Anime consists of many different genres, but archetypes and the limitations of animation have evolved in exciting ways over the years. Anime continues to push the envelope whenever it’s possible and there are many new and modern titles that have become some of the biggest hits of this generation.
However, there’s a great deal of nostalgia for the brand of anime that came from the ‘90s, which is full of both groundbreaking and forgettable series. That being said, sometimes hits from the past are very much products of their time, while other ‘90s shows have become even stronger over time.
10 The Vision Of Escaflowne Combines Coming Of Age Drama With Mecha And Isekai Tropes
The Vision of Escaflowne is a 26-episode anime series that caters towards the fantasy, romance, and mecha genres, yet it doesn't feel like a convoluted mess. Hitomi, a normal high school student, gets whisked away to the fantastical world of Gaea, where mechas engage in combat with dragons and a monarchy finds itself caught in a dangerous war.
Hitomi is suddenly a key figure to resolving Gaea's strife and it's a thrilling adventure that's ambitious and original. Escaflowne's English dub fumbles the narrative, but the original version is a strong anime that surprisingly hasn't been adapted again for modern audiences.
9 Berserk Is Mature Dark Fantasy That Doesn’t Hold Back
Berserk is a look into dark fantasy that pairs together the supernatural genre with intense violence and mature themes. Berserk's protagonist, Guts, is one of the most noteworthy stoic "Man With No Name" types in any action series. He wields an almost hilariously gigantic blade and it's a bloody delight. Berserk is still a property that continually gets adapted, but this '90s version is still the best representation of the source material.
8 Blue Gender Is A Haunting Hunt Against Hungry Aliens
There’s an abundance of science fiction in general that pit man against deadly alien races, but Blue Gender is a series from the ‘90s that is as brutal as it is thought provoking. Humanity has retreated to a Second Earth following an aggressive alien invasion and the future of mankind is not in a very optimistic place.
Two stranded soldiers on Earth must make their way to salvation, while also warding off these aliens, and a wealth of other deadly surprises. At only 26 episodes, Blue Gender is an exciting and claustrophobic sci-fi thriller that’s the perfect anime to revisit.
7 Digimon Adventure Adds Stakes And Pathos To Its Digital World
Pokémon may have caught on as the dominant monster hunting series around the world, but the Digimon franchise is still going strong. The series was arguably at its strongest during its first two series, Digimon Adventure 01 and 02. It’s easy for many to dismiss Digimon, but there’s a surprisingly deep and serialized story that’s told across these two seasons. It takes some time to properly get moving, but once it does, Digimon stands out as an exceptional example of how to elevate a series for children to a higher standard.
6 Gundam Wing Elegantly Balances Politics, War, And Giant Robots
There are dozens of notable mecha anime series that have come along, but the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise has largely dominated the field. Each Gundam series has its own charms and excels in different areas, but many of them are tethered to a much larger chronology.
Gundam Wing is an efficient standalone mecha series that concisely explores what makes the different series so effective. Gundam Wing may not be the franchise’s apex, but it’s full of memorable characters and some of the most exciting mobile suit designs, all of which are just as strong today.
5 Trigun Is An Action-Packed Meditation On Violence And The Cost Of Life
Trigun is a highly entertaining action series that pits Vash the Stampede against a litany of hyperbolized assassins and miscreants. Trigun celebrates extremely powerful weapons and impressive action set pieces, but beneath all of the gunfire is an emotional core that’s not afraid to ask deep questions.
Vash may be one of the best gunfighters in the world, but he laments violence and tries to embrace pacifism even when it seems impossible. The stylized and addictive anime also doesn’t overstay its welcome with only 26 episodes. More action series would benefit from Trigun’s mantra of “Love and Peace.”
4 Serial Experiments Lain Unpacks The Power And Delusions Of The Internet And Identity
Serial Experiments Lain is a psychological anime that felt ahead of its time three decades ago, which deals with cyberpunk and philosophical ideas that are only now becoming more mainstream through works like Mr. Robot. Serial Experiments Lain unpacks a disaffected girl named Lain’s journey to immortalize herself through a digital world known as the Wired.
Lain is cold and precise with its message about the power and dangers of technology, which is expressed by Lain’s slipping hold on reality. Serial Experiments Lain is only 13 episodes long and there’s no fat in this anime series.
3 Yu Yu Hakusho Is Thrilling Shonen That’s Not Buried In Filler
Some of the most popular anime of all time are shonen series, and Yu Yu Hakusho is one of the best examples of how to execute the genre that’s as effective now as it was back in the ‘90s. The anime chronicles Yusuke Urameshi’s indoctrination into the Spirit World as he takes on increasingly powerful opponents.
Some shonen series like Dragon Ball, One Piece, or Bleach may get more attention, but they’re all bogged down in hundreds of episodes that ultimately dilute their quality. Yu Yu Hakusho is 112 episodes long, which is just enough that the anime doesn’t drag on.
2 Cowboy Bebop Is Groundbreaking Science Fiction Storytelling
Cowboy Bebop has gained an impressive reputation where even non-anime fans have an awareness and fondness for the genre-mixing series. Cowboy Bebop follows an unconventional mix of bounty hunters who travel the galaxy and try to make ends meet. Cowboy Bebop creates such a full world that embraces different genres and styles of storytelling in each episode. The anime’s jazz soundtrack is also full of music that’s impossibly catchy. Cowboy Bebop is lightning in a bottle and its deceptively simple nature has had many try, but fail, to replicate its energy.
1 Neon Genesis Evangelion Is Mind Bending Art That Transcends The Medium
Neon Genesis Evangelion is an influential anime that’s still the frequent subject of debate and dissection. Evangelion disguises itself as a mecha series, but Hideaki Anno ramps up the existential dread and depressing ideologies to create a truly incomparable piece of art. Neon Genesis Evangelion is full of visuals, ideas, and chaotic robot action that are the true work of an auteur. It’s a terrifying look into the end of the world and proof of what anime can accomplish as an artform. Neon Genesis Evangelion has left an undeniable mark on the industry.