend the world from various supernatural dangers. The series became incredibly popular, even inspiring a live-action adaptation.
Magic Knight Rayearth
I remember the 90s being a really exciting time for manga and anime, and the group Clamp was at the forefront. They created some incredibly popular manga that were later adapted into anime, and many of those shows are still well-loved today. Besides Cardcaptor Sakura, one anime that stood out to me was Magic Knight Rayearth. It was one of the first series I saw that used the ‘isekai’ idea – you know, where ordinary people get transported to another world – following three high school girls suddenly pulled away from Tokyo and into a completely different reality.
What makes Magic Knight Rayearth so great is its boundless creativity. It starts as a classic magical girl story in a medieval fantasy world, but then surprisingly introduces giant robots, completely changing the game. Plus, it features a fantastic soundtrack, memorable character designs, and Mokona, the beloved mascot that everyone adored in the 90s. If you’re looking for an action-packed and romantic fantasy anime that’s a little different, Magic Knight Rayearth is a perfect choice.
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Record of Lodoss War
The anime Record of Lodoss War is a cornerstone of the medieval fantasy genre. Based on Ryo Mizuno’s novels, the original 13-episode series debuted in 1990 and is now available on Crunchyroll. It’s beloved for its exciting battles, compelling storyline that rivals classic fantasy adventures, and memorable music. The songs “Kaze no Fantasia” and “Adesso e Fortuna,” sung by Izumi Kato (who also voiced Sherry), perfectly capture the sound of 90s anime.
Record of Lodoss War is a classic medieval fantasy adventure with a memorable cast of heroes, often compared to the greatest stories in the genre. Many viewers found it brought back fond memories of the 1983 Dungeons & Dragons cartoon, but with a more mature and gripping tone, excellent character designs, and exciting action. It’s still a highly recommended anime today.
Marmalade Boy
Many consider Marmalade Boy to be the defining shojo anime of the 1990s. Its unique and often chaotic story, filled with quirky characters, attracted a surprisingly broad audience – even gaining a following among fans typically drawn to action-oriented shonen anime. The series also launched the manga author, Wataru Yoshizumi, to widespread recognition.
In the anime Marmalade Boy, the story centers around Miki Koishikawa and Yuu Matsura, who find themselves living together after their parents divorce and remarry each other’s partners. While the premise might seem less unusual now, it was incredibly unexpected when the show first aired. What’s particularly surprising is that both families – parents and kids – move in together immediately after meeting on vacation. This unusual living situation sparks a relationship between Miki and Yuu, though they also encounter other potential love interests. Marmalade Boy remains one of the most unpredictable romance anime ever made.
Blue Seed
The popularity of the anime 3×3 Eyes in the 1990s helped make Blue Seed a success when it came to the United States on VHS through ADV Films. Creator Yuzo Takada was already well-known for delivering high-quality work, and this anime captivated audiences with its 26-episode story of conflict and fighting against evil, drawing heavily from Japanese mythology.
The story centers around Momiji Fujimiya, a student who narrowly escapes a monster attack. She soon learns she’s descended from a legendary princess and chooses to fight to save the world instead of accepting her destiny. Helping her is Mamoru Kusanagi, a classic 90s character – strong and stoic, and a perfect match for the heroine. Their dynamic was a key part of the anime. Notably, Momiji is voiced by Megumi Hayashibara, a hugely popular voice actress of the 90s and a frequent collaborator with composer Yuzo Takada.
Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop is incredibly important in the history of anime. When it first aired in 1998, it really changed the landscape of the medium. Unlike most anime at the time, Cowboy Bebop offered a more sophisticated and mature storyline, attracting a new audience. Its exciting action sequences and exploration of complex themes like loneliness helped introduce many people to anime for the first time.
Cowboy Bebop wasn’t just a hit because of its story and characters; its unique visuals and music were also key. The anime follows a team of bounty hunters in a futuristic setting, and it’s known for being incredibly emotionally resonant – many fans consider it unmatched in that regard. While each episode often tells a self-contained story, a larger narrative develops over time, leading to a powerful and unforgettable ending. It remains one of the most popular and well-regarded anime series ever made.
Sorcerer Hunters
If you enjoy medieval fantasy anime, Crunchyroll suggests checking out Sorcerer Hunters, originally known in Japan as Bakuretsu Hunters. This series, which first aired in 1995, takes place in a magical world where powerful individuals can use their abilities to threaten others.
A team of heroes works to defeat powerful sorcerers and assist those who are suffering. This diverse group includes the popular sisters Tira Misu and Chocola Misu, who became incredibly beloved figures – almost like goddesses – thanks to the anime’s popularity and especially its ending theme. The main hero is a regular human with a surprising ability: he can transform into various beasts. The series is known for being really fun and full of unexpected, exciting events.
Great Teacher Onizuka
Although the Golden Boy OVAs were considered, Great Teacher Onizuka truly stood out as a groundbreaking comedy anime. Directed by Noriyuki Abe, a prominent director of the 90s, and animated by Studio Pierrot, the series was not only funny but also offered a look at issues within the Japanese education system when it first aired.
For Japanese audiences, GTO offered a break from the strictness of school life. For Western viewers, it provided a rare look at a different side of Japan. The anime follows Eikichi Onizuka, a truly unique teacher, and explores themes that everyone can connect with. He faces a tough challenge: teaching the most difficult class in the school, and it won’t be simple.
Dragon Ball Z
I remember watching Dragon Ball Z as it came out, mostly throughout the 90s, though it actually started in 1989. It finished airing in January 1996, and it really became a landmark anime – everyone, not just in Japan, but all over the world, was hooked on Goku’s story week after week. Even with Dragon Ball Z Kai available, the original series still holds a special place for a lot of us.
Dragon Ball Z kicks off with the arrival of Raditz, immediately launching a non-stop, action-packed story. From Vegeta to the epic battles on Namek against Frieza, and then the threats of the Androids, Cell, and finally Majin Buu, everything about the series is incredibly well-done, easily earning it a spot on anyone’s top 10 anime list.
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2026-04-01 14:36