Over the years, animation has become incredibly popular. What was once considered a niche hobby has become one that is seen and appreciated by millions of people. Anime like Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen are at the top of streaming sites like Netflix, and legendary series like Naruto are talked about years after they were completed. But animation's impact on our lives may be much older than we think.
In the past, I watched and enjoyed animation even without knowing what it was. Many fans today grew up watching popular '90s titles on TV. Of course, everyone has watched shows like Doraemon and Pokemon. However, several boys' titles have also been enjoyed by children and teenagers around the world. Here are some of the most iconic and beloved shonen anime from the 90s that you may have grown up with.
5 Best 90s Anime You Can Stream on Netflix
With anime gaining massive popularity in the West, streaming platform Netflix has added classic '90s series to its binge-watching lineup.
Great teacher Onizuka
Once the leader of a fearsome gang, Onizuka decides to change his life and become a teacher. But his motivations are neither surprising nor mature. He just wants to teach high school students and find a young wife who will still be beautiful when he gets older. Onizuka Sensei doesn't seem like a very impressive show on the surface. With humor that now feels excessive and problematic, GTO may be difficult to watch for new viewers.
But the themes that grow out of this humor make this a memorable anime. Onizuka is silly and cheerful, but he truly cares about his students. He transforms from a delinquent to an amazing teacher who connects with his students. He uses empathy and unconventional methods to help students escape their personal problems. It's a great coming-of-age story that fans remember as an iconic protagonist.
trigun
Vash the Stampede, infamous throughout town for causing untold destruction, has a $60 billion county over his head. But the reality is quite different. Contrary to rumors, Vashj is actually a good man who wants to stay away from violence. As bandits, bounty hunters, and insurance agents continue to pursue Vash, his true personality is revealed to others.
Set in Western society, Trigun immediately caught the attention of Western fans. It starts off in a very comedic way and continues to do so, but then touches on deeper philosophical themes, making it more than just comedy. There's tons of action and interesting characters that complement each other perfectly.
Ranma ½
Soun Tendo is eagerly awaiting his son Ranma, who he hopes will marry his good friend and one of his daughters. But when he finally meets Ranma, he is shocked to discover that Ranma is actually a woman! But an even bigger shock comes when Ranma turns into a man! Juggling between both genders, Ranma and his father are welcomed into the Tendou family.
Ranma ½ is fairly straightforward. It has an interesting premise, but doesn't develop much in terms of plot. The highlight of this work is that it features many likable characters and depicts their daily lives in a fun and entertaining way. The heavy focus on making viewers laugh is enough for some fans to remember this as a great show.
Mobile Suit Gundam W
The massive universe of the Gundam series is still going strong. Mobile Suit Gundam W was not an exceptional series. It was enjoyable, but by no means a masterpiece. It doesn't feel complete without a sequel, but it had a huge impact. It introduced the world of Gundam to many new eyes. Active broadcasting on Toonami introduced many viewers to the genre and beloved franchise.
Case closed
Case Closed, also known as Detective Conan, is a long-running series with over 1000 episodes. Like other long-running animations like Doraemon, it focuses on a group of children working together. However, if there are events like murder or other serious series, they qualify as boys since they are aimed at an older audience.
Instead of following a strict single plot. The animation tells a series of different mysteries. Over the years, the mix of comedy and mystery has made it an anime everyone has heard of.
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Rurouni Kenshin
Kenshin, who once lived the life of a legendary assassin, abandoned his previous life and became a wandering swordsman. One day, he meets a young woman named Kaoru, who claims to be the famous assassin Battosa and tries to stop Kenshin. However, her suspicions are swept away when a conman appears. However, when danger arrives again, Kenshin reveals his identity and saves Kaoru.
Rurouni Kenshin is an iconic historical anime filled with action, comedy, and romance. It explores the past of an evil warrior and contains themes of redemption and finding new purpose.
slam dunk
Slam Dunk is considered a classic of sports animation. After being heartbroken 50 times in a row, Hanamichi comes to hate basketball. However, things change drastically after he meets Haruko, who asks him if he likes basketball. He tries a slam dunk to impress Haruko, but fails miserably. Despite his failures, Haruko is impressed and invites him to join her basketball team.
Slam Dunk, which has received rave reviews for its realistic sports action, features a variety of characters. Everyone is doing their role well. There's plenty of comedy, personal motivations, rivalries, and romantic interests. It perfectly depicts high school life immersed in sports.
Yuyu Hakusho
Yuusuke is a delinquent who is disliked by most of his classmates and teachers. Annoyed with school life, he runs out of school and meets a young boy. He discovers a young boy in danger, intervenes to save him, and dies as a result. When he opens his eyes, he sees the aftermath of his own death. He is visited by the Grim Reaper named Wotan and is put on trial to regain his life.
Yu Yu Hakusho connected with fans through a story that told it all. Ordinary school life is a mixture of comedy, emotion, and fantasy. But above all, there are characters that feel realistic. Explores empathy, friendship, and the power of choice.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Fifteen years after a catastrophe struck the world, danger arises again as angels attack humanity. Protecting humanity are giant, powerful humanoid robots called Evangelions, piloted by a teenage boy. As the battle to protect the world continues, a bigger plan lurks.
Evangelion is often considered one of the best anime of all time. It reinvented the mecha genre by switching from a typical action-oriented plot to a psychologically focused, dark-themed plot. It is iconic and is often referred to as the show that saved animation. Despite being a boy, it touches on many themes that seem appropriate for an older audience.
Evangelion's cultural and emotional impact is enormous. It gave fans a character that will always be loved and a story that is complex, depressing, and unsettling, yet beloved.
Dragon Ball Z
Dragon Ball Z is a name that even non-anime watchers have known for years. It is without a doubt the most iconic series of the 90s. This work set the standard for the next generation of shonen animation through its themes of dangerous battles, iconic character transformations, and personal growth.
Although it has some notable flaws due to filler and repetition of themes, there's no denying that every child has enjoyed, or at least heard of, this international hit.
The anime mentioned are all responsible for shaping the teenage years of many fans. Today, they have become a stepping stone to what has become a global phenomenon. Each holds an important place in the hearts of fans filled with nostalgia and longing.
