Every ’90s action anime had a classic vibe you can’t find in modern shows. But if we’re only talking about the ones that deserve a 10/10 rating, then the list surprisingly gets quite short. In fact, the seven ’90s classic anime series mentioned below are arguably the only shows that have remained timeless classics and left a lasting impact on viewers. From epic space operas and genius sci-fi narratives to even setting the gold standard for battle shonen, every anime here is in a league of its own.
1. Cowboy Bebop Offers One of the Best Space Narratives of All Time
Watching Cowboy Bebop for the first time is certainly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Especially if you are a space sci-fi fanatic, then it becomes even more of a must-watch. The anime’s noir aesthetic, jazzy soundtracks, and overall atmosphere are inexplicably mind-blowing.
Honestly, there’s nothing about the show that is objectively bad, and the episodic storyline presents so many cool narrative ideas within its already unique setting. And, of course, its raw hand-to-hand and gunfight action is a visual spectacle. Even the characters are so unique, and you wouldn’t find the often-annoying modern anime tropes in them. Therefore, Cowboy Bebop more than deserves to be on the list as one of the epic space sci-fi action anime.
2. Ghost in the Shell Is an Intellectually Profound Sci-Fi Action Anime
Motoko Kusanagi from Ghost in the Shell (1995) | Credits: Production I.G
Probably most Western cyberpunk series or movies have some influence from Ghost in the Shell. The series might have a complex watch order, but even the first movie that was released in 1995 is a standalone masterpiece in itself. The story is set in a future world where robots are slowly replacing human life. And honestly, its concept can often be seen in many sci-fi narratives.
But Ghost in the Shell didn’t just present its sci-fi plot on the surface level. It asks heavy narrative questions, like what actually makes someone human. And, even with such intricate themes, there are countless action sequences throughout the series, and each one is visually stunning. But mostly because of its philosophical depth, the anime is a 10/10.
3. Neon Genesis Evangelion Is Way More Than a Mecha Action Anime
Evangelion Unit-01 from Neon Genesis Evangelion | Credits: Studio Gainax
Neon Genesis Evangelion literally shaped an entire generation of anime fans. Hardly any ’90s kid who watched anime hasn’t watched the series, and for many, it completely changed their view of life. On the surface, it may seem like a typical mecha anime. And, of course, the mecha fights in the show are extremely well animated.
However, the mecha aspect feels more like a disguise because underneath it, what the anime truly explores are themes of fear, loneliness, depression, identity, and human connection. Even the MC of Evangelion isn’t your typical shonen protagonist who’d jump in to save the world. The anime’s goal has never been to save humanity; it’s about learning how to let go of the past and become a better person.
4. Berserk Stands Tall as the Greatest Seinen Storyline of All Time
Guts from Berserk | Credits: OLM Team Iguchi
While the manga is renowned as the greatest seinen manga of all time, the ’90s anime adaptation of Berserk certainly did justice to the early arcs of the storyline. The gory action animation perfectly captures the series’ dark vibes. Especially fans of the Souls games would enjoy the Berserk anime.
The greatest asset of the series, however, is the protagonist himself, Guts. He never fights for justice or out of morality. He is a hungry monster out for revenge. And this ruthlessness of Guts is what makes Berserk an all-around masterpiece. The themes of trauma, rage, and friendship are explored so well that it’s hard to rate Berserk any lower than a 10.
5. Yu Yu Hakusho Set the Gold Standard For Battle-Shounen Anime
Yusuke from Yu Yu Hakusho | Credits: Studio Pierrot
If you love modern battle shonen anime like My Hero Academia, Demon Slayer, and Jujutsu Kaisen, then you should also know that, had it not been for Yu Yu Hakusho, there’s a possibility these shows may never have even come to be. This ’90s anime single-handedly set the gold standard for modern battle shonen anime.
Even series like Naruto have been influenced by Yu Yu Hakusho. As a Yoshihiro Togashi creation, you can already guess that this is guaranteed to be a hit. Especially the character chemistry and fight scenes during the Dark Tournament arc are still revered as some of the best in shonen history. Yes, it even competes with, or arguably surpasses, most Jujutsu Kaisen arcs. Thus, it more than deserves a spot on the list.
6. Rurouni Kenshin Remains a Classic Sword-Fighting Masterpiece
Himura Kenshin from Rurouni Kenshin | Credits: Studio Gallop
Looking for the next best samurai anime? Then worry not, we’ve got you covered. Rurouni Kenshin is still arguably one of the best samurai anime of all time. And if we’re talking about only the ’90s shows, then, of course, it has no competition by far. The protagonist draws most of the attention, as he is a former assassin now on a mission to never kill anyone again.
But rather than using it as a simple character trope, the storyline seriously builds on the MC’s life motto. And, of course, since it’s an action anime, we can’t praise Rurouni Kenshin‘s action animation enough. The way the stakes keep rising as we move forward in the story keeps the anime captivating throughout.
7. Trigun Blends Western Comedy With Deep Psychological Themes
Vash from Trigun | Credits: Madhouse
While we can’t deny that Trigun feels like a goofy space-comedy anime with a Western aesthetic, honestly, there’s a lot more to explore in the series than what meets the eye. In fact, the MC’s ridiculous personality is actually one of anime’s most compelling explorations of violence and morality. His past is masterfully tied to the series’ main storyline.
While there’s also a modern adaptation of Trigun, the ’90s version particularly feels way more epic. The character designs and the sick gunfights are impossible not to fall for. The series also blends heavy philosophical questions, asking whether pacifism can survive in a world where violence seems unavoidable.
So, how satisfied are you with the list? Feel free to share your opinion in the comments.
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