Buzz
The final chapter of the Neon Genesis Evangelion 'Rebuild' saga, Evangelion: 3.0 + 1.01 Thrice Upon a Time, has arrived on Amazon Prime, introducing the series' intense mix of giant robot action and deep emotional turmoil to a new generation, while also re-opening old wounds for those who had begun to heal from its original impact.
Another beloved '90s anime, basketball-themed Slam Dunk, is getting a new film release next year. With the '90s anime revival underway (and many of these shows continuing to thrive), it's the perfect moment to revisit some of the defining series of the decade that helped solidify anime's popularity with American audiences.
Dragon Ball Z (1989 — 1996)
The original Dragon Ball series had an incredible run in the '80s (153 episodes is no small feat), but for many, it was the '90s adventures of an older Goku that truly captured their attention. This franchise is one of the biggest in anime (or television, period), but Dragon Ball Z remains the core of it all.
Where to stream: Funimation
Ranma 1/2 (1989 — 1992)
While its connection to modern conversations about gender fluidity is unclear, Ranma 1/2 is definitely worth revisiting—a series about a male character who undergoes a gender change simply by splashing hot or cold water on himself.
Where to stream: Hulu
Cowboy Bebop (1998 — 1999)
Fusing elements of westerns, noir, and crime dramas, Cowboy Bebop stands as one of the greatest anime of all time, featuring a stellar soundtrack that adds to its legendary status.
Where to stream: Hulu, Funimation
Sailor Moon (1992 — 1997)
In a genre often dominated by clichés, Sailor Moon stood out by telling action-packed tales of powerful yet complex young women, whose supportive friendships made them even more compelling. Originally intended to run for just six months, the show became an unexpected mega-hit, continuing for five years—and beyond.
Where to stream: Hulu, Funimation
Hunter x Hunter (1999 — 2001)
While the 2011 reboot is impressive, the 1999 OVA series remains one of the most iconic shōnen anime, featuring surprisingly dark twists and complex storytelling.
Where to stream: HBO Max, Netflix, Hulu, Funimation
Martian Successor Nadesico (1996 — 1999)
Akito loves mecha anime, but he’s content to simply enjoy the adventures from a distance—until he's transported from Mars to Earth and is unexpectedly recruited to join a quirky crew aboard a massive battleship in the midst of war.
Where to stream: Funimation, Crunchyroll
Slam Dunk (1993 — 1996)
The iconic sports anime of the '90s, Slam Dunk, is getting a reboot movie next year, making it the perfect time to revisit the series that played a major role in popularizing basketball in Japan.
Where to stream: Crunchyroll
Slayers (1995 — 1997)
Although American audiences might not have discovered Slayers until it aired in the early 2000s, this fantasy anime, reminiscent of Dungeons & Dragons, remains a captivating and fun all-ages adventure.
Where to stream: Hulu, Funimation
Mobile Suit Gundam Wing (1996)
Like with Dragon Ball, there were several other series before Wing, but this particular one, set in the post-colony era, resonated deeply with American audiences, becoming one of the most popular mecha series in the U.S.
Where to stream: Hulu, Crunchyroll
GTO: Great Teacher Onizuka (1999 — 2000)
A former biker turned teacher reveals a softer side, despite being involved in some rather inappropriate relationships with younger women. Nonetheless, this series blends humor with unexpected heartwarming moments.
Where to stream: Crunchyroll, Tubi
Yu Yu Hakusho (1992 — 1995)
A rebellious teen becomes a detective in the afterlife, embarking on shōnen-style adventures that lead to an unforgettable tournament arc. The series is also known for its epic opening theme.
Where to stream: Hulu, Funimation, Tubi
Key the Metal Idol (1994 — 1996)
Taking a darker and more introspective turn, Key the Metal Idol follows a young robot girl who discovers she can become human—but only if she manages to make 30,000 friends. While this premise may seem downright terrifying in the age of COVID, the show explores complex themes of identity and fame in a deeply thought-provoking way.
Where to stream: Crunchyroll, AsianCrush, Tubi
Pokémon (1997 — present)
Rewatching over 1,000 episodes of Pokémon might be a bit much, but revisiting the original Indigo League series is definitely doable. These early episodes sparked a worldwide phenomenon that continues to thrive, and it's worth going back to where it all began.
Where to stream: Netflix
Initial D (1998 — 2000)
While it may not have the same widespread recognition as some of anime's major titles, Initial D has shown remarkable staying power, inspiring multiple series, an animated film franchise, and even a live-action adaptation. While the manga and anime predating The Fast and the Furious makes it hard to draw comparisons, both series center around street racing, though Initial D's races are more often on perilous mountain roads rather than bustling city streets.
Where to stream: Hulu, Funimation
Serial Experiments Lain (1998)
A word of caution before diving into Serial Experiments Lain, as its story is driven by an email from a classmate who recently took her own life. This message sets the protagonist, Lain, on a journey to find her deceased friend in a strange, photo-realistic online world. The series offers sharp commentary on our increasingly connected digital lives, paired with haunting and thought-provoking visuals.
Where to stream: Funimation
Trigun (1998)
Though Trigun didn't make a huge impact in Japan, it found success when aired on Adult Swim in the early 2000s. Set on a planet called “Gunsmoke,” this western-inspired anime quickly gained a fanbase. While there is a subsequent movie, the 26-episode series wraps up its story quite effectively, providing a complete and satisfying experience.
Where to stream: Hulu, Funimation
Fushigi Yuugi (1996 — 1998)
High schoolers Yui Hongo and Miaka Yuki are swept into the pages of a book set in a fantastical version of ancient China, where they unexpectedly find themselves as the story's antagonists. This early and defining example of the now-popular isekai genre, which involves characters being transported to alternate worlds, is also known as 'Curious Play'—a title that might make it sound racier than it actually is.
Where to stream: Peacock, Crunchyroll
Blue Submarine No. 6 (1998 — 2000)
In a flooded post-apocalyptic world, where the oceans have taken over thanks to the reckless actions of a mad scientist, submarines are humanity's last line of defense against Zorndyke and his mutated creatures. With the climate catastrophe feeling eerily relevant today, this compact four-episode series packs a punch.
Where to stream: Crunchyroll, The Roku Channel, Tubi
Outlaw Star (1998)
A mix of comedy and drama, this series follows a group of misfit adventurers chasing treasure across a perilous, western-inspired galaxy filled with danger and space pirates. Though often compared to Cowboy Bebop, Outlaw Star stands apart with its more serialized approach to storytelling.
Where to stream: Hulu, Funimation
Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995 — 1996)
Finally, we have the show that sparked both a new movie and a broader reevaluation of 90s anime. Coming of age takes on a completely different meaning when you're a teenager piloting massive mechs to defend against enigmatic invaders. But is it really just about battling monsters? The psychological struggles of the young pilots in Neon Genesis Evangelion resonate deeply, making the show’s emotional depth just as powerful as its colossal mech battles.
