Even though the modern anime industry keeps evolving, there’s something undeniably unique and nostalgic about the 1990s anime series. It’s not just the aesthetic appeal and the slightly grainy visuals, but the exceptional stories these older anime series and films offer are rarely seen these days. Stories tend to be more unique at the time without the oversaturation of tropes that are seen in most anime today. It goes without saying that the 1990s were a revolutionary era for the anime industry, where Japanese pop culture was connected to the international audience. It paved the way for the medium’s phenomenal success that we witness now.
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Several anime series were broadcast on television, including all-time classics such as Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon, and many more. Although these titles dominate the anime industry even to this day, the 1990s decade saw a great number of incredible but cult classics that never became mainstream hits.
5) Serial Experiments Lain
Serial Experiments Lain is one of the most mind-bending psychological thrillers of all time that became somewhat of a cult classic after it was premiered in 1998. Known for its gruesome, thought-provoking elements, this award-winning anime leaves a lasting impact on viewers in just 13 episodes. Based on an original story, the series reached a proper conclusion and never needed a sequel, which makes it a perfect binge-worthy watch for viewers. The story blurs the line between reality and the virtual world as it explores relevant themes of the age of digital life that was way ahead of its time.
Lain Iwakura, an introverted fourteen-year-old and one of the many girls from her school who receives a disturbing email from her classmate Chisa Yomoda. However, the girl recently committed suicide, making the entire situation seem like a sick prank. Although the email was suspicious, Lain still opened it. However, she never expected she would be teleported into a virtual world of communication known as the Wired, where she begins to encounter one horrifying mystery after another.
4) Outlaw Star
Space western anime were all the rage in the 1990s, and this theme is appreciated even to this day, as witnessed by the huge popularity of Cowboy Bebop. Unfortunately, Outlaw Star didn’t stand the test of time even though both series were released in the same year. While Outlaw Star is more or less forgotten among new anime fans, it still has a small but dedicated fanbase. However, this underrated gem was once one of the most popular space anime, loved for its intriguing adventure with a blend of fun and space exploration.
The story follows a young man, Gene Starwing, who always dreamed of piloting his own ship across the galaxy, but has been stuck doing odd jobs with his partner James Hawking. The duo’s life takes a drastic turn after accepting a job from Rachel Sweet, who turns out to be a treasure-hunting outlaw. While Gene and James are only tasked with protecting Melina, a mysterious girl, they soon get entangled in more dangers than they bargained for.
3) Now and Then, Here and There
This 1999 original sci-fi fantasy series is one of the darkest and most haunting anime of all time. It pushes emotional boundaries and portrays the themes of war and tragedy. The story follows Shuu (Shuuzo Matsutani), an ordinary boy with a passion for kendo, who encounters a blue-haired girl named Lala-Ru, who wears a strange pendant. Just when he approached her while hoping to befriend her, he witnessed a woman accompanied by two serpentine machines attempting to capture Lala-Ru.
Having a strong sense of justice, Shuu attempts to save the girl, only to realize he has been transported into a desert world, much more dreary than the place he comes from. However, despite being thrown into a dying, unknown world, Shuu doesn’t give up on protecting Lala-Ru, regardless of the challenges the cruel world throws at him. During his journey, he experiences the true horrors of war, including torture and hunger, as he continues to hold on to his unwavering compassion and determination.
2) GTO: Great Teacher Onizuka
The beloved Shonen series centers around Eikichi Onizuka, a 22-year-old ex-gang member who sets out to become a teacher to be popular with schoolgirls. While he begins his teaching career for the wrong reasons, he soon develops a conscience and does everything he can to help his students. As the story continues, he learns more about each of the students and the problems they face, including bullying, suicidal attempts, sexual harassment, and more.
With his unconventional but effective methods, he supports his students and tries to make school as enjoyable for them as he possibly can. Although the series is technically a Shonen, it comes off more as a Seinen thanks to its mature themes. The series deals with sensitive topics like grooming, bullying, and depression as the protagonist tries to bring his class of troubled teens around. Additionally, GTO: Great Teacher Onizuka also tells an inspiring story of redemption that can’t be overlooked. The anime never adapted the full manga due to its popularity, even if it gained a bit of attention years after its premiere in 1999
1) Orphen
Orphen is a hidden gem among action fantasies and deserves a chance even if it didn’t reach the level of fame it deserved. Based on Yoshinobu Akita’s light novel, the anime only released two seasons during the 1990s. The story takes place six years after a major accident took place in a prestigious magic school called the Tower of Fang. During the incident, a magic user named Azalie was unable to control the magical sword’s power and transformed into a great dragon. Since Azalie was more or less abandoned by the Tower of Fang, Krilancelo, a young magician, decided to do everything he could to save her.
Knowing that the elders at the tower wouldn’t help him, Krilancelo abandoned his given name and declared himself Orphen before embarking on a journey to find a way to save Azalie. While the story kicks off on a serious note, it’s full of hilarious moments as Orphen embarks on his journey and meets new people along the way.
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