The anime industry has evolved significantly over the years, with an explosion of new shows making it easier for fans to discover series that resonate with their preferences. As hundreds of new titles emerge, it’s easy to overlook the classic series that once captivated audiences, especially those from the 1990s.
Fans often struggle to recall anime from this iconic decade, yet several remarkable titles from the 1990s are essential viewing for any anime enthusiast. Many of these best ’90s anime series are recognized not only as fan-favorites but also as some of the finest television ever produced, extending beyond the realm of anime.
Updated December 9, 2024, by Mark Sammut: The 1990s was a golden era for anime, consistently delivering classics. While not every series aged perfectly, some dated productions retain a unique charm, leading to the inclusion of two notable ’90s anime in this revised list.
Criteria for Selection
- Only includes series—movies are excluded.
- Series that began in 1989 are eligible if over 50% of episodes aired in the 1990s.
- Series that started in 1999 are considered if they concluded in 2000.
- Anime like
Case ClosedandOne Piece, which largely aired post-1990s, are not included.
17. Digimon Adventure
MyAnimeList Score: 7.78
Digimon Adventure chronicles the adventures of a group of friends transported into the Digital World, where they encounter Digimon and receive Digivices that enable their evolution. Tasked with saving the Digital World from evil, these characters undergo profound journeys of friendship and growth.
This series, alongside others like Dragon Ball and Pokémon, served as an introduction to anime for many children of the ’90s and early 2000s. While contemporary viewers may not feel the same nostalgia, Digimon Adventure remains compelling with its rich blend of action, adventure, and character development, often presenting darker themes compared to its rivals.
16. Outlaw Star
MyAnimeList Score: 7.83
Often overshadowed by heavyweights like Cowboy Bebop and Trigun, Outlaw Star is a fantastic space opera that combines fantasy, Western, and sci-fi elements. Although perhaps the most dated among them, its vibrant characters, led by the charismatic Gene Starwind, make it a standout.
The series is primarily an engaging adventure marked by over-the-top scenarios and a healthy dose of humor. While not groundbreaking, its entertaining nature is undeniable.
15. Slayers
MyAnimeList Score: 7.72 (Season 1)
Slayers is a quintessential ’90s anime that produced three standout seasons blending fantasy, action, and humor. Despite later sequels failing to capture the original’s magic, the series remains influential. The protagonist, Lina Inverse, is both hilarious and fierce, anchoring the series with her lively spirit.
Surrounded by a delightful cast, Slayers is a high-energy fantasy adventure filled with wit and charm.
14. Initial D First Stage
MyAnimeList Score: 8.35
Initial D immerses viewers in Takumi Fujiwara’s world, a student and gas station worker who reluctantly becomes immersed in the street racing scene. This series stands out as the definitive racing anime, showcasing intricate driving sequences that remain breathtaking today.
13. Trigun
MyAnimeList Score: 8.22
Based on Yasuhiro Nightow’s work, Trigun features Vash the Stampede, a notorious figure pursued for his monstrous bounty, yet who embodies pacifism. The show’s unique take on action presents both humorous and emotionally engaging narratives, expertly delivered through Madhouse’s animation.
12. Sailor Moon
MyAnimeList Score: 7.74 (Season 1)
With its original broadcast from 1992 to 1997, Sailor Moon follows Usagi Tsukino, a middle-school girl who transforms into a magical girl to battle evil. This series was instrumental in popularizing the magical girl genre globally, and despite some elements showing their age, its charm continues to resonate with audiences.
11. Romeo and the Black Brothers
MyAnimeList Score: 8.33
Belonging to the World Masterpiece Theater lineup, Romeo and the Black Brothers is an adaptation of Lisa Tetzner’s 1941 novel, depicting a boy’s struggle as a chimney sweeper in search of a better life for his sick father. Although designed for a younger audience, it doesn’t shy away from darker themes, making it profoundly impactful.
10. Golden Boy
MyAnimeList Score: 8.04
The quintessential ’90s anime, Golden Boy captures the era’s essence with its distinct animation style and humor. Though it boasts a deliberately chaotic narrative and crude humor, it has garnered a unique charm, especially to those who appreciate its brand of mature comedy.
9. Kenshin
MyAnimeList Score: 8.28
Rurouni Kenshin follows Himura Kenshin, a legendary swordsman who seeks redemption for his past deeds. The series masterfully balances captivating action sequences with deep emotional arcs, particularly the endearing dynamic between Kenshin and Kaoru. Despite the introduction of filler in later episodes, the principal narrative remains strong and engaging.
8. Berserk
MyAnimeList Score: 8.59
While aimed at an older audience, Berserk has achieved monumental popularity and has left a lasting impact on various media. The 1997 anime adapts key arcs of the story, providing a glimpse into Guts and Griffith’s backstories, despite not encompassing the full narrative. It offers an overview of the epic dark fantasy tale, known for its intense themes and sophisticated character dynamics.
7. Dragon Ball Z
MyAnimeList Score: 8.17
No matter the critiques, Dragon Ball Z stands as an unparalleled force in the global anime landscape. Its influence has been pivotal in popularizing anime in various regions, and its legacy continues through numerous adaptations and merchandise.
While debates on its artistic merits remain, the series features iconic characters and exhilarating battles that defined a generation. Its pacing may seem slow by modern standards, but its storylines continue to capture the essence of high-stakes conflicts.
6. Great Teacher Onizuka
MyAnimeList Score: 8.69
Great Teacher Onizuka stars a former delinquent aspiring to be a teacher. His unconventional methods and irreverent humor create comedy that endures, while the series addresses serious issues such as bullying and the challenges students face. Onizuka’s development and his meaningful connections with students elevate the series into the realm of classic anime.
5. Serial Experiments Lain
MyAnimeList Score: 8.09
Serial Experiments Lain offers a unique viewing experience, distinguished by its exploration of identity in a technology-dominated world. It follows Lain, a girl entangled in a web of mystery surrounding her deceased classmate’s emails. This thought-provoking series delves deep into psychological and existential themes, becoming a cult classic due to its innovative storytelling and atmosphere.
4. Slam Dunk
MyAnimeList Score: 8.54
While newer series like Kuroko no Basket are popular today, Slam Dunk remains a defining basketball anime. The show’s emphasis on character development, training, and humor creates a grounded narrative that resonates even now. It tells the story of Hanamichi, a boy who joins the basketball team to impress a girl, ultimately discovering a passion for the sport.
3. Neon Genesis Evangelion
MyAnimeList Score: 8.35
Neon Genesis Evangelion transports viewers to a dystopian future where young Shinji is tasked with piloting a giant mech against monstrous beings known as Angels. This series transcends typical mecha narratives, delving into themes of trauma and existential dread, which have helped it become a cultural cornerstone, extending its reach far beyond the anime community.
2. Yu Yu Hakusho
MyAnimeList Score: 8.46
Co-created by Yoshihiro Togashi, Yu Yu Hakusho chronicles Yusuke Urameshi’s misadventures following his untimely death and subsequent resurrection as a spirit detective. The series is lauded for its character depth and exceptional fight choreography, ultimately delivering stellar arcs that solidify its place among the best in anime history.
1. Cowboy Bebop
MyAnimeList Score: 8.75
Heralded as a masterpiece, Cowboy Bebop, directed by Shinichiro Watanabe, showcases a team of bounty hunters navigating a world filled with intrigue and adventure. Each character evolves through engaging backstories, portrayed across 26 episodes that masterfully blend standalone adventures with an overarching narrative.
Cowboy Bebop’s balance of episodic storytelling and deeper plotlines makes it a standout, coupled with an unforgettable soundtrack. This series is a must-watch that transcends genres, appealing to anime fans and newcomers alike.
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