It’s hard to believe, but the ’90s are now officially a part of history. It was a time when cell phones were the size of bricks, and the internet was in its infancy. It was a time when Michael Jackson was still alive, and anime was relatively unknown in the West.
While it’s been over two decades since those days, there are some things from that era that we just can’t let go of. Like the best 90’s anime TV shows! So, if you’re nostalgic for the good old days or want to check out some quality 90s anime, read on for my picks for the best 90s anime.
Best 90’s Anime You Should Check
1. Hunter x Hunter
- Released: 1999
- Number of episodes: 26
Hunter x Hunter is a manga series from the ’90s that was adapted into an anime in 1999. The plot follows Gon, a young boy who dreams of becoming a man, fulfilling his goal to be one of the best hunters, and finding his missing dad, who left him after he was born. This anime was among the top 90s old anime.
2. Neon Genesis Evangelion
- Released: 1995
- Number of episodes: 26
Neon Genesis Evangelion is about a high school student named Shinji Ikari, who pilots giant biomechanical robots to fight against mysterious aliens known as Angels.
3. Cowboy Bebop
- Released: 1998
- Number of episodes: 26
The popular 90s anime series Cowboy Bebop is set in 2071 and follows the adventures of a bounty hunter team that travels across the galaxy chasing bad guys.
With its fast-paced action and quirky characters, Cowboy Bebop will surely please fans of all ages if you’re new to anime or just looking for an excellent show to watch and the best among 90s anime.
4. Ranma ½
- Released: 1989
- Number of episodes: 161
Ranma ½ is a 90’s old anime that deserves to be watched by any fan. It follows the story of a teenage boy named Ranma who turns into a woman whenever he gets wet.
The show is funny and often embarrassing but is worth seeing for its unique plotlines. If you’re looking for something off-beat, Ranma ½ won’t disappoint.
5. Dragon Ball
- Released: 1986
- Number of episodes: 153
Love it or hate it, Dragon Ball is one of the best anime of the 90s and now of all time. Akira Toriyama’s classic work has spawned a slew of sequels and spin-offs, and its characters and stories have become a part of global culture.
Dragon Ball debuted in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1984. 1986, an anime series began to air and ran for a few years. In 2015, Dragon Ball Super aired and followed events after the end of Dragon Ball Z.
6. Pokemon
- Released: 1996
- Number of episodes: 1,115
The original series captured the hearts of young people worldwide when it first came out. Back then, only video games evolved into other media, including anime.
Where this popular franchise follows a boy named Ash Ketchum, who sets on becoming a master trainer despite having bad luck at the beginning until he meets his childhood friend May.
7. Yu Yu Hakusho
- Released: 1992
- Number of episodes: 112
Yu Yu Hakusho follows how one boy’s life changes when he saves another from a certain death. When Yusuke Urameshi died, his spirit went to the supernatural world where monsters and other spirits lived, but he was surprised at how peaceful it seemed compared with what he had expected.
This led him on an adventure as “Supernatural Detective,” which also involves solving cases around town–all while trying not to get run over by traffic or otherwise inconvenienced.
8. Rurouni Kenshin
- Released: 1996
- Number of episodes: 94
- Genre: Adventure, Martial arts, Romance
Rurouni Kenshin is a classic anime that deserves all the love it gets. It tells the story of Himura Kenshin, once an assassin known as “Hitokiri Battousai” during Japan’s Bakumatsu period, who becomes a wanderer to protect those who cannot protect themselves.
The series is full of action, Shakespearean-level drama, and, above all else – the heart. Rurouni Kenshin is the anime for you if you’re looking for a show that will make you laugh, cry, and everything in between.
9. Trigun
- Released: 1998
- Number of episodes: 26
- Genre: Action, Post-apocalyptic, Space Western
Few anime series have as much of a cult following as Trigun. With its cowboy-inspired setting and light-hearted humor, the show has something for everyone. Follow the escapades of Vash the Stampede as he attempts to make his way through a world that seems determined to kill him.
Along the way, he’ll make friends and enemies while trying to dodge the ever-present death threat. Trigun is an excellent option if you’re new to anime or looking for a good show. So saddle up and get ready for some gun-slinging action!
10. Mobile Suit Gundam
- Released: 1979
- Number of episodes: 43
- Genre: Action, Mecha, Drama, Space opera, Military science fiction, Real Robot
We all know Gundam is one of the world’s most popular anime franchises, but you may not know that it’s also one of the longest-running. The original series aired almost 40 years ago and spawned numerous sequels, spin-offs, and even a few live-action movies.
Gundam shows no signs of stopping anytime soon, with a new anime coming out every few years and several games in development.
11. Ashita, no Joe
- Released: 1970
- Number of episodes: 79
- Genre: Sports
The story of Ashita no Joe has been around for a long time, and it is one that many people are familiar with. The anime series follows the life of a young boxer named Joe Yabuki and tells the story of his rise to fame and many hardships.
While the series may be old, it is still just as engaging and captivating today as when it first aired. If you are looking for an anime series that will keep you entertained from beginning to end, Ashita no Joe is worth checking out.
Looking back at the best anime of the ’90s, it is impressive how far the industry has come. The storylines were more simplistic and relied heavily on tropes, but that did not detract from the enjoyment of watching them. What are your thoughts on these 90’s classic animes? Are there any others that you would add to this list? Let us know in the comments below.
