5 ’90s Anime Movies That Absolutely Deserve Modern Reboots

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The 1990s were a time of bold experimentation for anime, a period where creators had a lot of freedom to try new things. Before studios started focusing more on committees and safe bets, anime really took risks. While titles like *Ghost in the Shell* and *Princess Mononoke* became famous and well-respected, many other groundbreaking shows from that era haven’t gotten the recognition they deserve, even though they heavily influenced directors like Christopher Nolan and Darren Aronofsky.

These movies came out during a short, exciting period for anime, when international fans were starting to notice it but before everything became about big, popular series. The best candidates for remakes aren’t necessarily the films that were already hits, but those with original ideas that were held back by the technology available at the time. What really sets these films apart is not just their ambition, but their respect for viewers – they presented complex stories without oversimplifying things or preaching a message. This approach feels especially welcome now, when so much entertainment seems designed to appeal to algorithms rather than genuine creativity.

5. Ocean Waves 

Studio Ghibli’s *Ocean Waves* is a beautifully subtle film about the emotional complexities of high school. It follows Taku, a student in a peaceful coastal town, as the arrival of a new transfer student, Rikako, shakes up his friendships and brings hidden feelings to the surface. The real drama isn’t obvious, but lies in the unspoken tensions and quiet struggles between three friends.

This film offers a realistic look at teenage life, first love, and the challenges of growing up – a departure from the fantastical worlds of Studio Ghibli. The story unfolds mostly through memories shared at a high school reunion, making it a quiet and observant coming-of-age tale. A remake of *Ocean Waves* is much needed, as its quiet beauty hasn’t received the attention it deserves compared to Ghibli’s more famous films like *Spirited Away*. With today’s digitally connected young people, the story’s themes of misunderstanding and yearning would resonate even more deeply.

4. Ninja Scroll

I was absolutely blown away by this movie when it first came out! It really exploded onto the international scene and quickly became one of those defining anime films of the 90s, right up there with classics like *Akira* and *Ghost in the Shell*. The story is incredible – it’s set in old feudal Japan and follows Jubei Kibagami, this awesome wandering swordsman, who gets caught up in a dangerous plot involving the Eight Devils of Kimon – a seriously powerful group of warriors with some seriously freaky supernatural powers.

Jubei finds himself allied with Kagero, a ninja who uses poison, and Dakuan, a cunning government spy. Together, they must expose a dangerous conspiracy while Jubei also battles with painful memories from his past. Ninja Scroll is famous for its stunning visuals and thrilling action, offering a raw and powerful story of loyalty and deception. With a careful remake, it could once again be a landmark adult anime – maintaining its intensity but with a more intelligent and respectful approach.

3. Roujin Z

Released in 1991, Roujin Z is a funny and thought-provoking anime that looks at what can happen when technology goes wrong. Written by Katsuhiro Otomo (known for Akira), the story centers on a futuristic hospital bed, the Z-001, created to help care for Japan’s growing elderly population. When assigned to an old man named Kijuro Takazawa, the bed starts to malfunction and goes on a wild, destructive journey through the city with him still in it.

The original work’s warnings about relying on robots for elderly care seem especially important now. While the animation world is full of fantasy, bringing back *Roujin Z* could spark a vital discussion about how we care for our elderly and vulnerable when technology and business goals come into play.

2. Memories

Released in 1995, *Memories* is a sci-fi anime anthology featuring three distinct and thought-provoking stories. Each segment is directed by a renowned anime filmmaker – Katsuhiro Otomo (*Akira*), Koji Morimoto, and Tensai Okamura – offering a diverse range of narratives that expanded the possibilities of the medium.

I recently watched *Memories*, and I was really struck by the three stories within it. “Magnetic Rose” felt like a beautiful, sad story about lost love and how people can get consumed by the past. Then there was “Stink Bomb,” which was surprisingly funny but also disturbing – it followed a man dealing with a really bizarre and dangerous situation. Finally, “Cannon Fodder” presented a bleak, almost frightening vision of a world constantly at war. What connected all three, I realized, was how they showed the damaging side of what we want and how we feel. I think *Memories* is a film worth revisiting because each story offers a really insightful look at how we interact with technology, but from completely different angles.

1. Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade

In times of societal fear, those in power often create scapegoats. The 1999 anime film, *Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade*, tells the story of these enforcers grappling with their own humanity, only to have it repeatedly stripped away. The film centers on Kazuki Fuse, a member of a special police unit in a reimagined post-World War II Japan. After hesitating during a suicide bombing, he becomes entangled with the bomber’s sister, Kei, and their forbidden connection tests his allegiance to his unit, known as the ‘wolf brigade’.

This film is ripe for a remake because its ideas about government spying, political control, and the mental effects of heavily armed police are incredibly timely. The original script by Mamoru Oshii (brought to life by director Hiroyuki Okiura) built a complex world where right and wrong aren’t clear, and it would look stunning with today’s visual effects. Plus, it thoughtfully explores violence in a way that’s missing from many anime series now.

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2025-10-19 00:13