The top 10 Best Animes From The 90s

The 90s were a golden decade for the world of anime. This period not only brought some of the most iconic series of all time but also helped popularize the genre on a global scale. Many of the releases from this decade are still revered for their incredible quality and have attracted new fans to the medium.

Our List

To maintain variety, we sought to include anime from different genres, ensuring that every audience has a work represented. Additionally, it’s important to note that these animes are not organized by any particular criteria!

PS: We’ve included the openings or soundtracks of some for being extremely iconic, you’re welcome!

Initial D

We start our list with Initial D, known by many for its incredible soundtrack, especially the song "Déjà vu". However, the anime is more than just a good song. It tells the story of Takumi Fujiwara, a young tofu delivery driver who unknowingly becomes a legendary street racer in the Japanese mountains. The series is famous for its thrilling races and realistic portrayal of Japanese car culture, as well as its music.

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Yu Yu Hakusho

Yu Yu Hakusho, from the same creator of Hunter x Hunter, is an undeniable classic of the 90s and had a well-received live-action adaptation. For those who haven’t watched it, the anime presents the story of Yusuke Urameshi, a teenage delinquent who, after dying in an accident while saving a child, is revived as a Spirit Detective. The series is acclaimed for its exciting battles, charismatic characters, and an engaging plot that keeps viewers hooked from start to finish.

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Dragon Ball Z

Dragon Ball Z is such an impactful phenomenon in Latin America that the crime rate used to decrease when a new episode aired. It's hard not to be familiar with this legendary work. It would be embarrassing to have to explain what DBZ is about.

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Rurouni Kenshin

Certainly one of the most "mature" works on this list, Rurouni Kenshin tells the story of Kenshin Himura, a former assassin known as Battousai, who now seeks redemption as a peaceful wanderer. Set in the Meiji era of Japan, the anime is notable for its combination of intense action, historical drama, and deep character development, offering a complex portrayal of the consequences of violence and the value of peace.

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Sailor Moon

Sailor Moon is one of the most influential animes of all time, especially regarding the mahou shoujo (magical girls) genre. The story follows Usagi Tsukino, a teenager who transforms into the magical warrior Sailor Moon to fight against the forces of evil. With its messages of friendship, love, and courage, along with captivating characters, Sailor Moon continues to inspire generations of fans around the world to do a lot of cosplay.

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Neon Genesis Evangelion

"Get in the robot, Shinji!" is an iconic phrase for fans of Neon Genesis Evangelion. Despite being complex and having a story full of nuances, Evangelion managed to solidify itself as one of the most popular and influential animes in history. The series mixes mecha action with deep philosophical and psychological questions, offering a unique and often challenging experience for its viewers. Just don't ask anyone to explain the end of the anime.

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Akira

Including feature films on this list might seem like cheating, but it's impossible to ignore the impact of Akira. This film revolutionized animation and visual storytelling, presenting a post-apocalyptic Tokyo and exploring themes of power, corruption, and identity. The influence of Akira is felt to this day, both in the world of anime and in cinema in general, solidifying its place as a cultural landmark.

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Pokémon

Is it a surprise for anyone that Pokémon is on this list? The franchise that started in the 90s continues to inspire new generations, just as it inspired children back then. Ash Ketchum and his Pikachu have become global icons, while the series has continued to evolve and expand, remaining relevant and beloved by fans of all ages, inspiring new children to this day.

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Slam Dunk

Here at LeSeries, we recognize all genres and couldn’t leave sports out! Slam Dunk is widely recognized as the best basketball anime in history, despite the existence of my personal favorite, Kuroko no Basket. The series follows Hanamichi Sakuragi, a delinquent who joins the school's basketball team to impress a girl but ends up falling in love with the sport. Slam Dunk is known for its thrilling matches and realistic character development.

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Cowboy Bebop

A live action series, movies, and more recently a collaboration with Overwatch, the impact that Cowboy Bebop has left on cultural media continues to affect the present. The series follows space bounty hunters Spike Spiegel, Jet Black, Faye Valentine, and Edward as they navigate dangerous and complex adventures in the universe. With a memorable jazz soundtrack and a mix of genres that includes action, drama, and science fiction, Cowboy Bebop is widely considered a masterpiece.

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The 90s were an extraordinary period for anime, producing series that not only defined the decade, but also deeply influenced global pop culture. From thrilling races in Initial D to bloody battles in Dragon Ball Z and the existential dilemmas of Neon Genesis Evangelion, each of these works left a mark in our memories.

If these animes had to be in order of quality, how would you rank them? Would you remove any from the list? Which ones are missing? Tell us in the comments!