Timeless 90s Anime That Influenced Modern Hits

While the 2000s have seen the likes of the Big Three of Anime, Code Geass, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Death Note, etc., many anime fans still prefer the 90s era. Even though animation greatly improved, the aesthetic nature and the vibrant colors of the 90s anime were something that will be forever cherished.

Apart from these facts, several anime series from the 1990s have revolutionized the anime industry, featuring strong plots, great characters, and realistic elements. The manga artists explored multiple genres, and without a doubt, they excelled in everything. Here is a list of the top ten anime from the 1990s that is a must-watch for every anime lover.

1. Slam Dunk

• Creator: Takehiko Inoue
• Start Date: October 16, 1993
• End Date: March 23, 1996
• Episodes: 101
• Animation Studio: Toei Animation
• Where To Watch: Crunchyroll

Slam Dunk is the greatest sports anime ever created. Apart from capturing the 90s animation and art style, the anime gained massive popularity thanks to Michael Jordan’s double Three-Peat in the NBA. Everything about the anime is picture-perfect, and it does a great job in portraying the life of an athlete, highlighting their success on the field and how they deal with all the things around them. Slam Dunk follows Hanamichi Sakuragi, who is looking for a girlfriend. When Haruko Akagi approaches him, he falls head over heels for her, and in the process of impressing her, he starts playing basketball at Shohoku High. One thing led to another, and Hanamichi found himself representing his school at competitions.

2. Cowboy Bebop

• Creator: Hajime Yatate
• Start Date: April 3, 1998
• End Date: April 24, 1999
• Episodes: 26
• Animation Studio: Sunrise
• Where To Watch: Crunchyroll/Netflix

Cowboy Bebop is considered one of the greatest anime series ever. There are multiple reasons for the anime community making this remark. The anime masterfully blends various genres together, with none of them feeling out of place. The characters break the stereotype through their backstories and mature and emotional depth. Concepts like regret, loneliness, freedom, the inescapability of the past, etc., along with great music, made it a must-watch for everyone. Cowboy Bebop follows the story of Spike Spiegel, Jet Black, Faye Valentine, Ed, and Ein’s intergalactic journey and how they deal with the problems in their path. Lastly, the animation and Cowboy Bebop’s ending will leave an everlasting impression on everyone.

3. Berserk

• Creator: Kentaro Miura
• Start Date: October 8, 1997
• End Date: April 1, 1998
• Episodes: 25
• Animation Studio: OLM
• Where To Watch: Netflix

Watching Berserk without mental preparation can be traumatic for first-time watchers. The philosophical and emotional weight that the story carries is unimaginable. On top of everything, there is Guts, the protagonist of Berserk, who has the most complex life of all, with multiple layers to it. Berserk takes place in a noir background, and Miura’s art, blending tragedy and beauty together, is quite sensational. The story began on a comparatively lighter tone, but as it progressed, the darkness engulfed the plot, without a hint of light. Berserk is a great anime, only if someone is ready to experience multiple emotions in a single go, without breaking down.

4. Neon Genesis Evangelion

• Creator: Yoshiyuki Sadamoto
• Start Date: October 4, 1995
• End Date: March 27, 1996
• Episodes: 25
• Animation Studio: Gainax, Tatsunoko Production
• Where To Watch: Netflix

Neon Genesis Evangelion may seem like a typical mecha-anime children’s fight using monstrous beings called Angels using giant robots, but in reality, it deals with a broader topic. The anime explores anxiety, depression, trust issues, connection with others, etc. The narrative gets unpredictable with each episode, with it becoming surreal and abstract, making the viewers confused. Neon Genesis Evangelion is a generational anime that uplifts the concept of a bold, disturbing, yet painfully beautiful journey, making the experience unforgettable.

5. Dragon Ball Z

• Creator: Akira Toriyama
• Start Date: April 26, 1989
• End Date: January 31, 1996
• Episodes: 291
• Animation Studio: Toei Animation
• Where To Watch: Crunchyroll

Even though Dragon Ball Z began in the 80s, most of it was aired during the 90s. There is not a single soul who has not heard about Dragon Ball Z. The anime has given the fans the greatest duo ever in Son Goku and Vegeta, with each one trying to surpass the other. Apart from them, there are other iconic characters, like Son Gohan, Piccolo, Future Trunks, etc. Dragon Ball Z is considered to have paved the road for the Big Three of anime to gain worldwide fame.

The franchise is almost four decades old and has become one of the leading franchises in pop culture, carrying forward through its simple but effective storytelling. Thousands of anime might come and go, but none will ever top the moment when Son Goku transforms into Super Saiyan for the first time.

6. Sailor Moon

• Creator: Naoko Takeuchi
• Start Date: March 7, 1992
• End Date: February 8, 1997
• Episodes: 200
• Animation Studio: Toei Animation
• Where To Watch: Hulu

Sailor Moon is one of the ground-breaking anime of the 90s. It redefined the way a magical girl-themed anime is projected, exploring romance, action, friendship, and transformation. To this day, it remains a powerhouse, with surprisingly mature story arcs, and that too with a female protagonist. Sailor Moon broke the stereotype and attained global popularity, with Usagi Tsukino leading the franchise. The character development is also on point, earning Sailor Moon a spot on this list.

7. Yu Yu Hakusho

• Creator: Yoshihiro Togashi
• Start Date: October 10, 1992
• End Date: January 7, 1995
• Episodes: 112
• Animation Studio: Pierrot
• Where To Watch: Netflix

Widely considered one of the best shounen anime of the 90s, Yu Yu Hakusho takes an unconventional approach right from the beginning. Out of all people, Yusuke Urameshi, a delinquent, gets the chance to become a Spirit Detective after being revived. Yusuke is not someone who is righteous; he does what needs to be done. He does not mince his words, and as the story progresses, he unlocks several emotional traits. Yu Yu Hakusho may have a rushed ending, but it does not diminish how extremely good the pacing of the arcs was. Apart from relying on brute force, Togashi implemented intellect, creating great villains, and proper fighting sequences.

8. Rurouni Kenshin

• Creator: Nobuhiro Watsuki
• Start Date: January 10, 1996
• End Date: September 8, 1998
• Episodes: 95
• Animation Studio: Studio Gallop, Studio Deen
• Where To Watch: Crunchyroll

Rurouni Kenshin showcases the journey of Himura Kenshin, a former assassin who took several lives. However, he had a change of heart and started wandering as a swordsman while trying to atone for his sins. The anime explores the concept of atonement over revenge, with great emotional baggage and complex characters. The protagonist is goofy and acts as the comic relief, but when it comes to sword fights, there is no one more serious than him. Nobuhiro Watsuki’s work showcases strong themes of pacifism with a blend of history and fiction.

9. Pokémon

• Creator: NA
• Start Date: April 1, 1997
• End Date: NA
• Episodes: 1332
• Animation Studio: OLM
• Where To Watch: Disney+

Pokémon is the only anime on the list to be adapted from a video game. The anime follows the journey of Ash Ketchum, who wants to become the greatest Pokémon trainer in the world. His first Pokémon is Pikachu, with whom he creates an indomitable bond. Pokémon explores friendship, adventure, and the joy of encountering new Pokémon in different terrains. On top of everything, there are also legendary Pokémon that are harder to catch and are barely seen by anyone. The anime is often considered the leading pop culture reference from the anime industry and has become a worldwide sensation.

10. Trigun

• Creator: Yasuhiro Nightow
• Start Date: April 1, 1998
• End Date: September 30, 1998
• Episodes: 26
• Animation Studio: Madhouse
• Where To Watch: Netflix

Trigun revolves around Vash the Stampede, a soft-hearted and doughnut-loving individual who is thought to be a merciless villain who kills people and destroys cities wherever he goes. As a result, there is a bounty of $60 billion on his head. When two insurance agents, Milly Thompson and Meryl Stryfe, follow him and bring out his true self to the public, they suffer from unimaginable dangers. Multiple legendary assassins were sent after them. With no way out, Vash is pushed to his limits, with his past self slowly getting out of the mold.

Trigun readily explores the value of life in a world filled with violence. Apart from the space Western aesthetics, the anime deals with emotional aspects, deep moral questions, and a great protagonist.

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Also Read: You Think Love, Death + Robots Was Bold? These Anthology Anime Go Even Further

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