Here are 10 iconic anime shows that are still worth watching—or rewatching—almost thirty years later. The 1990s saw an anime explosion in Western nations.
Even though it can feel like a lifetime ago, several 90s television episodes and films have endured and are still watched today. In terms of anime, the 1990s were a golden era that not only witnessed the creation of some of the best franchises but also the expansion of the genre globally.
That explains why, despite having access to a vast library of contemporary anime, people continue to enjoy watching the timeless masterpieces. On that topic, the 90s anime series listed below have something for everyone and unquestionably merit a visit—or a revisit—regardless of what anime genre a viewer is into.
There are more anime than ever to watch as the anime business expands quickly. As a result of the numerous anime that were produced throughout this decade, the anime industry underwent a permanent transformation. Even if some of the anime from the 1990s might not be the most appealing to a novice, it is crucial to see them at least once because of their profound influence on the field. In light of this, we have included additional anime from the 1990s for fans to enjoy.
1. Dragon Ball Z
The well-known Shonen franchise was so well-liked that it served as a model for several other and subsequent shonen series. The popularity of Dragon Ball will always be huge. In 1986, Dragon Ball made its debut. There are 6 seasons. Dragon Ball Kai, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, and other well-known Dragon Ball sequels are examples.
Dragon Ball Heroes has been broadcasting since 2018. The most well-known Shonen series and the source of Goku is Dragon Ball. There aren’t many heroes stronger than Goku in the Shonen universe. Fans of Dragon Ball will be reminded of Vegeta’s famous “It’s over 9000!” meme.
2. Cowboy Bebop
One of Shinichiro Watanabe’s finest works is still Cowboy Bebop. The anime series develops in an episodic fashion, highlighting the highs and lows of space bounty hunter Spike Spiegel and his crew.
Each episode features a fresh space adventure—or misadventure—the protagonists become entangled in while remaining loosely connected to the overall narrative. Even now, everything, including the animation quality and the captivating characters, is still in excellent condition. Given that Netflix is just now releasing its live-action adaptation, its legacy is undoubtedly here to stay.
3. Berserk
Berserk is not at all for the faint of heart since it is replete with nihilistic representations of human misery. It recounts the story of Guts, a young man who is rejected and despised and who discovers that he must murder in order to survive. When he joins a mercenary organisation and encounters Griffith, the gang’s commander, everything appears to be going well. However, the more he becomes involved in the group’s quest for recognition, the more he becomes aware of the horrors occurring in the world around him.
Although Berserk takes some time to get going, its philosophical debates on retaliation, treachery, and fate keep viewers riveted. Its terrifying OSTs add to all of this, making it one of the finest fantasy horror animes available.
4. Rurouni Kenshin
Rurouni Kenshin, which is set in the last years of the Edo era, is centred on Hitokiri Battousai, a well-known and feared former assassin. He decides to leave his old habits behind and embark on a trip as a roaming swordsman in the hopes that he would never murder another person. But after meeting Kaoru Kamiya, the proprietor of a kendo dojo, by chance, he finds himself rethinking his vow to never let blood get on his blade.
Rurouni Kenshin originally takes its time with character and narrative development during its lengthy 94 episode schedule. However, it picks up the pace and expertly juggles its samurai action with tragic emotional drama at the 30th episode point.
5. Sailor Moon
Sailor Moon, the most well-known shoujo series in the world, is based on the manga created by Naoko Takeuchi. The television show debuted in 1992 and ran until 1997. Due to the anime’s success, many film versions of the series have been produced.
Usagi Tsukino, a middle school student, is the main character of the anime series Sailor Moon. Luna is a cat whom Usagi befriends and who, surprise, can speak. Usagi receives a brooch from Luna that enables her to become Sailor Moon. All cultures recognise this 90s animation as a classic. Have you ever seen plays or other types of media that parody Sailor Moon? Sailor Moon, an anime that debuted in 1991, is incredibly well-liked. The theme of magical heroines who use their abilities is shown in the Naoko Takeuchi series. If you’re still unsure, try it out for yourself.
6. Serial Experiments Lain
The Lain series of serial experiments was highly innovative. The well-known animation debuted in 1998. This television show is worth seeing. It’s definitely worth seeing because this is one of the finest psychological anime. If you have not seen it yet, do so now to be shocked.
A few of the series’ incidents were really innovative. It resembled the series creator travelling into the future in a time machine. Although Serial Experiments Lain may appear to be a challenging series, it is not.
There aren’t many conversations, which gives viewers room to add their own interpretations. The series first appears perplexing, but it eventually makes sense. Given its subtle themes and distinctive animation technique, it leans closer towards the art-house category. But that alone gives its horrific portrayal of a little girl discovering the depths of the web another level of menacingness.
7. Trigun
Shounen enthusiasts should check out Trigun if for no other reason than the unconventional Vash the Stampede. Vash has a strange mix of personality qualities, making it difficult to categorise him within the current tropes of the genre. Despite his intimidating exterior, he is a peacemaker who solely seeks to disarm his adversaries. Later, as Vash tries to strike a balance between his moral principles and his vigilante goals, this little peculiarity develops into the main topic of the programme.
Trigun, like the majority of shounen from the late 1990s, doesn’t stick to one genre and throws in a few episodes of everything from comedy to romance. Some viewers may find its animation to be a little outmoded, but its compelling story more than makes up for these slight flaws.