5 Iconic ’90s Anime That Had Millennials in a Chokehold (#1 Still Does)

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The 1990s were a fantastic era for anime. While many series from that decade became beloved classics, five of them particularly captivated Millennials. Anime has become incredibly popular worldwide in recent years, but that wasn’t always the case. Back then, the huge international success of a movie like Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle would have been unimaginable. However, a few anime shows did break through and become global hits, especially with Millennials who grew up watching them.

A lot of people who first discovered anime in the early 2000s are still fans today, and they’ve helped make shows like Demon Slayer, Chainsaw Man, and Jujutsu Kaisen so popular. In fact, many longtime anime fans got into it thanks to iconic series from the 1990s – from exciting stories about alien fighters to a young boy’s journey to become a champion – and those shows sparked a lifelong love of the art form.

5) Dragon Ball Z

Dragon Ball Z first aired in Japan in 1989, but it didn’t reach U.S. audiences until 1996. Most of its nine seasons then played out throughout the 1990s, making it a defining show for Millennials. Those who grew up with the original Dragon Ball already had a connection to Goku’s story, while a new generation of kids discovered the adventure in the ’90s, drawn in by the exciting action and engaging characters. The show had a long run, and it clearly made a lasting impact. Today, the Dragon Ball franchise is still incredibly popular, attracting both new fans and those looking to relive their childhood memories.

4) Digimon Adventure

I still remember when Digimon Adventure first came out in 1999 – it was an instant hit! Everyone immediately started comparing it to Pokémon because of the monster-collecting and battling, but honestly, that just helped Digimon get noticed. What I really loved, though, was that Digimon felt different. The stories were often much more intense, with the characters fighting to defeat true villains instead of just chasing personal achievements. Plus, the Digimon could talk! That made the bonds between the characters so much stronger and more believable. It’s not surprising the series is still going strong today, even though those first seasons will always be my favorites.

3) Yu Yu Hakusho

Though Yu Yu Hakusho didn’t come to the U.S. until 2002, it originally aired in Japan from 1992 to 1995, making it a classic ’90s anime. Like other shows from that era, it had a distinct animation style and used many common anime tropes. The series immediately grabbed attention by killing off its main character, then quickly balanced humor and heartfelt moments to draw viewers in. It’s not surprising that Yu Yu Hakusho became so popular with Millennial fans—and if Netflix’s live-action version had been more successful, it might be enjoying another wave of popularity now.

2) Sailor Moon

Originally airing in Japan from 1992 to 1997, Sailor Moon quickly gained a dedicated following around the world, arriving in the U.S. in 1995. It especially resonated with millennial girls who were drawn into the world created from Naoko Takeuchi’s manga. The show offered a lot to love, featuring strong female characters, realistic school life, and captivating romantic storylines. Sailor Moon became a hugely influential magical girl anime, helping the genre gain significant popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s. While it remains a beloved nostalgic series for those who watched it as children, streaming services are now introducing it to new audiences.

1) Pokémon 

Pokémon exploded into a massive cultural trend in the 1990s and early 2000s, with its anime series, trading cards, and video games all becoming incredibly popular around the same time. Many Millennials grew up watching the TV show and loved following Ash’s journey to become a top trainer, as well as the comedic antics of Team Rocket trying to capture Pikachu. Even though the storylines weren’t usually high-stakes, Pokémon still created relatable and engaging characters. When more serious moments occurred, fans were completely captivated. Seeing the first Pokémon movie in theaters was a defining experience for many Millennials. The franchise continues to be a hit today, with many now sharing their love of Pokémon with a new generation.

If you enjoyed anime in the 1990s, tell us about your favorite show! Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum.

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2025-12-01 00:11