One of the main appeals of animation as an art form is the opportunity to set aside the burdens of reality and escape into a world where anything is possible. Whether fans want to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Shojo or the epic battles seen in The Best Shonen of All Time, there is a show to satisfy every craving. But there are some genres that are particularly effective at accomplishing their mission of attracting fans of magic and wonder. It's fantasy.
Anime of this nature doesn't try to find a logical explanation for the mysterious elements that make up the story. Instead, it immerses the viewer to the point where the protagonists' magical and nature-defying feats occur with impressive regularity. Fantasy anime has always been popular, and although it appears to have recently begun its golden age, with most of the best fantasy anime released in the past decade, the 2000s still offer a wide range of choices for fans of the genre to enjoy.
35 Best Anime of the 90s (Ranked)
The 1990s were the heyday of animation, and many series from that time remain popular today. Here are the best anime of that decade.
fairy tail
Lucy's dream has always been to join the prestigious wizard guild known as Fairy Tail, famous for being home to some of the most powerful magic users in history. As she wanders around town looking for the Golden Constellation Key, she meets Natsu, a reckless and powerful wizard who is a practitioner of summoning magic, and she quickly becomes a friend. After discovering that her new friend is not only one of the strongest wizards in the world, but also a member of Fairy Tail, a new and exciting chapter in her life begins.
For many older fans fairy tail The 2000s boom was their first exposure to the animation industry, and it still remains a memorable experience. The world of the series is filled with magic, fascinating characters, and intriguing storylines that have kept fans interested for years. A classic of shonen animation, it's past its prime but still relevant today. Nonetheless, for many fans, the over-sexualization of female characters may somewhat spoil the show, so audiences should be aware of this before starting the drama.
card captor sakura
After her journey into the basement ends with the powerful and dangerous Clow Card being revealed to the world, Sakura is tasked by Kero, the guardian of this treasure, to recapture the Crow Card. The mythical creatures explain that only she can do so because magic flows through her veins. Armed only with her powers and an iconic costume created by her best friend Tomoyo, Sakura will embark on a journey of self-discovery as well as her magic and friends in what is considered one of the best magical girl anime.
Rearranges covers into correct Japanese release order.
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Rearranges covers into correct Japanese release order.
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card captor sakura This cute, soft and fun series has captured the hearts of millions since it was first released. Although the anime came out in Japan in the late '90s, Western fans weren't introduced to Sakura and her friends until the early 2000s, when they became a phenomenon among children and adults alike. It's one of the best anime with a female protagonist, and it has many lessons that audiences should definitely keep in mind.
fate/stay night
For as long as he can remember, Shiro's life has always been filled with tragedy. Despite this, he continues to live with a smile on his face and a determination to help others. One day, on his way home several months after his mentor's death, he finds himself in the middle of a destructive fight between two strangers. After being rescued by a blonde woman named Saber, a strange symbol appears on his hand, marking him as one of the participants in the Holy Grail War, and he must learn about the new Servant-Master relationship if he wants to survive.
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It's probably one of the most expansive and difficult to follow stories in animation history. fate The franchise saw the beginning of great things thanks to this beloved 2006 series. Shiro's journey from a well-meaning but inexperienced boy to a mighty warrior still sparks excitement among fans around the world. The fights, backstory, and lore in this series are original and exciting. Nevertheless, it is quite difficult to understand the complex world of this universe. That's why I often recommend new fans look for beginner's guides to the universe. fate franchise.
kiba
Throughout his life, Zed felt as if his home planet was not where he belonged, as if another world was waiting for him. His suspicions were confirmed when one day a magical wind called to him and brought him to a magical land called the Templars, where wizards known as Shard Casters used small crystals to cast powerful magic spells. Faced with this new and exciting opportunity, Zed will take on what many argue is one of the best Isekai anime.
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Although it is much more violent than typical animation in the 2000s, kiba The anime attracted a very healthy following as part of the Toonami catalog at the time. It's a thrilling take on the era's magic power system, with characters having limited access to spells instead of wide-ranging attacks like other series. It's unlikely that many fans will remember this incredible series from this era, but despite its huge success immediately after its release, its loyal fan base still considers the series to be one of the hidden Isekai gems of the 2000s.
inuyasha
For Kagome, living at an ancient shrine wasn't that much of a hassle. At least until she enters an abandoned building and falls into a well. Instead of falling and injuring himself, the high school student finds himself trapped in feudal Japan and attacked by a half-demon named Inuyasha. Inuyasha believes she is his former lover and Kagome's past life, Priestess Kikyo, and begins one of the most disappointing love triangles in anime. She is recruited to fight the evil Naraku and retrieve the fragments of the Shikon Jewel before her future is changed forever.
If you think about classic fantasy animation, inuyasha It's likely one of the first shows that come to fans' minds, as it's been a giant of the genre since it first started airing in the 2000s. This series has everything viewers could be looking for: epic battles, incredible special attacks, and once-in-a-lifetime romance. This is a show that has stood the test of time and continues to be praised as one of the best shojo ever written.
twelve kingdoms
For Yoko Nakajima, an ordinary high school student unable to truly enjoy life, strange dreams and unusual hair color were the biggest problems in her life. When a man named Keiki saves her and two classmates from being killed by a horde of animal-like monsters, they are dragged into a new world torn by war between twelve rival nations. If being stranded in another dimension isn't enough, Youko is persecuted by mercenaries and the government for being born on Earth and for the fate that lies ahead.
The 7 best magic fantasy animations of all time
This magical fantasy series really gets the genre right. This animation has become iconic.
This amazing anime inspired by Chinese mythology was once praised by thousands of fans as the best isekai of the 2000s. The mix of fantastical and historical elements creates one of the most surprising and intriguing stories ever written. From the first episode, it is expected to captivate viewers with amazing animation, memorable cast, and excellent power system. Despite its declining popularity since it was first released, the show has become a cult classic that will never disappoint those who decide to give it a chance.
one piece
Despite his grandfather's opposition, Luffy's dream has always been to go sailing and find One Piece, the legendary treasure left behind by the Pirate King. It is said that whoever finds the bounty will claim the title as the freest man alive and rule the seas. With the help of a small ship and the Gomu-Gum Fruit, an ancient treasure that imbues his body with the abilities and characteristics of rubber and one of the most powerful Devil Fruits in the series, Luffy embarks on an adventure that will change the world he lives in forever.
one piece is a series that needs no introduction, having become an icon not only in the fantasy and shonen genres, but also in animation in general. Luffy's journey to become the next Pirate King is an iconic event among anime fans of all ages, but even more so for those who grew up watching the series' first episode release. It's one of the best and longest series available to viewers today, and its story is still going strong.