Anime in the '90s was known for quite a few elements: memorable characters, fantastical adventures, and a few stories that were ahead of their time. But one topic that the decade was also quite famous for was various tales of epic romances. Whether they were between a girl and a guy, or a big collection of individuals, 1990s anime had no shortage of love stories to share.
But the big question is: which of these anime didn't get enough time to shine and which ones were perhaps a bit too much in the spotlight? Well hold onto your heartstrings and let's examine 5 '90s romance anime that got overlooked and 5 that were way too popular.
10 Overlooked: Revolutionary Girl Utena
Known more for its sword-filled action and imagery, Revolutionary Girl Utena is a show that wears romance all across its well-dressed sleeve. Though the series mostly focuses on breaking the stereotypes and conventions within traditional fairy tales, but that doesn't mean it lacks any genuine romantic elements.
From the sweep romantic melodies of the score, along with the central pair of Utena and Anthy supplying tons of high stakes tension (especially within the self-contained movie adaptation), this masterpiece of shoujo anime has always deserved so much more recognition than it ever received.
9 Too Popular: Sailor Moon
Filled with memorable love affairs and stunning visuals, there's no denying that Sailor Moon has, and will always be, one of the most romantic anime to ever be created. Yet considering all of the other fantastic shows that came out during that decade, this iconic warrior of love and justice may have overshadowed a few too many of her magical, lovey-dovey filled competition.
Does that mean its bad to admire this galactic fantasy? No, but similar titles (including some on this list) have the ability to sweep you off your feet just as well as Tuxedo Mask can.
8 Overlooked: The Vision of Escaflowne
Though anime fans may be aware of The Vision of Escaflowne, there are only a select few who have taken the time to watch it. Sure, maybe it doesn't have an ultra-glamorous protagonist nor an initially likable male lead, but that doesn't mean you won't find yourself falling for them as the series progresses.
And with its breathtaking art direction, an incredible score by Yoko Kanno, and its iconic moments of romance and heartbreak, it is impossible not to find yourself under the spell of Hitomi's adventures through the world of Gaea.
7 Too Popular: Ah! My Goddess
If you've ever believed the phrase "be careful what you wish for" then perhaps you'll relate to the romantic insanity within the OVA Ah! My Goddess. This story revolves around a college sophomore who accidentally gets a beautiful goddess to live with him forever.
But why does it shift into the "too popular" category? Well, unless you're a big fan of the premise, this plot gets a bit tiring as the OVA progresses. Sure, the central couple is eternally precious, but there are much more compelling romances the 90's had to offer than this magical pair.
6 Overlooked: Neighborhood Story
Before Paradise Kiss, there was another contemporary romance created by Ai Yazawa, known as Neighborhood Story (or Gokinjo Monogatari, to those in Japan.) It tells of a budding romance between two long-time best friends who happen to live in the same apartment building and are attending the same art school.
Sure, it may appear like your typical slice-of-life comedy, but what makes Neighborhood Story unique is its signature 90's art direction and quirky cast of characters. And if it doesn't inspire your next outfit, it is sure to inspire your heart in some way.
5 Too Popular: Marmalade Boy
Marmalade Boy initially starts off interesting - teenage girl Miki Koishikawa finds out that her parents are swapping life partners with a couple they met in Hawaii. And when she meets the other couple's son, Yuu Matsuura - an individual who Miki finds herself falling for - things get even crazier from there.
But what makes this show a bit too overhyped? Well, there's only so much investment you can have in a story that never gets off the same dramatic hampster wheel, with stakes that get a bit yawn-worthy over its 76 episode run.
4 Overlooked: Martian Successor Nadesico
Telling a story filled with homages to past mecha series, ridiculous humor, along with a bunch of compelling characters, Martian Successor Nadesico is perhaps one of the most underappreciated of classic 90's anime. But why would it end up on the romantic list? It is because the two leads, Akito Tenkawa and Yurika Misumaru.
This "will they won't they" couple have a spark that ignites some of the best emotional moments of the series, and though they have their awkward anime flaws, by the end, you find yourself feeling completely satisfied with this unconventional love story.
3 Too Popular: Fushigi Yuugi
Filled with romantic elements from top to bottom, Fushigi Yuugi is a piece of anime history that never loses its flair for drama. But even with its emotional moments, and attractive looking individuals, this series is not known for its "great" pacing.
Because similar to lengthy shows like Dragon Ball Z, it takes quite a while for the juicy aspects of Miaka Yuki's adventures to come about within the show's 52 episode run . And though the final moments are well worth the wait, its quite a chore to get to the mushy finish line.
2 Overlooked: His and Her Circumstances
GAINAX's flawed classic, His and Her Circumstances seems to get a lot more flack more than the accurate recognition it deserves. Feautring unique animation and storytelling methods, the story revolves around two high school rivals that eventually become quite the adorable couple.
But what makes this classic overlooked, unfortunately, is the production drama and unevening ending that occurred. Sure, maybe this one isn't the smoothest of rides - but the stops along the way will fill your heart in the best of animated ways.
1 Too Popular: Tenchi Muyo
Known for its insane characters and ridiculous antics, the Tenchi Muyo franchise has some great highs as well as some odd lows. Sure, when wearing nostalgia goggles, the show can come across like a lovable story.
But after the hundredth time that Ryoko has screamed at Ayeka, it can seem exhausting to watch these characters go through the same motions without getting to a satisfying conclusion. Maybe that isn't the point, but for some viewers, its important to know there's a light at the end of the romantic tunnel.