The 1990s were a pivotal time for anime, especially for shonen anime. The decade saw the inception of some of the most popular franchises today, including One Piece and Hunter x Hunter, and the continuation of beloved ones, such as Dragon Ball Z following in the footsteps of Dragon Ball's massive success.
Whether they dominated the majority of the decade or only began airing right at its end, shonen anime experienced quite a boom in the 1990s, setting the foundation for current trends in shonen anime. Though in some ways they may have aged, many '90s shonen series are classics that any self-proclaimed anime fan should check out.
10 Flame Of Recca Is The Spiritual Predecessor To Naruto
A title that many modern viewers might never have heard of is Flame of Recca, a series that aired from 1997 to 1998. Recca Hanabishi, the series' teenage protagonist, is a self-proclaimed modern ninja.
When he one day meets a mysterious girl with healing abilities, he learns that not only is he the sole survivor of an ancient ninja clan but that he also possesses the ability to control fire. While the series doesn't hold up as well today, especially compared to its spiritual successor, Naruto, Flame of Recca was extremely popular in its heyday.
9 Rurouni Kenshin Takes Viewers Back To The Meiji Period
Rurouni Kenshin takes place during the Meiji period in Japan and follows the story of Kenshin Himura, a wandering swordsman who was once a much-feared assassin, the legendary Hitokiri Battousai. Having renounced his murderous ways, he has vowed to never kill again and dedicates himself to protecting the weak.
Airing from 1996 to 1998, Rurouni Kenshin was a staple of the '90s shonen scene. In addition to its fascinating historical setting, the series often explored themes that were heavier and more complex than the majority of shonen anime at the time.
8 Mobile Suit Gundam Wing Sends Mecha To Space
Mobile Suit Gundam Wing is a must-watch not only for fans of '90s shonen but also for any lovers of mecha. As the sixth entry in the Gundam franchise, having aired from 1995 to 1996, Mobile Suit Gundam Wing takes place in the future and centers on a war between Earth and its rebellious space colonies.
To fight against the oppressive regime in control of Earth, the colonies create mobile suits made out of indestructible material, called Gundams. The series follows the pilots of these Gundams as they battle for freedom.
7 Hunter X Hunter (1999) Introduced Many To A Beloved Franchise
One of the most popular anime franchises, Hunter x Hunter, follows the lovable Gon Freecss as he sets off to become a Hunter, someone who specializes in exploring, treasure hunting, and more. In his adventures, he meets other Hunters, including the assassin Killua, the revenge-obsessed Kurapika, and the aspiring doctor Leorio.
Long before the popular 2011 series, the franchise saw its first anime adaptation in 1999. Though the graphics have aged, the 1999 series is well worth watching for any fans who want to see more of Hunter x Hunter's beloved cast.
6 Slayers Parodies High Fantasy Settings
In the 1990s, the Slayers anime franchise was extremely popular, both in Japan and abroad. The first, second, and third series began airing in 1995, 1996, and 1997, respectively, with the fourth and fifth series not airing until 2008 and 2009. Parodying the high fantasy genre, Slayers follows teenage sorceress Lina Inverse on her adventures in a fantasy world.
Lina is no damsel in distress. Powerful with both spells and swordplay, she and her companions battle bands of thieves, demons, evil wizards, and other wrongdoers on their journeys.
5 Dragon Ball Z Continues The Story Of A Beloved Hero
Part of a franchise that's had more of an impact on shonen anime than any other, Dragon Ball Z is the quintessential '90s anime. Airing in Japan from 1989 to 1996, it followed the success of the 1986 Dragon Ball series, resuming the adventures of Son Goku and his friends.
Taking place five years after the first series' ending, Dragon Ball Z centers on a now-adult Goku, who's also now a father to the young Gohan. While not without its flaws, Dragon Ball Z is perhaps the most iconic series to come out of the '90s and remains well-loved today.
4 YuYu Hakusho Follows The Adventures Of A Spirit Detective
Airing from 1992 to 1995, YuYu Hakusho in many ways redefined the shonen genre. The series follows Yuusuke Urameshi, a teenage boy, who, after dying unexpectedly, is given a second chance at life as a Spirit Detective. Along with several others he enlists, he works to fight evil presences and protect Earth from harm.
YuYu Hakusho paved the way for Yoshihiro Togashi's later series, Hunter x Hunter. While Hunter x Hunter's future remains unknown, fans will likely enjoy its (complete) predecessor, which still holds up remarkably well.
3 One Piece Takes Viewers To The High Seas & Beyond
One Piece, which began airing in 1999, quickly became one of the most popular anime series. With over 1,000 episodes, the beloved shonen series is still airing to this day.
The show follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy, a boy who gains the properties of rubber after eating a Devil Fruit. In a world where unique powers are abundant, Luffy sets out to assemble a crew and become the legendary King of the Pirates. With One Piece's lovable cast and epic battles, it's no wonder the series has achieved such a fan following.
2 Slam Dunk Is Exciting On And Off The Court
While many other titles have since taken its place, Slam Dunk was once the most popular sports anime. Airing from 1993 to 1996, Slam Dunk was loved for not only its breathtaking action sequences on the court but also for its strong character development.
Slam Dunk tells the story of Hanamichi Sakuragi, a hot-headed delinquent. He ends up joining Shohoku High School's basketball team to impress a girl. Having a natural affinity for the sport, he grows to love playing it. The series follows the underdog team as it makes its way to the top.
1 Trigun Perfectly Captures The Wild, Wild West
Set in the 32nd century on a desert planet, Trigun follows the adventures of Vash the Stampede, a man wanted for mass destruction and murder. Though he is called "The Humanoid Typhoon," Vash, in reality, is a peace-loving gunslinger who refuses to kill. He is joined on his travels by two Bernardelli Insurance Society employees who attempt to minimize his damages.
Trigun is unique for its Wild West sci-fi setting that captures the lawlessness and chaos of classic Westerns while remaining fresh and interesting. The series deservedly endures as a classic today.