The 90s has been a golden decade for millennials all around the world. From classic pop music to evergreen rom-coms, this era gave the adults of today nostalgia for a lifetime. Anime was also a core part of the childhood of many 90s kids. From the action of Dragon Ball to the bravery of Inuyasha, the television was a colorful palette of brilliant anime series. Today, we’ll take a look at some of the Best 90s Anime series.
We have culminated a list of all those anime that came in the 90s and never left. If you feel like going down the lane of nostalgia, then skim through the entire list because your childhood has been listed below.
Slam Dunk
Let’s inaugurate this list of the Best 90s Anime with a classic sports story in the form of Slam Dunk. Even if you are not a fan of the 90s or sports, there are chances that you have heard of the term ‘Slam Dunk’ in many references. The slang originates from this anime itself. This 1993 show tells the story of a Hanamichi Sakuragi who has been chasing Haruko for a long time. However, he finds out that the only way he can impress his classmate is by becoming a champion basketball player. Thus, a beautiful journey of a budding star begins! Will Haruko ever befriend Hanamichi? Watch Slam Dunk look for answers.
Dragon Ball GT
While both the inaugural series of Dragon Ball came in the 80s, it was GT that kept the fans of DBZ busy. Many fans believe that this show does not do justice to the entirety of the Dragon Ball franchise. But one can never deny that it was a good show on its own. GT follows the story of Saiyans that were left in the Z series. The further pieces of training and fights of the budding Z Warriors make up for the plot of Dragon Ball GT. There are many unique arcs in this story that you will find astonishing!
Pokemon
If you have grown up watching Pokemon, then you know what watching more than two hundred seasons feels like. An extended story from 1997 that keeps the brilliance and beauty intact till the end is Pokemon. Meet Ash Ketchum and his friends who are traveling to different cities in search of Pokemon Championship badges. These badges can get a player many perks in the future. With the help of his pet Pikachu and other Pokemons, Ash sets out to win these competitions one by one. There are many hurdles in their way, but the team overcomes them all with a smile.
Mobile Suit Gundam Wing
The next addition to this list of the Best 90s Anime is the show from the year 1995 Mobile Suit Gundam Wing. This single-season venture was enough to make fans fall for the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise. The story takes us to an intergalactic war of worlds where Gundams are weapons that possess the power to destroy entire planets. Five of such Gundams are shot at Planet Earth in order to shake the establishment of OZ. Will the soldiers of Mobile Suit be successful in destroying OZ? Watch Mobile Suit Gundam Wing to find out yourself!
Hunter X Hunter
We are not listing the 2011 Hunter X Hunter that has more than six seasons and multiple arcs. We must go back to the final year of the past century, 1999, to recall the original Hunter X Hunter series. The 90s counterpart essentially follows the same story as that of the reboot version. The only difference is that the original series is a pretty straightforward show with close to no filler arc. Meet Gon Freecss, who wants to become an esteemed demon hunter like his father. In his journey, he is also looking for his father, who got missing while on a mission. This is a story about perseverance and bravery. You must watch the classic Hunter X Hunter at least once.
Case Closed
The next name on this list of the Best 90s Anime is Case Closed. For those who don’t know, this classic anime is now popularly known as Detective Conan after it was recently rebooted. Well, this 1996 show tells the story of a prodigal middle schooler who goes around solving petty crimes at this school. However, the new mystery in Conan’s hands is a life-threatening case. A murder and multiple suspects make up for the plot of Case Closed. If you like detective stories like Sherlock Holmes, then Case Closed is the classic for you!
Great Teacher Onizuka
Talking of high school, there is another show that beautifully portrays the bond of a teacher with his students, Great Teacher Onizuka. This 1999 show tells the story of a teacher who has had a rough past being a rogue biker. As the story progresses, Eikichi Onizuka becomes a high school teacher and teaches his students tough life lessons through his experiences. This is an inspirational story of redemption in the face of adversities.
Digimon Adventure
The next show on this list of the Best 90s Anime is another series from the year 1999, Digimon Adventure. Since Pokemon, the concept of evolved creatures and their combats became a cult in Japan. In the same chain came Digimon that tells the story of an alternate virtual world where a group of children lands by accident. Here, they must befriend Digimons and compete in several championships to become winners of the game. As pretentious as the premise sounds, the show has many unique elements that you will love while watching.
Sailor Moon
In the year 1992, the first and only season of Sailor Moon came out. By surprise, fans love the concept of magic in the real world, and Sailor Moon became a huge success. The story follows a back and forth between the Death Busters and the Sailor Scouts, who are persevering to save the integrity of the magic world. With Sailor Moon being the leader of the Scouts, it is upon her to protect their world.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
The next name on this list of the Best 90s Anime is the popular Japanese science fiction Neon Genesis Evangelion. On the verge of an apocalypse, the Evangelion is the last hope for humanity for its survival. With a limited number of powerful Weapons, how will humans counter the technologically advanced aliens who are up for an invasion? Neon Genesis Evangelion is still an ongoing franchise. So, do revisit the classic from the 90s to bring back nostalgia.
Yu Yu Hakusho
Another show that comes across as an evergreen anime is Yu Yu Hakusho. This 1992 show tells the story of Yusuke Urameshi, who sacrifices himself to save a little child from a road accident. Impressed by this gesture, God gives him another chance at life. The only condition is that he must go through multiple tasks and prove his goodwill to the heavenly authorities. You can always rewatch YYH because the concept never gets old.
One Piece
The next name on this list of the Best 90s Anime is One Piece. This is an ongoing show that happens to be the longest-running anime of all time. Recently, One Piece is about to complete a thousand episodes in the coming weeks. One Piece tells the story of Luffy and his team of eccentric pirates who are on a voyaging adventure. The team is looking for the titular treasure that can make them the ruler of all the seas. Hence, follow the journey of these mismatched characters as they travel around the ocean.
Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop brings together the concepts of West World and Science Fiction. The story follows a group of criminals who are hired by governmental authorities to bring down crime in the city. Spike is one such criminal who is working for the authorities. He aspires to become an officer one day, but his criminal history must be compensated with goodwill and loyal work. Over the years, Cowboy Bebop has remained to be a go-to anime for fans to go on a nostalgia trip.
With this, we can conclude our list of the Best 90s Anime. Which show do you plan on watching next? What are your personal reviews about these shows? Please share your thoughts with us in the comment box below. For more such exciting listicles, The Anime Daily is your place.