Top 50 Best 90s Anime Of All Time [The Ultimate Old Anime List]

Premiering in 1998, "Cowboy Bebop" is a landmark anime series set in the year 2071, where humanity has colonized the outer planets after Earth becomes uninhabitable from environmental destruction. Its vision resonates powerfully today, especially considering ongoing global concerns about climate change—showing how the series was well ahead of its time in both theme and storytelling.

The galaxy's vastness makes law enforcement a challenge, so the Inter Solar System Police enlist bounty hunters—known as "Cowboys"—to help maintain order. The main characters, Spike Spiegel, the laid-back yet skilled fighter, and Jet Black, his pragmatic and boisterous partner, form the heart of this unforgettable team.

As the two chase bounties across space, their ranks expand. They are joined by Faye Valentine, a witty and mysterious femme fatale with amnesia; Ein, a genetically enhanced Welsh Corgi possessing exceptional intelligence; and Edward Wong, a quirky child prodigy in computer hacking.

Each team member receives rich character development, with their hidden pasts unfolding in captivating story arcs. Blending elements of lighthearted comedy, electrifying action, jazz-inspired music, and a distinctive Western flair, "Cowboy Bebop" remains a singular gem within 90s anime and beyond.

When a fearsome demon-boar attacks the Emishi village, young prince Ashitaka bravely steps in to defend his people. Though he succeeds in defeating the beast, Ashitaka is left with a curse on his arm, granting him dangerous powers while slowly draining his life force.

Following the wisdom of his village elders, Ashitaka journeys to Tatara, known as 'Iron Town.' There, he becomes embroiled in an intense conflict between Princess San, a fierce defender of the forest, and Lady Eboshi, who represents industrial progress and deforestation. The forest spirits, angered by Lady Eboshi's actions, heighten the tensions even further. The film unfolds with an epic struggle for survival and balance.

Despite being haunted by the deadly curse, Ashitaka strives to restore harmony between humanity and nature. "Princess Mononoke," released in 1997, masterfully explores themes of balance, coexistence, and the complexities of human impact on the environment.

‘CHAM!’ is a popular J-pop idol group with a fandom that could rival any other on this list. In the 1998 anime film "Perfect Blue," a pivotal moment occurs when Mima Kirigoe makes the difficult decision to leave the group and pursue an acting career.

While Mima hopes for her fans’ support, their reactions are mixed as she attempts to shed her pop-idol image. Eager to reinvent herself, she takes on a role in a crime drama, only to find the acting industry far more stressful and demanding than expected, both for herself and her manager, Rumi Hidaka.

Complicating matters, a devoted fan refuses to accept Mima's departure from CHAM! and begins stalking her. This obsessive fan goes so far as to create an anonymous website, posting detailed impersonations of Mima's daily life. To make things worse, Mima sees her former band thriving without her.

As the pressures mount, Mima descends into a psychological crisis, blurring the boundaries between reality and illusion in a chilling exploration of identity and fame.

"Neon Genesis Evangelion" is a sprawling franchise that began in 1995 and has since spawned numerous sequels, spin-offs, films, and alternate versions. Its enduring popularity speaks volumes, as the series remains relevant decades after its debut. Set in the then-futuristic year of 2015, the show was remarkably forward-thinking for a '90s anime.

At the center of the story is Nerv, a special UN agency tasked with protecting society from mysterious beings called "Angels." To combat them, Nerv deploys massive mechs known as "Evangelions." However, the agency's leader, Gendou Ikari, faces immense pressure to recruit suitable pilots capable of synchronizing with these machines.

Shinji Ikari, Gendou’s estranged son, is suddenly drawn back into his father's world when he is identified as a genetically compatible candidate to pilot Evangelion Unit-01. Their tense reunion sets the stage for deep familial conflict and psychological complexity.

This anime masterfully blends ancient mysteries, intense mecha battles, and profound psychological drama, earning its reputation as a genre-defining classic.

Yuusuke Urameshi is a teenage delinquent with little hope for his future, drifting through life aimlessly. However, his life takes a dramatic turn when he sacrifices himself to save a young boy from a fatal car accident. In doing so, Yuusuke finds himself at the brink of death, uncertain of what awaits him next.

In the afterlife, the spirits are astonished by Yuusuke's selflessness and debate whether someone so young deserves to move on. Among them is Koenma, the heir to the spirit realm's throne, who devises a series of challenges for Yuusuke. By completing these tasks, Yuusuke may earn the chance to regain his life.

With guidance from Botan, the death god, Yuusuke embarks on his missions as a Spirit Detective on Earth. He soon teams up with his rival Kazuma Kuwabara, as well as former criminals and demons Hiei and Kurama. Together, they form a dynamic group, with Yuusuke learning what it means to take on real responsibility.

As Yuusuke steps into his new role, he confronts threats to Earth far greater than anything he knew as a regular teenager. “Yu Yu Hakusho: Ghost Files,” which began airing in 1992, took familiar 90s tropes and transformed them, creating a remarkable and memorable anime experience.

Released in 1999, "Hunter x Hunter" quickly captured audiences with its intense action and compelling storytelling. The series follows Hunters—individuals with exceptional skills in areas ranging from gourmet cooking to treasure seeking—all pursuing their unique passions while relying on mysterious resources and information.

To become official Hunters and unlock exclusive privileges, hopefuls must pass a notoriously difficult exam with a high failure rate. Young Gon Freecss, at only twelve, enters this treacherous test in hopes of finding clues about his missing father, adding a touching layer of personal motivation to the narrative.

Along the way, Gon is joined by three remarkable friends: Leorio Paladiknight, an aspiring doctor; Killua Zoldyck, a mischievous prodigy of the same age as Gon; and Kurapika, whose journey is fueled by a quest for vengeance. Their alliance, forged during the brutal Hunter Exam, forms the emotional core of this beloved shounen series.

"Hunter x Hunter" is a classic shounen adventure that explores themes of courage, aspiration, and loyalty as this group of young Hunters tackles dangerous challenges and unforgettable adventures together.

At just fourteen, Shizuku Tsukishima is full of life and passionate about reading and poetry. Her curiosity is piqued when she notices that Seiji Amasawa's name frequently appears on the checkout cards of her library books. Their shared interests spark Shizuku's desire to meet him.

One day, Shizuku's adventurous spirit leads her to follow a mysterious cat during her train commute. The feline guides her to a quaint antique shop, where she discovers a captivating cat statuette known only as 'The Baron.' To her surprise, Seiji unexpectedly appears in the shop, turning the moment into a delightful coincidence.

As the two connect, Seiji opens up about his dreams and aspirations, leaving Shizuku feeling uncertain about her own path. Inspired by Seiji's passion, Shizuku begins to search for her own talents and ambitions, motivated to strive for her personal best.

With The Baron as her silent companion, Shizuku embarks on a touching journey of friendship and self-discovery in this beloved 1995 anime classic.

"Serial Experiments Lain," released in 1998, introduced a daring style of storytelling, even for the innovative era of 90s anime. The series revolves around Lain Iwakura, a quiet, introverted girl who receives a disturbing email from her late friend, Chisa Yomoda, who has recently died by suicide.

Though Lain isn’t particularly interested in technology, she’s compelled to open her friend's cryptic message, which pulls her into the mysterious digital realm known as the 'Wired.' Much like the internet but far stranger, the Wired teems with enigmas and dangerous truths. Soon, enigmatic figures known as 'Men in Black' begin surveilling and interrogating Lain, appearing to know more about her than they should.

As the plot unfolds, Lain is drawn deeper into cyberspace, where reality bends and peril lurks at every turn. The series thoughtfully explores complex themes like perception and consciousness, often challenging viewers' understanding of both. Actions Lain takes in the Wired ripple out, shaping reality itself. Avant-garde and haunting, this series masterfully blends technology, psychology, and psychological horror, making it a standout of its decade.

Released in 1992 by Studio Ghibli, Porco Rosso stands out as one of the most enchanting anime films of the era. The story follows Marco Pagot, a former World War I ace cursed to live as a pig, who adopts the identity of Porco Rosso—a legendary bounty hunter taking on sky pirates across the Adriatic Sea.

Porco Rosso prefers the solitude of his remote island hideaway, balancing a quiet life with thrilling bounty hunts and frequent visits to Gina, the captivating owner of the Hotel Adriano. His peaceful routine is disrupted when Donald Curtis, a daring American pilot, arrives and issues a bold challenge.

To repair his damaged fighter plane and reclaim his honour, Porco Rosso seeks out the renowned Piccolo S.P.A. aeroplane company. There, he joins forces with Fio Piccolo, a resourceful 17-year-old engineer, as they prepare for a high-stakes aerial confrontation that may finally allow Porco to confront the shadows of his past.

Ryo Saeba, known as a "sweeper" or private detective, takes on the lead role in the acclaimed City Hunter series. Embodying the spirit of 90s noir and classic detective stories, Ryo teams up with his spirited partner, Kaori Makimura, as they navigate the streets of Tokyo to help clients find justice and closure.

Ryo’s sharp shooting skills and keen intellect make the series both thrilling and engaging. City Hunter '91 stands out for its nostalgic anime artistry and is beloved by fans to this day. With a playful, James Bond-inspired charm—especially in his interactions with women—Ryo truly epitomizes a 90s anime hero. Moments of comic relief, such as Kaori wielding her iconic anti-ecchi hammer, add extra flair to the narrative. The enduring popularity of the series has also led to the creation of both a prequel and sequel.

"Sailor Moon" has stood the test of time as one of the most beloved anime series of the 1990s. Debuting in 1992, this franchise has spawned a variety of media, captivating fans across generations with its blend of action, friendship, and transformation.

At the heart of the story is Usagi Tsukino—a clumsy, emotional schoolgirl who struggles academically and seems unlikely to be a hero. However, her fate changes dramatically when she rescues a mysterious cat marked with a crescent moon.

This cat, named Luna, soon reveals Usagi's hidden destiny: she is meant to become "Sailor Moon," a powerful guardian tasked with protecting Earth from malevolent forces as part of a team of extraordinary warriors known as the Sailor Guardians.

Armed with a magical brooch that allows her to transform just in time, Usagi takes on the formidable Dark Kingdom and its power-hungry Queen Beryl, whose monsters threaten humanity's energy. As Usagi learns to master her new abilities, she must also search for the lost princess of the Moon Kingdom, seek the legendary Silver Crystal, and unite with fellow Sailor Guardians on her quest to save the world from destruction.

Takuya Enoki, a fifth grader, suddenly finds his world turned upside down after a tragic car accident claims his mother's life. In this memorable 1996 comedy-drama anime, Takuya must step into the role of caregiver for his baby brother, Minoru, while their father works long hours to support the family.

As he juggles household responsibilities and faces criticism from neighbors who blame him for Minoru's crying, Takuya is forced to grow up quickly. While his friends enjoy carefree days, he must navigate the burdens of adulthood far too soon. Through these hardships, Takuya embarks on a heartfelt journey, discovering the profound meanings of family, love, and resilience.

Premiering in 1989, "Ranma ½" stands out as a quintessential 90s martial arts anime, beloved for its unique humor and inventive premise. The story follows Ranma Saotome, a prodigy at the 'Anything-Goes' martial arts school, who is expected to continue his father's legacy.

During a training trip to China, Ranma and his father suffer a strange mishap—they fall into cursed springs. This results in Ranma transforming into a girl when splashed with cold water, and reverting back to a boy with hot water, setting the stage for endless comedic situations.

Such daring and funny storytelling was remarkable for its era. The plot thickens when Ranma's father schemes to marry his son to one of Soun Tendo's three daughters, aiming to secure the future of the Tendo dojo. Soun soon learns of Ranma's unique predicament, but remains determined to have his youngest daughter, Akane, marry him.

Akane herself is a skilled martial artist and famously distrustful of men, adding fuel to the comedic fire. The anime masterfully blends romance, action, and sharp humor, with the dynamic between Akane and Ranma providing some of the show's funniest—and most memorable—moments.

Debuting in 1996, "Detective Conan" quickly evolved into a beloved franchise, spawning numerous movies and side stories. The anime follows the brilliant high-school detective Shinichi Kudou, renowned for cracking even the toughest cases with his sharp mind and keen instincts.

The series takes a dramatic turn when Shinichi accidentally witnesses a crime and is forced into contact with a notorious underground organization. To silence him, they administer an experimental drug intended to kill—but instead, it transforms him into the body of a seven-year-old boy.

Now, Shinichi must conceal his true identity from his close friend Ran Mouri and her father, Kogorou Mouri, a private detective. Inspired by famous detective fiction, he adopts the alias Conan Edogawa while continuing to unravel mysteries behind the scenes.

As Conan, he proves that his detective prowess remains undiminished. All the while, he unravels secrets about the sinister organization responsible for his predicament, hoping to one day return to his former self.

The show impressively combines elements of logic and fantasy, striking a balance that makes its intricate mysteries both engaging and believable.

Lina Inverse is a powerful, slightly greedy sorceress who excels at using her magic for her own gain. Any bandits daring to cross her path quickly find themselves stripped of their valuables—a fitting twist of fate for their misdeeds. Unsurprisingly, Lina attracts many enemies as a result.

One day, a group of bandits prepares an ambush for Lina in a dense forest, hoping to end her exploits for good. However, Lina is confident in her abilities and handles threats with ease. During this encounter, she meets Gourry Gabriev, a good-hearted swordsman who mistakenly believes Lina is a helpless damsel in need of rescue. "Slayers," released in 1995, embodies many classic tropes of its decade.

After joining forces to defeat the brigands, Gourry insists on escorting Lina to Atlas City for her safety. Though initially reluctant, Lina can't quite refuse Gourry’s offer. Among her latest spoils lies a powerful magical artifact—unbeknownst to her, this item draws widespread attention.

Word of the artifact spreads quickly, catching the interest of unsavory figures. Soon, two mysterious men begin to pursue Lina in hopes of seizing the magic item for themselves. With the fate of the world at stake, Lina—and her well-meaning companion Gourry—must navigate a rising tide of danger and intrigue.

In Tokyo, an ambitious urban renewal project known as the 'Babylon Project' sets the stage for dramatic changes—including the creation of artificial islands in the Bay area. Robots called 'Labors,' each operated by a human pilot, become essential tools on the massive construction sites, supporting the architects and workers already pushing the city's limits. When a key project leader is found dead under suspicious circumstances, an apparent suicide sparks uncertainty and fear.

The mysterious circumstances behind the death prompt the Patlabor Police and Captain Kiichi Gotou to intensify their investigation. Soon, a hacked AI code wreaks havoc, infecting the Labors and turning the machines into threats against Tokyo's citizens. Rookie officer Noa Izumi is thrust into the conflict alongside her Labor, Alphonse. Together with Captain Gotou, they must unravel the conspiracy before disaster strikes and a deeper, almost biblical plot unfolds.

The first Patlabor movie debuted in 1989 (an early entry for our list, but one absolutely worth including!), followed by the second film in 1993. Patlabor 2 maintains the franchise's compelling blend of sci-fi and political thriller elements, picking up three years after resolving the Babylon Project conspiracy.

After the original events, most members of the Patlabor unit have moved on, except for Captain Gotou and his longtime partner, Shinobu Nagumo. As Japan faces social unrest, a terrorist group exploits public mistrust of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force. The situation worsens when Shinobu's former mentor—and ex-lover—Yukihito Tsuge emerges as the leader of the terrorists.

The original Patlabor team is reunited to confront this new threat. The second film delves deeply into Shinobu's personal history as the team's efforts ultimately hinge on her choices, adding powerful layers of character drama alongside the suspenseful action.

Hitomi Kanzaki, a high school student fascinated by fortune-telling and tarot cards, finds her ordinary life transformed when she encounters a fearsome dragon and a mysterious boy, Van Fanel. In an instant, a radiant pillar of light whisks Hitomi away to the enchanting world of Gaea, where Earth's image dominates the sky in mesmerizing fashion.

Released in 1996, "The Vision of Escaflowne" is a captivating saga of kingdoms, heroism, and romance. As Hitomi navigates epic adventures and new relationships, she soon learns that Van is the Prince of Fanelia, whose homeland is constantly threatened by the sinister Zaibach Empire. The series features intense battles with giant mecha known as 'Guymelefs,' with the legendary suit 'Escaflowne' taking center stage.

Van pilots Escaflowne in a desperate effort to save his kingdom, but tragedy strikes, leaving Fanelia in ruins and forcing Van and Hitomi to flee. On their journey, they meet the charismatic knight Allen Schezar, whose uncanny resemblance to Hitomi’s former crush adds an intriguing twist to her adventure.

Meanwhile, the malevolent Zaibach Empire seeks to revive a dormant evil, setting the stage for Van, Hitomi, and their newfound friends to confront the rising chaos. Together, they must stand against darkness and fight for the fate of Gaea in "The Vision of Escaflowne."

The 1992 anime film "Bastard!!: Ankoku no Hakaishin" stands out for its bold characters and gripping storyline. The notorious 'Four Lords of Havoc' set their sights on the kingdom of Metallicana, bringing with them chaos, death, and destruction wherever they go.

These lords are comprised of Abigail, a mysterious dark priest, Gara, a master ninja, Kall-Su, known for his icy and calculating demeanor, and Nei Arshes, the formidable thunder empress. With the kingdom in peril, High Priest Geo realizes it falls on him to save his people. In desperation, he decides to release Dark Schneider, a former comrade of the four villains.

Powerful and cunning, the wizard Dark Schneider seeks vengeance but harbors his own hidden motives. As tension mounts, the outcome remains uncertain: will Dark Schneider defeat the Lords of Havoc—or be tempted to join their ranks instead?

"Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water" (1990), along with its 1991 movie sequel, "Nadia: The Secret of Fuzzy," stand out among the top 90s anime, radiating nostalgia and remarkable storytelling. Set in 1889, the series weaves a tale of invention and technological breakthroughs that shape its adventurous world.

The heroes face a menacing adversary known only as 'Gargoyle,' who aspires to restore the lost glory of the Atlantean empire by conquering the world. Nadia, the determined heroine, teams up with the inventive Jean Roque Lartigue and the legendary Captain Nemo—famed for his Nautilus submarine—to thwart Neo-Atlantis's sinister ambitions.

Determined to stop Gargoyle, the team embarks on a globe-trotting quest inspired by Jules Verne’s timeless classic, "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea." The movie continues the adventure three years later, after Nadia and her friends' victory over Gargoyle, introducing a new antagonist named Geiger, who plans global domination through advanced robotics.

Geiger's goal is to plunge the world into chaos with war and build his own empire from the ruins, raising the stakes for Nadia and her allies once again.

For decades, Earth and its numerous space colonies have been ruled by a powerful military organization known as the United Earth Sphere Alliance. "Mobile Suit Gundam Wing," released in 1995, redefined the mecha anime genre and set the standard for how giant robots would be portrayed in the years to follow.

Set in the era known as 'After Colony 195,' the story follows a rebellion against the Alliance. Under the covert mission 'Operation Meteor,' five state-of-the-art mechas made from the near-indestructible 'Gundanium Alloy' are sent from the colonies to Earth to challenge their oppressors. Not to be outdone, the enemy possesses formidable mechas of their own.

Dubbed 'Gundams,' these mechas unleash chaos upon the Alliance and its secret force, OZ. The martyrdom of colony leader Heero Yuy resonates throughout the narrative, with his name carried on by one of the five mysterious Gundam pilots. This pilot soon crosses paths with Zechs Marquise, OZ’s ace pilot who becomes a fierce rival.

Amid the conflict, some politicians strive for peace—including one whose daughter, Relena Peacecraft, is drawn into the conflict after witnessing Heero’s crash landing to Earth. Her encounter with Heero triggers a sequence of pivotal events that not only drive the plot, but elevate "Gundam Wing" as a trendsetting classic in the anime world.

As cooking animes go, this 1997 series became a delectable hit on more than one level. The plot is set in the Qing Dynasty, China's final imperial one which existed from 1644 to 1912. The cooking competition at the heart of the series can grant enormous fame and prestige to the winner.

On the other hand, it can also take everything from them. The "Era of the Cooking Wars" plays a significant albeit fictional role in this anime. Chefs come from all over the nation to compete for top honours. A plethora of cooking styles and techniques unfurl, adding zest to different lip-smacking scenes and sequences.

Cooking is taken seriously in this story. Anyone who takes the art lightly or insults a top chef faces potential jail time, to say nothing of the penalties for impersonating a chef. Liu Mao Xing is the main character, a boy with a profound and instinctive talent for cooking. His mother was the legendary ‘Fairy of Cuisine’, adding to his pressure to bring his A-game in an upcoming cooking competition.

Four Chinese regions -- Beijing, Guangdong, Shanghai, and Szechuan -- are the focus. Liu Mao encounters a range of rivals in various locales as he gets closer to attaining the title of Master Chef. The boy aims to run his family restaurant with pride and honour. But first, he has to travel and learn various cooking styles and techniques to help him perfect his own.

This story serves amazing and mouth-watering action and drama, marking “Cooking Master Boy” as a foodie-favourite anime.

The 1998 hit anime series “Yu-Gi-Oh!” has given fans a world of card-based battle gaming, earnest friendships, and thrilling 90s musical scores. Yuugi Mutou is unfortunately the target of bullies at school, but he soon discovers a magical way to even the odds. Anzu Mazaki is the one true friend Yuugi can always rely on.

The boy spends a lot of time at Anzu's grandfather’s game shop. That’s also where he comes across the Millennium Puzzle, an Egyptian artefact that promises Yuugi a chance at making his troubles go away. In his attempts to win at all costs, Yuugi ends up unleashing a soul called King of Games, who merges with him and creates an alternate personality called Yami Yuugi.

This entity manifests each time the original Yuugi encounters trouble or danger. Perceived opponents are promptly forced into a Shadow Game, where the stakes are real and high. The loser is promised a taste of their own medicine, card-game style.

This anime has become a household name. The show aired in the 2k era and delivered multiple seasons of storytelling excellence. That said, the manga and movies that preceded the series were distinctly 90s. The OVA which got the train moving came in 1993 and was simply titled “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure”.

The plot features an average Japanese high-schooler Kujo Jotaro, who soon stops behaving like a normal kid and assumes that he is possessed by a spirit. He even imprisons himself soon afterwards. By way of his grandfather Joseph Joestar, Kujo encounters Joe's friend Muhammad Abdul. A tiff later ensues between Muhammad and Kujo, resulting in the boy learning more about the spirit inside him.

He discovers that it is nothing but his ‘Stand’, a fighting force given form, though a semi-solid one. He also learns that his ‘spirit’ is called Star Platinum. Things turn dark when Kujo’s mother takes ill upon discovering her own ‘Stand’. The story then harkens back to the days of Kujo’s great-great-grandfather Jonathan Joestar.

He once defeated a vampire called Dio Brando who, a century later, seems to have returned. The vamp was revived, which means the creature had help. So, along with Muhammad, Kujo and his grandad Joseph return to Egypt (notable connections to the original manga here) to end the threat Dio poses once and for all.

The movie was inspired by the manga released in 1993. A television series followed in the 2k era. The main character Kuroo Hazama is the titular ‘Black Jack’ in the show. Despite not having a license, his reputation in the medical field is nothing short of legendary. Along with his assistant, Pinoko, Kuroo performs treatments and surgeries that are considered ‘miraculous’.

His bill, however, is not of the affordable kind. His fees are so exorbitant that people soon start associating Kuroo with greed and cruelty. But this genius practitioner remains highly sought after, owing in large part to the lengths he pursues to save his patients. This anime is dark in several regards.

It tracks the culture and activities of ‘underground medicine’ at a time when such topics were not vocally embraced, i.e., the 90s. Extremely strange diseases and ailments serve as challenges for the equally mysterious Black Jack. The man may mend bones but he certainly breaks laws in the “Black Jack” series in his pursuit of mastery.

A futuristic Cyberpunk world existed in the 90s through the “Ghost In The Shell” anime. This franchise also boasts multiple movies under its recognizable banner. A 1995 animated film was first to come on the scene, adapted of course from the original manga. Implants, robots, a strenuous co-existence with humans, electronic datastream interconnectivity, and people linking up with their ‘ghosts’… Such profound themes were way ahead of their time.

Techno-terrorists rose to claim their digital turfs, adding to Public Security Section 9’s pressures. Led by Major Motoko Kusanagi, the Section has its work cut out seeing as they are constantly countering cyber-hackers. When a ‘ghost hacker’ called simply the ‘Puppeteer’ declares themselves, the Major seems to have met a foe he can’t easily bring down.

Plenty of dark truths rise to the surface in this subtext-rich series that has become a gold standard in Anime.

This unforgettable show features an extensive range of curious creatures that roam the wilds and are capable of being captured and stored for use in battles and confrontations. This exquisitely memorable plotline defines the Pokémon anime franchise, starting with the 1997 TV series. One of many Pokémon trainers is Satoshi, whose ambitions are grand and far-reaching.

His tenth birthday comes along and Satoshi believes he’s ready to work toward attaining the illustrious title of Pokémon Master, which he can get by winning eight Gym Badges. When he starts training with the cute little Pikachu, who is rebellious and headstrong, Satoshi feels he might not make it. But the beautiful bond between him and the yellow-hued electric-type Pokémon soon became a gold standard in friendship.

Along the way, Satoshi teams up with Kasumi and Takeshi (water-type and rock-type Pokémon trainers, respectively). Together, they embark on epic adventures filled with thrills, humour, competitions, rivals, sabotage, deception, camaraderie, and memories galore. Moreover, the series also contains plenty of unforgettable scenes featuring Team Rocket’s Jessie, James, and Meowth – three of the funniest villains in Anime.

The youngest to drive in the Cyber Formula Grand Prix, Kazami Hayato has plenty to look forward to and live up to. All the cars in this race have computer-support modules, which is a captivating ‘ahead of its time thinking for a 90s show. Today we see e-vehicles like ‘Tesla’ boasting such technology.

In the 1991 “Future GPX Cyber Formula” anime, Hayato works with team Sugo and a powerful cyber-navigation software called Asurada to become the winner of the 10th Cyber Formula Grand Prix. As the story progresses, the boy learns that it is not just reliable technology that wins races and that there’s more to the art than meets the eye.

He earns the respect and recognition of veteran racers along the way. Kazami also has to stop people from stealing Asurada. Sundry races other than Cyber Formula await him in this amazing sports car and racing anime.

The hit anime series had a successful run during 1993-1996, and the movie that was released in 1994 only shored up that victory. One may say that this franchise enjoyed multiple ‘slam dunks’ indeed. Fire-red hair, a short temper, plenty of hidden talent, and an intimidating height… This is what Hanamichi Sakuragi brings to the “Slam Dunk” anime.

All the boy wants is to maintain a successful relationship with a girl he loves. He seeks the same at his new school, ‘Shohoku High’. He’s been rejected fifty times to date, a notorious reputation that somehow follows him to his new school. One thing leads to another and Hanamichi soon starts to hate basketball.

Haruko Akagi, a girl who knows next to nothing about Hanamichi’s past, strikes up a conversation with him about basketball. This causes the boy to fall in love with her right away. Trying to impress her, he confirms that he does indeed adore basketball. But when she ushers him to the gymnasium and requests a slam dunk, Hanamichi soon makes a fool of himself.

Regardless, Haruko has observed the boy’s almost inhuman athletic capability, and she informs the current basketball team captain of her observations. This series remains one of the best sports anime ever made and contains plenty of humanity.

Also called “Ihatov Gensou: Kenji no Haru”, this 1996 anime movie is a uniquely illustrated ‘biographical sketch’ of Kenji Miyazawa, a modern Japanese poet and one of the ‘greats’ in his field. Adapting his writing techniques, this OVA tells the poet’s story and does it in an intense and highly stylized fashion.

Seeing as how Kenji often used animals as his main characters, director Shoji Kawamori did not shy from using that very theme to bring ‘Ihatov’ (a fictional world created by the poet) to life. It was sheer genius to use this renowned fictional realm as the backdrop for Kenji’s real-life circumstances. “Spring and Chaos” is considered a fitting tribute to one of Japan’s most awe-inspiring writers.

This anime is made for people who appreciate creative characters and poetry. The story is beautifully crafted and made for fans of art.

The main character in this sports anime is Hiro Kunimi. He adores baseball, a passion that is second only to his love of [ahem] adult entertainment. This rather bold 90s series addresses athletes and their choices in some interesting yet relatable ways. An elbow injury later, Hiro finds himself growing disillusioned with baseball.

He even chooses to attend a new school, one without a baseball program/team. He is thus forced to part ways with his childhood buddy, Hikari, who’s going to the same school as Hideo, a brilliant baseball player. The “H2” anime aired in 1992 and still holds substance as a memorable sports anime.

Both Hikari and Hideo know of Hiro’s exceptional baseball talent and wish he hadn’t given it up. Hiro, on the other hand, is busy joining the soccer team at his new school. This is when he meets Haruka. The girl is rather clumsy, but she also happens to be the daughter of the boss for whom Hiro’s dad works.

Managing an unofficial baseball club at the new school, Haruka sets in motion a series of destined events that drag Hiro back into the baseball circuit. It all starts when the soccer team, seeking ways to humiliate the team-less baseball club, challenges them to a sports-themed face-off. One thing leads to another and Hiro, taken aback by the arrogance of the soccer team, joins the baseball club with Haruka. The series starts to pick up in earnest after that.

Originally Argentine graphic novels, the 1999 anime series “Cybersix” features genetically enhanced super-soldiers. As a result of Dr. Von Reichter’s secret experiments, the titular character brings plenty of thrill and adventure to the show. The doctor is a Nazi who fled Germany after World War II, headed to Argentina (like several real-life Nazis did), and continued his experiments on ‘Cybers’.

At a young age, these Cybers show a dangerous propensity for free will, something the devious doctor doesn’t appreciate. He kills them all to keep them from planning a rebellion. However, the female Cybersix escapes the massacre, changes her name to ‘Adrian Seidelman’ and goes into hiding. By the time she realizes that her existence depends on a certain substance that Von Reichter alone can manufacture, the doctor has already created more super-soldiers called ‘Technos’.

One thing leads to another and Cybersix is forced to face up to her past. Inadvertently, her decisions in the series end up ruining the Nazi doctor’s plans and thus saving the world from a potential super-soldier takeover. Several of the dark scenes contained in the original graphic novels had to be toned down for a younger audience.

It is the distant future, and ‘Metal Fight’ is a very real thing. These popular games have become a televised sporting event in the 1994 “Red Baron” anime series. As the name suggests, robots compete in the fights, with human controllers handling them. They aim to land the title of ‘Best Metal Fighter in the World’.

Kurenai Ken, with help from his partner Saeba Shoko, pilots a ‘Super Robot Fighter’ affectionately called ‘Red Baron’. Becoming a Metal Fight champion is not easy, what with numerous rivals standing in Kurenai’s way to the crown. Some of the most famous opponents from the series are the Tetsumen Tô doctors, of whom there are four, Kaizer who’s rumoured to be Shoko’s long-lost father Tetsuo Saeba and is also one of the Tetsumen Tô doctors, and Shinron and Tiger who later become Kurenai’s allies.

The 1995 show and the 1994 movie both contributed to the success that this franchise enjoyed in the 90s, and still does. The show focuses on Ken Masters and Ryu, two friends who share a mutual love for martial arts. They are always aiming to better their craft and technique, and so they travel the world together learning new styles.

They also meet some interesting people along the way. However, they are soon dragged into the dark exploits of an enigmatic organization called ‘Shadowlaw’. This agency has set loose a conspiracy that could change the world of martial arts, and not in a good way. Ken and Ryuu end up fighting for their lives and beliefs.

Unbeknownst to them is the fact that they will soon be facing off against the cruel and powerful M. Bison. The anime movie carries this plotline forward, with M. Bison using his psychic powers to brainwash and gather the strongest martial arts fighters to shore up Shadowlaw’s legitimacy. Characters like Chun-Li (Interpol agent) and Major Guile (United States Air Force) provide memorable character arcs.

Ryuu is MIA in the movie while Ken is quite the opposite, a setting that generates great plot tension indeed.

A lot is going on with Count D and his Chinatown pet shop than meets the eye. This 1999 series adds yet another dash of horror to the illustrious scary-anime lineup that came out of the 90s. People are always looking for something special, and Count D has tapped into that desire using something special of his own.

Whatever sale he makes, they all come bearing their customized contract. Those who follow the rules go about their lives with no real blowback. But for anyone who fails to follow the Count’s stipulations, unfortunate things can happen. Meanwhile, his pet shop stands contractually safe from any responsibility. Entering this silent madness is homicide detective Leon Orcot.

Unexplained deaths have piled up and Leon traces all of them back to the Count’s pet shop. Those who died were D’s customers. This confirmation leads Leon down a dark path of frightful discovery in the “Petshop of Horrors” anime.

This anime movie was released in 1991 but its message is still relevant today. Strong technology, if left uncontrolled, can create quite a mess. The storyline of the “Roujin Z” anime centres around caring for the aged using state-of-the-art machines. The ‘Z Project’ was designed to give the youth a chance to spend more time doing what they love.

It’s a mixed message if you ask us because there’s no harm in taking care of those you love. Anyway, the main character Haruko Mihashi takes fans on quite the ride. When the Z-001 machine receives a new test subject, namely Mr. Takazawa, Haruko is quite vocal about the moral implications of it all.

She even questions the hospital’s responsibilities in this regard. She’s not wrong. Haruko starts to learn more about the ‘enemy’ and a certain biochip that these machines heavily rely on to function. This chip soon starts to lend Mr. Takazawa’s ‘caretaker’ machine a mind of its own.

The ‘Tower of Fang’ is a magic school. At this school, six years ago, Azali (a magic user) sparked off a terrible accident involving Baltanders (a magic sword). The power within the sword was so intense that Azali failed to control it. As a consequence, he was transformed into an enraged dragon that came to be called ‘Bloody August’.

Krilancelo (another magic user) cared deeply for Azali. What happened that day in the “Orphen” anime (aired in 1998) did not sit well with him. The Tower’s elders simply passed off the accident as just that, a mistake that should never have happened. They thus also discarded any hope of helping Azali return to his normal self.

Krilanceloa takes it upon himself to find a ‘cure’ for his buddy’s draconian condition. Changing his name to ‘Orphen’, Krilanceloa leaves the Tower of Fang behind and ventures out into the wide world to discover a magical means to help his dear friend.

Also known as “Gunnm”, this uber-hit franchise enjoys several different IPs today, but it all began with the manga version, the first two volumes of which were adapted into this OVA, which aired in 1993. Titled “Battle Angel Alita”, the anime movie follows Doc Ido’s dangerous scientific pursuits in the rather post-apocalyptic ‘Scrapyard’.

The man’s a doctor as well as a mechanic, and he uses both those skills to dark effect in this film. When he finds the surprisingly well-preserved remains of a female cyborg, he sees a ‘miracle’ that he can fashion into something deadly. Not only does he revive the cyborg, but he also rebuilds her.

Calling her ‘Gally’, Doc Ido relishes breathing new life into an incredibly strong yet amnesiac cyborg and letting her go out into the world to create a life for herself. In a world rife with deceit and battles, this is no simple calling for Gally.

With the great ‘City of Temples’ on his mind, Melos makes his way to Syracuse from Messina in the “Run Melos!” OVA anime movie. He’s in Syracuse primarily because he wants to buy a ritual sword for use on his sister’s wedding day. When he meets a skilled sculptor, the two become fast friends.

The innocent Melos soon finds himself in the royal gardens where he shouldn’t be. The guards arrest him on suspicion that he might be an assassin. The king has long been fearful of the same, so it comes as no surprise when he pronounces a death sentence on Melos. Wanting nothing else but to watch his sister get married, Melos begs permission to attend her Big Day and then return to fulfill the king’s penalty.

The king doesn’t trust the boy, so he demands that Melos select a proxy to leave behind in case he fails to return. The king also wishes to use this moment to confirm that Melos is indeed an assassin, even if he has to become one that got away. Melos’s sculptor friend steps in to be that proxy, thus sparking a powerful story arc where humanity and morality are highlighted.

There are other titles under the Melos franchise, each of them just as captivating as this OVA, which was released in 1992.

Steven Spielberg’s “Jurassic Park” was released in 1993 and James Gurney’s “Dinotopia” books were published a year before in 1992. These IPs probably inspired the 1995 series we’ve listed here, aka “Kyouryuu Boukenki Jura Tripper”. What has been confirmed is that the show drew inspiration from Jules Verne’s 1888 book titled “Deux Ans De Vacances”.

The show focuses on kids of different ages going on a school yachting trip together. All fifteen children unwittingly go back in time to when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. In their attempts to return home, the kids encounter plenty of strange and wonderful things: primal scientists, pirates, bandits, fanatical priests, revolutionaries, soldiers, blood-thirsty dinos, a princess, and even talking dinosaurs (!).

The two oldest boys in the group have a fallout, resulting in a division among them. Double-crossing is not new even in this primitive world. All fifteen kids soon realize that they each have something special that will help them return to their own time. Whether they’ll work together or die alone remains to be verified in the “Jurassic Tripper” anime.

For eleven years, Teppei has kept himself busy training under the aegis of a mysterious woman. After all this time, he’s finally going to meet his big brother, Kotaro Takamiya. At this time, Kotaro is attending a science conference in the “B’T X” anime. Things turn extreme when a woman named Aramis unleashes hell at the conference, murdering everyone there except for Kotaro whom she promptly kidnaps.

Teppei believes it is his responsibility to save his brother. Along the way, he encounters a mechanical horse named B’T X and revives it using his blood. The deadly ‘Machine Empire’ has become Teppei’s opponent. Together with B’T X, he aims to save Kotaro and in the process find out what in the heck is going on.

Three peculiar characters are teleported to a magical realm from their Japanese native. These characters are Junpei Ryuzouji who’s a martial arts expert with a loud mouth, Ritsuko Inoue who’s a sweet girl but one obsessed with all things artillery, and Airi Komiyama who’s an actress known for her elegance and grace.

In this new realm, Celcia Marie-claire (an Elf Princess) attempts to cast a spell that will send the three of them back home. The spell is interrupted, causing it to shatter and fly at speed into varied zones within the magical world. The pieces encounter different elves along the way and imprint themselves on their skins.

With help from Ritsuko and her tank, the three of them seek out these fragment-imprinted elves in the 1996 “Those Who Hunt Elves” anime. Upon gathering the pieces, Celcia promises them a safe and sure return to Japan, in their dimension. Word of the foreigners spread, and they are unwittingly dubbed ‘those who hunt elves’.

Along the way, the quirky trio brings evil to heel as they rove around gathering the spell fragments needed to send them home.

More than being a private detective, Shido Tatsuhiko is a vampire without a past. He seems to have lost all memory of where he came from. When he meets and works with, female government agent Yayoi Matsunaga, the plot in the 1998 “Nightwalker: The Midnight Detective” anime beautifully branches out.

Demonic monsters called ‘Nightbreed’ are ever on the prowl, and it falls to Shido and his friends to stop them. Other characters who befriend him along the way are a little green imp called Guni and a teenage girl called Riho Yamazaki, who’s an orphan. The story gets complex with Cain’s involvement.

Cain is none other than the original vampire who turned Shido into a ‘nightwalker’.

The “Silent Mobius” show aired in 1998 and features a narrative set in the year 2023 – which is just around the corner for us in the here and now. Hailing from another dimension, alien entities called ‘Lucifer Hawks’ have begun invading Earth. The only counter against them and total enslavement of the human race are the ‘Attacked Mystification Police Department’.

This eccentric name belongs to a special department affiliated with the Tokyo Police. Made up exclusively of women, each member comes carrying extraordinary supernatural powers that they effectively use against the aliens. Each of the core female characters in this series is deserving of admiration and by extension their brilliant voice-actress cast.

This anime is full of breathtaking action and awesome fight scenes. Many fans of the action genre love this anime.

Hidden deep within Turkey’s Ararat mountains is a secret organization called ‘ARCAM’. They purport to have found Noah’s Ark there. For an anime movie that came out in 1998, it has hooked its storytelling claws into an archaeological discovery that only started making waves in the 2k era (probably around 2010, give or take).

Talk about being ahead of your time! The fictional plot of the “Spriggan” anime film pits a rogue ex-Pentagon group called the U. S. Machine Corps. against the show’s heroes. The Corps, headed by Col. MacDougall, see the Ark as a means to attain global supremacy. Only ARCAM operatives called ‘Spriggans’ are capable of countering them.

It doesn’t help matters that the colonel wields psionic powers in a genetically enhanced body. Yu Ominae (a Japanese Spriggan) and Jean-Jacques Mondo (his French parallel) work together to combat the colonel and his Corps.

The first OVA titled “3x3 Eyes” was released in 1991, and the second film titled “3x3 Eyes: Legend of the Divine Demon” aired in 1995. Both anime movies became classics from the 90s era. OVA-1 centers on Yakumo Fuuji who inadvertently, and through several different circumstances, becomes an immortal slave to a 3-eyed demon, who’s the last of its kind.

By absorbing his soul to save his life, the demon renders Yakumo immortal. He begins to seek ways to reunite with his lost humanity and become mortal again. This unconventional plotline more than sets this movie apart from all the rest in its category. That the demon in question is a female, named Pai, with a split personality only adds to the movie’s admirable storytelling value.

Fans found it captivating and intense to watch the two ‘mental phases’ at work concerning the alien female: one, an adorable girl whose cuteness quotient is through the roof, and the other a monstrous entity with destruction on its mind. OVA-2 is set four years after the first. Yakumo has made keen strides in his training and Pai has disappeared under mysterious conditions.

When the young man finally finds her, Pai has become an amnesiac. Together they make for the Holy Land, which is considered the birthplace of the ‘Sanjiyans’, a race of immortals.

The show's signature opening theme alone will make most fans sing along to the words "Here he comes, here comes Speed Racer, he’s a demon on wheels." The 1997 “Speed Racer X” anime contains some of the most insanely good sequences in the world of sports car racing animation. Ever since Gou Mifune was given a car called Mach as his own, his journey gave fans the ride of a lifetime.

The car itself has a unique back story featuring a motor engineer named Kenichi Hibiki, not to forget the man’s father Daisuke who originally recovered the car's parts from a wreck. The Mach’s Safety Seven system and X engine make it admirable on several levels. In Gou’s hands -- the same Gou who is Kenichi's younger brother -- the car vrooms its way through daring milestones and dramatic plot-twists.

The series also boasts a gorgeous blend of family, friendship, comedy, flashbacks, thrills, adventures, shocks, legacies, and of course Grand Prix racing. There's little wonder why Speed Racer and his sportscar Mach have become anime icons.

The show technically aired in 1989. However, it was only in the 90s when this series started receiving a massive boost in popularity. The main character Goku has won the World Martial Arts tournament. Five years, and a wife and child later, Goku unintentionally reunites with a mysterious entity named Raditz. He later reveals that he’s Goku’s half-brother, and further exposes Goku to dark and dangerous truths, specifically that he doesn’t come from humans but from a super-powerful race called the Saiyans.

Their original home planet was apparently destroyed a long time ago and the reason Goku was dispatched to Earth (as a baby) was to take over the Blue Planet in due time. A head injury and resulting amnesia makes Goku forget all about his inherent power and savagery. That, and the fact that he was raised by good-hearted people.

Failing to make Goku see sense and ally with his sinister cause, Raditz reveals that Earth is the target of a new threat. The tumultuous news soon leads to intergalactic conflicts and heaven-shaking scenarios. A war is coming, one where enigmatic entities are searching for the seven mysterious Dragon Balls. The show pits Goku’s morality and protective nature against ruthless aliens and their dark ambitions.

The plot takes an alien and gives him humanity. This, more than anything else, set this series up for ‘Super Saiyan’ success.

Dark magic and witchcraft play potent roles in the 1999 “Soul Hunter” anime. The show’s narrative is set thousands of years in the past. It features a ruthless sorceress who has enslaved the emperor, bringing his powerful dynasty under her control. Evil spirits are not uncommon in the land. Society is at a dangerous crossroads and experiences chaos and disorder more than hope and growth.

Seeing the risky state of things, the ‘Confederation of the Immortal Masters’ put their minds together and come up with a desperate plan. They choose a young wizard, whose magical skills are exemplary, and dispatch him to tame the diabolical warlocks as well as sundry evildoers working unhindered in the land.

In 1999, “One Piece” aired on TV and gave fans an anime dream for the ages. It even inspired a hit live-action Netflix series in 2023. The original anime contains a crazy-cool story featuring the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, whose notoriety and renown have been established all over Grand Line (a contested maritime sea route).

He left behind a treasure map which outlives him after the World Government executed the man for high crime. His last words cracked open a window of opportunity for pirates everywhere to grab the legendary One Piece, a purportedly powerful treasure. Thus came the Grand Age of Pirates where all sorts of characters and crews were out seeking this treasure which promised them great fame and wealth.

Along with its discovery was promised untold power, because the finder will have earned the title Pirate King, and all the benefits that come with it. Entering this insane world is a teenager named Monkey D. Luffy, one of the most unconventional pirates to ever exist. He pursues a career in piracy purely for the adventurism and thrill of it, and not for the stealing and plundering bits.

Inspired by a childhood hero, Luffy soon gathers a team of fellow pirates and ventures across the Grand Line, encountering intimidating opponents, strange mysteries, and intriguing adventures, all the while seeking out the ever-elusive One Piece.