10 Perfect 1990s Anime Masterpieces No One Remembers

Anime is more popular and widely enjoyed now than ever before, but many fans still consider the 1990s its peak. Numerous beloved series from that decade not only drew a whole generation into anime, but continue to attract new viewers discovering the art form’s history.

The 1990s produced many iconic anime like Neon Genesis Evangelion and Ghost in the Shell. But while those titles remain popular, a lot of other great anime from that decade have been largely forgotten, remembered only by dedicated fans. These shows may not be famous, but they absolutely deserve more recognition from the anime community.

Puppet Master Sakon Is a Thrilling Mystery Anime With an Unexpected Twist

I’m a huge fan of ’90s anime mysteries, and while there are a lot of great ones, there’s this amazing show called Puppet Master Sakon that I feel like hardly anyone talks about! It’s seriously spooky and keeps you on the edge of your seat, a really gripping murder mystery. What makes it so cool is the main character – they have this really unique ability that’s totally unexpected given the dark, suspenseful vibe of the whole thing.

Sakon isn’t just a brilliant detective – he’s also incredibly skilled at traditional Japanese puppet theater and ventriloquism. He often works with Ukon, one of his puppets, who is loud, playful, and a complete contrast to Sakon’s quiet personality. Together, they solve complex murder mysteries all over Japan. Puppet Master Sakon is a unique and captivating anime that consistently surprises its audience, making it a standout, though often overlooked, series.

All Purpose Cultural Cat Girl Nuku Nuku Is Pure Entertainment

As you might expect from its unusual title, All Purpose Cultural Cat Girl Nuku Nuku has a very strange story. The main character, Atsuko “Nuku Nuku” Natsume, is a unique creation: she’s a teenage android body inhabited by the brain of a cat. Her creator, a brilliant inventor, built her both as a bodyguard against his wife’s company and as a way to bring his beloved pet back to life, essentially gaining a new family member.

All Purpose Cultural Cat Girl Nuku Nuku is a quirky story about a robotic girl who thinks like a cat and is learning to live among humans. She’s determined to protect the family she’s found, and while the series has a sci-fi setting, it’s mostly known for its wild, hilarious comedy—which is still funny even decades later.

Martian Successor Nadesico Aged Well But Faded Into Obscurity

Once a hugely popular show, Martian Successor Nadesico is now a ’90s cult classic that really captures the spirit of its time. The series follows the quirky crew of the Nadesico spaceship and cleverly mixes comedy, drama, romance, and giant robot action while playfully mocking common anime clichés of the era.

Martian Successor Nadesico playfully spoofs the serious giant robot shows popular in the 80s and early 90s, but it still manages to tell a genuinely engaging story with plenty of humor. Unfortunately, because the style of mecha shows it’s making fun of isn’t as popular anymore, many fans haven’t rediscovered this classic anime.

The Irresponsible Captain Tylor Stars Anime’s Funniest Sci-Fi Hero

Many sci-fi parodies emerged during the height of serious, grandiose space operas. However, instead of playing into the genre’s dramatic tone, this series focuses on the unlikely adventures of Tylor, a carefree and immature man who accidentally becomes a spaceship captain – hardly the typical sci-fi hero.

I’ve noticed that despite how cheerful Tylor always seems, his most defining trait is just unbelievable luck – you could even call it a curse sometimes. He keeps stumbling out of incredibly dangerous situations without a scratch, and it’s actually what propels him forward throughout the story. It leads to a lot of funny moments, especially because the show is usually a pretty serious space opera.

Armitage III Brings Back the Feel of Gritty ‘80s Anime OVAs

The OVA (Original Video Animation) format was popular in the 1980s and continued to be in the 1990s, coinciding with a strong public interest in cyberpunk stories. Though not as famous as titles like Ghost in the Shell, Armitage III remains a standout sci-fi OVA, successfully capturing the gritty and compelling atmosphere of earlier classics.

Set on a futuristic Mars, Armitage III centers around detective Ross Sylibus and his android partner, Naomi Armitage, as they investigate the serial killings of highly advanced female robots known as Thirds. With a captivating neo-noir style and a compelling mystery, Armitage III blends classic anime experimentation with a modern sensibility, making it feel both nostalgic and innovative.

Key the Metal Idol Is a Unique Sci-Fi Anime That Was Way Ahead of Its Time

I’m a huge fan of quirky ’90s sci-fi, and Key the Metal Idol is a total gem! It starts with this really sweet idea: Tokiko, nicknamed ‘Key,’ is a robot built by her grandfather, who believed she could become a real girl if she made thirty thousand friends. So, naturally, she decides the best way to do that is to become a pop idol! It’s such a fun and unique setup.

Though the show starts with a lighthearted idea, it quickly becomes a thoughtful and complicated story, deeply exploring what it means to be human and find yourself. Key the Metal Idol is unusual and sometimes disturbing, but it isn’t afraid to be weird and unconventional. This experimental approach actually gives it a lasting appeal.

Those Who Hunt Elves Parodied Isekai Long Before the Genre Went Mainstream

You might think stories about being transported to another world, or ‘isekai,’ are a recent anime thing, but surprisingly, one of the genre’s most hilarious takes actually came out decades before the current boom. I recently came across Those Who Hunt Elves, and it’s about three really oddball characters who somehow end up stuck in a typical fantasy world. Their only way home? They need to collect pieces of a spell, and the catch is, each piece is tattooed onto a different elf!

The show Those Who Hunt Elves follows a group who travel a fantastical world in a massive tank, playfully causing trouble with the elves they meet as they search for pieces of a spell. It’s a lighthearted and silly show that doesn’t take itself seriously, and that’s precisely what makes it so fun to watch.

Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water Is a Forgotten Masterpiece Linked to Evangelion

Before creating the groundbreaking anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion, Hideaki Anno directed Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water. Inspired by Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Nadia is a captivating blend of steampunk and traditional fantasy adventure, subtly infused with Anno’s characteristic dark themes.

Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water is a truly captivating show that beautifully portrays the excitement of adventure, with a memorable visual style and characters you’ll quickly fall in love with. While it feels light and fun, the series also thoughtfully explores serious themes like the negative impact of colonialism, the risks of unchecked technology, and the devastation caused by war. Don’t let its cheerful tone fool you – this show has real depth.

The File of Young Kindaichi Is a Must-Watch Mystery For Anime Fans

I’m a huge mystery fan, and when I think back to the ’90s, Detective Conan always comes to mind – it was the big hit! But you know what? Just a year after Conan burst onto the scene, another amazing teen detective showed up: The File of Young Kindaichi. It really was a fascinating introduction to a whole new series!

The main character of this series seems laid-back and easygoing, but he’s actually incredibly intelligent and consistently solves even the most difficult mysteries. Despite having almost 150 episodes, The File of Young Kindaichi remains consistently engaging. It stands out as a long-running show that avoids repetition, offering fresh, captivating stories and original puzzles in every case.

Dear Brother Is a Quintessential Shoujo Drama with a Dark Edge

Although shoujo anime is often known for its sweet and heartwarming stories, this genre has also created some incredibly powerful and surprisingly dark anime for many years. Dear Brother is a prime example of shoujo anime that really pushes the limits and explores challenging themes.

Dear Brother tells the story of Nanako Misonoo, a sweet and innocent transfer student who finds herself at the harsh and unforgiving Seiran Academy for girls. This anime is a powerful and unsettling drama that dives into the troubled side of teenage friendships and relationships. It doesn’t shy away from difficult topics like drug use and suicide, presenting them with raw honesty and emotional impact.

2026-02-14 01:44