10 Fantastic Forgotten Anime From the 1990s

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The 1990s represent a golden age for traditional, hand-drawn animation. Visionary directors like Satoshi Kon and Mamoru Oshii explored complex, thought-provoking themes in films like *Perfect Blue* and *Ghost in the Shell*. At the same time, television animation wasn’t afraid to experiment with unusual storytelling and darker, more challenging content, as seen in shows like *Neon Genesis Evangelion*.

I think what really set 90s anime apart was its incredible variety and willingness to *try* things. You had everything – truly prestigious films like *Princess Mononoke* breaking records, super stylish shows like *Cowboy Bebop* that blended genres in a really cool way – noir, jazz, sci-fi western… it was amazing! And then there were those weird, experimental shows like *Serial Experiments Lain* that tapped into this early internet feeling of unease. Modern anime is definitely bigger and more polished, but the 90s just *felt* different. It felt like every project was a kind of experiment, a test of what anime could be. Even the more obscure shows from that era still have this raw energy and a sense of ambition that I really appreciate.

10. Jungle Emperor Leo

Released in 1997, *Jungle Emperor Leo* is a fresh take on Osamu Tezuka’s beloved *Kimba the White Lion*. The series centers on Leo, a wise and regal white lion who leads the jungle. However, his peaceful reign is threatened by humans seeking to plunder the jungle’s resources, forcing Leo to fight to preserve his home. If you enjoyed films like *The Lion King* (and are aware of the similarities between the two stories) or anime like *Princess Mononoke*, you’ll likely appreciate this adventure.

9. Ninku

Ninku is a classic martial arts anime from the 90s that didn’t get much attention in the West, but it’s really worth checking out. The story centers on Fuusuke, the sole remaining member of the powerful Ninku warriors. Once celebrated during a great war, the Ninku were later falsely accused of wrongdoing and forced into hiding. Now, Fuusuke travels the land to find his former teammates and restore their honor, facing off against bounty hunters and enemies from their past. And, adding to the fun, he’s accompanied by his pet penguin, Hiroyuki – a surprisingly random but charming sidekick!

8. Silent Mobius

Silent Möbius is a fantastic example of 90s cyberpunk anime. The story takes place in a futuristic Tokyo and centers around the AMP, an all-female police unit that fights strange creatures called Lucifer Hawks. The show perfectly captures the cyberpunk look and feel – think huge buildings, broken technology, and a blend of spirituality and technology. What’s especially notable for its time is that the series focuses on complex, well-developed female characters, and isn’t just about appealing to fans. While it may not be as famous as other cyberpunk classics like Akira or Ghost in the Shell, it’s just as creatively ambitious.

7. Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water 

Inspired by Jules Verne’s *20,000 Leagues Under the Sea*, *Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water* tells a unique story. The series, set in the late 1800s, follows Nadia, a girl with a mysterious magical pendant called the Blue Water, and Jean, a young inventor. Together, they embark on a worldwide adventure with Captain Nemo, his submarine the Nautilus, and the lost civilization of Atlantis.

Captain Nemo is a compelling and layered father figure in anime, and the crew of the Nautilus feels like a true, heartwarming found family. The animation remains impressive, particularly the exciting action scenes that helped establish Hideaki Anno’s reputation, and the creature designs clearly show the early influence of Hayao Miyazaki, who contributed concept work before the project moved to Gainax.

6. El-Hazard: The Magnificent World

Okay, seriously, if you love isekai, you *need* to check out *El-Hazard: The Magnificent World*. It’s from the 90s, so it basically *defined* the genre before anyone even had a name for it! The story kicks off when Makoto Mizuhara, along with his crush Nanami, their teacher, and his rival Jinnai, all get magically transported to this incredible fantasy world. It’s hilarious because everyone gets awesome powers… except Jinnai! He can only talk to giant bugs, but honestly, he *rocks* it, becoming their evil leader! To top it all off, Makoto has to pretend to *be* a missing princess because he looks just like her, and the resulting chaos is just brilliant. It’s a total classic!

5. Princess Nine

Princess Nine is a heartwarming sports drama from the late 90s that follows a high school girls’ baseball team determined to compete in Japan’s national tournament, traditionally a boys’ event. It’s a story about overcoming obstacles, pursuing your passions, and showing that girls can be just as skilled and competitive as boys. If you enjoy inspiring underdog stories with characters you can connect with and plenty of emotional moments, this is definitely worth checking out. At just 26 episodes, it’s a relatively short and easy-to-watch anime compared to some longer sports series.

4. Blue Seed

If you enjoy monster-themed horror with a touch of romance, Blue Seed is a nostalgic treat. The story centers on Momiji Fujimiya, an ordinary high school student who learns she’s destined to be a sacrifice to appease the Aragami – monstrous plant creatures attempting to take back Japan. Instead of accepting this fate, she joins the Terrestrial Administration Center (TAC) to fight them. Protecting her is Mamoru Kusanagi, a half-Aragami boy who starts out wanting to kill her but gradually falls for her – a classic 90s trope! Momiji later discovers she has her own powers, thanks to a magical bead called the “blue seed” implanted in her chest.

3. The Big O

The Big O is a stylish, futuristic mystery set in Paradigm City. Forty years ago, everyone in the city lost their memories, but life went on. The story centers on Roger Smith, a detective who handles problems for the wealthy, and secretly pilots a giant black robot called Big O. With help from his android assistant Dorothy and his butler Norman, Roger unravels the secrets of a city where memories are prized, and colossal robot fights are strangely unusual yet happen occasionally.

With each case, the hero uncovers more about his lost memories, along with details about powerful robots called Megadeuses and the unsettling history of Paradigm City. The show was originally planned to have more episodes, but it was cut short, leaving many plot points unresolved. Season 2, which Cartoon Network helped fund, provides some answers but also introduces new mysteries, and the series finale remains a controversial topic among fans.

2. Puppet Master Sakon

Puppet Master Sakon is a unique and captivating series that blends classic Japanese puppetry with intriguing murder mysteries. The story centers on Sakon Tachibana, a skilled Bunraku puppeteer, who unexpectedly finds himself involved in criminal investigations. His expertise in puppetry gives him a special understanding of people’s motivations and the hidden forces that drive criminals. Each case not only involves solving a mystery but also offers a glimpse into Japanese culture, art, and traditions as Sakon unravels the truth.

1. Key the Metal Idol

Key the Metal Idol is a science fiction story that explores some dark and thought-provoking themes. It centers on Tokiko “Key” Mima, a shy girl who genuinely believes she’s a robot. Her late grandfather, a scientist, instilled this belief and programmed her with a unique challenge: to become truly human, she needs to make 30,000 friends. To achieve this, she moves to Tokyo and tries to become a popular idol.

The story shifts to a darker path when the protagonist’s travels become complicated by individuals pursuing their own self-interests. If you enjoy anime that respects your intelligence and isn’t afraid to explore challenging and thought-provoking themes, then *Key the Metal Idol* is definitely worth checking out.

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2025-10-10 19:45