The 45 Best 90s Anime Of All Time

Something is exciting and nostalgic about 90s anime. When we hear the familiar names we used to watch in our childhood, we go back to memory lane, reliving the happiest moments we ever had.

The list contains the most popular 90s anime series, and the series is based on the popularity and the comments made by the fans and critics. Make sure to go through the list to see if your favorite anime made it on the list.

45. The Vision Of Escaflowne

• Director: Kazuki Akane
• Writer: Hiroaki Kitajima, Shōji Kawamori, Ryota Yamaguchi, Akihiko Inai
• IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

“The Vision of Escaflowne” is a beautiful anime that effortlessly combines themes of fantasy, mecha warfare, and romance. The story unfolds in a parallel world known as Gaea, where Hitomi, a high school girl, discovers herself transported from Earth.

Her arrival crosses paths with a brewing conflict, as the formidable Zaibach Empire seeks to take over Gaea. 

A key element of the story is Hitomi’s latent fortune-telling abilities, which play a significant role in awakening Escaflowne and thwarting Zaibach’s malevolent schemes.

With its spellbound visuals and intricately layered narrative, “The Vision of Escaflowne” Is an unforgettable journey through a world brimming with magic, intrigue, and the relentless pull of destiny.

44. Patlabor

• Director: Naoyuki Yoshinaga
• Writer: Hiroyuki Hoshiyama, Kazunori Itō, Mamoru Oshii
• IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

Patlabor is an excellent classic anime series from 1989 that covers the topics of science fiction, and mecha action with a touch of slice-of-life charm. The plot is set in a near-future Tokyo, where Special Vehicle Section 2, a team of distinct characters are tasked with maintaining order using giant robotic suits called “Labors.”

This anime gives more focus on the human side of the mecha-piloting equation. It portrays the daily lives, relationships, and challenges the SV2 team members have to face.

Offering a distinctive mix of humor and drama, the series combines intriguing Labor battles with clever detective work as the team tackles various cases involving rogue Labor.

43. Baby & Me

• Director: Takahiro Omori
• Writer: Sukehiro Tomita
• IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

“Baby & Me” is a heartwarming and funny anime that tells us about the life of Takuya Enoki, a young boy who is left to face an immense challenge after losing his mother in a tragic car accident.

Takuya’s tasks include caring for his baby brother, Minoru, who is just a two-year-old baby. Takuya is in fifth grade but still takes on the responsibilities of cooking, cleaning, sewing, and other household chores. 

As he switches between school, housework, and his baby brother’s needs, Takuya starts to feel a growing gap between his carefree friends. However, a crucial moment alters everything. 

Baby & Me beautifully and with lots of cuteness displays themes of responsibility, family, and the growth of a young boy into a caring, nurturing figure in his brother’s life.

42. Run, Melos!

• Director: Masaaki Osumi
• Writer: Masaaki Osumi
• IMDb Rating: 7.3/10

“Run, Melos!” is a gripping anime set in 360 BC and brings to use the story of Melos who is a Greek villager. He was unjustly accused of plotting against the king. In a unique twist from Osamu Dazai’s original narrative, Melos is innocent of these charges.

His fate hangs on the edge as he’s granted a mere three days to journey to his sister’s wedding, leaving behind Selinentius, a talented sculptor he’s recently befriended, as a hostage.

The anime exquisitely tells a tale of loyalty, friendship, and determination as Melos sets on this life-altering journey. This anime shows the enduring connections between people and the sacrifices one is willing to make for their loved ones. 

41. Black Jack

• Director: Satoshi Kuwahara
• Writer: Genki Yoshimura
• IMDb Rating:7.4/10

“Black Jack” Is an iconic anime series. We are introduced to a brilliant unlicensed surgeon known worldwide for his unmatched medical skills. With an unknown past and a fondness for working only for the highest payers, Black Jack takes on patients from all walks of life, often performing medical miracles that seem impossible.

His actions go past mere healing. Along with his medical practice, Black Jack plays a pivotal role as humanity’s defender against a furious race of superhuman entities who intend to eradicate mankind.

With his extraordinary surgical skills under his sleeves, he starts to reveal the origins of these malevolent beings and find a way to stop their destructive plans.

40. The Irresponsible Captain Tylor

• Release Date: January 25, 1993 
• Director: Kōichi Mashimo
• Writer: Hiroyuki Kawasaki, Kōichi Mashimo
• Episodes: 26

Tylor, the main protagonist, is a mystical young man without the need for a real-life mission, a mental state that is challenging to pin down, and a natural aptitude for having gotten out of near-death circumstances with an immaturely cavalier attitude in a distant, technologically advanced future. He only sometimes notices when he’s in hazard, which often works in his favor.
The UPSF and the Raalgon Empire (the otherworldly beings who look similar to humans with sharply pointed ears and unexpected hair color) are the 2 significant powers in the story.

Among the contentious issues in the plotline is Tylor’s competence. “I can’t even decide if he’s an idiot,” several actors say of Tylor.

39. Magnetic Rose

38. Outlaw Star

• Genres: Comedy, Drama, Space Western, Space opera, Action/Adventure, Animation
• Final episode date: 25 June 1998

Outlaw Star is pure, unadulterated space western hilarity as it follows Gene Starwind and his eclectic crew aboard the Outlaw Star, a technologically advanced spaceship that is capable of traveling at the speed of light. They run into the worst pirates, rogues, and aliens the universe has to offer as they race across the galaxy.

37. Berserk

• Initial release: 1 July 2016
• Director: Shin Itagaki
• Adapted from: Berserk Manga
• Music director: Shiro Sagisu
• Episodes: 24

36. Bubblegum Crisis: Tokyo 2040

35. Trigun

Trigun was a smashing success with American audiences thanks to its deft blending of dystopian sci-fi, the Old West, and comedy with a healthy dash of humor.

The anime chronicles the exploits of the notorious Vash the Stampede, a legendary figure with a 60 billion double-dollar bounty on his head who has the power to wipe out entire towns with just the mention of his name. However, viewers quickly discover that Vash may not be the dangerous gunman that the rumors lead them to believe.

34. Samurai X 

• US release: March 2003
• IMDb rating: 8.5
• Available to stream on Hulu

Samurai X, another Toonami mainstay, may have taken a while to reach Western audiences, but the wait was well worth it. Set in 1878, a manslayer-turned-pacifist moves in with the owner of a nearby dojo after becoming friends with him. They had no idea that his fame would attract a large number of vengeful warriors to their door.

33. Whisper Of The Heart

• Directed by: Yoshifumi Kondo
• Written by: Hayao Miyazaki
• Studio: Studio Ghibli
• Cast: Seiji Amasawa voiced by Issei Takahashi (Sub); Shizuku Tsukishima voiced by Yoko Homa (Sub); Yuko Harada voiced by Maiko Kayama (Sub); Shiho Tsukishima voiced by Yorie Yamashita (Sub).
• IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
• Available on: HBO Max.

The film’s plot is simple yet so beautiful, and it follows the story of Shizuku Tsukishima, a 14-year-old girl who attends Mukaihara Junior High School. She enjoys life by reading and poetry. She borrowed books from the local library, and she noticed a boy named Seiji Amasawa multiple times.

Shizuku was curious to meet him while commuting on the train. She noticed a cat, and she followed the cat to an antique shop, where she met Seiji. The two had a conversation, where Seiji shared his life goals, but Shizuku felt sad because she had no idea about what she was good at, she was inspired by Seiji and worked hard to get the best out of herself.

Whisper Of The Heart is another 90s anime that the viewers praised because of the simple plot and the character chemistry of the film was beautiful to watch. This film inspires a person to search for their identity, and the challenges Shizuku faced while searching for her identity were so real.

The movie shows hardships and how your family will be there for you. Even though the anime quality was not surreal, Yuji Nomi’s music is a masterpiece. People should watch this film at least once.

 32. Perfect Blue

• Directed by: Satoshi Kon
• Written by: Yoshitaka Takeuchi, and Sadayuki Murai
• Studio: Madhouse
• Cast: Mima Kirigoe voiced by Junko Iwao (Sub); Rumi voiced by Rica Matsumoto (Sub); Me Mania voiced by Masaaki Okura (Sub); Tadokoro voiced by Shinpachi Tsuji (Sub).
• IMDb Rating: 8/10
• Available on: Crunchyroll.

Perfect Blue is a psychological horror, and she wants to pursue an acting career. She left the music group, and she wishes that her fans who have mixed reactions would support her actions. She takes a role in a crime show, but it doesn’t go as planned, and adding insult to injury would be that the band is doing fine without her.

The show is creepy and unsettling because there’s some graphic violence, rape, nudity, and an uncomfortable amount of blood which makes it horrifying and uncomforting.

31. Doraemon

• Directed by: Tsutomu Shibayama
• Written by: Fujio F. Fujiko
• Studio: Shin-Ei Animations
• Cast: Doraemon voiced by Nobuyo Oyama (Sub); Nobita voiced by Noriko Ohara (Sub); Shizuka voiced by Michiko Nomura (Sub); Goda Takeshi voiced by Kazuya Tatakabe (Sub).
• IMDb Rating: 8/10
• Available on: Beta series.

The plot of the story is Sewashi Nobi, Nobita’s grandson from the 22nd century, who decides to send a robot cat named Doraemon to his grandfather in the past so that he can live a better life. Doraemon has a four-dimensional pouch in which he stores extraordinary gadgets to help Nobita. The anime does not have a proper ending, but it stopped airing after Fujimoto’s death in 1996.

Doraemon was released from 1979 to 2005. The show became very famous in the 80s and 90s because of the hilarious moments and hidden messages. It is still going on with over 1,000 episodes, and kids even watch him today.

30. Ghost in the Shell

• Directed by: Mamoru Oshii
• Written by: Kazunori Ito
• Studio: Production I. G
• Cast: MJ. Motoko Kusanagi voiced by Atsuko Tanaka (Sub); Batou voiced by Akio Otsuka; The Puppet Master voiced by Iemesa Kayumi (Sub); Togusa voiced by Koichi Yamadera (Sub).
• IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
• Available on: It can be streamed on The Roku Channel, but you can rent it on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and DIRECTV.

Ghost in the Shell is one of the most popular 90s movies, and later a series was created based on the movie. The film’s plot is based on the futuristic 2029 digital world of Japan, which follows the life of Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg security agent. He is on a mission to hunt the Puppet Master, a mysterious hacker.

The film has a philosophical narrative about an individual’s identity in a world ruled by technology. The film’s music is catchy, and the visuals of the film are splendid. Upon release, the fans loved the film, and they talked about how unique the plot and the characters were, and their development everyone loved.

The critics praised this film with positive reviews, calling it “The first truly adult animation film to reach a literary and visual excellence level. A newer version of the film was released in 2008 with updated visuals and CGI.

29. Cardcaptors

• US release: March 2000
• IMDb rating: 8.0
• Available to stream on Netflix

As complex female characters took center stage in the 1990s, Magical Girls dominated the Shjo market. Ten-year-old Sakura Kinomoto unintentionally releases a set of magical cards from a book in her basement in the video game Cardcaptors (CCS).

When the guardian of the cards, Kero, shows up, he tells the girl that only someone with magical abilities can open the book, so it is now her responsibility to find the missing cards. The personification of each card must be defeated, and Syaoran Li, a descendant of the Card Master, must be dealt with several times.

28. Gundam Wing

• US release: March 2000
• IMDb rating: 8.0
• Available to stream on Hulu and Crunchyroll

Gundam quickly blew its seasoned competition out of the water on Toonami and briefly overtook The Simpsons as the most-watched show on Cartoon Network because it was the first of the Gundam series to be broadcast on US television (although it was the sixth installment).

Five scientists go rogue from their organization and seek vengeance with the aid of five teenage boys and the highly advanced mobile suits known as “Gundams” that they have been trained to pilot in a far-off future in which man has colonized space.

27. Princess Mononoke

• Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
• Written by: Hayao Miyazaki
• Studio: Studio Ghibli
• Cast: Ashitaka voiced by Yoji Matsuda (Sub); Moro voiced by Akihiro Miwa (Sub); Lady Eboshi voiced by Yuko Tanaka (Sub); San voiced by Yuriko Ishida (Sub); Kaya voiced by Tara Strong (Sub).
• IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
• Available on: Apple TV and HBO Max, Netflix.

The movie’s plot occurred in the 14th century; there was a unity between humans, animals, and gods, crumbling. Ashitaka, the protagonist of the story, had to fight an animal to protect his village, he won, but he got an infection from the animal he slew.

He has to travel to a distant land to get a cure from Shishigami, a deer-like God who can cure any disease. During his journey, he sees how humans are destroying the Earth, and though they try to bring peace, it brings more destruction and conflict between the people.

Princess Mononoke is not a film with over-the-top details and picture quality, but everyone should see this film. There are so many points about this movie that make it a particular movie. The characters in the film were realistic with no fictional personality, and the viewers agreed with Ashitaka’s actions.

The film’s aesthetics were pleasing, and the film’s plot development was at a perfect pace, making the elements of the film much more beautiful. The film spreads the message of “No war, and not spreading hate.” The character development was a circle. In the beginning, the characters were pessimistic, but their take on life changed by the end of the film.

26. Digimon: Digital Monsters

• US release: August 1999
• IMDb rating: 7.4
• Available to stream on- Hulu

Seven kids who were accidentally taken to a digital world while at summer camp were the main characters of the Digimon anime. The young people can Divide their ally creature into a stronger form and engage in battle after making friends with several Digimon, the creatures that inhabit the world.

25. Yu-Gi-Oh

• Directed by: Hiroyuki Kakudo
• Written by: Toshiki Inoue
• Studio: Toei Animation
• Cast: Yugi Mutou voiced by Yukito Tsukishiro (Sub); Seto Kaiba voiced by Kenjiro Tsuda (Sub); Bakura; Bakura voiced by Rica Matsumoto (Sub); Yami Yugi voiced by Dan Green (Sub).
• IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
• Available on: Hulu.

The story’s plot is about Yugi Mutou, who is often bullied by people but loves all kinds of games. One day, he solves an ancient puzzle known as the Millennium Puzzle, and he becomes a host to a mysterious spirit with the personality of a gambler. The new personality calls himself Yami Yuugi, and he comes forth when Yugi faces trouble.

This show opened the fans to card-based battle gaming, and the show displays earnest friendships, with catchy music making it a must-watch of the 90s.

24. Battle Angel Alita

• Directed by: Hiroshi Fukutomi
• Written by: Akinori Endo
• Studio: Madhouse
• Cast: Alita voiced by Amanda Winn Lee (Sub); Chiren voiced by Mami Koyama (Sub); Gally voiced by Miki Ito (Sub).
• IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
• Available on: It can be rented on Vudu and Amazon Instant Video.

Battle Angel Alita or Gunnm is a 90s anime movie based in a sci-fi world. The movie’s plot is about how Dr. Ido, a doctor and a mechanic, uses his skills to create a bounty hunter cyborg, and he calls her Gally. He lets her live free in the world to create a life for herself, but the plot develops when Gally remembers her life on Mars.

This movie is one of the best anime movies, and the characters of the movie make this movie much more enjoyable. In 2019, Hollywood made a movie adaptation of this movie. The film did great and followed the same plot as the anime film. Many anime fans went to see the film, and it is good to say that the movie did not ruin this 90s classic.

23. Petshop of Horrors

• Directed by: Toshio Hirata
• Written by: Tatsuhiko Urahata, Yashuiro Imagawa, Akane Inoue
• Studio: Madhouse
• Cast: Count D voiced by Toshihiko Seki (Sub); Leon Orcrot voiced by Masaya Onosaka (Sub); Q Chan voiced by Miho Yamada (Sub); Jason voiced by Andrew Philpot (Sub).
• IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
• Available on: HIDIVE.

The plot of the anime series is centered around Count D, a mysterious owner of a pet shop in Los Angeles Chinatown. The pets from Count’s shop have a contract with three crucial points, any buyer who would breach the contract would die, and the shop would not be responsible for it.

Due to the breach of contract, multiple deaths have occurred around the town, and upon investigating, every clue leads to Count’s shop.

The anime is based on the original manga of the same name, and it is a horror mystery. This was the best anime of its genre, giving its viewers nightmares because of its spine-chilling scenes and dialogues. I feel that a remastered version of this anime series would break a majority of the records set by the new age anime series.

22. Slayers

• Directed by: Takashi Watanabe
• Written by: Takao Koyama
• Studio: E&G Films
• Cast: Lina inverse voiced by Megumi Hayashibara (Sub); Ruby Eye Shabra Nigdo voiced by Daisuke Gori (Sub).
• IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
• Available on: Hulu and Funimation.

The show is fun to watch, and it features Lina, a powerful but greedy conjurer. She uses her skills to take care of the bandits who get in her way. One such incident led her to meet Gourry Gabriev, a kind-hearted swordsman who used his skills to protect her from a bandit.

Even though the series had certain flaws for its time, it was ignored by the viewers because it had memorable characters and humor, which made the series fun to watch.

21. Soul Hunter

• Directed by: Junji Nishimura
• Written by: Junji Nishimura
• Studio: Studio Deen
• Cast: Taikoubou voiced by Hiro Yuuki (Sub); Dakki voiced by Yumi Kakazu (Sub); Nataku Li voiced by Kouki Miyata (Sub).
• IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
• Available on: Video.

The plot of the show is based a thousand years back in time. It has a ruthless witch who has enslaved the emperor and brought his empire under her control. To stop the evil witch, the Confederation of the Immortal Masters decides to assign this task to a young wizard with extraordinary magic skills to stop the witch.

Dark magic and witchcraft were famous genres in the 90s, and this show is a prime example of it. With unique plot development and good music, this anime was the best genre.

20. Street Fighter II

• Directed by: Gisaburo Sugii
• Written by: Kenichi Imai
• Studio: Group TAC
• Cast: Ryo voiced by Koji Tsjitani (Sub); Dhalism voiced by Steve Blum (Sub); Guile voiced by Tessho Genda (Sub).
• IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
• Available on: VRV, Amazon Prime Video, and Tubi.

The show’s plot focuses on Ken and Ryu, two friends who love martial arts and aspire to travel the world together. They aim to hone their skills and learn new fighting styles. While traveling, they meet interesting people, but the two friends get dragged into the malicious activities of an evil organization called Shadowlaw.

They plan to ravage the world of martial arts. Ken and Ryu will fight for their lives and beliefs to stop the evil organization.

Street Fighter is one of the most incredible anime shows ever created, and the games based on the show were terrific. The series was loved by fans who love martial arts anime like Dragon Ball Z. The show also had a movie, but it had some slight changes.

19. Future GPX Cyber Formula

• Directed by: Mitsuo Fukuda
• Written by: Hiroyuki Hoshiyama
• Studio: Sunrise
• Cast: Asurada voiced by Kenichi Ono (Sub); Asuka Sugo voiced by Kotono Mitsuishi (Sub); Jotaro Kaga voiced by Toshishiko Seki (Sub); Osamu Sugo voiced by Sei Ohama (Sub).
• IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
• Available on: It can be watched on-demand from Amazon Prime Video.

This show presents its viewers with some of the best car races and some cool sports cars. This show was way ahead of its time, and all the cars had computer support models, similar to Tesla. The show’s protagonist learns that it is not a mere reliable technology.

18. Jojo’s Bizarre Adventures

• Directed by: Hiroyuki Kitakubo
• Written by: Satoshi Kon, Hiroyuki Kitakubo
• Studio: AP
• Cast: Joseph Joestar voiced by Chikao Otsuka (Sub); Jotaro Kujo voiced by Jurota Kosugi (Sub).
• IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
• Available on: Hulu.

The anime was aired in 1993 and simply titled ” JoJo’s Bizarre Adventures.” The plot of the series is about Kujo Jotaro, an average high school student who believed that he had been possessed by a spirit, and he confined himself. He met his grandfather’s friend, Abdul, to learn more about this spirit. He learned that it is not a spirit but a stand, a fighting force given form.

The anime is unique and exciting, and the music stand references, Aztec Vampires, making this show pretty distinctive and engaging.

17. Nadia: Secret of Blue Water

• Directed by: Hideaki Anno
• Written by: Hayao Miyazaki
• Studio: Gainax, Group TAC, Sei Young Animation
• Cast: Nadia La Arwall voiced by Yoshino Takamori (Sub); Fejto voiced by Toshihiko Seki (Sub); Sanson voiced by Keny Horiuchi (Sub); Captain Nemo voiced by Akio Otsuka (Sub).
• IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
• Available on: It can be rented on Amazon Prime Video.

This anime series has contributed to an outstanding collection of 90s anime series. This series is set in the old world of 1889, and massive developments are being made in the technology field. Jean Roque Lartigue, a young scientist, and Nadia join forces with Captain Nemo; they will go on adventures in their blue submarine to stop Gargoyle, the show’s antagonist.

The anime series has a movie called “Nadia: The Secret of Fuzzy,” an entertaining watch. The show has a promising plot, and the characters are delightful, and it will keep its viewers occupied with curiosity.

16. Sailor Moon

• Directed by: Junichi Sato
• Written by: Sukehiro Tomita
• Studio: Toei Animation
• Cast: Sailor Moon voiced by Kotono Mitsuishi (Sub); Sailor Venus voiced by Cherami Leigh (Sub); Sailor Saturn voiced by Yuko Minaguchi; Yukito Tsukishiro (Sub) voiced by Sailor Uranus.
• IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
• Available on: Hulu.

The plot of Sailor Moon is about Usagi Tsukino, the main character of the anime series. Usagi’s life changed when she met Luna, a cat with a crescent moon on its forehead. Luna foretold Usagi’s destiny of becoming a ‘Sailor Moon,’ who are mighty guardian of the galaxy, and their task is to save Earth from evil beings around the universe.

This series was the most popular 90s anime series, and it has given some iconic moments to the community, and it has every emotion in it. It is a heartwarming show with relatable characters makes this show much better.

15. City Hunter 3

• Directed by: Kenji Kodama
• Written by: Tsukasa Hojo
• Studio: Sunrise
• Cast: Ryo Saeba voiced by Akira Kamiya (Sub); Kaori Makimura voiced by Kaori Makimura (Sub); Miki voiced by Mami Koyama (Sub); Umibouzu voiced by Tessho Genda (Sub).
• IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
• Available on: It can be rented on Amazon Prime Video.

City Hunter 3 or City Hunter ’91 is an anime series, and the plot of the series is about Ryo Saeba, a sweeper and a private detective in the city of Tokyo. He and Kaori, his sidekick, are hired by needy people who need help to solve their problems. The anime is a classic that showcases 90s themes and detective storytelling styles.

The anime series is in the good books of the critics and the viewers due to a wide variety of episodes, and during the scenes, Ryo would run after ladies. Kaori would run after him with a hammer, bringing out a mixture of the episodes’ plot. The anime became so popular that three movie adaptations took place within a year.

14. Cybersix

• Directed by: Toshihiko Masuda
• Written by: Carlos Meglia, Carlos Trillo
• Studio: TMS Entertainment
• Cast: Adrian Seidelman voiced by Cathy Weseluck (Sub); Dr. Von Reichter voiced by Terry Klassen (Sub); Lori Anderson voiced by Janyse Jaud (Sub); Yashimoto voiced by Brian Drummond (Sub).
• IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
• Available on: Amazon Prime Video.

Cyber Six is a show about Dr. Von Reichter’s secret experiments. The crazy scientist brings a thrill to the show. He was a Nazi scientist who fled to Argentina and continued his experiment codenamed ‘Cybers,’ these prototypes show a dangerous impulse for free will, which Von does not want.

The doctor killed the Cybers to stop them from a coup d’état. But female cybersex escaped and went into hiding. She has to face Von Reichter for a substance, but she learns that he created another line of super-soldiers called Technos. She has to face him and his army of super-soldiers and face her past.

The show is full of thrill and suspense, and it grips its audience with it. The facts were checked, making it historically correct as well.

13. Serial Experiments Lain

• Directed by: Kyutaro Nakamura
• Written by: Chiaki J. Konaka
• Studio: Triangle Staff
• Cast: Lain Iwakura voiced by Kaori Shimizu (Sub); Mika Iwakaura voiced by Ayako Kawasumi (Sub); Masami Eiri voiced by Sei Ohama (Sub); Alice Mizuki voiced by Yoko Asada (Sub).
• IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
• Available on: Funimation.

Serial Experiments Lain is a bold and discomforting anime. The story’s plot is about a girl named Lain Iwakura, she received a distressing email from her friend, who had committed suicide not a long time ago.

Lain is an awkward introvert who is not very knowledgeable in technology, but she gets dragged into the world of ‘wired’ due to her friend’s email. The ‘wired’ is not a friendly place because it is full of fatal truths, not for the weak hearts. Moreover, some men know a lot about Lain’s activities, which would soon make her life a living hell.

This anime series is a psychological horror, the anime showcases the themes of perception and consciousness, and they redefine these meanings every time. Anime fans who are into psychological horrors should give this classic a try, as it was one of the best series of that time. I would recommend the viewers to watch Serial Experiments Lain as it is one of my personal favorites.

12. Pokemon

• Directed by: Kunihiko Yuyama
• Written by: Takeshi Shudo
• Studio: OLM, Inc.
• Cast: Ash Ketchum voiced by Rica Matsumoto (Sub); Serena voiced by Mayuki Makiguchi (Sub); Misty voiced by Mayumi Iizuka (Sub); Dawn voiced by Megumi Toyoguchi (Sub); Brock voiced by Yuji Ueda (Sub).
• IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
• Available on: Amazon Prime Video and Netflix.

This show has our entire childhood in it. Everyone would know the plot of the show and the names of the characters in the show. But for those who don’t know, the show is about Ash, who dreams of becoming a Pokemon trainer, but to do so, he has to win eight gym badges in his career.

The show has become a top-tier standard in anime friendships between Ash and Pikachu. The show is an epic full of thrills, humor, competition, and thousands of memories.

11.Yu Yu Hakusho: Ghost Files

• Directed by: Noriyuki Abe
• Written by: Yukiyoshi Ohashi
• Studio: Pierrot
• Cast: Yusuke Urameshi voiced by Nozomu Sasaki (Sub); Hiei voiced by Nobuyuki Hiyama (Sub); Youko Kurama voiced by Yukito Tsukishiro (Sub).
• IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
• Available on: Funimation and Hulu.

The series follows the story of Yuusuke Urameshi, a delinquent who had no prosperous future; his life changed when one day he got hit by a car while trying to save a child. However, the afterlife spirits saw his heroic deed and decided to let his soul be on Earth as he was a mere boy.

The heir of the spirit realm assigned some problematic tasks to Yuusuke by becoming a spirit detective. Hence, he returned to Earth as a Spirit Detective.

This anime used the clichés of the 90s era in incredible ways. The series showcases strong characters, an emotional core, and a great manifestation of ideas, making it one of the best 90s anime of that time.

10. Rurouni Kenshin

• Directed by: Kazuhiro Furuhashi
• Written by: Michiru Shimada
• Studio: Studio Gallop
• Cast: Kenshin Himura voiced by Mayo Suzukaze (Sub); Yahiko Myojin voiced by Mina Tominaga (Sub); Sanisuke Sagara voiced by Yuji Ueda (Sub).
• IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
• Available on: Hulu.

Rurouni Kenshin is based in the early Meiji era, after the end of the Boshin War, Himura Kenshin, the former assassin, would avail his service to his clients, and he would protect them without killing anyone so that he could atone himself for the sins he had to commit during the war.

Rurouni Kenshin is a great watch, and it has a great plot with a perfect balance of action, drama, comedy, and stirring moments. The show’s characters were original and had contrasting attitudes. Though it did not have fantastic animation at first, it did get better as the anime series progressed.

Rurouni Kenshin has a movie adaptation, and the series fans equally liked it. Rurouni Kenshin should be on your watchlist if you like watching historical animes with samurais and swords.

9. Detective Conan

• Directed by: Nobuharu Kamanaka
• Written by: Junichi Iioka
• Studio: TMS Entertaiment
• Cast: Conan Edogawa voiced by Kappei Yamaguchi (Sub); Richard Moore voiced by Akira Kamiya (Sub); George Kojima voiced by Wataru Takagi (Sub); Ayumi Yoshida voiced by Yukiko Iwai (Sub).
• IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
• Available on: Crunchyroll.

The plot of Detective Conan is about Shinichi Kudou, a quick-witted high school student. As a brilliant detective, he has decided to take the most challenging cases, and he will resolve all of them. However, while solving his case, he was kidnapped by an organization, and they gave him an experimental drug that almost killed him.

But, when he came to his senses, he realized that he was the body of a seven-year-old boy. He goes into hiding and looks for ways to return to his original body.

The anime is a fantastic mystery fiction, and the show manages to blend logic and fantasy into a fine anime, and now this anime has developed into a franchise.

7. Great Teacher Onizuka

• Directed by: Noriyuki Abe
• Written by: Masashi Sogo
• Studio: Pierrot
• Cast: Eikichi Onizuka voiced by Wataru Takagi (Sub); Urumi Kanzaki voiced by Kotono Mitsuishi (Sub); Yoshito Kikuchi voiced by Hikaru Midorikawa (Sub).
• IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
• Available on: Amazon Prime Video, Tubi, and Retro Crush.

The plot of Great Teacher Onizuka is about Onizuka, a young adult who is 22 years old and a former Bosozku member. The show illustrates how Onizuka’s life has changed before and after becoming a teacher.

This series is highly hilarious because Onizuka is a teacher. He teaches his students with unorthodox teaching methods, which results in hilarious scenes that will make the viewers burst out in laughter. Every 90s kid would know how amazing this series was, and laughter and visual gags would fill the 43 episodes of the show.

6. Neon Genesis Evangelion

• Directed by: Hideaki Anno
• Written by: Hideaki Anno
• Studio: Gainax, Tatsunoko
• Cast: Asuka Langley Soryu voiced by Yuko Miyamura (Sub); Shinji Ikari voiced by Yukito Tsukishiro (Sub); Rei Ayanami voiced by Megumi Hayashibara (Sub).
• IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
• Available on: Netflix.

Neon Genesis Evangelion was another best anime of the 90s, and the show’s plot was ahead of its time. The show was based in a futuristic 2015 time period. It tells the story of Shinji Ikari, a high school student recruited to pilot a mecha robot so that he and his team can fight evil beings who call themselves “Angels.”

Neon Genesis Evangelion is one the first mecha genre anime series, and this anime is one of the anime series that has survived the test of time and now it has become a prized jewel of the anime industry.

The anime aired from October 4th, 1995 to March 27, 1996, but in this period, the show had multiple sequels, spinoffs, films, and other remarkable ways to retain its massive fan base worldwide.

5. Dragon Ball Z

• Directed by: Shigeyasu Yamauchi
• Written by: Takao Koyama
• Studio: Toei Animation
• Cast: Goku voiced by Masako Nozawa (Sub); Gohan voiced by Masako Nozawa (Sub); Vegeta voiced by Ryo Horikawa (Sub); Bulma voiced by Hiromi Tsura (Sub).
• IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
• Available on: Funimation and Hulu.

Initially, Dragon Ball Z was aired in 1989, but the series gained massive popularity in the early 90s, and it is one of the best 90s anime series, the plot of the show is a continuation of the Dragon Ball series.

In this new series, the plot will continue after five years, when Goku has won the World Martial Arts tournament. He met Raditz, his older brother, and he was astounded about Goku’s new life; he told Goku about his origin, but Goku decided to save Earth from evil forces.

Dragon Ball Z has over 20 anime movies and movie adaptations, although the adaptation was an eyesore for me. The new series has a lot of action intergalactic fights, character development, and eye-pleasing animation making this one of the best series, and this was probably the first anime every kid has watched at least once.

It is one of the best anime series. The anime series is still going strong in 2022 with a new movie and show season.

4. One Piece

• Directed by: Satoshi Info
• Written by: Shoji Yonemura
• Studio: Toei Animation
• Cast: Monkey D. Luffy voiced by Mayumi Tanaka (Sub); Roronoa Zoro voiced by Kazuya Nakai (Sub); Nami voiced by Akemi Okamura (Sub); Usopp voiced by Kappei Yamaguchi (Sub); Sanji voiced by Hiroaki Hirata (Sub); Chopper voiced by Ikue Ōtani (Sub); Nico Robin voiced by Yuriko Yamaguchi (Sub); Franky voiced by Kauzki Yao (Sub); Brook voiced by Chō (Sub); Jimbei Daisuke Gōri & Katsuhisa Hōki (Sub).
• IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
• Available on: Crunchyroll and Funimation.

If we are talking about the 90s anime series, we can not forget to mention One Piece, one of the anime series of The Big Three Era. This anime series is loved by an overwhelming majority of the anime community.

The anime plot is about Monkey D. Luffy, the show’s main character wants to become the Pirate King by finding the One Piece hidden by the Gol D. Roger, the former King of the Pirates.

The anime series depicts the grand age of pirates, and the creators made sure to create different sorts of characters and crews. The series is still alive even after a decade, and it has over 700 episodes with fantastic animation and unique arcs, which the viewers love and talk about even today.

3. Slam Dunk

• Directed by: Nobutaka Nishizawa
• Written by: Nobutaka Nishizawa and Yoshiyuki Suga
• Studio: Toei Animation
• Cast: Sakuragi Hanamichi voiced by Takeshi Kusao (Sub); Rukawa Kaede voiced by Hikaru Midorikawa (Sub); Miyagi Ryota voiced by Yoku Shioya (Sub); Kiyota Nobunaga voiced by Toshiyuki Morikawa (Sub).
• IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
• Available on: Crunchyroll.

Slam Dunk is a 1993 sports anime series centered around Hanamichi, a delinquent at first. He became a leader of a gang. Despite his short temper and immaturity, he had the potential to be an athlete, and he joined a basketball team to impress Haruko and prove to her that he was worthy of her.

Slam Dunk is one of the best sports anime of the 90s, and the anime series has four movies during the airing of the episodes and the manga. The opening song of the anime is catchy and fun to listen to. Fans love this anime series, and they call it a classic. People who enjoy watching sports anime should give Slam Dunk a try.

2. Cowboy Bebop

• Directed by: Shinchiro Watanabe
• Written by: Keiko Nobumoto
• Studio: Sunrise
• Cast: Spike Spiegel voiced by Koichi Yamadera (Sub); Feye Valentine voiced by Megumi Hayashibara (Sub); Edward Wong voiced by Aoi Tada (Sub); Jet Black voiced by Unsho Ishuzuka (Sub).
• IMDb Rating: 8.9/10
• Available on: Hulu, Netflix

Cowboy Bebop is another 90s masterpiece based in a sci-fi world set in 2071. Humanity has expanded its habitats, and as a result, there’s an increase in the crime rate. The Inter Solar System Police came up with a legalized contract system where registered bounty hunters or cowboys would hunt down criminals for a reward. The main characters of the show are Spike Spiegel and Jet Black.

The duo is joined by Faye Valentine, a con artist with amnesia; and Ein, a corgi, scientifically engineered to be brilliant. And Edward Wong, a genius hacker.

The series is popular because each character gets attention from the creators and their dark pasts make this series very different, the series has a catchy theme song, and it is a perfect balance of action and thriller.

1. Hunter x Hunter

• Directed by: Noriyuki Abe
• Written by: Hiroshi Hashimoto
• Studio: Pierrot
• Cast: Gon Freecss voiced by Junko Takeuchi (Sub); Killua Zoldyck voiced by Kanako Mitsuhashi (Sub); Kurapika voiced by Yuki Kaida; Leorio Paladiknight voiced by Hozumi Goda (Sub); Hisoka voiced by Hiroki Takahashi (Sub).
• IMDb Rating: 9/10
• Available on: Netflix.

Hunter x Hunter was a top-rated show in the late 90s, and it became an instant fan favorite. The show’s plot is about Gon Freecs, a young boy who wants to become a Hunter, like his father, to find his missing father. But this exam is extremely dangerous.

While taking this exam, he meets three allies, Leorio, an aspiring doctor, Killua, a mischievous 12-year-old kid, and Kurapika, who is out for revenge.

Hunter x Hunter is one of the best series in the anime industry because it has some of the best fight scenes in anime history, and here, having the most power does not determine the victory of a character. In addition to these details, the story development and the world are magnificent, and it has one of the most excellent villain organizations.