10 Best ’90s Anime That Aren’t Shonen, Ranked: From Sailor Moon to Cowboy Bebop

In the ’90s, some highly acclaimed anime such as Dragon Ball Z, Yu Yu Hakusho, Slam Dunk, and the initial version of Hunter X Hunter stood out. These shows played a significant role in increasing the global appeal of shonen anime, becoming incredibly popular worldwide. However, it’s important to note that they weren’t necessarily the top anime of their time, and there were other series contributing to the growing popularity of anime outside Japan as well.

The ’90s marked a pivotal era for anime, with numerous series outside the shonen genre significantly influencing its evolution. Shows like “Cowboy Bebop” and “Neon Genesis Evangelion” stood shoulder to shoulder with the powerhouses of the shonen genre, if not surpassing them, and they represent just a fraction of the exceptional works produced during this time. Although these series might not be packed with non-stop action or boast the most advanced animation techniques, they remain compelling viewing experiences even today.

Sailor Moon is as Important to Anime History as Dragon Ball Z

As an observer, I find myself drawn to the enchanting world of Sailor Moon, despite its noticeable flaws. The animation may not always be smooth or consistent, and the storyline can sometimes feel formulaic and overly padded. However, it’s undeniable that this anime has left a profound impact on the genre, making it one of the most influential series ever created. Remarkably, its cast of characters is so charming and endearing that they manage to carry the series effortlessly, captivating viewers despite the narrative shortcomings.

In a simplified and conversational manner, Usagi Tsukino, our beloved protagonist in Sailor Moon, evolves significantly across four seasons, demonstrating that softness doesn’t equate to weakness. The ensemble of Sailor Guardians is adorable and endearing, with each character having a unique personality that makes them special. Fans often find themselves drawn to one or more of these characters, and the relationships and growth among the guardians are what keep viewers coming back for more, even during filler episodes. Additionally, Sailor Moon boasts some memorable villains and popularized almost every magical girl trope, making it a classic in the genre.

Berserk is a Brutal Dark Fantasy Like No Other

In a somewhat different yet straightforward phrase: Berserk may not fully emulate the depth of its manga version, but it magnificently brings to life the parts that it does adapt. This anime series delves into the backstory of Guts the Black Swordsman, his initial days as a mercenary, and offers a grimier and more dismal fantasy world compared to others during its era. The characters in Berserk are shaped by this harsh environment, and the narrative takes viewers on intriguing journeys to uncover their motivations. Despite being notoriously gruesome like Kentaro Miura’s manga, Berserk does not quite reach those levels of infamy.

Back in the day, I found myself utterly captivated by Berserk – a masterpiece that showcased some of the most intricately detailed animations for its time. The action was intense, with fight scenes so well-orchestrated, no ’90s anime could hold a candle to it, especially when it came to sword duels!

The emotional depth this series delved into was astounding; the bond between Guts and Griffith was nothing short of mesmerizing. And let me tell you, the ending left an indelible mark – it was downright chilling in its haunting beauty.

Slayers Takes Fans on a Hilarious and Fantastical Adventure

The ’90s saw anime primarily ruled by movies and OVAs, making many of the era’s prominent series endure till today. For instance, Slayers, though wildly popular during its initial broadcast, has seen a significant decline in popularity over the last 25 years. Regardless of the reasons behind this drop in appeal, it is clear that the series’ quality plays no part in this decline, as Slayers can undeniably be classified as a timeless blend of fantasy and comedy.

The Slayers series offers an amusing take, revolving around the teenage sorceress Lina Inverse, who hops from one escapade to another. While these adventures may be intense and captivating at times, they predominantly aim for humor, rarely missing their mark. Lina makes a delightful lead character, and the diverse cast of characters and settings she interacts with ensures that Slayers remains engaging and dynamic.

The Big O Makes Masterful Use of its Noir Theme

As the ’90s drew to a close, “The Big O” debuted, introducing a unique twist in the realm of mecha anime at that time. Blending colossal robots within a noir atmosphere might seem peculiar, but it’s a fusion that undeniably works. The series’ artistic and animated style perfectly embodies its intended aesthetic. The intriguing mysteries and intense mecha battles hold equal appeal, with both being further enhanced by the presence of the underestimated ’90s anime lead character, Roger Smith.

In “The Big O,” Roger, his android companion Dorothy, and their butler Norman embark on a series of mystery-solving adventures within Paradigm City, while simultaneously safeguarding the city from imminent threats that require the use of a colossal mecha. The camaraderie among the main characters is exceptional, the action sequences are thrilling, and each mystery unfolds in an intricate manner. Notably, “The Big O” received a second season during the 2000s primarily due to its popularity in the Western world. This continuation was made possible only because of Cartoon Network’s support.

Cardcaptor Sakura is the Best Traditional Shojo Anime of the ’90s

Cardcaptor Sakura stands out as a remarkable anime that unfortunately never got the recognition it deserved. Beyond being just a typical Saturday morning cartoon, this series is among the most sincere and emotionally resonant magical girl series ever created. Each character is captivating, their interactions are deeply developed, its plot is more intriguing than one might initially expect, its visuals are bright and visually appealing, and its music is among the best of its time.

Cardcaptor Sakura narrates the adventures of its titular protagonist, a young magical girl named Sakura, as she endeavors to retrieve a set of enigmatic and potentially perilous cards that she inadvertently unleashed upon the world. The series exudes an impeccable ambiance, characterized by an underlying optimism, with each installment proving entertaining, though not all contribute significantly to the development of the plot and characters. Cardcaptor Sakura skillfully adheres to traditional magical girl motifs while managing its romantic aspects deftly.

Now and Then, Here and There is Better Than Any Modern Isekai Anime

In a relatively short run of just thirteen episodes, “Now and Then, Here and There” is far from light-hearted. Unlike many contemporary isekai anime, this series delves deeply into heavy themes as it chronicles Shu Matsutani’s quest to safeguard Lala-Ru and rescue the nightmarish realm he’s been transferred to. While not flawless, the show generally handles its sensitive topics with skill, ultimately conveying a hopeful message.

In the animated series “Now and Then, Here and There,” the characters may seem straightforward, but their emotional interactions are frequent and intense, creating a palpable dramatic tension throughout. While its action and animation might not be top-notch, they manage to get the job done effectively. The most intense scenes are elevated by exceptional direction. Though the series’ pacing could have been improved with more episodes, given how challenging some of its darkest moments can be to endure, it’s likely for the best that “Now and Then, Here and There” maintains a concise narrative.

Neon Genesis Evangelion Shaped the Future of Anime

Few words can do justice to the acclaimed anime series, Neon Genesis Evangelion, that haven’t already been expressed. Despite being not the first mecha anime to delve into mature themes or even the first anime overall (contrary to some misconceptions), its profoundness and artistic merit distinguish it from all its predecessors, leaving an indelible mark on the entire anime genre. Its animation and direction remain exceptional even by today’s standards, its action is awe-inspiring, and as the series progresses, it becomes increasingly dreamlike and surreal in the most fantastic way possible.

Neon Genesis Evangelion revolves around Shinji Ikari, a teenage boy who’s compelled by his harsh father to operate Eva-01, a powerful robot, and engage in intense battles against mysterious creatures known as angels. Although the initial episodes might not be as thought-provoking as the series later becomes, Neon Genesis Evangelion remains an exceptional mecha anime with a compelling cast, deep themes, and imaginative visuals. Its conclusion has often sparked debate, but for those who don’t find it satisfactory, the 90s also witnessed the launch of ‘The End of Evangelion’, a remarkable film that strikes a balance between being grimly dark and surprisingly optimistic.

Serial Experiments Lain is the Most Atmospheric Anime of its Time

Serial Experiments Lain isn’t a typical anime that gives itself up easily upon first viewing. Instead, it’s a thought-provoking psychological horror series that delves deep into the intricate bond between humans and technology. It thrives on the bizarre and unsettling, aiming to unnerve its viewers as much as possible. Although it can be puzzling, complicated, and downright disturbing at times, the effort put into understanding it is rewarded with a captivating watch, thanks to its masterful direction that keeps you fully engrossed.

The anime titled “Serial Experiments Lain” delves into the journey of its protagonist as she gets entangled in a digital universe called “The Wired.” Mysterious and unsettling events swirl around her, leaving both her and viewers questioning reality. The show skillfully immerses spectators in Lain’s perspective by using visuals that are intentionally shocking and thought-provoking. The plot is well-crafted, with all mysteries eventually being explained satisfactorily. Its conclusion may be tragic, but it feels fitting.

Cowboy Bebop is the Greatest Anime Among the Many Sci-Fi Hits from the ’90s

One of the most conveniently watchable anime produced, Cowboy Bebop offers everything a spectator might desire. This sci-fi Western centered around a team of space bounty hunters boasts an unforgettable ensemble of endearing misfits, boasts exceptional animation and direction, particularly during action scenes, showcases remarkable world-building, and masterfully blends its dramatic and humorous aspects. Given its largely standalone episodes, it’s simple to appreciate each installment for its individual storylines.

The entirety of “Cowboy Bebop” is well-executed, with its captivating narrative threaded throughout the 26 episodes. However, the standout feature is undeniably the camaraderie among the Bebop Crew. It’s fortunate that the series chose not to extend beyond its prime, but one can easily envision a multi-episode anime centered around Spike, Faye, Jet, and Ed, where their dynamic interactions would never cease to be engaging.

Revolutionary Girl Utena Stands Among the Greatest Anime Ever Made

In the ’90s, Revolutionary Girl Utena undoubtedly takes the crown as the most exceptional television anime, particularly within the shojo genre. Similarly to how Neon Genesis Evangelion revolutionized mecha anime, Utena offers a surreal masterpiece that dismantles traditional tropes while keeping a heart-wrenching narrative at its core. The character development in this series is unparalleled, and the use of visual symbolism and metaphors is nothing short of genius. Moreover, the queer love story woven throughout the plot is not only trailblazing but also ranks among the greatest in the medium.

The animated series titled “Revolutionary Girl Utena” centers around its title character, Utena. She finds herself involved in a fencing competition aimed at claiming possession of Anthy Himemiya, the Rose Bride. Utena forms a bond with Anthy and vows to save her. As the story unfolds across three acts, it becomes clear that things are not as they first appear. The show delves into profound topics related to its main themes: adolescence, gender identity, and sexuality. The conclusion of “Utena” is one of the most impactful in anime history, and it was beautifully wrapped up with a thematic conclusion in the 1999 film titled “Adolescence of Utena“.

2025-07-05 18:42