Every year brings many great anime, but the 1990s were a truly special time for the art form, across all kinds of genres. Whether it was just luck or the result of growing trends in the industry, one year in particular during the ’90s stands out as one of the very best for anime ever.
While 2006 and 2011 were strong years for anime, with hits like the Hunter x Hunter remake and Death Note still popular today, 1998 was arguably even more influential. That year saw the beginnings of some truly iconic anime series, including Cowboy Bebop and Blue Submarine No. 6, and many other classics we still remember.
Cowboy Bebop Plays By Its Own Rules
I’ve always found Shinichiro Watanabe’s Cowboy Bebop to be surprisingly deep – it’s been copied a lot, but rarely done as well. What really sets it apart is its consistent mood and feeling; it never loses its way. And while it might be simple to say so, comparing Cowboy Bebop to jazz feels completely natural, because jazz is woven into the very fabric of the show.
Cowboy Bebop is primarily a fast-paced, sci-fi action show, but it confidently mixes in elements from various genres like horror, westerns, and film noir, even throwing in some surreal, psychedelic moments. A well-done English dub adds to the show’s streamlined and effective style. While there have been efforts to recreate or continue the series, its unique charm is best left untouched – it’s a rare and special combination that’s hard to replicate.
Serial Experiments Lain Is the Definitive Tech Horror Anime of 1998
Serial Experiments Lain is a remarkably insightful anime that explores the internet, the strange connections we form with online personalities, and how our sense of self can change when we interact online. The anime follows Lain Iwakura as she slowly becomes involved in the ‘Wired’ – a virtual world – after receiving an email from a friend who recently passed away. Though it’s only 13 episodes long, this technologically-driven horror story delivers a powerful message, often saying more than many newer anime with much longer runs.
Serial Experiments Lain is a thought-provoking anime that uses striking and surreal visuals to mirror the main character’s psychological journey. It’s considered a landmark work of techno-horror and cyberpunk, and perfectly captures the feeling of the late 1990s.
Trigun Is a Brilliant Love Letter To Action, Westerns & Science Fiction
Vash the Stampede is a hugely popular anime character from the 1990s, famous for the massive 60 billion dollar bounty on his head. He’s easily recognized by his distinctive red trenchcoat, which complements his remarkable abilities. Despite being incredibly powerful, Vash chooses a peaceful path, valuing love and harmony above all else.
Despite being an older series, Trigun remains popular because of its strong themes and deeply flawed, compelling characters. The story features Vash facing off against over-the-top bounty hunters, leading to a sad conflict between brothers. Recently, Trigun has returned with a fresh take from Studio Orange – Trigun Stampede and Trigun Stargaze. While these new versions look fantastic, they don’t quite capture the over-the-top action, emotional character arcs, and memorable music of the original 1998 series.
Blue Submarine No. 6 Presents A Timely Story About Empathy & The Environment
Released in 1998 as a four-episode animated series, Blue Submarine No. 6 unexpectedly gained popularity worldwide after being shown on Cartoon Network’s Toonami block. Set in a future where rising sea levels have flooded most of the Earth, the series shares a concern for the environment similar to the films of Hayao Miyazaki.
When a desperate fight for survival erupts between humans and aquatic beings who are better adapted to a changing Earth, Blue Submarine No. 6 explores the conflict with understanding for both sides. The story thoughtfully examines the choices made, prompting viewers to consider how we can protect our planet and cooperate with one another.
Cardcaptor Sakura Is a Groundbreaking Magical Girl Anime Inspired By Sailor Moon
The magical girl genre really took off in the early 90s, with Sailor Moon leading the way in 1992. Cardcaptor Sakura, which premiered in 1998 and ran for 70 episodes until 2000, helped define the end of the decade. Building on what earlier shows had established, Cardcaptor Sakura became a complex and rewarding series for young female audiences.
While Cardcaptor Sakura uses familiar elements from magical girl stories – like missions, challenges, and character development – it also tries to surprise viewers and tackle more complex themes. With 70 episodes, the series offers a complete story that feels well-paced – it’s long enough to develop the plot fully without dragging on or including unnecessary content. Cardcaptor Sakura continues to inspire many shojo and magical girl shows today, but anyone new to the series should avoid the heavily altered English dub, known as Cardcaptors.
His and Her Circumstances Is an Offbeat Rom-Com With an Evangelion Twist
Often called Kare Kano, His and Her Circumstances is a unique romantic comedy that has influenced many similar stories about rivals falling in love. This particular story centers on the surprising romance between two high-achieving students who are used to competing for the top grades. The show is known for the incredibly charming connection between its main characters.
I’m a huge fan of this anime, especially knowing it’s directed by Hideaki Anno – the mind behind Neon Genesis Evangelion! It’s got that same wonderfully weird, experimental energy as the later parts of Evangelion, which really makes it memorable even now. Honestly, the sheer creativity in how the characters tackle their problems is unlike anything I’ve seen. If you love romantic comedies or you’re an Evangelion fan, you absolutely have to check out His and Her Circumstances!
Outlaw Star Perfectly Captures The ’90s Space Anime Vibe
Outlaw Star is a classic space western anime that draws inspiration from Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, reimagined in a futuristic space setting. The story follows Gene Starwind and his unique crew as they journey across the galaxy seeking the mythical “Galactic Leyline,” encountering various challenges like aliens, assassins, and androids. When it originally aired, however, Outlaw Star often suffered in comparison to the highly popular Cowboy Bebop.
Even though that might be the case, Outlaw Star has remained popular over the years and sets a high bar for space adventure anime that balances self-contained episodes with an overarching story. There’s growing appreciation for this type of anime, and it’s more than just fondness for the past. While Outlaw Star‘s formula might have felt familiar when it first came out in 1998, it now stands out as one of the best and most overlooked anime of that year.
Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz Meditates on Peace Through Mecha Warfare
While Gundam Wing did okay in Japan, it became a hit in North America largely because it aired on Cartoon Network’s Toonami. The series had 49 episodes and was continued with a three-part OVA in 1997. These OVA episodes were then combined and expanded into a movie, Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz – Special Edition, which was a major release in 1998.
While Gundam Wing explores many themes, the story doesn’t feel complete until Endless Waltz brings everything together. Endless Waltz – Special Edition gives Heero Yuy and the other Gundam pilots a final battle to prove their skills before their weapons are permanently dismantled. This special edition is full of thrilling action, thoughtful reflections on war, and surprisingly, a heartwarming Christmas story that has become a beloved winter tradition for many anime fans.
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2026-03-11 00:43