A Blast from the Past: Ranking the Best 90s Anime
The 90s were a golden age for anime, a time of groundbreaking stories, iconic characters, and unforgettable animation styles. From action-packed adventures to heartwarming slice-of-life tales, this decade left an undeniable mark on the medium.
As we revisit this nostalgic era, let's dive into a tier list, ranking some of the most influential and beloved 90s anime:
S Tier: The Crème de la Crème
- Neon Genesis Evangelion: This psychological masterpiece redefined mecha anime, exploring themes of trauma, isolation, and existentialism.
- Cowboy Bebop: A stylish space western with a captivating soundtrack, memorable characters, and a poignant story about searching for meaning in life.
- Dragon Ball Z: The undisputed king of shonen anime, featuring epic battles, power-ups, and an enduring legacy.
- Gundam Wing: This mecha anime captured hearts with its charismatic characters, engaging plot, and stunning animation.
- Rurouni Kenshin: A historical action-adventure series with a compelling protagonist, thrilling swordfights, and a thought-provoking exploration of violence.
A Tier: Still Standing Tall
- Sailor Moon: This magical girl series broke barriers with its strong female characters, empowering message, and enduring popularity.
- Yu Yu Hakusho: This supernatural shonen anime showcased a unique blend of humor, action, and heart.
- Ghost in the Shell: A cyberpunk classic that delves into philosophical questions about consciousness, technology, and the nature of humanity.
- Serial Experiments Lain: This mind-bending psychological thriller explores themes of identity, technology, and the internet in a haunting and surreal manner.
- Cardcaptor Sakura: A whimsical and charming magical girl series with a relatable protagonist and adorable magical creatures.
B Tier: Solid Choices
- Trigun: This space western anime features a charismatic gunslinger with a moral code, memorable characters, and a heartwarming message of peace.
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood: A story of alchemy, sacrifice, and redemption, with a complex plot, well-developed characters, and stunning animation.
- Monster: A psychological thriller with a gripping plot, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes about morality and the nature of evil.
- Inuyasha: This adventure series blends historical fantasy with a unique blend of action, romance, and comedy.
- Escaflowne: This mecha romance anime captures hearts with its stunning visuals, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes.
C Tier: Decent, but Not Memorable
- Tenchi Muyo!: A series with a large cast of characters, various subplots, and a somewhat inconsistent tone.
- Vision of Escaflowne: This mecha romance anime is visually stunning, but lacks the depth and complexity of other entries on this list.
- Slayers: This fantasy series features a powerful mage and her companions on a quest for adventure, but it can be repetitive at times.
D Tier: Not Recommended
- The Vision of Escaflowne: This anime has a strong beginning but fizzles out as the plot becomes repetitive and the characters less interesting.
- Outlaw Star: A space adventure series with a charismatic protagonist, but its plot can be convoluted and the pacing inconsistent.
This list is subjective and open to debate. The 90s anime landscape was vast and diverse, offering something for every taste. It's a testament to the creativity and influence of this era that these titles continue to be celebrated and enjoyed by fans worldwide.
What are your favorite 90s anime? Share your thoughts in the comments below!